Hangzhou will upgrade West Heath Road into a specialized silk precinct integrating commercial and cultural elements. [Photo/zj.zjol.com.cn]

Hangzhou -- capital of East China's Zhejiang province -- will upgrade West Heath Road in its existing silk market in Xiacheng district into a featured silk precinct that integrates commercial and cultural elements, Chen Qinru, deputy director of the China Hangzhou Silk City, said on April 3.

The initiative leverages the status of Hangzhou, already renowned and popular for its silk and a center of silk production for several centuries.

Chen said that China Hangzhou Silk City will spend 25 million yuan ($3.53 million) in the upgrade, with construction expected to start in May.

China Hangzhou Silk City, which was built in 1987, was one of Hangzhou's earliest designated modern commercial streets. The facility is now home to more than 400 shops which turn over 2 billion yuan in annual trade.

The decision to upgrade the center is because of the limited size of the commercial streets, the impact from e-commerce trade and the basic existing infrastructure, officials said.

They said the project aims to diversify the commercial activities conducted in the city and turn West Heath Road into a more fashionable and popular pedestrian street.

In the near future, the special silk precinct will be filled with Chinese traditional culture and silk elements and will bring a more immersive silk experience for visitors, officials added.

The upgraded silk market will be filled with Chinese traditional culture and silk elements. [Photo/zj.zjol.com.cn]