On the evening of August 12, the bustling night market at Yulin Confucian Temple Cultural Tourism Pedestrian Street was alive with activity. Almost every thriving city has its own vibrant pedestrian street, and Yulin is no exception. Located at the southwest corner of the city's South New Road, this street features ancient weathered walls, a cluster of folk culture exhibits known as the "Six Museums and One Center," and the lively atmosphere of a thriving marketplace. These standout qualities have cemented its status as Yulin’s undisputed new landmark.

Li Wei, a retired soldier from Mizhi County who returned to Yulin for a family visit from Hangzhou, followed his phone’s navigation to the Northern Shaanxi Folk Museum on the Confucian Temple Cultural Tourism Pedestrian Street. As he explored, the historical artifacts transported him back to the lives of his ancestors working in the fields. Since 2019, Yulin has been promoting the preservation and development of its national historical and cultural heritage by establishing cultural tourism landmarks. The "Six Museums and One Center" along this street—including the Northern Shaanxi Folk Museum, Ancient Stone Carving Art Museum, Northern Shaanxi Red Collection Exhibition Hall, Ancient Silk Road Mold Art Museum, Yulin Natives Exhibition Hall, Chinese Abacus Museum, and Yuyang District Cultural and Arts Center—display tens of thousands of artifacts, all open to the public for free.

"These museums allowed me to trace history and appreciate cultural richness," Li Wei reflected.

As night fell, Li Wei stepped out into the lively Confucian Temple night market. The aroma of local specialties like grilled skewers, shredded potato pancakes, and spicy lamb feet mingled with the scents of out-of-town favorites such as Rushan oysters, stuffed pancakes, and trendy burgers, creating a feast for the senses.

"Grilled shrimp tails, fried noodles, meatballs, beer, and drinks—come on in!" shouted 31-year-old vendor Hu Xin as he expertly flipped ingredients in his wok. In under two minutes, he served up a steaming plate of stir-fried shredded pancakes, earning praise from regular customer Ma Xiaoxian: "I always come here for his shredded potato pancakes—they’re the best!"

At Liu Dehua’s Yan’an Spicy Lamb Feet stall, 28-year-old Bao Cheng urged his parents to rest while he managed the late-night crowd. The family-run business, started by his father Bao Weiping decades ago, remains a local favorite. "I’ve been selling lamb feet for 33 years," said the 62-year-old Bao. "This place is lively, and many vendors have become friends."

By 12:30 a.m. on August 13, night-shift workers streamed in for late-night bites—some opting for stuffed lamb tripe, others for tender, flavorful lamb feet simmered in a rich broth.

"Years ago, this area was quiet," Li Wei remarked. "Now, it’s packed with cultural treasures and a vibrant night market—culture and liveliness complement each other perfectly!"

Gao Hui, head of Yulin Temple Street Commercial Operations Management Co., noted, "While preserving historical heritage, we’ve infused modern commerce to boost both economy and culture. In 2023, the street generated ¥55 million in revenue and welcomed 5 million visitors."

Yu Dashun, director of Yulin’s Commerce Bureau Circulation Development Division, added, "In March 2023, the street was recognized as a national-level leisure and tourism block. Moving forward, we aim to learn from Xi’an’s Tang Dynasty Ever-Bright City, striving to become a model for cultural tourism-driven economic growth."