ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a detailed history of Tunxi Old Street, from its earliest literary record in the Ming dynasty. Tunxi Old Street not only exemplifies numerous commercial streets from Imperial China, but also manifests kindred spirits of Huizhou architecture and merchant culture. The early settlement pattern of the neighbourhood of Tunxi Street was shaped by both its natural geography and local social practises. The settlement pattern was well structured with its residential area, commercial area and transportation hub and established Tunxi Street neighbourhood as a regional centre for commerce. In March 1995, the Ministry of Construction declared Tunxi Old Street as one of the historic-cultural districts in China for the trial of conservation planning and systematic management. Tunxi had embraced a modern era evident in the joint ventures with foreign companies and the establishment of many modern organizations, such as department stores, electricity companies and science bookshops.
