Shantang Street Tourism

Historic Street4.0(817 reviews)

About Shantang Street

Shantang Street, also known as Seven-mile Shantang, is a historic street in the northwestern part of Suzhou city, Jiangsu Province, China. Stretching about 3.5 kilometers, it links Changmen Gate in the east with Tiger Hill in the west. It is renowned for its ancient architecture, including traditional bridges, residential houses, temples, and shops reflecting the style of the Song Dynasty. The street was constructed during the Tang Dynasty by Bai Juyi, a prominent poet and governor of Suzhou, who aimed to emulate the beautiful scenery of the south of the Yangtze River. Walking through Shantang Street is like stepping back in time; visitors can experience the classical elegance and historical atmosphere. The street is lined with numerous teahouses, restaurants, and souvenir shops that offer a taste of Suzhou’s rich cultural heritage. It is also famous for traditional arts, such as Pingtan (storytelling and ballad singing in Suzhou dialect) and Kunqu opera. Shantang Street is not just a cultural attraction but also a lively place where locals and tourists merge to enjoy the scenic water town's ambiance. It is an essential stop to truly grasp the historic and cultural significance of Suzhou.

Top 5 Reviews on Shantang Street

ZfyEd
4.0
Wrote on 18 Jun 2024
Busy shopping areas but quite touristy!
The Shantang Old Street is an ancient pedestrian street (or rather area separated by the highway into 2 sides) flanking Suzhou’s famous canals and is one of the city’s most popular attractions. Spanning a length of over 3km through the heart of Suzhou’s old town, the street offers quintessential views of the area’s traditional architectural themed buildings, small little lanes, bucolic waterways and more. The area has retained its original layout for over 1200 years and features typical Suzhou-style houses with whitewashed walls and black tiles. The buildings are built on the banks of an ancient canal, where visitors can see the traditional wooden boats meander beneath arched stone bridges, the most famous of which is the scenic Tonggui Bridge. The streets and its buildings have been restored but retain their historic charm. Visitors can also take a cruise aboard a traditional wooden boat along the canal beside walking for a more leisurely and up and closed view of the neighborhood. The street is particularly scenic in the evening, especially when the red lanterns hung along the canal/trees get lighted up with their images reflected in the waters. Because of its history and atmosphere, Shantang Old Street is a popular destination for tourists and having said that, its touristy. Be prepared for crowds, especially in the evenings and on weekends and look after your belongings and also always bargain for prices if you buy more items.