Suzhou Supplement: Stroll Down Pingjiang Lu

Momi Café

With two locations on Pingjiang Lu and stores in tourist areas across China, this zakka-style café chain full of too-cute graffiti has established itself as a nice place to stop and grab a drink or get one to go. Featuring books and a wide selection of coffees and milk teas, the shop is also known for its large collection of postcards that you can arrange to have postmarked and sent to you at any time in the future. 

25 Pingjiang Lu & 184 Pingjiang Lu

The Waterfront Tea House

This teahouse built on the canal running along Pingjiang Lu radiates with ancient charm. In addition to seating in the multi-level wooden structure, you’ll also find several tables outside for sharing a pot of freshly-made tea when the weather is warm. The tea selection here is extensive, including selections of pu’er, oolong and Wuyishan teas.  

36 Pingjiang Lu

Drawer

This quirky shop selling handmade dolls displays a sign warning would-be customers in Chinese: “In this shop, the phrase ‘the customer is always right’ doesn’t apply.” Also posted is the grandiose claim: “Drawer sells more than 30,000 dolls per year; if you took the string used to make them and connected it end to end it’d circle the earth three times.” Provocations aside, the plush toys inside are interesting and worth a look.

208 Pingjiang Lu. Tel: 198 1401 6101

Lvzhuweng

This shop is committed to anything and everything made out of bamboo. For decorating your home you’ll find decorative fountains, chairs, magazine racks, fruit baskets, fans, chopsticks and even vases all made out of the sturdy material. You’ll also find soap made from bamboo charcoal and bamboo backscratchers. There’s even underwear made from the plant’s resilient fibres. 

165 Pingjiang Lu. Tel: (0512) 6558 0001

Higher Tea House

Located on the opposite side of the canal across from Pingjiang Lu, this teahouse is noteworthy for its stunning design, blending traditional Chinese architecture and interior design with a tasteful contemporary touch. Be sure to stick around into the evening when professional Chinese musicians play pingtan – ancient Chinese folk music always arranged as duets between a man and a woman. 

End of Daru Xiang, next to Pingjiang Lu. Tel: (0512) 6777 7189 x 8018

Xin Yuan

For qipao fans, this shop is a must. The selection of handmade qipao features both traditional floral patterns and daring contemporary prints. In addition, you’ll also find other traditional Chinese women’s clothing including a traditional bright red wedding dress, complete with the obligatory veil.

122 Pingjiang Lu. Tel: 189 1314 8302

Pin Von

For a quick and authentic snack on Pingjiang Lu, it’s difficult to beat Pin Von. Claiming a 130 year history, this teahouse styled eatery on the bank of the canal offers snacks from RMB 5. The shengjianmantou (fried soup dumplings), babaoshumai (‘eight treasures’ glutinous rice dumplings) and the jiuniangyuanzi (rice balls in a sweet fermented rice porridge) are all highly recommended.

94 Pingjiang Lu.

Tel: (0512) 6728 8816

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