Hidden in a city of skyscrapers is an ancient alley

Xiaolou Alley is a thousand-year-old alley, which is proven to have originated in the Song Dynasty. Not far from it, there used to be a Dalou Alley. This is where generations of distinguished families have lived. In history, there has been one top scholar, three runners-up, eleven successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations, fifteen successful candidates in the provincial examinations, and nearly a hundred scholars. Therefore, this alley, less than four hundred meters long, is known as the source of culture in Wuxi and even in the south of the Yangtze River. At the west end of the alley, there is another archway. The door lintels on both sides are engraved with 'Xiaolou Alley'. The cultural preservation sign next to it indicates that Xiaolou Alley is of national preservation level. Today's Xiaolou Alley is the oldest, largest and most well-known existing in the old city of Wuxi. It is the only one that can represent the traditional style of Wuxi. The historical and cultural block built on this ancient alley will surely become the most important cultural card of Wuxi.