Shantang Street (Qilitang Street)

Constructed in the Tang Dynasty under the supervision of poet Bai Juyi, it stretches about seven li from Changmen Gate in the east to Tiger Hill in the west, hence the nickname Seven-Li Shantang. Following the classic one-street-one-river water town layout, it features bluestone pavements, white walls with black tiles, ancient stone arch bridges and riverside dwellings. Core highlights include Tonggui Bridge, Bai Gong Shrine, Yuhan Hall and the old opera stage with regular Pingtan and Kunqu performances. When red lanterns light up after dusk, their reflections shimmer on the river surface, presenting the most iconic Jiangnan night view. It perfectly inherits Suzhou’s canal civilization, ancient commerce and authentic Wu regional folk culture.