Visitor Guide to ShanTang River and ShanTang Street, SuZhou
Overview
ShanTang River and ShanTang Street, located in SuZhou, JiangSu Province, are renowned for their picturesque beauty and historical significance. Often referred to as the "Venice of the East," ShanTang Street is a perfect blend of traditional Chinese architecture, serene waterways, and vibrant local culture, making it a must-visit destination.
Historical Background of ShanTang River
ShanTang River, also known as the "Seven-Li Shantang," was originally constructed in 825 AD during the Tang Dynasty. The construction was overseen by Bai Juyi, a renowned poet and the then governor of SuZhou. The canal was built to connect SuZhou city with HuQiu (Tiger Hill), facilitating trade and transportation while providing a scenic route for travelers.
The project was an ambitious undertaking aimed at promoting economic development and improving water management in the region. The construction of the canal also helped to control flooding and provided a reliable source of water for irrigation, which was crucial for local agriculture.
Over the centuries, ShanTang River became a vital artery for the transportation of goods and people. It also served as a cultural hub, with the development of markets, temples, and residential areas along its banks. The river and the adjacent ShanTang Street became synonymous with prosperity and cultural richness, attracting scholars, merchants, and artists who contributed to the flourishing of SuZhou.
Getting There
By Air: The nearest airport is SuZhou Sunan Shuofang International Airport (WUX), located about 40 kilometers from the city center. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus to reach ShanTang Street.
By Train: SuZhou Railway Station is well-connected with major cities like Shanghai, HangZhou, and Nanjing. From the station, you can take a local bus or taxi to reach ShanTang Street.
By Bus: SuZhou is well-served by long-distance buses from nearby cities. The main bus station in SuZhou is SuZhou North Bus Station, from where you can take a local bus or taxi to ShanTang Street.
Getting Around
Walking: The best way to explore ShanTang Street is on foot, allowing you to fully appreciate the historical buildings, quaint shops, and beautiful scenery.
Boating: Taking a boat ride along the ShanTang River offers a unique perspective of the ancient town and its waterways.
Local Transport: Taxis and local buses are available for traveling to and from different parts of SuZhou.
Main Attractions
ShanTang Street
This ancient street, with a history of over 1,100 years, stretches for about 3.5 kilometers along the ShanTang River. It is lined with well-preserved traditional buildings, charming shops, tea houses, and restaurants, offering a delightful walking experience.
ShanTang River
The ShanTang River is a scenic waterway that flows through the heart of the town. Boat rides along the river provide a tranquil and picturesque journey, showcasing the town's beautiful bridges, ancient buildings, and lush gardens.
Pingjiang Road
Located nearby, Pingjiang Road is another historic street that complements your visit to ShanTang Street. Known for its classical SuZhou gardens, traditional houses, and cultural sites, it offers a deeper understanding of SuZhou's rich heritage.
Baosheng Temple
Baosheng Temple, located along ShanTang Street, is a historic Buddhist temple with beautiful architecture and serene gardens. It provides a peaceful retreat and a glimpse into the town's religious heritage.
Tiger Hill
Just a short distance from ShanTang Street, Tiger Hill is a popular tourist attraction known for its natural beauty, historical sites, and the iconic Yunyan Pagoda, often referred to as the "Leaning Tower of China."
Local Cuisine
SuZhou's cuisine is known for its delicate flavors and emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Here are some must-try dishes:
Sweet and Sour Mandarin Fish: A signature dish of SuZhou, featuring fresh fish cooked in a sweet and tangy sauce.
Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish: A beautifully presented dish with a crispy exterior and tender meat, often served with a sweet and sour sauce.
SuZhou Noodles: Hand-pulled noodles served in a rich broth with various toppings, including pork, shrimp, and vegetables.
Local Pastries: Try the traditional SuZhou-style mooncakes and other pastries filled with sweet or savory ingredients.
Shopping
Local Handicrafts: ShanTang Street is famous for its traditional handicrafts, including silk products, embroidery, and paper-cutting. These items make for unique souvenirs.
Antique Shops: Explore local antique shops for historical artifacts, vintage items, and collectibles.
Tea Houses: Purchase high-quality Chinese tea from the local tea houses along ShanTang Street.
Accommodation
Traditional Inns: For an authentic experience, consider staying in a traditional inn or guesthouse, which often feature historical architecture and local decor.
Mid-Range Hotels: Options such as the SuZhou Garden Hotel and local boutique hotels provide comfortable accommodations at reasonable prices.
Luxury Hotels: For a high-end stay, consider hotels like the SuZhou Marriott Hotel or the SuZhou Jinji Lake Grand Hotel, both offering excellent amenities and service.
Tips for Visitors
Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit ShanTang Street are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant.
Clothing: Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers to accommodate changing temperatures. An umbrella or raincoat is useful during the rainy season.
Respect Local Customs: Be respectful of local customs and traditions. Dress modestly and be mindful of local etiquette, especially when visiting historical and cultural sites.
Language: While Mandarin is widely spoken, learning a few basic phrases or using a translation app can be very helpful.
Plan Your Visit: ShanTang Street is best explored at a leisurely pace. Take your time to wander through the streets, visit local shops, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
Conclusion
ShanTang River and ShanTang Street, with their rich history, traditional architecture, and picturesque scenery, offer a unique and memorable travel experience. Whether you're exploring ancient streets, savoring local cuisine, or taking a serene boat ride along the river, ShanTang provides an unforgettable glimpse into SuZhou's past. Plan your visit carefully to make the most of your trip to this charming destination in JiangSu Province.
The Humble Administrator's Garden, located in SuZhou, JiangSu province, is one of the most famous classical gardens in China. Built in the early 16th century during the Ming Dynasty, this garden is a masterpiece of Chinese landscape design, featuring beautiful pavilions, serene ponds, lush greenery, and exquisite rock formations. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit destination for anyone interested in traditional Chinese garden art.
History
The garden was originally created by Wang XianChen, a retired government official, who sought to design a peaceful retreat for himself. Over the centuries, the garden changed hands multiple times, undergoing various renovations and expansions. Despite these changes, the garden has retained its original layout and classical elements, reflecting the aesthetics and philosophical principles of traditional Chinese gardens.
Main Attractions
Central Garden
The Central Garden is the heart of the Humble Administrator's Garden, featuring a large pond surrounded by lush plants, winding paths, and elegant pavilions. Key highlights include:
Lotus Pavilion: A beautiful structure overlooking the pond, offering a tranquil spot to enjoy the view of blooming lotus flowers in summer.
Hall of Distant Fragrance: Named after the lotus flowers whose fragrance can be smelled from afar, this hall is one of the garden's main buildings, known for its elegant design.
Eastern Garden
The Eastern Garden features a series of smaller ponds, rockeries, and pavilions, creating a more intimate and secluded atmosphere. Notable features include:
Small Flying Rainbow Bridge: A charming stone bridge that arches gracefully over a small pond.
Hall of 36 Mandarin Ducks: Named after the mandarin ducks often seen in Chinese art, this hall offers picturesque views of the surrounding landscape.
Western Garden
The Western Garden is characterized by its open spaces and carefully arranged rockeries and plantings. Highlights include:
Hall of the Thirty-Six Mandarin Ducks: Featuring beautiful carvings and a serene ambiance.
GuanYun Peak: A striking rock formation representing a mountain peak, showcasing the garden's sophisticated use of stones.
Architecture and Design
The Humble Administrator's Garden exemplifies the principles of traditional Chinese garden design, which seeks to create harmony between nature and human-made structures. The garden's architecture and layout incorporate the following elements:
Water Features: Ponds and streams are central to the garden's design, reflecting the sky and surrounding plants, and adding a sense of tranquility.
Rockeries: Carefully arranged rocks and rock formations symbolize mountains and add a dynamic visual element to the landscape.
Pavilions and Halls: These structures provide spaces for relaxation and contemplation, offering various perspectives of the garden.
Plantings: A diverse array of plants, including bamboo, lotus, and seasonal flowers, enhance the garden's beauty and symbolize different virtues and qualities.
Visiting Tips
Best Time to Visit: The garden is beautiful year-round, but spring and summer are particularly lovely when flowers are in bloom. Autumn offers stunning foliage, and winter provides a peaceful, serene atmosphere.
Opening Hours: The garden is open daily from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM (hours may vary seasonally).
Getting There: The garden is located in the heart of SuZhou and is easily accessible by public transportation or taxi. The nearest metro station is Lindun Road Station (Line 1).
Guided Tours: Consider hiring a local guide or joining a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the garden's history, architecture, and cultural significance.
Photography: The garden offers countless photo opportunities. Be sure to bring your camera and take your time capturing the beauty of the landscape.
Respect the Environment: Help preserve the garden by not picking flowers, climbing on rocks, or littering. Respect the tranquility of the space and other visitors.
An exemplary example of classical Chinese garden arts that aspires to the harmony of people and nature. ZhuoZheng Yuan, SuZhou, JiangSu province.
At 52,000 square meters, it is the largest garden in SuZhou.
A beautiful short film ...
SuZhou lies in JiangSu province, just west from ShangHai Municipality, between the ebb of the YangTse river and TaiHu lake.
SuZhou has a history of over 2,500 years. The city's canals, bridges, pagodas, and gardens have contributed to its standing as one of the top tourist attractions in China. The 'classical gardens of SuZhou' were added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1997 and 2000. SuZhou is sometimes referred to as the 'Venice of the East'.
The first film features KunMing and ShiLin (YunNan province), GuiLin and YangShuo (GuangXi province); the second LiJiang, Shangri-la and DaLi (YunNan province); and the third ZhouZhuang and SuZhou (JiangSu province) ...
The Tonino Lamborghini ...
WHERE THE CITY DISAPPEARS AN ENCHANDED GARDEN ARISES By crossing the door you are entering a space of timeless beauty and luxury. Located on the banks of the picturesque Jinji Lake, the Tonino Lamborghini Boutique Hotel Suzhou has been embued with a special spiritual power. Hidden to outsiders and open to those who find the way in, the hotel has the power to take every guest to far and away places, freeing them of troubles and difficulties. Comfort involving all senses is the concept behind the hotel.
Buildings crafted with the traditional materials of Suzhou architecture and combined with 21st century innovative technology offer a haven for relaxation and reflection. With education and wisdom being a core Chinese value, the Tonino Lamborghini Boutique Hotel Suzhou has been created around the idea of a library; not only of reading, but of wisdom and passion.
XiTang, ShangHai, HangZhou, SuZhou, NanJing
A short clip I made from my 11 day trip to China in Feb, 2012.
Suzhou was the capital of the Wu kingdom from 12th to 4th centuries BCE. The area surrounding Suzhou has been nurtured by Wu culture, including Shanghai, Zhejiang province and Jiangsu province.Xitang is one of the most beautiful little towns I have ever had the privilege of visiting.
When Marco Polo visited Hangzhou in the late 13th century, he wrote that it was "beyond dispute the finest and the noblest in the world."
Films by the Department of Trade and Industry in the UK.
A look at these two beautiful cities, both not far from Shanghai, with a focus on business but also a general look at city life and their tourist sites.
Excellent examples of Chinese garden arts.
The first three films are of the famous Humble Administrator's Garden and the fourth shows the
Surging Wave Pavilion.
A water town in north-east JiangSu province, not far from Shanghai.
SuZhou Old Town is famous for its gardens as well as canals. The classical gardens are on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.
In JiangSu province.
A large yet low and picturesque hill dotted with historical attractions. A famous Song Dynasty poet, Su Shi, once wrote: 'It would be a lifelong pity, if having visited Suzhou, one did not visit Tiger Hill.'
On the summit sits Tiger Hill Pagoda, which has become a symbol of SuZhou and has the distinction of being China's Leaning Tower (a la the one in Pisa, Italy). Built during the Northern Song dynasty (959-961), it is a 48 meter tall, seven-story octahedron, in the style of the timber pagodas constructed during the early Tang dynasty.
SuZhou, an exquisite water town, lies on the banks of the YangTse river and next to TaiHu lake.
SuZhou is 45 minutes from Shanghai by train.
This film includes the classical gardens and the SuZhou Art Museum.
TongLi is one of several towns on the outskirts of Suzhou that are based around water - canals and lakes, islands and bridges.
Located on the eastern shore of Taihu Lake, just 18 kilometers (11 miles) from Suzhou City, Tongli is 63 square kilometers (24 square miles) in area and has a population of about 35,000.
