Construction:
Visitors may be surprised to see that this shopping street is almost the same as that in South China. As a matter of fact, this street was designed after the shops along the canals in Suzhou. Originally known as Emperor's Shopping Street, it was built during the reign of Emperor Qianlong. After making several inspection tours to South China and being duly impressed by its commercial prosperity, Emperor Qianlong ordered the construction of this street.

Announcing the architecture:
Built along the Back Lake of the Summer Palace, this street stretches about 300 meters and features more than 60 stores. It includes restaurants, teahouses, pawnshops, banks, drugstores, dyehouses and publishing houses. In order to recreate the atmosphere of ancient times, visitors will have the chance to exchange their money to ancient style Chinese coins for use here. Storefronts are trimmed with traditional signboards and ornaments. The commercial culture of the mid-18th century has thus been recreated.

Discover the history:
The imperial shopping street was burnt down by Anglo-French allied forces in 1860. The site remained desolate until 1987, when reconstruction began. It was opened to the public in September 1990.

With commercial culture as its hallmark, the Suzhou Shopping Street is a vivid representation of China' s traditional cultures.

Beijing Tour Routes Covers Summer Palace:

Photo of Summer Palace