For an authentic taste of city life in old Suzhou, a stroll down Pingjiang Lu's (Píngjiāng Lù, 平江路) lanes is a great way to get acquainted with the local vibe. Quiet, leafy and slow-paced, the street is lined with old Chinese houses as well as restaurants and teahouses serving traditional food and drink, upscale cafés catering to the historical chic crowd, as well as a few hostels.

In addition, the Pingtang Museum and Kunqu Opera Museum and School are along the road.

Walking along the street, you'll see boatmen (and women) guiding punt-style boats down the canal that runs alongside it. As they pass, you can hear them singing traditional Chinese songs to their passengers.

If you're lucky, you might be in for a special treat, as the Opera Society occasionally performs by the canal in full operatic regalia, surprising the locals and tourists alike.

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