It was a Sunday, time for a worship service at a local church. We looked up a church in the area and found one on the internet located at the Huizhou West Lake area. We hailed a taxi and arrived at the church on time. However, everything was locked up and there was no one in sight. We talked to a local person nearby and we were disappointed to find out that this church no longer held its service there even though the building and the signs were still there.
We left the church area and went for lunch. 
After lunch we stumbled into area called Suitung Jai.This is a thousand year old commercial street with a mix of nice old and interesting shops and buildings. We took our time poking into many of the shops in this historical district.
One shop we particularly enjoyed was the Culture Store where some descriptions and a collection of pictures and items representing the various local Chinese ethnic groups, their traditions and customs were on display.
Whnat we enjoyed most at the Culture Store was making our own sachet bag from the native plant ingredients neatly stored in a box. There was a recipe posted above the box showing the different types of herbal leaves/ flowers one could mix and pound in a mortar and pestle to make a personalized sachet bag catering to one's need. I dove in and made a sachet bag for helping one to sleep. Instead of being a bystander, we were involved and it was fun making stuff!
We saw numerous houses having been partially renovated and modernized and felt the energy of this neighbourhood. There were many evidences of the concerted efforts put forth by the building owners and local government to beautify the city. For instance: renovation work updating and outfitting many old buildings along the waterfront with white wrought iron work making the buildings' exteriors more attractive and appealing. 
Creative artwork adorning city utility and cable boxes; old tired shops having been turned into hip places like coffee houses and tastefully decorated eating venues.
Walking leisurely along the waterfront, we discovered the Su Temple and Su Dungpo's residence. 
We were absolutely delighted to learn about this famous poet's life as well as his contributions to the people and city of Huizhou. 
After visiting the temple and continuing our walk in the area, we came across a few upscale cafes and restaurants where people were willing to spend a little bit more there than in traditional restaurants.
For example, after church we enjoyed a delicious dim sum lunch at a traditional Chinese restaurant for 76 yuens with much leftover.
However, at a nice teashop by the waterfront we ordered a pot of mixed fruit tea for the two of us, it was 56 yuens. Yet, we were happy to pay a little more to sit and relax in a renovated house turned into a beautiful tea shop.
A few of these renovated cafes and restaurants were very well decorated and were designed for patrons to have their pictures taken there.
After staying at this comfortable coffee/ tea shop for an hour, we strolled along the waterfront to experience the night life in Huizhou. 
The place was humming as there were lots of people out and about. We had a great time trying different local street food from the various vendors on this famous thousand year old street.
What a pleasant and educational experience it was for us today visiting the thousand year old street in Huizhou!
RT, Huizhou, China
25296
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