Connecting the ancient Shi Lu (Shí Lù, 石路) in the old city center to Tiger Hill, Shantang Jie (Shāntáng Jiē, 山塘街), or Shantang Street, is a 1500-year old street that lines one of Suzhou's many canals. The street is trod upon from end to end on a daily basis, and takes a particular beating during Suzhou's Gashenxian Festival (Gáshénxiān, 轧神仙), when celebrators dress as Daoist gods and parade down the street.

The majority of old buildings lining the street had begun to crumble when the government renovated them, in a manner similar to Pingjiang Historic Street.

Along the old streets, boats ply the waters of the canals, recollecting the old Suzhou from the days of He Lu, an important local historic figure who is buried at Tiger Hill. Taking a boat to the burial ground is a great way to top off a stroll down this historic lane.

Taking the street away from Tiger Hill, the road becomes increasingly populated by shops selling fake jade and other tourist trinkets, crowded with shoppers spilling over from the Shi Lu shopping area

At one point you may encounter a "ticket booth" attempting to charge foreigners to tour the road. Although they are quite insistent, they aren't official. The booth is easily avoided by circling around the block where it is housed and coming back to the street a little farther down.

Jiangsu guide | Suzhou guide | Suzhou attractions
Suzhou flights (Shanghai) | Suzhou hotels
Suzhou tours & activities | Suzhou on the China Travel Blog