The historical block of Pingjiang Road is located south of the Humble Administrator’s Garden. With a history of more than 2,500 years, it is an ancient block that is relatively well-preserved. It is only separated by an alley from Guanqian Street in the west, but it has a completely different quiet and simple atmosphere. Strolling here casually, looking at the buildings and eating snacks is very comfortable.
The entire block is centered on Pingjiang Road. On the east and west sides are alleys such as Xuanqiao Lane, Daru Lane, Weidaoguanqian, Zhongzhangjia Lane, and Danewbridge Lane. In particular, multiple water lanes are still preserved on the east side. In the block, land and water run parallel, and rivers and streets are adjacent, which has the characteristics of a water town in the south of the Yangtze River. The block retains the old appearance of the streets and alleys. Even bars, souvenir shops, and cafes that have been renovated are not ostentatious and look like residential houses. You can carefully observe the old houses here. With white walls, grey tiles, and wooden doors and windows, they are elegant and charming. The bridges here also have their own characteristics. The drum-shaped stones at both ends of the bridge railing, the cloud-patterned stone pillars, and the railings engraved with patterns such as two dragons playing with pearls, green bamboos, and flowers are all very delicate. There are also Kunqu Opera Museum and Pingtan Museum in the block. You can enjoy wonderful performances in the museums. There is Couple’s Garden on the east side of the block and Lion Grove on the west side. You can have a good tour. In addition, at the upstream pier of Pingjiang River, you can take a boat to tour Pingjiang River. In the evening, when the lights are on the small bridges, flowing water, ancient houses and streets, it is extremely intoxicating. There are many interesting shops that literary and artistic youths love to visit in the ancient block. For example, the store ‘Cat’s Sky City’. This bookstore full of petty bourgeois sentiment is very lively. Many people send ‘postcards to the future’ here. There are also small flower shops, Suzhou-style clothing stores, etc. that are all very distinctive. Of course, there are also many delicious foods worth tasting in this block. The opening hours are all year round and open all day. There are two shifts of cruise ships every day, one at 10:00 in the morning and one at 14:00 in the afternoon (ticket exchange stops half an hour before departure).
