City walk

 The origins of city walks can be traced back to London, England. Strictly speaking, this form of urban tourism is not as casual and aimless as it may appear. Originally, city walks referred to guided tours where participants followed a planned route under the guidance of tour conductors, with a strong emphasis on delving deep into the city's history, culture, landscapes, and other aspects. 

  As an increasing number of travel enthusiasts gathered together, they sought to immerse themselves deeply in the vibrant vitality of their surroundings, exploring various aspects such as history, geography, culture, customs, and more. Gradually, the concept of city walks, which emphasizes the quiet appreciation of urban lifestyle and cultural atmosphere, gained popularity worldwide. 

The appeal of city walk is particularly resonant with the younger generation, who frequently find themselves caught up in demanding work schedules, thereby limiting their time for local exploration.

 The growing trend of city walk reflects a changing attitude towards life, embracing a warmer, more relaxed, and slower-paced lifestyle. 

  Urban walking is hardly new. Novelist and journalist Will Self has long played the townie flâneur, and writer Iain Sinclair has made a fine reputation from his various London peregrinations. But they always come with a lecture: a walk isn’t a real walk unless you are aware of the history in every paving stone.

 On social media platforms, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong and other places are popular cities for young people to share the "city walk" route.

 In recent years, Beijing has intensified its efforts to revitalize and transform the old urban areas, while also introducing innovative approaches to urban renewal.

 In 2017, the "Beijing Urban Master Plan (2016-2035)" was approved, which explicitly stated that the old city should no longer be demolished. Instead, a strategy of relocation and restoration has been implemented to preserve its historical and cultural heritage to the greatest extent possible.

 Shanghai has undertaken extensive renovations in many historic and cultural neighborhoods. For instance, the Wukang Building, which was built in 1924, underwent two conservation renovations in 2009 and 2019. In 2020, the Wukang Building block also underwent a “micro-update,” which included improvements such as optimizing the signal light poles, removing redundant poles, and concealing external air conditioning units.

 Yongqingfang, a historical complex in Guangzhou, is situated on Enning Road and is considered the core area of old Guangzhou, as well as the city's most beautiful arcade.

 However, over time, the neighborhood gradually fell into disrepair. Starting in 2009, a series of micro-transformations began in  Yongqingfang and have continued to the present day. Today, the revitalized Yongqingfang has emerged as a new cultural landmark, where traditional and modern cultures blend harmoniously in the old city.

 Have you joined the army of City Walk?