The night is enchanting | The sticky rice-like Shantang Street

If I were to vote for the most 'enchanting night' street in Suzhou, I would definitely cast my vote for Shantang Street, which stretches for seven miles. Unlike Pingjiang Road with its rowing boats, Shantang has chosen a narrow riverside path, allowing one to experience the collision of ancient Suzhou's nightlife with modernity. Entering from the east entrance is actually the best 'no turning back' travel route. As you first enter Shantang Street from the east entrance, it appears wide. Walking straight ahead, the variety of small shops (snacks, makeup, crafts...) on both sides reflect off the hanging lanterns above. The first nighttime attraction, the ancient stage, is not open for climbing at night, but next to it, the Qinchuan Bookstore, combined with the light and shadow leaking from the stage, has a certain cultural charm. After visiting the ancient stage, you will enter the most crowded Tonggui Bridge, which is mostly one-way, and the east entrance is conveniently in the right direction. On Tonggui Bridge, you can take pictures of the arched bridge at the north gate, which resembles a new moon, etched into the Shantang River. After Tonggui Bridge, you reach the 'bar street' of Shantang Street. The collision of modern and classical, with folk songs and occasionally the sound of Pingtan, makes one marvel at the wonders of life. Past the bar street, you arrive at the north gate exit. The overall not-so-long Shantang Street, where you buy a plum cake at the east gate and eat it sticky and chewy all the way to the north gate, ends this enchanting night journey.