Ming Dynasty stone street attracts visitors in Guizhou

Visitors to Shiban Street, a stone-slab lane in Duyun, Guizhou province, walk between rows of stilted wooden houses on paving that dates back to the early Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). [Photo by Zhao Yunchuan/For chinadaily.com.cn]

Visitors to Shiban Street, a stone-slab lane in Duyun, Guizhou province, walk between rows of stilted wooden houses on paving that dates back to the early Ming Dynasty (1368–1644).

The street is a major attraction whose path rises and falls with the terrain. Painted doors and windows line both sides, and shops sell Bouyei homespun cloth, Miao silverwork, and Shui embroidery.

Locals said the mountain road once served as the southern approach to the city gate. During the Ming and Qing (1644–1911) dynasties, it was part of an ancient route linking Guizhou and Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region.

Visitors to Shiban Street, a stone-slab lane in Duyun, Guizhou province, walk between rows of stilted wooden houses on paving that dates back to the early Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). [Photo by Zhao Yunchuan/For chinadaily.com.cn]

Visitors to Shiban Street, a stone-slab lane in Duyun, Guizhou province, walk between rows of stilted wooden houses on paving that dates back to the early Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). [Photo by Wu Jiancheng/For chinadaily.com.cn]

A wedding ceremony is held at Shiban Street, a stone-slab lane in Duyun, Guizhou province. [Photo by Huang Haodong/For chinadaily.com.cn]