Tourists visit Qianmen Street, one of Beijing's oldest commercial areas, in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 28, 2009. After a period of renovation, Qianmen Street formally opened to the public on Monday. (Xinhua Photo)

    All 103 stores lining the centuries-old Qianmen Street in Beijing opened for business at about 11 a.m. on Monday, the qianlong.com reports.

    As the birthplace of many time-honored domestic brands such as Quanjude Peking Roast Duck and the China Bookstore, Qianmen Street has long been the commercial hub of the capital. But now, by embracing foreign brands, including Swedish fashion chain H&M and Zara from Spain, the street is becoming more international.

A tourist visits Qianmen Street, one of Beijing's oldest commercial areas, in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 28, 2009. (Xinhua Photo)

    About 60 shops have been operating along the pedestrian street since it reopened to tourists in August. More than 20 of the street's current 103 stores are international ones, adding a modern flavor to the historical area.

    To celebrate the occasion, the municipal government of Chongwen district, where Qianmen Street is located, hosted an opening ceremony. To commemorate the 60th Anniversary of Founding of New China, the stores have hung Chinese flags and red lanterns on their front doors.

    Qianmen Street is considered one of the most popular places for visitors to Beijing. It has received some 60 million visitors since its reopening this summer.