Shiquan Street's 'Makeover' Disaster: WTF, This Ain't Suzhou's Aesthetic!
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Well, I never thought it would come to this – criticizing the aesthetics of my beloved city, Suzhou, especially concerning Shiquan Street (for English-speaking tourists, we can refer to “Shiquan Street,” a rather famous road in Suzhou).
Let me give you a brief rundown for those who are less familiar with Suzhou: Suzhou is noted for its classical gardens and charmingly delicate Jiangnan waterside landscapes. Expectations for beauty from this place are typically quite high.
Now, Shiquan Street has stood as an old street teeming with history in Suzhou city. I have been strolling around this street for nearly two decades and feel deeply connected.
However, how about now? Recent changes seen on this street are somewhat difficult to describe… Aesthetics can indeed be pretty subjective; still, certain standards must be met!
️ Traveler’s warning! Advice time! ️- If you're after the original flavor of traditional Suzhou charm in Shiquan Street:
- You might find yourself slightly disappointed.
- My suggestion: stay loose! Despite the visual aesthetics being not up to the standard of traditional elegance, there might still be appealing aspects - characteristic small shops, or delicious food.
- In essence: It's not that Shiquan Street shouldn't be visited at all, but if you set your expectations too high concerning its appearance, particularly influenced by some old pictures or preconceived images, reality may seem underwhelming.
I hope my little rant could benefit friends who’re planning to visit the area!
- If you're after the original flavor of traditional Suzhou charm in Shiquan Street:
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I feel the same way. The once-beautiful city of Suzhou has been renovated into something nondescript and out of place. The red lanterns on Shantang Street are a real eyesore. In the Lingering Garden, small courtyards that should have banana trees and bamboo are now paved with bricks and filled with potted flowers like azaleas and bougainvillea. The entrances to all the gardens are just a riot of gaudy colors. Isn't there anyone competent in charge? Suzhou isn't just some trendy 'influencer city'; it doesn't need all this commercialization. I hope more people will speak out.
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Regarding the gardens, I have to offer a slightly different perspective. Suzhou's major gardens often host special flower exhibitions, especially in spring, to align with the seasons. It's a way of maximizing the use of the garden's resources, and it doesn't seem out of place or clash, does it?
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It would look much better if they replaced those brightly colored flower boats with the kind of black-canopied Wupeng boats from Zhang Ji's poem, perhaps with natural bamboo lanterns.
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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.