Changshu One-Day Citywalk Guide | Unlocking the Poetry and Everyday Life of a Jiangnan Small Town

Want to avoid the crowds at popular tourist spots? Changshu, this low-key Jiangnan small town, quietly entered my view. Driving there, I started a leisurely one-day Citywalk. The day was fulfilling and wonderful, and now I’m sharing this guide with everyone. [One] Preparation • Documents: ID card is essential, as some attractions may require it for ticket purchase or entry. • Clothing: The temperature in Changshu during the May Day holiday is quite pleasant, but it can be a bit cool in the early morning and evening. It’s recommended to bring a light jacket. Also, choose comfortable sneakers for long walks. • Other items: Sunscreen products (sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.), umbrella (in case of sudden weather changes), water bottle (there are usually drinking water points inside attractions for refills). [Two][Station] Transportation Guide Driving from Shanghai to Changshu is very convenient, taking about 1.5 to 2 hours. After arriving in Changshu, you can flexibly choose parking spots based on the locations of different attractions. One-Day Citywalk Route Morning: Xingfu Zen Temple — Seeking the Tranquility of an Ancient Temple • Parking: If you start early, there may still be parking spaces at the attraction’s parking lot when you arrive at Xingfu Zen Temple, so you can park directly. If you arrive later and the parking lot is full, you can park on the street near the International Hotel and walk to the temple, which is not far. • Highlights: Xingfu Zen Temple has a long history and is one of the most famous temples in Changshu. Upon entering the temple gate, you can feel the strong Buddhist cultural atmosphere. The temple buildings are simple and elegant, the Mahavira Hall is solemn and majestic, and the Buddha statues are lifelike. Strolling through the temple, listening to the melodious bell sounds, and watching the incense smoke rise, your heart gradually calms down. The temple covers a large area, and a thorough visit takes about an hour. • [Coke] Food Recommendation: There is an old noodle shop at the temple entrance that you must not miss. Their specialty noodles are very authentic, with chewy noodles and rich, delicious broth. Paired with a delicate side dish, it’s a true delight for the taste buds. Noon: Around Caodang Street — Savor Local Cuisine After leaving Xingfu Zen Temple, park your car at the roadside parking lot near Caodang Street. There are many local small restaurants nearby where you can taste authentic Changshu dishes. For example, Changshu Beggar’s Chicken, with tender and juicy chicken and a fragrant aroma; and mushroom oil noodles, seasoned with unique mushroom oil, with smooth noodles and delicious flavor that leaves a lasting impression. Afternoon: Ancient City Citywalk Loop — Encountering the Charm of Jiangnan • Route: Zhong Alley → Zhaoyuan and Zengyuan Gardens → Yushan City Wall → Xiaosantai → Dushutai Park → Yin Xian Street → Yanyuan → Fangta Garden → Confucian Temple → Return to parking lot • [Rose] Zhaoyuan and Zengyuan Gardens: These two gardens are adjacent, like two sparkling pearls embedded in the ancient city. The pavilions and towers are arranged harmoniously, with rockeries and ponds complementing each other, and the scenery changes with the seasons. Walking through them feels like traveling back to the ancient Jiangnan water town, with every scene poetic and picturesque, well worth savoring. • [Rose] Yushan City Wall: Strolling along the Yushan City Wall, you can admire the ancient wall architecture and overlook the beautiful view of Changshu city. The bricks and stones on the wall have weathered the years, exuding a rustic charm. Standing on the wall, you can see distant mountains and nearby cityscapes, making you marvel at the unique charm of this small town. • [Rose] Xiaosantai: This is a small and exquisite attraction. Although not large in area, it is full of Jiangnan garden charm. Here, you can feel the ancient people’s refined pursuit of life and love for nature. • [Rose] Dushutai Park: The park is quiet and shaded with green trees. Dushutai was a place where ancient scholars read and lectured, full of rich cultural atmosphere. Walking in the park, you can almost hear the clear voices of ancient students reading aloud. • [Rose] Yin Xian Street: This is a street full of life, with many specialty shops and traditional buildings on both sides. You can browse the shops, pick some souvenirs, and experience the local customs. • [Rose] Yanyuan: Yanyuan’s scenery is relatively ordinary. If your time is tight, you can choose whether to visit. However, there are some unique buildings and landscapes inside, so garden art lovers may want to explore. • [Rose] Fangta Garden: Fangta (Square Pagoda) is one of Changshu’s iconic buildings. Fangta Garden centers around the pagoda, surrounded by pavilions, towers, and greenery. Climbing the pagoda offers a panoramic view of the garden, letting you feel the grandeur and magnificence of this ancient tower. • [Rose] Confucian Temple: Admission is 10 yuan. The Confucian Temple is a place to worship Confucius and was the cultural and educational center of ancient Changshu. Entering the temple feels like traveling through time, sensing the ancient scholars’ thirst for knowledge and reverence for the sage. The temple buildings are solemn and dignified, with many cultural relics and historical sites, holding high historical and cultural value. [!] Notes • When visiting the ancient city, please protect the environment and do not litter. • When tasting local food, order according to your taste and appetite to avoid waste. Changshu, this Jiangnan small town, is like a thick history book, with every page full of stories. During this one-day Citywalk, I felt its tranquility and poetry, and also appreciated its history and culture. If you want to find a quiet place to relax your body and mind on weekends or holidays, why not take a walk in Changshu? I believe you will definitely fall in love with this small town.