Built in the Tang Dynasty (618-907) by poet Bai Juyi (772-846) when he was the governor of Suzhou, Shantang Street stretches 3.6 kilometers from Changmen Gate (阊门) to Tiger Hill. Known as the "No 1 Street of Old Suzhou", it's a lively canal-side area lined with historical bridges, guild halls, and shops – especially brilliant after dark when lanterns glow across the water.

Must-Do Experiences
• Take a traditional rowboat (yuloh boat): Drift along the canal (50 yuan/$7.30 per person) and enjoy the charm of Suzhou's waterways.
• Enjoy the night lights: At dusk, red lanterns illuminate the street – charming and perfect for photos.
• Capture photos at the two bridges: Xinmin Bridge (新民桥) and Tonggui Bridge (通贵桥) offer the best panoramic views of the canal scene.

Suggested Routes
• Classic highlights (2-3 hours)
Enter from Xinmin Bridge → Walk along the canal to Tonggui Bridge → Explore the main street for food → Visit Bai Juyi Memorial Hall (白居易纪念苑) → End with a night boat ride
• Leisurely half-day walk
Start from Changmen Gate → Enter via the south gate → Visit Bai Juyi Memorial Hall → Stroll, snack, and shop on the main street and side street → Walk to Tonggui Bridge and Xinmin Bridge → Night boat ride

What to Eat (Local Favorites)
• Xinzhenyuan Pan-Fried Buns (鑫震源生煎): Pan-fried buns with shrimp (大虾生煎), crispy, juicy, and flavorful.
• Rongyanglou Restaurant (荣阳楼): This century-old brand features fried glutinous rice balls (a Suzhou classic) (油汆团子), each for 4 yuan.
• Wanfuxing Cakes (万福兴糕团): Another century-old brand featuring traditional glutinous rice cakes. The glutinous balls with fried meat fillings (炒肉馅团子) are the best.
• Manguifang Suzhou Cuisine (满桂芳苏州菜): Famous for its squirrel fish (sweet and sour Mandarin fish) (松鼠桂鱼).
• Gusu Boat Banquet Shantang River View Restaurant (姑苏船宴·山塘河景·苏帮菜): Dine by the canal with classic Suzhou dishes.
• Sun Shengxing Noodles (孙盛兴奥灶面): Crab roe noodles (蟹粉面), rich and umami-packed.
• Zhu Xinnian Dessert Shop (朱新年点心店): Classic tangtuan (glutinous rice balls) (汤团) with generous fillings. The meat filling and turnip shred filling are recommended.

Practical Information
Recommended visit duration: 2-4 hours
Best time to visit:
• Spring: Peach blossoms add extra charm.
• Time of day: Arrive around 5 pm to enjoy both daytime and night views.
• Lanterns light up around 7 pm (summer)/5:30 pm (winter).
• Arrive at Tonggui Bridge between 6:30 pm and 7:30 pm to capture night views with fewer people.
• For fewer crowds: Choose weekdays' mornings or time during 2 pm and 4 pm.
Admission:
• Main street: Free, open 24 hours.
• Some attractions charge separately (10-15 yuan each or combo ticket about 45 yuan)
How to get there:
• Metro: Take Line 2 and stop at Shantangjie (山塘街) station (Exit 3) or Shilu (石路) station (Exit 10).
• Multiple bus routes also stop nearby, including No 7, 34, 44, 64, 85, 161, 304, 315, 317, 318, 406, 415, 522, 921, 970 East, 970 West, 980 East, and 980 West.
• Driving is not recommended due to limited parking. You can park at Xinmin Bridge Market or parking lots of nearby shopping malls.

Tips
• Skip overpriced souvenirs on the main street and explore side alleys for better finds.
• Head toward the western section of the street (toward Tiger Hill) for a quieter, more authentic vibe.
• Be mindful of food hygiene when trying street snacks.
• Stay safe near the water, especially when taking boat rides.