- Nightfall at Shantang, Drunk in Gusu

How can you visit Suzhou without experiencing the Seven-Mile Shantang! This ancient street, hailed as the finest in Jiangnan, exudes timeless charm with its small bridges, flowing water, and black-tiled houses - every snapshot looks like an ink painting ✨ 📍Must-Visit Spots: 1️⃣ Shantang Street Entrance: Most beautiful at dusk when the red lanterns🏮 light up the night! Don't miss taking photos at Tonggui Bridge 2️⃣ Ancient Opera Stage: Daily Pingtan performances with enchanting Suzhou dialect melodies 3️⃣ Jiangnan Boat Banquet: Dine on authentic Suzhou cuisine while cruising on a rowing boat (~¥200/person, reservation required🚣) 4️⃣ Time-Honored Food Street: Zongzi sugar from Caizhizhai, square cakes from Huangtianyuan, meat mooncakes from Zhao Yuanzhang... pure bliss while strolling🍪🥮 🍜Must-Try Foods: ▪️ Songhelou (Shantang Branch): Authentic Suzhou cuisine - try their squirrel-shaped mandarin fish and three-shrimp noodles🍜 ▪️ Zhuhongxing Noodle House: Crab roe soup dumplings that burst with flavor ▪️ Grandma's Mung Bean Soup: ¥5 refreshing summer drink 📌Practical Tips: - Recommended visit duration: ~3 hours - Take Metro Line 2 to Shantang Street Station - Boat rides start at street entrance (¥50/person) - Weekdays offer better experience with fewer crowds