Seriously, How Did We Get Here?

[Kay Oberbrunner]

Alright, let me take a moment to share some thoughts about Guanqian Street!

Oh, my old swan of Suzhou, Guanqian Street!

• It's been eight years since I last visited Guanqian Street, where I used to work. Back then, I thought it was pretty nice; however, revisiting it recently has left my feelings complicated.
• While I had expected better conditions, it seems that the whole area has a bit of a messy feel now. Especially the roads, winding and twisting around, with green belts on both sides (which are actually just flower, plant, and tree barriers) that squeeze the road path making it extra narrow, navigating through it feels like wandering through a maze.
• I initially wanted to capture some beautiful photos there, but imagine my dismay when I discovered that it might require some mental preparation for visitors who want to enjoy the place:
  • Sanitation issue: Dog droppings could be seen on the ground at times, and even on the benches in those little pavilions. Finding a clean background for taking photos was quite challenging.
  • Trash everywhere: Snuff residue (from the snuff fruit people often chew and spit out) and cigarette butts spread all around the area.
  • Seating surprises: Some of the seating provided for rest were left with sneeze and spit remnants by some thoughtless individuals – ugh!
• Even my photographer friend joked about removing the dirt marks through image editing; what a frustrating situation, not a single satisfactory photo captured.
• True, in just eight years, how can a place change so drastically?
  • Before, I used to tell others that Guanqian Street could be quite enjoyable, but now I realize my naivety.
  • The various gripes people rant online could not be groundless; even I found myself joining in the barrage of complaints.

[Theresa Sporer]

I always park here when I visit. I usually skip the overcrowded street and just go grab a bowl of Mengzi rice noodles.

[Tracy Hoppe]

People who treat everywhere like a photo studio are a form of environmental pollution, too.

[Sylvia Franecki]

I feel like the park isn't as clean as it used to be, and it's not just an issue of aging. There's a clear difference when you compare it to Shanghai and Hangzhou.

[Steve Beatty]

Photos on a pedestrian street? What's there to shoot? Go to the gardens for that.

[Susie Kutch-Green]

Taking nice photos on a pedestrian street? Are you sure? It's just like Nanjing Road – what 'nice photos' can you really get? It's all just crowds of people.