Join me as I travel on a revitalized Suzhou Creek by boat from the Changhua Road Docks near the M50 art space all the way to the Bund. The weather was unbelievably good especially after the previous day had been a full day of rain.
Suzhou Creek (or Soochow Creek), also called the Wusong (Woosung) River, is a river that passes through the Shanghai city center. It is named after the neighboring city of Suzhou (Soochow), Jiangsu, the predominant settlement in this area prior to the rise of Shanghai as a metropolis.
One of the principal outlets of Lake Tai in Wujiang District of Suzhou, Suzhou Creek is 125 km (78 mi) long, of which 54 km are within the administrative region of Shanghai and 24 km within the city's highly urbanized parts. It flows into the Huangpu River at the northern end of the Bund in Huangpu District.
Since 1992, the Shanghai Municipal Government has been pursuing a redevelopment of the area. In 1998, authorities launched the Suzhou Creek Rehabilitation Project, a 12-year-program to improve the water quality, mitigate flood impact, introduce wastewater and water resource management and push for urban revitalization and a higher living standard in the desolated areas along Suzhou River. In the meantime, Suzhou River is considered clean enough to host annual rowing competitions.
Due to its location in the former International Settlement, a number of landmarks from that period can be found along or close to Suzhou Creek. Following the river westward from its confluence, important or famous places include:
Tim Chambers explores Shanghai's Suzhou Creek by boat, witnessing its stunning revitalization and iconic landmarks. A memorable journey through history and modernity!
Travel Guides & Tips in this video
Embark on a captivating journey with Tim Chambers as he navigates the revitalized Suzhou Creek in Shanghai by boat. Witness the stunning transformation of this once-polluted waterway into a picturesque urban landscape. Explore iconic landmarks like the Bund, the Astor House, and the Russian Consulate, all while enjoying breathtaking views of Shanghai's skyline. Discover hidden gems and historical sites, experiencing the city's rich past and vibrant present. This video offers a unique perspective of Shanghai, showcasing its blend of modern development and preserved history.
Next travel video:
16 min
2024
Shanghai Suzhou Creek Boat Tour: Historic Landmarks & Modern Art
Shanghai cruise on Suzhou Creek: stunning views, historic landmarks, and a revitalized waterfront. Unforgettable!
Shanghai Suzhou Creek Boat Tour: History, Art & Modern Marvels
Embark on a delightful spring boat journey along Shanghai's Suzhou Creek! Starting near the M50 art space, this relaxing cruise offers stunning views of historical landmarks like the Bund, Astor House, and the Russian Consulate. The revitalized creek, once neglected, now boasts improved water quality and vibrant urban spaces. Witness the harmonious blend of old and new Shanghai as you glide past iconic architecture and modern art installations. A truly unforgettable experience!
Attractions in this video: Thousand Trees, M50 Art Space, Sihang Warehouse, The Bund, Astor House, Russian Consulate, Shanghai General Post Office, Garden Bridge
More about the current video:(Published on 2024-04-19)
This video follows Tim Chambers's delightful boat journey along Shanghai's Suzhou Creek, a waterway dramatically transformed since the 2000s. The journey starts near the M50 art space, showcasing the 'Thousand Trees' development with its unique architecture.
Tim details the Suzhou Creek Rehabilitation Project, highlighting the city's impressive cleanup efforts and the creation of beautiful walkways and cycle paths. He points out the contrast between modern developments and restored historical buildings.
The ride provides stunning views of landmarks including the Bund, the Astor House, the Russian Consulate, and the iconic Shiong Warehouse, famous for its role in the Second Sino-Japanese War and featured in the movie "The 800".
Tim also shares insights into the area's art scene, mentioning the M50 art space and the newly opened photography gallery. He highlights the unique architecture of buildings along the creek, discussing the origins and history of several structures, including the Shanghai General Post Office and the debate around the Victor Sassoon's alleged initials in the architecture of two buildings.
The video captures the vibrant atmosphere of Shanghai, showing locals enjoying the revitalized area. Tim Chambers's commentary is engaging and informative, offering a blend of historical facts, personal observations, and humorous anecdotes. The journey concludes with a classic view of the Shanghai skyline, leaving the viewer with a sense of wonder and appreciation for the city's transformation.
The video's unique perspective from the water provides a fresh and captivating view of Shanghai's history and its modern rejuvenation. Tim Chambers's personal insights and enthusiastic narration make this a truly enjoyable and informative experience.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
Q: What's the best way to get tickets for the Suzhou Creek boat tour?
A: It's best to pre-book your tickets well in advance using a QR code. Doing it on the day can be tricky because it gets crowded.
Q: How clean is Suzhou Creek now?
A: It's been dramatically cleaned up since the 2000s. They've added walkways and cycle paths, and it's now quite pretty.
Q: What's the Sihang Warehouse's significance?
A: It's famous for its role in the Second Sino-Japanese War and is featured in the movie "The 800." It was a key point of defense during the war.
Q: What are some other interesting places along the creek?
A: There's the M50 art space, a newly opened photography gallery, the Astor House, and the Russian Consulate, to name a few.
Q: What's the story behind the Victor Sassoon initials?
A: Some people believe that the shape of two buildings near the creek resembles the initials of Victor Sassoon, who was associated with the Peace Hotel. More research is needed to confirm this.
