Shantang Street
Jiangsu · China
After lunch at a local restaurant, you next visit Shantang Street, a good example of the water town in Southern China with well-preserved traditional architecture. You can wander around the old street to view the Opera Stage, Boat Museum etc.
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Shantang Street1:45
Welcome to Shantang Street, a location that has been the commercial and cultural heart of Sujo for over one thousand two hundred years. Known as the 'First Ancient Street in China,' Shantang was established in 825 A.D. …
Listen in the app2The Entry Archway and Bai Juyi's Legacy1:25
At the threshold of Shantang Street stands an imposing stone archway, or 'pailou,' which serves as a symbolic gate to this historic district. This structure is a tribute to the street’s founder, Bai Ju-yi, whose vision…
Listen in the app3Canal Views and the Architecture of Water1:25
To truly appreciate Shantang, one must observe it from the perspective of the water. As you walk along the riverside, notice how the houses are built directly over the canal, supported by stone stilts or cantilevered eaves. …
Listen in the app4Tong-gui Bridge: The Heart of Shantang1:24
The Tong-gui Bridge is arguably the most iconic structure on Shantang Street. This high-arched stone bridge is the ideal vantage point for viewing the entire canal-side landscape. …
Listen in the app5Culinary Traditions and the Morning Ritual1:26
No exploration of Shantang is complete without indulging in the local culinary scene. The street is lined with steaming dim sum shops and traditional restaurants that have served the same recipes for generations. …
Listen in the app6The Intangible Arts: Pingtan and Kun Opera1:30
As you move deeper into the street, you will encounter the 'intangible' side of Sujo’s heritage. Shantang is home to several traditional tea houses where 'Pingtan' is performed daily. …
Listen in the app7Shantang at Night: The Dazzling River of Lights1:24
As dusk falls, Shantang undergoes its most dramatic transformation. The red lanterns lining the eaves are lit, casting a warm, crimson glow over the street and the water. …
Listen in the app8Closing1:24
Our journey through Shantang Street has brought us through 1,200 years of Sujo history. We have walked the path laid out by Bai Ju-yi, crossed the iconic Tong-gui Bridge, and tasted the flavors that have sustained this community…
Listen in the app
What is Shantang Street?
Shantang Street is a place in Jiangsu · China with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Jiangsu · China |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Total length | 11 min 43 s in all |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 31.3178, 120.6017 |
| Last updated |


