The Shantang Street,located in Gusu District, northwest of the Suzhou city in Jiangsu Province, is an ancient riverside pedestrian street with almost 1200 years history. It connects bustling district Chang Men(the west gate of the ancient city) in the east with scenic Tiger Hill in the west, with a total length of about seven Li (about 3,829.6 meters ), hence it has got its poetic name “Seven-Li Shangtang”. 

 The street was constructed parallel with the northern bank of the Shantang River in 825 during the Tang Dynasty, inaugurated by the prestigious poet Bai Juyi who was the Cishi (modern-day equivalent of the prefectural governor) of Suzhou then. The sludge dug out from the construction formed a dam along the north bank of the canal known as Baigong Dam in honor of Bai Juyi. A street was built on dam, which later became the modern-day Shantang Street.It was a eventful and busy the downtown area in the ancient time, where used to be prosperous commercial and transport hub. It is also regarded as “the first street in Divine Land”. Today, this is a heavily touristed area, with visitors attracted by the heritage nature of the buildings and the old stone bridges.

As a national AAAA scenic are, with its unique geographical location, advantageous conditions of water and land transportation and distinctive street style, the Shantang Street has gradually become the display window of Wu culture and the experience of Su-style life. In 2015, the Shantang Street Scenic Area was added to the list of China's "National Historic and Cultural Streets". Along with Pingjiang Road, the street was declared a Historical and cultural block of China.

Shantang Old Street

Praised as “Miniature of Old Suzhou and Window of Wu Culture”, the Shantang Old Street is the essence sector of the whole block extending about with 360 meters. Ancient architectures with typical characteristics of Jiangnan Region (refers to south China in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River) stand among the both row, lanterns glimmering at night under the eaves, which makes it more attractive for lingering and strolling. It is a commercial hub flourishing with shops, commercial guild halls, specialty commodities. Tourists are welcomed to try various tasteful local food of Suzhou renowned brands and purchase featured handmade souvenirs such as woodcut paintings, sandalwood wood carving, stone carving , exquisite Suzhou embroideries and silk items. Catering services like old tea houses, modern pub and western restaurants can be found everywhere, reflecting a fusion of present time and ancient era, oriental civilization and western culture. Tonggui Bridge and Suzhou Museum of Chamber of Commerce are all sited here.

Tonggui Bridge

There are eight side bridges on the riverbanks and seven bridges spanning across the street just like several rainbows laying above the river. As the landmark of the street, Tonggui bridge is best place to admire the picturesque nscenery of the block on the one hand; on the other hand, the single arch bridge opening, looking like a half moon, can form a perfect circle with its shadow in the water, which presents a splendid full-moon shape. It is recommended to take a cruise in a painted boat to appreciate the gorgeous and fantastic view of Jiangnan taste. It may make you feel like placing yourself in a Chinese ink and wash painting.