The West Beijing Street Historical and Cultural Block in Changchun is crowded with visitors during the May Day holiday. [Photo provided to gojilin.gov.cn]

Over the May Day holiday, the West Beijing Street Historical and Cultural Block in Changchun – capital of Northeast China's Jilin province – emerged as a new cultural landmark, blending its rich past with youthful creativity.

Anchored by 26 historic buildings – 17 restored and 9 newly built in Eclectic and Neo-Asian styles – the block hosted its first-ever theater festival, drawing over 570,000 visitors and racking up nearly 600 million online views.

Located just one kilometer from Changchun Railway Station in the city's core, the area became a dynamic stage with 50 parade-style performances, 4 art exhibitions, 20 street art acts, and 15 traditional drama showcases during the May Day holiday.

Changchun's old charm came alive as young visitors chased performers with phones in hand, enchanted by the fusion of classical and contemporary.

Visitors take photos at the West Beijing Street Historical and Cultural Block in Changchun during the May Day holiday. [Photo provided to gojilin.gov.cn]

The upgraded May Day coffee market added a modern flair with its artisan brews, creative baked goods, and trendy cultural merchandise. At the same time, latte art demos and immersive photo ops showcased Changchun's growing cultural scene, attracting both nostalgic locals and style-savvy tourists.

As visitor He Mingwei put it: "I saw a video of this place online and had to visit. The moment I arrived, I felt a rush of youthful energy – everything about it speaks to our generation."