Suzhou's Shiquan Street: Restoring a city's charm

As night falls, an outdoor movie is playing in a public area in front of the Fisher Coffee shop on Shiquan Street in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, captivating residents. Nearby, lights flicker on the river as tourists on boats lift their phones to capture the enchanting scene.

Tourists enjoy a misty nighttime boat ride on the river next to Shiquan Street in Suzhou. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Situated at the heart of Suzhou's ancient city area, Shiquan Street has been a bustling hub for centuries. Stretching 2 kilometers, it still retains the traditional layout of streets in Suzhou, where waterways run parallel to roads and streets neighbor rivers.
Following the nationwide trend of old street renovations, Shiquan Street completed its transformation at the end of June last year, quickly emerging as a trendy destination that draws numerous visitors for photo ops. The quality of life for the 20,000 households residing here has also improved, according to surveys by local communities.
Thus, the street has been labeled a fashionable district that embodies the lifestyle and architectural charm of Suzhou. In March, it was recognized by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development as a model case for neighborhood revitalization.

As the chief planner and designer of the Shiquan Street renovation, Deng Dong expresses his admiration for the leisurely lifestyle and inherent elegance of Suzhou residents.
"Residents here live with a sense of refinement, and they approach tasks with great meticulousness," says Deng, who is also vice president of the China Academy of Urban Planning & Design.

Deng describes the renovation of Shiquan Street as a successful example of people-oriented development, where residents, shop owners, and the community collaborated in construction and governance. During last year's renovation, Deng and his team spent a significant amount of time engaging in detailed communication with residents and businesses.
"The people here are particularly meticulous in their work. Once my design proposal was approved, they took the initiative to implement it with a strong sense of ownership," he says, adding that Suzhou has been home to scholars and literati since ancient times. This scholarly spirit is also ingrained in the DNA of the city's residents.
The renovation of Shiquan Street has successfully met the needs of all parties. Tourists can visit to take photos and experience Suzhou's leisurely and refined lifestyle and traditional culture, while residents can enjoy a comfortable living environment.
According to statistics compiled by Deng's team, the area now attracts an average of 20,000 visitors per day.
"In any neighborhood renovation, we must respect local culture and local people," he adds.

（Source: China Daily）
Source：iSzhou