Restoration of 1st batch of historical arcade buildings completed in Haikou
Located in Haikou, Qilou Old Street features a stylish fusion of European and Asian architecture, as well as Indian and Arabic influences. It is one of the most exotic elements of urbanism in Haikou, which enjoys a long history. The oldest building, Sipai Building, dates back some 700 years to the Southern Song Dynasty.
In December, 2008, the protection and comprehensive restoration plan of Haikou arcade buildings was approved by the government and the total investment amounted to RMB 4.7 billion.
On 3rd July, a reporter revealed that the interior renovation of 10 arcade buildings at Haikou Qilou Old Street has almost been completed. Another 100 arcade buildings at Zhongshan Road will be renovated next, said Liu Tao, the chief engineer of the Haikou Tourism and Cultural Investment Holding Group Company.
The restoration project of entire arcade buildings in Haikou is expected to be finished within 8 years and the total investment will exceed RMB 4000 million. Haikou is striving to turn the Qilou Old Street into a commercial center as well as a cultural tourism and shopping center. It will become the name card of Haikou.