Shantang Street（山塘街）Travel Guide

Shantang Street Travel Guide for Foreigners

Location: Shantang Street is located in the northwest of the ancient city of Suzhou, Jiangsu Province. It starts from Duseng Bridge at Changmen Gate in the south and ends at Tiger Hill in the north, stretching about 3,600 meters (about seven li, hence the name "Seven-Li Shantang")14.
History: The street was built in 825 by Bai Juyi, a renowned poet of the Tang Dynasty. It has a history of nearly 1,200 years and has been a busy transportation and commercial hub since then.
Characteristics: It is a typical ancient street in the Jiangnan area, with a layout of rivers and streets adjacent and water and land in parallel. The clear river winds through, with small arched bridges and wooden boats, passing by numerous old residences and shops, presenting a beautiful scene of an ancient water town in South China4.

Bai Juyi Memorial Garden: Located at the entrance of Shantang Street, it is a commemorative place for Bai Juyi. There is a bronze statue of Bai Juyi in the center. The hall displays pictures and materials related to Bai Juyi's life in Suzhou, showing his contributions to the construction of Shantang Street1.
Ancient Bridges: There are many ancient bridges on Shantang Street, each with its own characteristics. For example, Tonggui Bridge, built in 1640, is a representative of Suzhou bridges. The bridge is like a bright moon, and the reflection in the water forms a perfect circle, which is a great place to enjoy the water alley scenery1.
Shantang Old Street: About 360 meters long, it is the essence of Shantang Street. It is known as the "miniature of the old Suzhou" and the "window of Jiangsu culture". It was a prosperous commercial center in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, with numerous shops and guild halls. You can find time-honored snack shops such as Cai Zhi Zhai, Huang Tian Yuan, and Wu Fang Zhai, as well as specialty shops selling souvenirs1.
Gusu Canal Culture Exhibition Hall: Located in Yuhan Hall, it displays the canal culture of Gusu District, showing the history and culture related to the Grand Canal in Suzhou through various exhibits and displays.

Spring (March - May): The weather is mild, and the flowers are in bloom. It is a great time to visit Shantang Street. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the ancient street and the surrounding flowers.
Autumn (September - November): The weather is cool, and the autumn scenery is charming. The leaves turn yellow, adding a touch of color to the ancient street.

By Metro: Take Metro Line 2 and get off at Shantang Street Station. Then, walk for a short distance to reach the street3.
By Bus: There are many bus routes passing by Shantang Street, such as Routes 161, 304, 315, 317, 318, 34, 406, 415, 44, 522, 64, 7, 85, 921, 970 (Eastern Line), 970 (Western Line), 980 (Eastern Line), and 980 (Western Line)4.

Food Tasting: Don't miss the local snacks on Shantang Street, such as oil-fried dumplings, crab powder soup dumplings, and various pastries. You can also try the Suzhou-style noodles, which are famous for their rich broth and delicate noodles2.
Boating Experience: Taking a boat trip along the river is a good way to appreciate the scenery of Shantang Street from a different angle. You can enjoy the beautiful views of the ancient bridges, old residences, and bustling streets.
Shopping: There are many specialty shops on the street, selling souvenirs such as wood carvings, embroidery, and blue printed cloth. You can choose some unique souvenirs to bring back home.
Respect the Culture: When visiting the ancient street, respect the local culture and traditions. Follow the regulations and instructions in the scenic area to protect the historical and cultural heritages.