Shantang Street

A historic canal street in Suzhou stretching between the old city gate and Tiger Hill, traditionally said to have been laid out over a thousand years ago by the Tang poet-official Bai Juyi when he governed the region. A stone-paved lane runs beside a willow-lined waterway crossed by humpbacked bridges, its old shophouses now filled with teahouses, craft shops and small opera venues. Red lanterns reflect in the canal after dark, when boats glide beneath the bridges. Visitors walk the waterside lane, ride a canal boat and sample local snacks.