North Street, also known as ‘One Line Street,’ is acclaimed as ‘The First Ming and Qing Dynasty Street of Shanghai,’ with a history of over four hundred years. Spanning more than two miles, it starts from the Fangsheng Bridge in the east and extends to Meizhou Alley in the west, covering over three hundred meters. This area is a quintessential representation of the essence of Ming and Qing dynasty architecture. Here, traditional residences stand in close proximity, with whitewashed walls and grey tiles arranged in an orderly fashion. The narrow streets meander through tranquil paths, with cobblestone lanes winding continuously, and old and famous shops lining both sides, presenting a vivid picture of the ancient Jiangnan water town.
North Street is backed by the Caogang River and adjacent to the Fangsheng Bridge. From the early days of the ancient town’s formation, it was known for its convenience in both water and land transportation, attracting merchants and becoming a bustling trade center, often described as ‘the best trade among other towns.’ Tea houses, wine shops, general stores from the north and south, rice markets, and butcher shops – all trades are represented, making it a thriving commercial center for centuries, known as ‘a three-mile long street with a thousand shops.’
Today, the street still preserves century-old establishments such as ‘Han Dalong Sauce Garden,’ which retains its ancient charm; the ‘Mao Song Restaurant,’ a century-old eatery that has reopened; ‘Ancient Town Tea House,’ the crown of the Shanghai suburbs; traditional handicraft workshops with a complete range of categories; and antiques, ceramics, flowers and birds, calligraphy and paintings, local specialties, crafts, and specialty snack shops that are overwhelming to the eye. The street is filled with fluttering shop signs and high-hanging red lanterns, presenting a scene of prosperity.
North Street is only three to four meters wide, narrowing to just two meters in some places. The brick and wood structures on both sides have eaves that almost touch, creating the unique ‘One Line Street’ spectacle. The residences on either side feature upturned eaves, horse-head walls, and facades with uniform latticed floor-to-ceiling windows, traditional vermilion lacquer door panels, exuding a rich, simple, and elegant atmosphere. The ‘Yunqiao Fishery Joy,’ one of the original ten scenic spots of the ancient town, has also risen at the entrance of North Street and Meizhou Alley, regaining its splendor.
