Latest News:  

English>>Life & Culture

Savoring embroidery, opera and crafts on ancient Suzhou street

By Fei Lai (Shanghai Daily)

09:07, December 24, 2012

The ancient water town of Suzhou in Jiangsu Province was often called the Venice of the East because of its canals and old cobblestone streets and buildings. The old section, which dates back 2,500 years, is filled with charm and culture.

Pingjiang Road was built 800 years ago, running along a canal, and it has been renovated into a bustling tourist attraction with an authentic feel.

Strolling along the road is like walking in a dream. The street could be empty, with only the occasional sound of footsteps. Or it could be full of beautiful blossoms dancing in a cool breeze. Its shops and cafes beckon the browser and entice the curious.

If you are new in town, a stroll down the 1,600-meter road is one way to experience the old city. It was a major thoroughfare in the Song Dynasty (AD 960-1279) and because of its ancient style, it has become the symbol of ancient Suzhou.

Each step on the stone road has an echo, that of this ancient city and with a slight hint of espresso. All the houses along the road are unique-like, yet you can still find bars and cafes inside, and that is the uniqueness of this road - a mixture of modern and classic.

It doesn't take long to walk the length of the road, but to savor it and appreciate the old architecture and culture can take hours. There are a number of distinctive tea houses where locals sip tea, watch local opera and while away the hours.

Every night at Fuxi teahouse (97 Pingjiang Road), visitors can enjoy a famous scene from the Kunqu Opera, "The Peony Pavilion." One performer, Lu Chengfang, pioneered the method of narration plus acting to help the audience understand Kunqu Opera, known as the Voice of the Valley Orchids. She is a member of the local opera protection association and her performances are praised by visitors from around the country.

Elegant Kunqu Opera is around 600 years old and originated in the Kunshan region of Jiangsu Province. It dominated Chinese theater from the 16th to the 18th centuries.

【1】 【2】 【3】


We recommend:

40 sweet beauties dance Gangnam Style in bikini

Mysterious 'monsters' in deep sea

Most popular Chinese girls on Internet

Most popular Chinese actresses in 2012

Fairyland-look foggy scenery in Wuyuan

Elegant and sexy! Super models from Taiwan

Top 10 sports events of 2012

Top 10 most livable cities in the world

PK! Who is the most beautiful star?

Email|Print|Comments(Editor:杜明明、叶欣)

Leave your comment0 comments

  1. Name

  

Selections for you


  1. Weekly review of military photos (2012.12.17-12.21)

  2. Famous female political leaders of the world

  3. Animals receive Christmas treats at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

  4. China's weekly story (2012.12.15-12.20)

  5. Beijing swimmers brave freezing cold

  6. On Beijing-Guangzhou high-speed railway

  7. Beijing: A vigorous and beautiful city

  8. Best trips for Christmas 2012

Most Popular

Opinions

  1. Why the young Chinese get physically weaker
  2. Why Discover China is popular in the West
  3. The laughter sounds too harsh
  4. Do not confuse Confucious with Santa Claus
  5. Losers' can flatter themselves in any culture
  6. Time to abandon Olympic obsession

What’s happening in China

People in Hainan enjoy warm weather

  1. China arrests 96 in doomsday cult's birth province
  2. 7 dead, 1 injured in NW China pile-up
  3. Officials to line up for Beijing buffets
  4. 58 students affected by suspected food poisoning
  5. 3,117 school buses put into service in Gansu