Ancient Street of Shantangjia

The Ancient Street of Shantangjia is a popular tourist destination in Suzhou, located in the old town area in the northwest of the city. With a history spanning over 1,200 years, it is often referred to as "Suzhou's First Street." Today, it remains a bustling pedestrian street stretching 3.5 kilometers along the Shantang Canal. The street is surrounded by well-preserved ancient buildings and traditional architecture, including residences of notable figures, theaters, tea houses, temples, stone bridges, archways, as well as numerous shops and restaurants offering Suzhou-style street food. A favorite activity for visitors is taking a boat ride, which provides scenic views of the city and an authentic Suzhou experience. The street retains its traditional Chinese architectural charm, evoking the atmosphere of a centuries-old commercial hub. It is divided into two sections: the eastern part, which is lively with shops, and the western part, which is more suburban. The eastern section is lined with ancient houses featuring curved roofs, intricately carved wooden windows, and distinctive wooden doors. Many of these buildings have been converted into shops selling handicrafts, souvenirs, and local delicacies. There are also tea houses, Western-style restaurants, and hotels catering to tourists. Shantang Street is home to several attractions, the most famous being Yu Garden, a traditional Chinese garden built during the Ming Dynasty.