Top 10 China tours 2023/2024 for first visits and returns: embark on a lifetime experience. Learn more
 Guanqian Street, Suzhou

Guanqian Street, Suzhou

Written by Kelly PangUpdated Oct. 14, 2021

This 150-year-old street is one of the "four famous shopping streets" in China. It is known far and wide for its unique blend of old and new attractions. Gourmands and tourists should not miss the cuisine and culture contained on this classic strip.

Features

  • Length: 760 meters
  • Popular attractions: century-old and modern shops, Xuanmiao Temple, authentic Suzhou cuisine
  • Suited to: travelers looking for easy walking, classic cuisine, local products, and historic architecture
  • Time needed: 1–4 hours

History and Shopping

The street consists of the eastern, middle, and western sections. The eastern part is filled with ancient buildings of historical significance. The middle section features the temple, and the western section boasts many fashionable shops for pedestrian shoppers. 

With its century-old shops and restaurants serving authentic Suzhou cuisine, strolling on Guanqian Street is a favorite pastime for locals and tourists alike who wish to enjoy ancient history with modern sights. The restored ancient street is used to reach the magnificent temples on and around it to discover centuries of Chinese history. 

Only recently has the encroaching modern China made it a place for elegant shopping and tourism.

Travel Essentials

Guanqian Street, Suzhou
  • Chinese: 观前街 Guānqián Jiē /gwan-chyen jyeah/ 'Look Front Street'
  • Location: in front of the Xuanmiao Taoist Temple, about 5 km (3 miles) southeast of the city center
  • Transport: an 8–10 minute walk from Lindun Road or Leqiao station on metro line 1, or a taxi from the city center costs around 15 yuan.

Best Times To Visit

The best times to visit Suzhou are March–May and September–November when the weather is at its best.

It is advised to avoid visiting on the weekend rush or during any national public holidays, such as Labor Day (May 1 to 7) and National Day (October 1 to 7).

  • Open: all day every day. Saturday afternoon/evening is a popular time to go, and can be particularly crowded.

Nearby Attractions

Touring Guanqian Street with China Highlights

Guanqian StreetGuanqian Street

Let us plan your ideal tour of Suzhou. You can customize the following popular tours or start from your ideas.

We are here to help you...
start planning your tailor-made tour with 1-1 help from our travel advisors. Create Your Trip

The China Highlights Experience

1-to-1 Expert Planning

1-to-1 Expert Planning

Your tour will be tailor-made by your personal travel advisor — a destination expert. Every reply will be within 24 hours.

Personal Journeys

Personal Journeys

Enjoy your personal local guide and ride. Explore destinations at your own pace. Have unparalleled flexibility, which is impossible on a group tour.

Authentic Experiences

Authentic Experiences

Discover the hidden gems. Experience local culture by practicing it. Try new and exciting activities, and unveil the stories behind the sights and people.

Well-Selected Local Guides

Well-Selected Local Guides

Knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and attentive — your personal local guides will share interesting stories, insider information, and even create unexpected highlights!

China Highlights tailor-makes China tours to help travelers discover China their way. We're a passionate team of one hundred avid travelers who love to share our knowledge of China with those looking for a more authentic travel experience, more ...
China Highlights International Travel Service Co., LTD
Corporate Number: 914503003486045699
Featured on