History, culture entwined along old street
Print Edition
Tradition, culture and history. These three themes intermingle with great charm on Suzhou’s Shantang Street.
This roadway has a history dating back about 1,200 years. It still retains the characteristics of the old lanes that once dominated the city, interconnecting communities of houses and shops.
Shantang Street is 3.6 kilometers long, stretching from Tiger Hill to Changmen Gate. It was once a lively commercial center, drawing people from across the region to trade. In 2002, the old street underwent renovation and was reopened to the public two years later.
A casual stroll is the best way to visit this street. View the museum that housed the chamber of commerce in ancient times.
The people sights are perhaps the most interesting. Here you can glimpse life as it has churned on through generations amid architecture of a traditional style. You can still see old women washing laundry in the canal alongside the street. Some very old, beautiful houses are tucked along the way.
The eastern section of Shantang Street is a residential and business area; the western part has a more countryside atmosphere, with less bustle.
There’s an ancient theater along the street that used to stage Chinese operas. The wealthy residents of the city enjoyed the performances from high box seats, while the hoi polloi were relegated to standing and watching down below. Of course, common people could enjoy the performances without paying.
The theater is still operating, keeping up the opera tradition. But it’s all amateur performances nowadays, staged by opera buffs who don’t charge anything and don’t earn anything. This is art for pleasure’s sake.
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