On May 20, 2026, the Fushan Old Street Folk Music Bar, renovated from the Former Residence of Chen Zifang, officially opened. Centered on the theme "Because of Melody, Love Resides in Fushan", the venue hosted its debut folk music and barbecue night, infusing artistic vitality into the century-old street and exploring new paths integrating rural cultural tourism with common prosperity.
The opening night featured a warm and romantic setting adorned with themed photo walls, heart-shaped balloons and ambient lights, creating an immersive festive atmosphere that drew over 50 tourists and local villagers. Folk singers took turns performing classic love songs and soothing ballads. Interactive sessions including wristband matching games and love story sharing by elderly couples perfectly echoed the romantic vibe of May 20th, presenting touching moments of human affection.
As a provincial-level historical and cultural township, Fushan boasts profound cultural heritage and numerous ancient buildings. Andian Old Street, in particular, retains the architectural style of the Ming and Qing dynasties and bears precious memories of the overseas Chinese hometown.
Chen Zifang was a representative figure of Fushan overseas Chinese who valued education and founded schools. In 1928, together with Chen Ying and other associates, he established Qingtian Private Fushan Rural Normal School, the predecessor of Fushan Middle School. The school officially opened in 1931 and was restructured into Qingtian Private Fushan Junior High School in 1935. As the first regular middle school in Qingtian, it was hailed as the "Cradle of Culture in Southern Zhejiang" during the War of Resistance Against Japan, laying a solid foundation for Qingtian's modern education development.
Nestled in the core area of the old street, the Former Residence of Chen Zifang stands as a typical embodiment of local sage culture and Republican-era architectural style. Fushan Township carried out protective restoration and functional transformation on the residence, creating a composite cultural space integrating a teahouse, folk music bar, library and public cultural service site. This has allowed the century-old ancient mansion to regain vibrant vitality in the new era.
In recent years, Fushan Township has been focusing on leveraging its ancient cultural resources. By renovating old residential buildings, revitalizing traditional business forms and fostering new cultural highlights, idle ancient constructions have been transformed into valuable cultural tourism assets. These efforts have effectively revitalized century-old architecture, made local culture thrive and strengthened the rural economy.
The opening of the folk music bar marks a key initiative to revitalize idle commercial spaces on the old street and cultivate distinctive local cultural and artistic IP. Centering on affordable tea drinks, resident folk performances, free public book borrowing and public welfare cultural shows, the venue not only provides a stage for local artistic talents and enriches villagers' spiritual and cultural life, but also attracts young tourists, stimulates cultural tourism consumption and drives the development of homestays, catering and other related industries. It helps increase the income of villagers and village collectives, building an exemplary model for rural common prosperity.