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Suzhou Street, formerly known as Wanshou Shopping Street, is located within Beijing's Summer Palace. Built during the Qianlong Emperor's reign, during the Qingyi Garden era, it was modeled after the Jiangnan water towns. It served as a waterside street specifically for Qing Dynasty emperors and empresses to stroll and explore. A variety of shops line the banks, including jade and antique shops, silk shops, pastry shops, teahouses, and jewelry stores. The buildings along the street are typical folk houses, with their grey tiles, grey bricks, and whitewashed walls. They combine the simplicity of northern architecture with the vibrant colors of the archways and memorial archways, embellishing the charming Jiangnan water towns.
Warm temperate semi-humid continental monsoon climate;
Spring, summer and autumn are the best times to visit
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours
10 yuan
8:00~17:00
Suzhou Street, built during the Yuan Dynasty, is an ancient shopping street that reflects the historic water town charm of Suzhou. It is designed to mimic the famous Suzhou Water Town and provides insight into Beijing's old merchant lifestyle.
Suzhou Street is located in the Xicheng District, near the Beijing Zoo. The easiest way to get there is by taking Metro Line 4 to Beijing Zoo Station, from which it's a short walk.
Suzhou Street is open daily and can be visited at any time. Early mornings or late afternoons during weekdays tend to be less crowded, providing a more peaceful experience.
Suzhou Street does not have an entrance fee. It is free to visit and wander through the area, though you may pay for shopping or food in the nearby stalls and shops.
No advance booking is needed for Suzhou Street. Visitors can walk in at any time.
1-2 hours should be enough to explore Suzhou Street and enjoy the shops, food, and scenic views along the street.
Guided tours are not typically available at Suzhou Street, but visitors can explore independently. Audio guides might be available at nearby attractions like the Beijing Zoo.
The best photography spots are along the canals and bridges, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light is soft. Capture the traditional Chinese architecture and the scenic water views.
Start from the main entrance, explore the shops, and walk along the canal. Cross over the bridges and take time to visit the nearby Beijing Zoo or local parks if desired.
Suzhou Street is open at night, though it does not feature light shows. It's a lovely place to visit for an evening stroll, especially when the shops are lit up and the area feels lively.
Suzhou Street can get crowded on weekends and holidays. Weekdays, especially in the early morning, offer a more peaceful visit.
There are plenty of small shops selling food, souvenirs, and local products. Public restrooms are available in the nearby Beijing Zoo and other surrounding areas.
Suzhou Street has cobblestone paths, so it might be a bit challenging for those with mobility issues. However, the surrounding area and Beijing Zoo are generally accessible for all visitors.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely used in the area for shopping and food.
There are vegetarian and vegan options available at local food stalls, such as vegetable dumplings and noodle soups. Halal food can also be found at restaurants near the area.
There are souvenir shops along Suzhou Street selling traditional Chinese handicrafts, tea sets, and local snacks. You can also find souvenirs like paper lanterns, silk items, and calligraphy brushes.
Taxi services and metro stations (Line 4) are nearby for easy access to other parts of Beijing. Buses and bicycles are also good options for exploring the area further.
