Pingjiang Road, located in the ancient city of Suzhou, is known as "One Pingjiang Road, half of the city." Here are its key highlights:
• Rich historical and cultural heritage: Pingjiang Road largely continues the street layout of the Tang and Song dynasties, stretching over 1,600 meters. The Pingjiang Historical and Cultural District, within which it is located, boasts one World Cultural Heritage site, 20 cultural relics under various levels of protection, 45 protected buildings, and 70 newly discovered cultural relics discovered during surveys. It has been dubbed the "unwalled Jiangnan Cultural Museum." In the pavilion at the south end of Pingjiang Road, a replica of the Song Dynasty "Pingjiang Map" clearly depicts the outline and street layout of Pingjiang Prefecture approximately 800 years ago. The "parallel water and land, river and street adjacent" layout continues to this day.
• Rich in intangible cultural heritage: Pingjiang Road is a concentrated showcase of Suzhou's intangible cultural heritage, showcasing such intangible cultural heritage techniques as Suzhou embroidery, Song brocade, kesi silk, and Suzhou fans. At No. 38 Daru Lane, you can experience the production of Taohuawu woodblock New Year paintings and see displays and the inheritance of intangible cultural heritage such as Suzhou paper-cutting and Suzhou cakes. The China Kunqu Opera Museum and the China Suzhou Pingtan Museum, located in Zhongzhangjia Lane, are also popular check-in spots, offering visitors the chance to enjoy performances of traditional arts such as Kunqu Opera and Pingtan.
• Unique Jiangnan Water Village Style: Pingjiang Road, built along the river, retains the Jiangnan water village atmosphere of small bridges, flowing water, and houses. The Pingjiang River is the main waterway in the neighborhood, and numerous ancient bridges, such as Tongli Bridge and Zhumajiao Bridge, span it. Most of these bridges were built over 800 years ago, and their locations and names remain largely unchanged. Ancient residences with whitewashed walls and black tiles line the river. Visitors can stroll along the stone paths or take a boat ride on the river to experience the gentle tranquility of Jiangnan. • Numerous unique shops and delicious food: Pingjiang Road is home to a variety of art shops, handicraft stores, cafes, and teahouses, where visitors can find interesting finds and enjoy a leisurely time. It is also a food paradise, with Suzhou-style snacks such as Jijiao Ka La's braised chicken feet, Pan Yulin's sugar porridge, and Meiyuexuan's plum blossom cake, allowing visitors to experience the authentic flavors of Suzhou.