Shantang Historic District

Shantang Historic District

Readers of *Dream of the Red Chamber* will no doubt recall that the novel begins with a description of Changmen Gate in Suzhou. The book describes it as, “Changmen Gate of Gusu is one of the most splendid and prosperous places in the mortal world,” and then proceeds to describe Ten-Li Street outside the gate, introducing the characters. Here, the Ten-Li Street outside Changmen Gate refers to Shantang Street, which accommodates both land and water routes. To draw an analogy, the grand epic of *Dream of the Red Chamber* is like a magnificent brocade, and Cao Xueqin, who spent ten years writing it, was like a spring silkworm spinning its first thread right here on Shantang Street.

Shantang Street stretches seven Chinese miles in length, and was referred to at the time as the “Bai Public Embankment” (a “tang” being a type of embankment or dike). When the Tang Dynasty poet Bai Juyi served as Prefect of Suzhou, he organized the digging of canals and construction of roads, opening up both water and land routes that connected Tiger Hill with the city. The waterway was Shantang River, and the land route became Shantang Street. Since then, Shantang Street has remained a popular tourist destination rich in traditional ethnic customs and distinctive features of the Wu region. The famous “Market Street” (Suzhou Street) built by Empress Dowager Cixi in Beijing’s Summer Palace for her own enjoyment was entirely modeled after the shape and style of Suzhou’s Shantang Street.

Seven-Li Shantang boasts numerous ancient temples, ancestral halls, memorial archways, and guildhalls... These historic structures, intricately carved and full of antique charm, exude a strong sense of the passage of time. Coupled with well-known legends such as those of Bantang, Chen Yuanyuan, and Dong Xiaowan, they all contribute to Shantang’s graceful character. However, when visitors see the Tomb of the Five Martyrs and the Tomb of Ge Xian, they may feel a sudden chill—does Shantang also bear the mark of Suzhou’s more resolute and heroic side?

In June 2002, Suzhou launched the “Protective Restoration Project of the Shantang Historical and Cultural Preservation Zone.” The first phase of the project has now been completed. The revitalized Shantang centers around restoring its traditional character, combining tourism and leisure while fully showcasing its profound historical and cultural heritage, classic Gusu water lane scenery, and vibrant local Wu customs.

Ticket: 45 RMB (includes Yihan Hall, Antai Fire Station, Boat Culture Museum, and 0 Museum)

Phone: 65318810

Transportation: Bus routes 游5 (You 5), 406, 7, 146, 70, and 69.