The heartbeat of historic Suzhou

• Source: Global Times
• [20:03 July 07 2009]
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Examples of the various architecture found along Pingjiang Street.

By Wang Chunhong

A flagstone-paved road lined with fragrant camphor trees reflected on the river below, paints but one of the countless scenes from Pingjiang Street in the heart of what historically was described as the “paradise of Suzhou,” one of China’s top 10 “Renowned Cultural-Historic Streets,” unveiled by the Ministry of Culture in June.

The original layout of Pingjiang Street, complete with winding canals, is still today much as it was depicted on a map surviving from 1229 created during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), the earliest and most detailed engraved city map existing in China.

In this living architectural treasure, the residences of Pingjiang Street stretch along both sides of the river, their black, white and gray facades and aesthetically pleasing irregularity are wonderfully preserved examples of traditional architecture south of the Yangtze River.

Houses of nobles, wealthy merchants and notable figures in history each flaunt their own unique characteristic. Most famous are Ligeng Hall and the former residence of Hong Jun, the champion scholar who brought honor to Pingjiang Street by receiving the highest score on the imperial examination during the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).