The opening of innovative stores has revitalized old buildings in historic blocks of Tianjin, attracting a growing number of consumers.

The municipality released an action plan in June this year to take advantage of the exotic patterns of the cluster of Western-style buildings in the city, nicknamed "an expo of world's architectures", at the Wudadao (Five Great Avenues) historic area to create unique consumption scenarios.

Among the stores, an ice-cream seller featuring local flavors is popular at the area this summer.

"It tastes quite novel and unique. I like it very much and have been here for it many times," said a visitor.

"The flavors of local wine and fermented bean curd are of strong Tianjin characteristics that can't be found in other places. The environment is good, and I like to come here very much," said another one.

Most of the old buildings are private houses and office buildings, and it usually takes tourists only one or two hours to visit here. Therefore, the local management committee organized a round of renovation of the old factory houses at the Chongqing Avenue of the historic area, and then 26 innovative stores opened here.

"Previously it's not interesting here. I came here just to see the buildings, but now I can do some shopping here. It's very interesting," said a visitor.

The stores have effectively sparked visitors' interest and played a role in prolonging their stay in the historic area.

Besides innovative stores and restaurants, fashion elements like classic car exhibition and bazaar of interesting products have also been introduced into the block. Inside the historic buildings, there are also immersive performance for the visitors to learn about the culture of the architectures.

"The renovation of the old buildings is not only a vitality enhancement for the Chongqing Avenue, but also an exploration and attempt for the development and utilization of the whole cultural tourism area of the Five Great Avenues and the old buildings in Tianjin," said Li Yajing, deputy director of the Wudadao Management Committee.