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With Pandaland Villager ... Visitor Guide to ShanTang River and ShanTang Street, SuZhou Overview ShanTang River and ShanTang Street, located in SuZhou, JiangSu Province, are renowned for their picturesque beauty and historical significance. Often referred to as the "Venice of the East," ShanTang Street is a perfect blend of traditional Chinese architecture, serene waterways, and vibrant local culture, making it a must-visit destination. Historical Background of ShanTang River ShanTang River, also known as the "Seven-Li Shantang," was originally constructed in 825 AD during the Tang Dynasty. The construction was overseen by Bai Juyi, a renowned poet and the then governor of SuZhou. The canal was built to connect SuZhou city with HuQiu (Tiger Hill), facilitating trade and transportation while providing a scenic route for travelers. The project was an ambitious undertaking aimed at promoting economic development and improving water management in the region. The construction of the canal also helped to control flooding and provided a reliable source of water for irrigation, which was crucial for local agriculture. Over the centuries, ShanTang River became a vital artery for the transportation of goods and people. It also served as a cultural hub, with the development of markets, temples, and residential areas along its banks. The river and the adjacent ShanTang Street became synonymous with prosperity and cultural richness, attracting scholars, merchants, and artists who contributed to the flourishing of SuZhou. Getting There By Air: The nearest airport is SuZhou Sunan Shuofang International Airport (WUX), located about 40 kilometers from the city center. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus to reach ShanTang Street. By Train: SuZhou Railway Station is well-connected with major cities like Shanghai, HangZhou, and Nanjing. From the station, you can take a local bus or taxi to reach ShanTang Street. By Bus: SuZhou is well-served by long-distance buses from nearby cities. The main bus station in SuZhou is SuZhou North Bus Station, from where you can take a local bus or taxi to ShanTang Street. Getting Around Walking: The best way to explore ShanTang Street is on foot, allowing you to fully appreciate the historical buildings, quaint shops, and beautiful scenery. Boating: Taking a boat ride along the ShanTang River offers a unique perspective of the ancient town and its waterways. Local Transport: Taxis and local buses are available for traveling to and from different parts of SuZhou. Main Attractions ShanTang Street This ancient street, with a history of over 1,100 years, stretches for about 3.5 kilometers along the ShanTang River. It is lined with well-preserved traditional buildings, charming shops, tea houses, and restaurants, offering a delightful walking experience. ShanTang River The ShanTang River is a scenic waterway that flows through the heart of the town. Boat rides along the river provide a tranquil and picturesque journey, showcasing the town's beautiful bridges, ancient buildings, and lush gardens. Pingjiang Road Located nearby, Pingjiang Road is another historic street that complements your visit to ShanTang Street. Known for its classical SuZhou gardens, traditional houses, and cultural sites, it offers a deeper understanding of SuZhou's rich heritage. Baosheng Temple Baosheng Temple, located along ShanTang Street, is a historic Buddhist temple with beautiful architecture and serene gardens. It provides a peaceful retreat and a glimpse into the town's religious heritage. Tiger Hill Just a short distance from ShanTang Street, Tiger Hill is a popular tourist attraction known for its natural beauty, historical sites, and the iconic Yunyan Pagoda, often referred to as the "Leaning Tower of China." Local Cuisine SuZhou's cuisine is known for its delicate flavors and emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Here are some must-try dishes: Sweet and Sour Mandarin Fish: A signature dish of SuZhou, featuring fresh fish cooked in a sweet and tangy sauce. Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish: A beautifully presented dish with a crispy exterior and tender meat, often served with a sweet and sour sauce. SuZhou Noodles: Hand-pulled noodles served in a rich broth with various toppings, including pork, shrimp, and vegetables. Local Pastries: Try the traditional SuZhou-style mooncakes and other pastries filled with sweet or savory ingredients. Shopping Local Handicrafts: ShanTang Street is famous for its traditional handicrafts, including silk products, embroidery, and paper-cutting. These items make for unique souvenirs. Antique Shops: Explore local antique shops for historical artifacts, vintage items, and collectibles. Tea Houses: Purchase high-quality Chinese tea from the local tea houses along ShanTang Street. Accommodation Traditional Inns: For an authentic experience, consider staying in a traditional inn or guesthouse, which often feature historical architecture and local decor. Mid-Range Hotels: Options such as the SuZhou Garden Hotel and local boutique hotels provide comfortable accommodations at reasonable prices. Luxury Hotels: For a high-end stay, consider hotels like the SuZhou Marriott Hotel or the SuZhou Jinji Lake Grand Hotel, both offering excellent amenities and service. Tips for Visitors Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit ShanTang Street are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Clothing: Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers to accommodate changing temperatures. An umbrella or raincoat is useful during the rainy season. Respect Local Customs: Be respectful of local customs and traditions. Dress modestly and be mindful of local etiquette, especially when visiting historical and cultural sites. Language: While Mandarin is widely spoken, learning a few basic phrases or using a translation app can be very helpful. Plan Your Visit: ShanTang Street is best explored at a leisurely pace. Take your time to wander through the streets, visit local shops, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. Conclusion ShanTang River and ShanTang Street, with their rich history, traditional architecture, and picturesque scenery, offer a unique and memorable travel experience. Whether you're exploring ancient streets, savoring local cuisine, or taking a serene boat ride along the river, ShanTang provides an unforgettable glimpse into SuZhou's past. Plan your visit carefully to make the most of your trip to this charming destination in JiangSu Province.

30 popular drinks and beverages you might encounter in China, including traditional favorites and popular choices: Green Tea (绿茶, lǜchá) - Refreshing and commonly served in Chinese restaurants and households. Black Tea (红茶, hóngchá) - Another classic tea variety enjoyed across China. Oolong Tea (乌龙茶, wūlóngchá) - Semi-oxidized tea with a diverse range of flavors. Jasmine Tea (茉莉花茶, mòlìhuā chá) - Fragrant tea infused with jasmine flowers. Pu-erh Tea (普洱茶, pǔ'ěrchá) - A fermented tea known for its earthy flavor and health benefits. Chrysanthemum Tea (菊花茶, júhuā chá) - Light and floral tea made from chrysanthemum flowers. Hawthorn Juice (山楂汁, shānzhā zhī) - Tart and slightly sweet juice made from hawthorn berries. Coconut Water (椰子水, yēzi shuǐ) - Refreshing and hydrating natural drink from young coconuts. Soy Milk (豆浆, dòu jiāng) - Nutty and creamy beverage made from soybeans. Milk Tea (奶茶, nǎichá) - Popular sweetened tea with milk, often served cold or hot. Bubble Tea (珍珠奶茶, zhēnzhū nǎichá) - Sweetened tea or milk drink with chewy tapioca pearls. Lemon Tea (柠檬茶, níngméng chá) - Tea infused with lemon juice, often served cold. Lü Cheng Ice Tea (绿茶, lǜchá) - A popular bottled tea often found in convenience stores. Chrysanthemum Tea (菊花茶, júhuā chá) - Light and floral tea made from chrysanthemum flowers. Soy Milk (豆浆, dòu jiāng) - Nutty and creamy beverage made from soybeans. Milk Tea (奶茶, nǎichá) - Popular sweetened tea with milk, often served cold or hot. Bubble Tea (珍珠奶茶, zhēnzhū nǎichá) - Sweetened tea or milk drink with chewy tapioca pearls. Lemon Tea (柠檬茶, níngméng chá) - Tea infused with lemon juice, often served cold. Lü Cheng Ice Tea (绿茶冰, lǜchá bīng) - Bottled green tea served chilled with ice. Beer (啤酒, píjiǔ) - Commonly enjoyed alcoholic beverage in China, with popular brands like Tsingtao and Snow Beer. Rice Wine (米酒, mǐjiǔ) - Traditional Chinese alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice. Baijiu (白酒, báijiǔ) - Strong Chinese distilled spirit made from grains, commonly consumed during celebrations. Plum Juice (酸梅汤, suān méi tāng) - Tangy and sweet juice made from preserved plums. Winter Melon Tea (冬瓜茶, dōngguā chá) - Refreshing tea made from winter melon, often sweetened. Red Bean Soup (红豆汤, hóngdòu tāng) - Sweet soup made from boiled red beans, served hot or cold. Honey Citron Tea (柚子蜂蜜茶, yòuzi fēngmì chá) - Tea infused with honey and citron fruit, served hot. Laba Congee (腊八粥, làbā zhōu) - Sweet rice porridge traditionally enjoyed on Laba Festival, made with various ingredients like nuts and dried fruits. Wolfberry Tea (枸杞茶, gǒuqǐ chá) - Tea made from goji berries (wolfberries), known for their health benefits. Osmanthus Tea (桂花茶, guìhuā chá) - Fragrant tea made from osmanthus flowers, often sweetened. Lemon Water (柠檬水, níngméng shuǐ) - Simple infused water made with lemon slices and water. These are just a few examples of the diverse and delightful drinks you can enjoy in China. Each region may have its own specialties and variations of these beverages.

The magnificent Temple of Heaven (TianTan) was constructed between 1406 and 1420 (Ming dynasty) during the reign of the emperor YongLe who also oversaw the construction of the Forbidden City.The Temple of Heaven was where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties would offer sacrifices to heaven and pray for good harvests. The temple complex was extended during the reign of emperor JiaJing during the 16th century (Ming dynasty). JiaJing also constructed three other key temples in Beijing : the Temple of the Sun in the east, the Temple of the Moon in the west, and the Temple of Earth in the north. Emperor QianLong directed a renovation of the Temple of Heaven during the 18th century (Qing dynasty). The architecture and layout of the Temple of Heaven is based on elaborate symbolism and numerology. One example is that the buildings and their settings reflect ancient Chinese religious beliefs that imagine heaven as round and earth as square. Because the Temple of Heaven was to be the place representing Heaven on Earth, it needed to be larger than the Forbidden City; it covers approximately twice the area and is about 2 kilometers from north to south, the primary axis with three main structures; indeed, it is the largest group of constructions for worship in the world. In 1998, the Temple of Heaven was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. In early 2005, the Temple of Heaven underwent a 47 million yuan (6 million USD) renovation that was completed on May 1st, 2006. The Temple of Heaven is a delightful place to spend some time. Arrive in the early morning to watch the Tai Chi experts, although the park is lively all day and into the evening with kite flyers, musicians, singers, dancers and games players (from badminton to Chinese chess).

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QingHai province lies in west / central China.