The imperial shopping street was burnt down by Anglo-French allied forces in 1860. The site remained desolated 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.

(On the road from the south fate of the suzhou shopping street to the marble boat)

This is the hall of Pines. From it to the west we can walk to the Marble Boat. The path we are taking stretches between Longevity Hill and Back Lake. Monarchs and their cohorts used to stroll along it. Hence it was named Central Imperial Path. Along this path you will see lilacs all around. Hence, this road is also known as the Path of Lilac.

(In front of the ruins of the Garden of complete spring)

Quite a few unique structures were burnt down during the reign of emperor Qianlong, among which the Garden of Complete Spring was one of the most famous. The ruined and desolate courtyard by the roadside was its original site, which remains to be restored. This group of structures cover an area of 4,000 square meters and features a number of halls built on three different levels. All of the structures were connected with galleries and stone staircases. With its natural and ingenious combination of pavilions, a hall, galleries and rooms, the Garden of Complete Spring serves as a fine model for other gardens. Emperor Qianlong frequently visited this compound.

(Along the lakeside by the Marble Boat)

Now we have returned from the back of Longevity Hill to the front. There is the famous Marble Boat. This structure is 36 meters in length and its body was made of marble. On top of it is a two storeyed structure. The floor was paved with colored bricks. All of the windows are inlaid with multi-colored glass and the ceiling was decorated with carved bricks. The drainage system channels rain water down through four hollow concrete pillars and into the lake through the mouth of dragon heads.

According to a book written by Emperor Qianlong, the boat was used for enjoying the scenery and was supposed to be symbolic of the stability of the Qing Dynasty.

Halfway up the slope there stands the Hall for listening to Orioles. The ancient Chinese liken the warble of an oriole to beautiful songs and melodies, hence the name of the hall which used to be a theater. Now the hall is one of the most famous restaurants in China, featuring imperial dishes and desserts. It is a must for many foreign visitors to have lunch here when then come to Beijing. More than one hundred heads of state worldwide have dined here and the late Premier Zhou Enlai has held banquets here in honor of state guests. (Sightseers who want to try the restaurant can go boating after they eat. Those who do not can go abroad right away. Those who do not feel like taking the boat can stroll along the Long Corridor to the outside of the East Gate).