Yongqing Fang, the century-old alleyways in Liwan district in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou, has been welcoming more visitors since it became a national 4A scenic spot in August.

The city's first intangible cultural heritage block opened, meanwhile, in the alleyways. Ten master studios involving arts like embroidery and enamel have started trading, integrating exhibition, sales, inheritance, communication and training.

The heritage block works as a symbol of vitality in this old city, local media reported.

Guangzhou entered the list of the 12 intangible cultural heritage travel routes selected by the intangible cultural heritage department at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism this year. The city's offering led visitors to the block in Yongqing Fang on the first day.

Zhang Chunlei, head of a cultural heritage research institute at the Guangdong provincial government, said that the 12 routes were selected from 163 intangible cultural heritage tourist routes; only Beijing and Guangzhou are included among China's first-tier cities.

This indicates Guangzhou's culture and travel integration was in the front rank nationally, Zhang said.

The Chen Clan Academy in Guangzhou's Liwan district is considered a masterpiece of China's folk architectural art. CHINA DAILY

Being a hub of Lingnan culture, maritime silk road culture, revolution culture and creative culture in South China, the capital of Guangdong has promoted the renovation of historical blocks and an integration of culture and tourism in the past two years.

It started a demonstration project on the theme of exhibition, performance and sales related to intangible cultural heritage in August.

Canton Tower is the project's center and the surrounding area along the Pearl River is its basic space.

Tourists are often impressed by the fine costumes of Cantonese opera under Canton Tower. On its second floor, they can enjoy Cantonese opera for free every weekend, which integrates Guangzhou's traditional culture and modern development.