A bird's-eye view of the residential buildings on Tangzhahe East Street. [Photo provided to en.nantong.gov.cn]

Tangjia Lane is a relatively well-preserved historical and cultural street beside the Zhagang Bridge on Tangzhahe East Street. In the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and early Republic of China (1912-1949), this area had nearly 200 residential houses.

In February 2024, the residential buildings on Tangzhahe East Street were officially listed among Nantong's sixth batch of cultural relic protection units.

Tangjia Lane, though less bustling than the west side of the river, exudes a gentle and poetic charm of its own. The area is dotted with traditional Chinese courtyards, giving the feeling of stepping into ancient times with white walls, grey tiles, quiet alleys, and winding paths, all set amidst lush greenery, showcasing the ancient charm of Tangzha Ancient Town.

The most famous is the Tang Family Courtyard, which features tall houses with seven beams and 21 rafters, and the main hall is adorned with glass lattice doors. Due to the advantageous location of the Tang family, during the Republic of China period, their house was the first to be registered with a doorplate number, which led to the naming of "Tangjia Lane."

North of the Tang family, near the Zhagang River, is the Tan Family House, built in 1951. Facing south are three rooms, and facing west are three rooms, forming a quadrangle courtyard with blue-gray walls and brick-carved decorations, retaining the architectural style of the late Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China. Walking through it, one cannot help but reminisce about the prosperity and glory of the past.

The residential buildings on Tangzhahe East Road have now become a place that integrates heritage exhibitions, leisure activities, creative tourism, and quality vacations, serving as a "living fossil of industrial heritage, a new cultural and creative hub, and a leisure tourism destination".

There is no strong commercial atmosphere here, overly crowded crowds, or noisy traffic. What exists here is simply a life of authenticity.