It is not recommended to visit Shantang Street when coming to Suzhou

People traveling to Suzhou probably wouldn't miss 'the number one street of Gusu' - Shantang Street, which is about seven li long, hence the name 'Seven-Li Shantang'. 📚History During the Tang Dynasty, the famous poet Bai Juyi, while serving as the governor of Suzhou, dredged the northwestern waterways outside the city and excavated Shantang River. The ancient street built along the river came to be known as Shantang Street. Legend has it that during the years Bai Juyi was demoted to Suzhou, he spent his days calling friends to drink and admire the moon🌙, thus Shantang Street is also imbued with the elegance of literati. 👀Highlights Shantang Street has its tranquility during the day and its charm at night. If time allows, you can experience both. The boat operators say the lights come on at five in the evening, but the day I went they were fully lit only at half-past five. 🔺The ancient buildings along the street. Most of the ancient buildings on both sides of Shantang Street are from the late Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China period, and a few buildings offer free admission: ✅Bai Gong Shrine (where people constantly solicit boat business) ✅Suzhou Chamber of Commerce Museum ✅Tan Jintu Old Photo Collection (with inscriptions by Mo Yan) . 🔺The ancient bridges over Shantang River (no need to remember names, just go up and take a look when you see a bridge, ⚠ but be sure to be safe, because the narrow bridges are really crowded). As dusk falls, red lanterns🏮light up on both sides, and it's incredibly beautiful whether you're standing on the bridge admiring the view or taking photos of the bridge from the shore. Of course, you can also choose to take a boat ride to enjoy the scenery on both sides. Near the outer city river, there is a 'Chaozong Pavilion' which looks beautiful at night. There is a boat dock here, and you can also see a large three-arch bridge in the distance. . 🔺The ancient opera stage, and next to it, the Qilin Post Office (where you can get a stamp) 🔺Each specialty shop is decorated with charm, with eateries being the most abundant, so you're unlikely to leave Shantang Street hungry. 🔺Wu Tuo Zhai Calligraphy and Stele Inscriptions, my grandfather is probably the top influencer on Shantang Street now, the calligraphy bookmarks for 15r are really worth having, but it was too crowded when I went and I couldn't get a turn😑. 🔺Qian Yuman·Nostalgic Restaurant: There are many delicious foods on Shantang Street, and if you're having a main meal, this popular check-in restaurant is a must-visit 【Recommended Dishes】 Bamboo Net Duck: The restaurant's signature dish, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and so fragrant when served Grandma's Braised Egg and Pork Leg: Authentic Jiangzhe flavor, rich in soy sauce aroma, stewed until very tender, full of collagen Squirrel Fish: The sweet and sour sauce is just right, the fish is tender and smooth, delicious and crispy . 📍Address: Northwest of the ancient city, Gusu District, Suzhou City 💰Ticket: Free admission 🚇Transport: Line 2 to Shantang Street Station