Shiquan Street's 'Makeover' Disaster: WTF, This Ain't Suzhou's Aesthetic!
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I share that sentiment. Wupeng boats would be much more fitting for the ancient city's style. The management seems to lack basic aesthetic sense and common knowledge.
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Suzhou has always given me the impression that it disregards its local residents.
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That's not entirely true. I personally experienced it 20 years ago on Shiquan Street – they even had to call residents for their opinions before opening a bar. That's precisely why this is so painful to witness now.
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Just open the window and you'll see.
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They say the current renovations are for tourism. In a few years, when they change it back, they'll probably say it's for the convenience of the residents.
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Otherwise, where would the GDP come from?
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The Shiquan Street renovation is the stupidest. Making half of Fenghuang Street-Renmin Road pedestrian-only is somewhat understandable, given the number of tourists. But to do the same for the section of Fenghuang Street further east is ridiculous. There are elementary and middle schools, plus many residential buildings, causing terrible traffic jams on the vehicle lanes during peak hours with cars, e-bikes, and bicycles all squeezed together, while the pedestrian walkway occupying half the road remains empty. The decision-makers seem to have forgotten that Shiquan Street is one of only two roads in the old city that directly connects Fenghuang Street to Donghuan Road, and it carries a significant volume of commuter traffic for both non-motorized vehicles and cars.
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It's like decisions are made on a whim, without any real thought, probably by higher-ups.
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The Shiquan Street of the past...
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Personally, I don't think this kind of lighting design is inherently bad, but it lacks elegance and subtlety. It's not based on extracting and highlighting elements from the city's history and culture, so it doesn't fit the city's character. It's just a reflection of current aesthetic trends.
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The way they're renovating the old city everywhere, with a 'beauty' that completely disregards the residents' lives... I'm almost looking forward to the day the old city is completely dead. So this is 'historic city preservation'? Hahahahahaha.
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The old city has become a tourist park with some gardens in it.