Boating through Qili Shantang's waterways to admire the scenic views is truly delightful

Suzhou Qili Shantang 👍Recommended Reasons - Qili Shantang is renowned as "Seven Miles from Shantang to Tiger Hill," a thousand-year-old street with parallel waterways, showcasing the authentic charm of Jiangnan water towns, allowing you to immerse yourself in the essence of Gusu. - The area is rich in historical sites, such as the Chamber of Commerce Museum and Yuhan Hall, which bear witness to Suzhou's historical changes and commercial prosperity. - When night falls, the red lanterns light up, creating a picturesque scene like an ink painting, making it a perfect spot for photography and check-ins. Detailed Address No. 177, Shantang Street, Gusu District, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province. Admission Fee: Free. 📅Travel Tips - Daytime Itinerary: Enter the scenic area from Xinmin Bridge, first visit the Suzhou Chamber of Commerce Museum to learn about Suzhou's modern commercial culture. Then head to the Ancient Stage to admire the Tang-style architecture, and you might even catch a calligraphy and painting exhibition. Cross Tonggui Bridge and take photos of this historic stone bridge. Finally, visit Yuhan Hall to experience the charm of ancient architecture. - Nighttime Itinerary: Find a riverside restaurant on Shantang Street to enjoy delicious food while taking in the night views. After dinner, visit Shantang Sanliban for coffee and folk music mixed with live Pingtan performances in a 1930s-style street setting. Alternatively, take a night cruise to admire the illuminated waterfront from the boat. - Unique Experiences: At the Shantang Pingtan and Kunqu Opera Hall, enjoy a performance of Kunqu or Pingtan to appreciate the gentle and melodious Wu dialect. Visit Wutuo Zhai to try hand-painted bookmarks and have a custom one made for you. Collect cultural and creative stamps at the side rooms of the Ancient Stage, Qili Post Office, and other spots to preserve your memories of Shantang Street. 🍜Food Guide - Suzhou-style Dim Sum: Yichangfu's steamed buns are soft and fluffy with rich fillings; Madongpei's shaomai is delicious and satisfying; Shantang boat dim sum comes in delicate shapes like lotus flowers and carp, almost too pretty to eat. - Specialty Noodles: Sun Shengxing's Azao Noodles feature chewy noodles and flavorful broth; also try Suzhou-style red soup noodles, a local favorite. - Other Delicacies: Songhelou's squirrel-shaped mandarin fish is crispy outside and tender inside with a sweet and sour taste; Xin Zhen Yuan's pan-fried shrimp dumplings have a crispy bottom and juicy filling. 🏨Accommodation Guide - Shantang Yuyuan Boutique Hotel: Offers river views, beautiful surroundings, and starts at 398 yuan/night with breakfast for two. Enjoy a bath on the terrace while watching the lanterns light up. The Instagram-worthy rooms come with projectors, perfect for romantic getaways. - Home Inn: Budget-friendly at 130 yuan/night, conveniently located near the subway and just a 3-minute walk to the pier. Night cruise combo tickets come with a 10% discount, ideal for students. 💗Other Tips - Tonggui Bridge has limited capacity, so avoid crowding or lingering for safety. - Most shops on Shantang Street operate from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with lanterns typically lit between 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM. The area closes at 10:00 PM, and lights are turned off around 10:30 PM, so plan your visit accordingly. - From 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM in summer, the weather can be hot. Consider taking a boat tour to stay cool while enjoying the scenery. - The scenic area's parking lot is often full. If driving, navigate to the "Haishi Shantang" parking lot and walk about 8 minutes to the scenic area.