Cao Xueqin's OG Hotspot: Where Earthly Riches & Romance Peaked!

[Mrs. Beverly Glover-Crist]

Sure, I have got this! Let's talk about the Shantang Ancient Street in Suzhou – many people say it gets crowded and too commercialized, but I believe the way you explore might be off.

1. The Shantang Street is actually quite long!

• The total length of the street is around 3.6 kilometers – we can split it into an eastern and a western section.

2. Popular Tourist Traps vs Authentic Treasures

• The "commercialization" that people often refer to mainly concerns the eastern segment where there are loads of shops and people – what you imagine as a typical "touristy street".
• However, this is where the key lies: I would strongly suggest exploring the western segment.
  • The western segment is longer – roughly 2.4 kilometers.
  • Compared to the eastern part, the western segment is less crowded and more tranquil, providing a genuine feel of the old streets.

3. What makes the West Side special?

• As you walk further west, you'll eventually reach the famous Huqiu Pagoda!
  • (Mini Fact: Huqiu Pagoda, alternatively known as the "Yunyan Temple Pagoda", is a renowned ancient pagoda in Suzhou. It’s somewhat like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, it also leans!)
• Moreover, along the western part of Shantang Street, you will come across seven stone pillars intricately carved with cats resembling [Chinese cats called civets].
  • (Another fact: In Chinese culture, civet cats serve almost as a symbol of fortune and guardian angels.)
• Hence, there's a local saying known as " Seven Cat Statues Guiding the Way to Huqiu" (or simply "Seven Cats Pointing to Huqiu") – meaning these seven civet cat statues seem to guide travelers towards Huqiu.

4. My small tip (underline required!):

• If you want to avoid the sea of crowds and to experience a less commercialized Shantang street, do visit the western segment for sure! The scenery and atmosphere are so different!
• Don't just cram up and visit the eastern side; the western segment is truly the hidden treasure!

[Roosevelt Reynolds]

A glimpse into the daily life of residents across the Shantang River from 'Rongyang Lou' in the western section of Shantang Street.

[Leland Erdman]

Your photos are better than mine.

[Joseph Thompson]

The eastern section.

[Anita Wiza]

So this is the Shantang Street (eastern section) that everyone has in their phone albums.

[Sammy Schiller]

Excuse me, can you see Tiger Hill Pagoda from any of the bridges that run parallel to Tonggui Bridge?

[Benjamin Dooley]

If you head towards Tiger Hill, you'll find the residential areas can be a bit messy, right?