Pingjiang Road is a historical street which dates back to the South Song Dynasty. With well-preserved blocks, it acts as an epitome of ancient Suzhou. Walking in Pingjiang Road resembles stepping the daily life of people in old times. The charming night view, delicious local, food, different kinds of handicrafts will give you a wonderful experience.
What to See in Pingjiang Road
Cake Bridge
There is a bridge situated along Pingjiang called the “Cake Bridge” which was named after a man who used to bring cake for his mother every day. One day, however, he couldn’t work and therefore couldn’t buy the cake for his mother. He was then forced to make a “cake” from snow. This story, as weird as it sounded, was true and showed how much this man loved his mother.
Museum for Kunqu Opera
The museum for the Kunqu opera is also located there. In it there is an assembled stage for Kunqu performances in the late Qing Dynasty – an important item for exhibition in the China Kunqu Museum. History shows it used to be assembled for performances to wealthy families with the musicians sitting on three sides of the stage.
Former Residences of Famous Figure
There were many former residence of famous people, for example, the former residence of a bookworm whose name was Huang Pilie in the Xuanqiao Lane, it was said that the residence was his little library. In the same lane, the former residence of Hongjun was also there. Hongjun was a “Zhuangyuan” (the one who came first in the highest imperial examination) in Qing Dynasty; he lived here with Sai Jinhua. Besides, you can also see the former residence of the famous doctor Qian Boxuan and the Garden of historian Gu Jigang. However, these old residence were changed into residential area. Although the main hall of the residence and the carve patterns on the woodwork still keep their original appearance, the high wall can not segregate the life of town. Now you can only find the remains of history in the window bar or in the purl or even on the rock. Perhaps, the most meaningful memory of Suzhou was embodied in the life of local residents and the culture of old residences.
How to Get to Pingjiang Road
Route 1: Take the Airport Express at the Hongqiao Airport or Pudong Airport in Shanghai and get off at China Eastern Airlines Booking Office in Suzhou. Then you can take bus No. 68, 112, 114, 307, 60, 9, 900, 2, or No.800. You get on the bus at the "Yang Yu Xiang" station and get off at "Xiang Men" station.
Route 2: Take the Airport Express at the Wuxi Shuofang Airport and get off at the Trust-Mart, South Gate of Suzhou. Then you take bus No. 261 and get on it at the station of " North of Tuanjie Bridge" and get off at "Xiang Men" station.
Route 3: Take bus No. 529, 518, 309, 178 or 202 at Suzhou Railway Station and get off at the "Vinegar Workshop East Guanqian Street".
Route 4: Take bus No. 178 at Suzhou North Station and get off at the "Vinegar Workshop East Guanqian Street".
Route 5: Take bus No. 811, 529 or No.55 at Suzhou South Station and get off at the "Vinegar Workshop East Guanqian Street".
Warm Tips
Safe Tip - There are some electric motorcycles passing through the road and tourists need to look out and take care of the kids.
Eating - One store called the Yogurt of Fox sells yogurt with good taste. You can have a try if you interest but be ready for the long queue.
Acommodation - Many lodges with featured decoration are in the main street and lanes of Pingjiang Road, choose one and you have a very good view of the night view of Pingjiang Road.
Admission Fee - Ticket for Couple Garden is 20 RMB on season (March ~ October) and 15 RMB off season (November ~ February). Suzhou Opera Museum is free to visit.
Opening Hours - The opening time for Couple Garden is 7:00 ~ 17:00 on season and 7:00 ~16:30 off season; for Suzhou Opera Museum is 9:00 ~ 16:30 of Tuesday ~ Sunday.