Songhelou is one of Suzhou's oldest restaurants, known for squirrel-shaped mandarin fish. The Guanqian Street branch is a short walk from the pedestrian shopping street.
Songhelou is counted among China's four best-known old restaurants, alongside Quanjude in Beijing, Louwailou in Hangzhou and Fuchun in Yangzhou. The branch at 72 Taijian Lane, off Guanqian Street in Suzhou's old centre, is the one visitors usually use. The signature is squirrel-shaped mandarin fish: a boneless fish scored, fried until the flesh fans out, then dressed in bright sweet-sour sauce. Other regular orders are Biluochun tea shrimp and Suzhou-style braised pork. Expect CNY 120-250 (USD 18-37) per person. Phone bookings are on +86 512 6770 0688; staff are used to foreign guests, although English is limited. Payment by Alipay or WeChat Pay is standard.
| Price | $$$ |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily approx. 11:00AM-2:00PM and 5:00PM-8:30PM |
| Reservations | Recommended at dinner and weekends |
| Address | 72 Taijian Lane, Guanqian Street, Gusu District, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China |
Signature dishes
- Squirrel-shaped mandarin fish (songshu guiyu)
- Suzhou-style braised pork
- Biluochun tea shrimp
- Stir-fried river shrimp
Good to know
- Known for
- Squirrel-shaped mandarin fish
Location
72 Taijian Lane, Guanqian Street, Gusu District, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
31.3113, 120.6236 View on map
Highlights
- Squirrel-shaped mandarin fish is the benchmark version
- Central Guanqian Street location
- Classic Su-style cooking
Tips for visiting
- Payment is by Alipay or WeChat Pay; foreign cards are accepted at few venues, so a foreign-card-linked Alipay or WeChat Pay account set up before arrival, or cash, is the safe plan.
- Menus are usually Chinese-only outside large hotels; a translation app (Google Translate camera mode or Baidu Translate) and photo menus help.
- Confirm the fish price by weight before ordering
- Book ahead for weekend dinner
When to visit
Weekday lunch
Accessibility
Stairs are common in older buildings; step-free access varies and is best confirmed by phone or on Amap.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Where is it?
72 Taijian Lane, Guanqian Street, Suzhou.
Is it good for solo diners?
Dishes are large; ask for small portions or join a shared table.