The Great Song Dream on the Water: Meishan Water Street and the Legacy of Su Dongpo

The "Great Song Everbright City" of Sichuan

1.Located in the Dongpo District of Meishan: City, Sichuan Province, Meishan Water Street (also known as Dongpo Water Street or Sansu Water Street) is a dazzling cultural landmark that brings the elegance of the Northern Song Dynasty back to life. Situated on the east bank of the Minjiang River, near the confluence with the Tonghui River, the street sits at an altitude of approximately 450 meters. It serves as a modern homage to the city's most famous son, Su Dongpo (Su Shi), and the rich literary heritage of the "Three Sus." Unlike static museums, Meishan Water Street is a vibrant, immersive district often compared to the "Grand Tang Mall" in Xi'an, but with the distinct, refined aesthetics of the Song Dynasty. It creates a dreamlike atmosphere where "streets float on water, and boats travel through the city," earning it the reputation of being a "Little West Lake in Sichuan" and a "Sleepless City of the Great Song".

A Landscape of Water and Wood

2.The architectural soul of Meishan Water: Street lies in its unique "Water and Land Parallel" layout. The Tonghui River winds through the heart of the district, flanked by magnificent Diaojiaolou (stilt houses) built in the traditional Song style with grey tiles, flying eaves, and intricate wood carvings. The landscape is a masterpiece of garden design, featuring stone bridges like the Dongpo Bridge, lush willows, and artificial mists that shroud the buildings in a fairylike aura. Visitors can stroll along the stone-paved paths or take a ride on a Hua Fang (painted pleasure boat). Gliding under the bridges while the lights reflect off the rippling water offers a perspective described as "viewing the street from the water, and the water from the street." In the evenings, the area transforms into a spectacle of lights; lanterns glow from the eaves, and river lights shimmer like a galaxy, creating a romantic and bustling scene reminiscent of ancient capital night markets.

The Spirit of Su Dongpo

Meishan is the hometown of the "Three Sus" (Su Xun, Su Shi, and Su Zhe), and the Water Street is deeply imbued with their cultural legacy. The street serves as an extension of the water vein from the nearby San Su Shrine (San Su Ci). Elements of Su Dongpo’s life and literature are embedded throughout the district. Walls and bridges are adorned with carvings of his famous calligraphy and poetry, such as "The Moon Festival" (Shuidiao Getou) and "Memories of the Red Cliff." Visitors often stop to recite these verses, connecting with the poet's spirit of "living a life of straw sandals and misty rain." The majestic Ancient Drama Stage in the center of the street hosts regular performances, including Sichuan Opera and Song-style parades, where actors dressed in period costumes recreate the elegance of the Song court, allowing tourists to travel back in time.

A Feast of Flavors and Folk Customs

Beyond its visual splendor, Meishan Water Street is a hub of Sichuan's relaxed lifestyle and culinary traditions. The street is lined with teahouses where locals and tourists alike sit on bamboo chairs, sipping covered-bowl tea and watching the world go by. The culinary scene is dominated by local specialties, particularly Meishan Douhua (bean curd). Made with water from the Minjiang River system, the bean curd is tender and flavorful, often served with spicy dipping sauces, Tuotuo meat, or yellow catfish, reflecting Su Dongpo’s own love for food. During festivals, such as the Dongpo Culture Festival or the Spring Festival, the street becomes a carnival of folk customs. Activities include releasing river lanterns, poetry recitals, and Hanfu (traditional clothing) gatherings. Whether you are seeking the romance of a boat ride, the taste of authentic Sichuan cuisine, or a deep dive into literary history, Meishan Water Street offers a poetic escape into the heart of Bashu culture.