Must-See for Students! Budget Travel Guide to Qili Shantang

🚇Transportation: Take Metro Line 4 to Shantang Street Station, exit from Exit 2, and walk a few hundred meters to reach the destination—affordable and convenient🚶‍♂️ 🎫Admission: Free! Free! Free! Important things must be said three times🆓 🕙Best Time to Visit: Afternoon + Evening🌆 Experience the charm of the ancient street in the afternoon and enjoy the stunning night views in the evening. 📍Itinerary: Enter the scenic area from Xinmin Bridge → Chamber of Commerce Museum (learn about Suzhou's modern commercial culture, free admission from 8:00 - 17:00) → Ancient Stage (check out cultural and creative products, and you might even catch a calligraphy and painting exhibition) → Tonggui Bridge (a landmark bridge of Shantang, perfect for photos, but avoid crowding or lingering) → Yuhan Hall (a Ming Dynasty architectural gem, rich in historical charm) → Enjoy Kunqu Opera in Shantang (visit Shantang Kunqu Opera House to experience the allure of Kunqu🎶 or watch the immersive performance "Dreaming of Shantang" in the back garden of Yuhan Hall) 🍜Food Recommendations: 🍙Rongyang Lou: Must-try dishes include fried glutinous rice balls and pan-fried buns, all authentic Suzhou flavors at affordable prices—around 30 RMB per person for a satisfying meal😋 🦐Xinzhengyuan·Suzhou-Style Prawn Pan-Fried Buns: Signature prawn pan-fried buns with juicy fillings, and the paper-thin shaomai is also great—around 40 RMB per person. 🥤Drinks: Try Suzhou's unique mung bean soup with fermented bean juice—refreshing and distinctive, only 5 - 10 RMB. 💰Accommodation: For budget travelers, hostels are a great option at around 50 - 100 RMB per person. For more comfort, there are cost-effective budget hotels nearby at around 200 RMB per night. 👗Photography Tips: Light-colored Hanfu outfits make for better photos. Visit before 9 AM or during less crowded evenings to capture stunning empty-scene shots📸 ⚠️Important Notes: Tonggui Bridge has limited capacity; Shantang Old Street closes at 22:00, and the last night cruise departs at 20:30—plan your time accordingly.