Wanshou Palace rises from ruins to reclaim cultural, commercial status

Merger of old and new

Rebuilt on its original site, Tiezhu Wanshou Palace has glass-encased archaeological sections showing ruins from the Ming and Qing dynasties, and the Republic of China period (1912-1949).

During a 2019 dig, archaeologists found Ming foundation stones and Qing merchant seals that are now displayed at the site.

Zang said old and new brickwork had been integrated, including blocks from the Ming and Qing dynasties inscribed with faded Wanshou Palace characters. "You can touch bricks inscribed with 'Wanshou Palace' — some from the 1600s," he said.

The fusion of historical restoration and modern youth culture resonates strongly at the block, he said.

It has hosted hanfu shows, intangible heritage demonstrations, and the 2024 Lunar New Year dragon-themed festival that drew 1.08 million visits, a year-on-year rise of 68 percent.

"The district's revival strategy hinges on marrying old architectural heritage with Gen-Z-driven cultural trends, from hanfu fashion shows to comedy clubs — a deliberate rebranding of Nanchang's historical core as a youth-centric playground," said Hu Yan, marketing head of Jiangxi Wanshou Palace Culture and Tourism Business Management Co.

The Intangible Heritage Hub allows visitors to try out nine local crafts, including gan hair embroidery — stitching with human hair, a 500-year-old technique.

"Over 70 percent of people who try it are born after the 1990s and crave hands-on cultural engagement," said apprentice Wan Ye, who works under master embroiderer Tao Yonghong.

At One Mic stand-up comedy club, musician Li Yang's performances showcase the district's new creative energy. Li and his troupe of traveling performers were among the first to settle in the block. Yang used to be a dentist who dabbled in home decoration design, but his greatest love was always music.

After resigning in 2023, he dedicated himself to musical road shows. "Wanshou Palace Historical and Cultural Block provides us with free road show venues. We not only make a living with our talents, but also add color to the city with our songs," he said.

Wan Hui is the founder of A Microphone club, Jiangxi's first stand comedy venue.

In search of a fixed performance venue, he moved A Microphone into the block in 2021. "We want to make Nanchang both culturally profound and fun," said Wan.