Qili Shantang

Qili Shantang

Qili Shantang is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

Shantang emerged from the magnificent splendor of the Tang Dynasty, traversing a long and leisurely stretch of time. Over 1,700 years of ups and downs have allowed Shantang to rise and fall, showcasing all its prosperity and decline.

From Changmen, hailed as “one of the wealthiest and most elegant places in the mortal world,” to Tiger Hill, celebrated as the “Number One Scenic Spot in Wu Region,” the seven-mile path of ancient Shantang is graceful and enchanting, offering a classic old-world charm — a bustling yet poetic street full of history. “Seven miles of scenery, a world of prosperity.” It was only the flames of war during the Taiping Rebellion that reduced it to ruins and turned its former glory into a distant echo. Yet, Shantang Street has always retained its unique allure. If we could turn back time and follow the river of history, we would see that, whether thriving or declining, this celestial street has always been beautiful — a blend of masculine vigor and feminine grace, ebbing and flowing along its length.

Shantang once enjoyed a period of great prosperity. According to research by Taiwanese scholar Liu Shiji, Suzhou during the Qianlong era “could already be considered one of the largest cities in the world”; at that time, Shantang had already established itself as the cultural and leisure hub of Suzhou, as well as its largest commercial street.

The founder of Shantang Street was Bai Juyi. Over 1,100 years ago, during the 17 months when Bai Juyi was demoted and stationed in Suzhou, his presence could be seen throughout the city’s streets and alleys. He spent his days gathering friends, seeking out scenic wonders, drinking wine in the wind, and inviting the moon while drunk among flowers — even the Shantang Street he built for the convenience of ordinary people was imbued with refined scholarly elegance. He had peach and plum trees planted along the streets, and lotus and water lilies cultivated along the canals, so that visitors traveling to Tiger Hill could enjoy the changing seasons of the Jiangnan region along the way. As Bai Juyi wrote in his poem “The Road to Wuxiu Temple”: “Since the mountain temple road was opened, travelers on water and land have come and gone frequently. Silver bridles guide proud steeds, painted boats carry lovely ladies. Water caltrops and lotuses grow thick, peach and plum trees are freshly planted. It’s good to dwell by the river dike, where spring is always in bloom.”

Suggested Duration

3–4 hours

Transportation

Public Transport

1. Shantang Street Station on Metro Line 2

2. To Tiger Hill Gate and Hufu Bridge: Buses 949, You 1, You 2; to Bantang Bridge: Buses 6, 10, 40, 317, 324, 529, You 2, You 3, You 5; to Guangji Bridge and Duseng Bridge: Buses 7, 34, 54, 64, 70, 161, 204, 304, 311, 406, 415, 501, 522, 622, 921, You 1

Admission

The district itself is free of charge. A combined ticket for seven attractions — Yuhan Hall, Quanzhou Guild Hall, Shaoxing Guild Hall, Ancient Theater Stage, Shantang Pavilion, Antai Firefighting Association, and Jiangnan Garment Museum — costs 45 RMB. Therefore, no ticket is required if you only visit the district and not the attractions.

Shantang Street offers both hand-rowed and electric boats. Electric boat rides cost 50 RMB per person, while hand-rowed boats cost 80 RMB per person.

Opening Hours

Open all day. Yuhan Hall is open from 8:00–21:00, while other attractions are open from 8:00–17:00.

Location

No. 72, Shantang Street, Pingjiang District, Suzhou City