Every city has its own historical memory. However, every city is changing with the rapid development of economy and society. Suzhou has been built for over 2500 years. What’s more, it has never been moved from current location. It is very hard to find such an ancient city even all over world. How can we find historical memory in Suzhou now? I think seven-mile Shantang is one of these places.
Seven-mile Shantang is just one thousand-year old street. According to some reports in history, Mr. Baijuyi, who was the mayor of Suzhou in Tang dynasty, arranged people to build this street in order that it was convenient for Suzhou citizens to travel out from ancient city to tiger hill, the top one attraction of Suzhou. Afterwards, many shops and restaurants were set up beside this street. It has been prosperous for many years since it was built over one thousand years ago. And then many stories happened here. What is the most famous lovely story is Mr. Tangbohu and Ms. Qiuxiang.
Seven-mile Shantang has been preserving very well because of its renown. Many old traditional buildings are still in this old street, and many local people are living here, who also keep the local life style. So if you would like to visit old ancient Suzhou, seven-mile Shantang is a nice choice, I think.
