You have no items in your shopping cart.
Subtotal: $0.00
Get Immediate Response of Your Queries, ADD US ON
+86-13910830737
Compare Products
You have no items to compare.
Shantang Street
Introducing Shantang Street
Shantang Street is a renowned street in northwestern Suzhou. Shantang Street is affectionately known as “Seven-li Shantang” by the locals, as seven-li is the old measure of distance in China. Stretching approximately 3,829 meters (2.38 miles), it gracefully connects the ancient Changmen Gate in the east to the picturesque Tiger Hill in the west.
Built in 825 AD, Shantang Street quickly became a thriving center of commerce and culture during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1912) dynasties, thanks to its prime location with easy access to both water and land routes. Its growing renown ultimately led to its recognition as the “No. 1 Ancient Street in China.” Today, renovations have breathed new life into the street, transforming it into a captivating blend of natural beauty and human artistry. Running alongside a tranquil waterway, Shantang Street is lined with an elegant array of shops and halls, each oozing traditional charm and reflecting the street’s renewed prosperity.
A popular folksong perfectly encapsulates the street’s allure: “Heaven holds its paradise, but earth has Suzhou and Hangzhou. One whispers of the West Lake, the other, of Shantang’s charm.” Indeed, Shantang Street is a place that keeps drawing people in with its classic charm.
Shantang Street Fast Facts
• AKA: Seven-li Shantang
• Chinese Name: Shantangjie 山塘街
• Best Time to Visit: March to October
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 2 to 3 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Shopping, Architecture, Boating
• Opening Hours: All Day (Shantang Street), 8:00 – 19:00 (Boating Tour)
• Entrance Fee: Free (Shantang Street), CNY45 (Boating Tour)
• Address: 177 Shantang Street, Gusu District, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province
History of the Shantang Street
Shantang Street’s history dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907), specifically to 825 AD when renowned poet and governor of Suzhou, Bai Juyi (772-846 AD), commissioned the Shantang Canal. This waterway connected Tiger Hill to the city, and the excavated sludge was ingeniously used to create the Baigong Dam along the northern bank, named in Bai Juyi’s honor. This dam became the foundation upon which Shantang Street was built, forever linking the street’s origins to the canal and its visionary creator.
What to Expect at Shantang Street
No visit to Suzhou is complete without experiencing Shantang Street. This exceptional highlight will provide you with a fascinating opportunity to take a scenic canal cruise, explore traditional architecture, and soak up the lively atmosphere of this historic district.
Shantang Canal Cruise
A little journey down the bustling Shantang Canal is a real feast for the eyes, a more down-to-earth echo of Venice. As the ferry glides past canal residences so close they practically beckon a touch, visitors’ll find themselves immersed in a living, breathing tapestry of local life. The boat ride itself is an experience that beckons people to slow down, breathe deep, and simply savor the moment.
Time-honored Stone Bridges
The ancient bridges of the Shantang Canal, some dating back to before the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD), are architectural marvels that link the region to its history. These stone arches offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape: the gentle flow of the canal, the lush greenery along its banks, and the traditional architecture of nearby buildings — a scene seemingly unchanged by time, evoking a sense of peace and wonder that transcends the centuries.
Yuhan Hall
The Yuhan Hall, a sprawling masterpiece of Ming Dynasty architecture, sprawls across an impressive 5,000 square meters (1.24 acres). Once home to the renowned scholar Wu Yipeng (1460-1542), this exquisite hall, divided into eastern, central, and western sections, is considered one of Suzhou’s most celebrated historical gems. Its beauty extends beyond its sheer size, however. Intricate Ming-style carvings, imbued with symbolism and elegance, adorn its beams and ridges, captivating visitors with depictions of mountain mist, ethereal clouds, and delicate flowers.
How to Get to Shantang Street
• By Bus: Take bus 54, 304, 317, 9037 to Shantangjie Station.
• By Subway: Take subway line 2 to Shantangjie Station.
Additional Travel Advice on Shantang Street
• Please take care when taking a boat tour.
• Please take care of your belongings when exploring the street.
Grid List
-
Tour Highlights
• Wander through Humble Administrator's Garden, the finest garden in all of southern China
• Take your time at the Suzhou Museum, designed by the universally well-known architect Mr. Ieoh Ming Pei
• Visit Panmen Gate, the oldest city gate of Suzhou and the only existing water and land gate in China
• Admire Tiger Hill, the oldest pagoda in Suzhou (2,500 years old) nicknamed the Leaning Tower of China
• Stroll along Shantang Street, a window of Wu Culture and a platform to experience the lifestyle of Suzhou
• Experienced English speaking tour guide
• Overland round-trip transfers with private chauffeur and in-transport refreshmentsAbout This Tour
• Departure: Daily departing from Suzhou
• Tour Duration: Approximately 8 hours.
• Guide Languages: Chinese & English.
• Pick-up Time: Between 07:00 and 10:00, choose a departure time most suitable for you.
• Pick-up & Drop-off Place: Your accommodation in Suzhou
• Advice on Meals: Lunch is not included in this tour, please have a big breakfast and pack snacks just in case you get a bit peckish during sightseeing. If you want to try authentic local food for lunch, please feel free to inform your guide who is always ready to help.Tour Itinerary at a Glance
• Pick up from your accommodation in Suzhou
• Visit Humble Administrator's Garden
• Visit Suzhou Museum
• Lunch on your own
• Visit Panmen Gate
• Visit Tiger Hill
• Stroll along Shantang Street
• Transfer back to your accommodation in Suzhou
Tailor This Tour to Meet Your Needs and Requirements
• If you want to modify this itinerary, please feel free to contact GoGrandChina by WhatsApp (+86-18309280878), Wechat (+86-18309280878) or email (info@GrandChinaTravel.com), we will create a tailor-made tour package for you.Tour Prices (US$ Per Person)
1 person 2 people 3 people 4 people 5 people 6 people 7 people 8 people 9 people 10 + $328 $188 $148 $118 $108 $98 $88 $78 $76 $75
Price Remark
• Prices are not valid during China's Official Holidays (such as National Day & Chinese New Year Festival etc.).
Price Inclusions
• Professional English language speaking private tour guide
• Air-conditioned vehicle with private experienced driver
• All admission tickets to sightseeing places
• All government taxesPrice Exclusions
• Hotel accommodation.
• Your personal expenses.
• Meals are excluded allowing you flexibility on menu.
• Travel insurance is not included. Please purchase before your trip to provide for any unforeseen circumstances.
• Gratuities to guide & driver. They are customary and would be of great encouragement and reward for quality service.Additional Info
• Suzhou Museum is closed on Monday tours.
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking.
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
• The itinerary is subject to change due to traffic conditions or bad weather.
• The itinerary is flexible; changes can be made upon written request from travelers.
• IMPORTANT: It is required by the government regulations that travelers must provide their name, gender, nationality, passport number and date of birth to their tour operator upon booking a tour. Failure to do so could result in being denied access or admittance to sites and attractions during sightseeing. When you book this tour, please complete all required fields at checkout. Please bring your passport with you on the tour.Cancellation Policy
• You may cancel the booking and receive a full refund up to 24 hours prior to the date of your tour.
• Cancellation within 24 hours or after the tour begins is non-refundable.
• Cancellation request will be confirmed in 2-5 business days, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.Why Travelers Have to Choose GoGrandChina Private Tours?
Learn More
• Choose your most suitable departure time, whether you are an early bird or you prefer sleeping in.
• GoGrandChina private tours are more flexible, allowing you to adjust everything on your trip to your wishes.
• GoGrandChina tour guides will be at your service to make sure you get the most from each destination. They are there for you and are responsible for making your journey special – and your needs always come first.
• GoGrandChina offers comfortable and luxury vehicles with a private & experienced driver who’s always by your side and ready to take you to your next destination.
• No shopping stops & factory visits, no chance of getting ripped off.
• No hidden costs, rest assured that there are no nasty surprises.
Grid List