◆By Guo Yandong and Dai Fenghui

　　Every day, I take the same road on my way to the office and back home. Few people know how that road was given its name or ask themselves about its meaning. That old road, Henan Street, has a history of over 300 years. In my childhood, my grandfather told me about it and other stories about my city past.

　　That city is Jilin, located in the province of the same name, in the northeast part of China. The Songhua River, in a beautiful wide vista, divides the citysintostwo parts, which is the only city in China that shares the name of the province to which it belongs. Henan Street, located in the very centre of the city, is a famous pedestrian shopping street.

　　It is located in the eastern part of Chuanying District, with a total length of 1450 meters and a width of 7.5 metres. A creek used to run to the north of Henan Street, and that is how it got its name: Henan means outh of the creek? Nearly everybody who comes to Jilin, though, and even some people who have lived there for many years, thinks Henan Street was named after Henan Province, even though a province of that name did not exist in the Qing Dynasty.

　　In those days, although Henan Street was but a dirty narrow strip of land, there were already a number of shops on both sides, both large and small. In 1933, when the Japanese army invaded China, some of the larger firms raised funds to pave the road, and one year later Henan road was extended eastwards.

　　Of the famous stores existing prior to 1949, I should mention the two big department stores: Hexinglong and Yishunsheng, as well as the Yongfachang shoe store, the Tongfang photo shop, and a movie theatre called Guotai (the name of which has now been changed to Northeast China Theatre). Since then there have been great changes in the road, new buildings added and new shops of every kind making their appearance. Gradually, Henan Street has turnedsintosthe most prosperous pedestrian shopping street in Jilin City, attracting shoppers from all over the province.

　　Perhaps because the river was so small and insignificant by the side of Henan Street, it was filled in, and barely anyone even noticed it. Although only few people are aware that its name comes from the small river nearby, Henan Street and its age-old shops still remain, the most famous of which are the two drugstores, Yiheqian and Shiyitang, as well as the Fuyuanguan restaurant, more about which later.

　　After the foundation of the People Republic of China in 1949, and particularly since the adoption of the policy of eform and opening to the outside world? Henan Street has become a showpiece embodying modern commercial culture and the booming economy of Jilin City. It has been awarded titles such as odel street among civilised streets of the nation? and afe shopping street?by local government.

　　The famous Shiyitang drugstore, built in the 7th year of the reign of Emperor Daoguang of the Qing dynasty, has a history of 168 years. In its early days, it mainly focused on the processing of ginseng and deer antlers, as well as diagnosis and dispensation of prescriptions. The medicinal compounds sold at Shiyitang enjoyed a reputation of high quality and delicate processing in those days and were sold throughout the country, mainly to Shanghai and Hong Kong, and even exported to Southeast Asia.

　　It is said that each box of tragacanth with the Shiyitang mark could be sold at a price of 40 Hong Kong dollars more than other similar substances, which used to bring 2,000,000 silver taelssintosthe coffers of this drugstore every year. At that time, there were two plaques hanging at the front gate of Shiyitang, the first one saying ur goods are genuine and the price is reasonable? and the second heat no one, neither the old nor the young.?The shop offered seven categories of drugs, covering more than 300 species. At the Panama World Fair 1915, several species won praise from medical practitioners from around the world, as well as a number of medals.

　　The other famous large drugstore, Yiheqian, is located at the very centre of Henan Street. Its advantageous location and extensive business scope attract many customers, and its excellent service and quality drugs have won it the trust of the people of Jilin. In 1987, in keeping with the changing environment of Henan Street, the store was rebuilt at its old address, turning a small bungalowsintosa four-storey building. Now, it is the largest comprehensive drugstore in Jilin province and also among the leading establishments of its kind in Northeast China.

　　I seldom fall ill, so I rarely visit these well-known drugstores. However, as I enjoyshavingsa good meal, my favourite place in Henan street is the famous Fuyuanguan restaurant - originally an old teashop - that offers hundreds kinds of delicious food. Set up early in the Qing dynasty, it has been prosperous for over 300 years. Its characteristic delicacies offer good taste and high quality, especially the Tijiang moon-cakes, pastries, and green bean cakes.

　　The most popular cake in Fuyuanguan, however, is the goldfish crisp (a kind of pastry that looks like a goldfish), which brings back memories of my ravenous childhood days. Whenever my pals and I were passing by the Fuyuanguan, we children would be attracted by the aroma of the goldfish crisp and unwilling to leave, our mouths drooling. The cooks in the restaurant were then, and still are, in the habit of reciting the recipe while making the crisps: his is called goldfish crisp, with a wrapper of 60 percent and stuffing of 40 percent. The front is the head, and the back is the tail, which is cutsintossix pieces. Then, we form a mouth, and ream the scales with our scissors. Finally, we make eyes out of black-ball stuffing, and here comes a complete goldfish crisp!?In spite of its ancient buildings, this street nowadays is a stage of fashion. rocodile? apple? eans West?and other famous brands seem to dominate the scene and attract young spenders, who ever more care about fashion.

　　In 1997, the Jilin government commenced the second phase of the reconstruction of the Henan Street. The street was widened, some buildings that did not conform with construction regulations were knocked down, and the street was altogether made more modern and convenient for shopping, while maintaining its local colour and ancient flavour. The new Henan Street perfectly blends with the city and still holds its position as the best place to shop in Jilin City.

　　Now, it is starting to rain as I return home from work, and there are fewer people out in the street. It is at moments such as these that Henan Street calms down a little. A cool wind is blowing and I slow down my steps to look at the street I pass every day. I realise that this place has gone through so many changes - with hardly anyone noticing - while still maintaining its unique beauty.