In ancient times, Suzhou had a total of 8 city gateways, amongst which Changmen Entrance was especially renowned. The convergence of Shantang River, the external city moat, and the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal made the location of Changmen Gate among the most flourishing locations in Suzhou. Shantang Street苏州山塘街 lies simply 300 meters far from Changmen, lining up alongside the river. Described in Desire For the Red Chamber, the street covers about 7 kilometers, hence additionally referred to as “Seven-mile-long Shantang”.
“Seven-mile-long Shangtang” exemplifies the essence of Suzhou as an ancient city, mixing natural beauty with cultural heritage– a personification of old Suzhou and a gateway right into the culture of Wu, a geographical idea referring to Wu region. In 2015, it was recognized as one of the initial batch of “Chinese Historic and Social Blocks” by the Ministry of Real Estate and Urban-Rural Growth of the PRC and the National Cultural Heritage Management.
In Shantang Road, there’s a Social Event Hall devoted to the Grand Canal heritage. Accepting the style “Heavenly Suzhou, Living Heritage”, it commemorates Suzhou’s abundant abstract cultural heritage, highlighting its one-of-a-kind social features across the seasons, showcasing over 100 distinct abstract cultural heritage projects.
Shantang Street is a place that wonderfully maintains social legacies. Inside Zhenqu Yard of Yuhantang in Suzhou, the live performance titled “Dreamseeker in Shantang Street” ingeniously mixes Suzhou’s 2 UNESCO World Cultural Heritage products– Kunqu Opera and classical yards– with the neighborhood Pingtan narration. This immersive social experience supplies a glance into the poetic life of Jiangnan’s water communities, welcoming people to immerse themselves in its enchanting lifestyle.
Walking along the cobblestone paths of Shangtang Road seems like entering a paint. The morning restaurants here bid site visitors to enjoy regional delicacies. It’s a fascinating invitation to explore Suzhou’s morning flavors and distinct culinary heritage.
Throughout winter months, custom penetrates the air in Shantang Road. Home made salted and cured meats hang from windowsills and hang at entrances. Amongst these cooking prizes is “Yanduxian”, a hearty soup simmered with salted pork, fresh pork, Jinhua ham, and tender bamboo fires. Its durable full-flavored taste, velvety brew, and intense flavors envelop the significance of this period.