The file photo taken on August 22, 2009 shows the sign of "China's Renowned Historical Cultural Street" at the Parkhor Street, in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet autonomous region.

As one of the most distinct and attractive old blocks in the world, Parkhor Street is unique with contrastive features and stunning diversity. It is a place where Tibetan tradition meets modern fashion, religious sanctity mixes with commercial prosperity.

Located in the center of Lhasa, surrounding the Jokhang Temple, it covers an area of 133.82 hectares and has 35 small streets and alleys extending in all directions. The Tibetan word Parkhor literally means "an annular worshipping road", which refers to the main street of the block. The main street, about two kilometers long, functions as the most important road for pilgrimage, local business, and tourism.

In its 1400 years' long history, Parkhor Street has witnessed the eclipse and prosperity of Buddhism, the exchange and fusion of the diverse cultures, the flourishing of ancient trade, the continuous changes of the regimes, and the ups and downs of Lhasa. Because of its unmatched location and cultural signification, Parkhor Street has long been considered as the epitome of Lhasa's historical development. It is the earliest and most prosperous business street in the city, crowded with merchants from all over China and even foreign countries such as Nepal and India, selling craftworks and products with rich ethnical features.

Photo taken on March 31, 2011 shows the golden top of Jokhang Temple at the center of the Parkhor Street, in Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region.(Xinhua/Jiang Hongjing)

Since the peaceful liberation of Tibet, the Parkhor Street has undergone fundamental changes. Common people moved into the former residence of noble families, handcraft workshops and stores appeared one after another, and shabby street infrastructure was thoroughly renovated.