Changzhou Travel Guide!

Changzhou is a historic Jiangnan city blending natural and cultural charm, perfect for short leisure trips. Here's a practical travel guide for you:

### I. Must-Visit Attractions
1. **China Dinosaur Park**
- Features: China's first dinosaur-themed park, ideal for families and young adults
- Highlights: 4D roller coaster, Dinosaur Gene Research Center, nighttime parade
- Suggested duration: 1 day

2. **Tianmu Lake**
- Activities: Lake cruise, Royal Hot Springs, fish head soup tasting
- Hidden gem: Hiking in Nanshan Bamboo Sea, golden bamboo views in autumn

3. **Spring and Autumn Yancheng Ruins**
- Key sights: China's most complete above-ground Spring-Autumn period city ruins
- Night recommendation: Yancheng Legend water show + illuminated park

4. **Qingguo Lane Historic District**
- Must-do: Zhou Youguang Library, Tang Jingchuan Residence, canal night cruise
- Food spots: Shrimp cakes, lard rolls, silver-thread noodles

### II. Hidden Gems
- **Red Plum Park**: Locals' favorite urban garden with stunning snowy plum pavilion views
- **No.5 Creative Block**: Artsy space in renovated industrial buildings, great for photos
- **Gehu Wetland Park**: Birdwatching paradise with "sky mirror" sunset effects

### III. Food Guide
1. **Traditional Flavors**
- Fuqianlou: Authentic Changzhou cuisine - try braised pork in wine sauce, Buddhist delight
- Yinsi Noodle House: Century-old shop - chicken soup noodles with crab roe dumplings
2. **Night Markets**
- University Town Night Market: Taste nationwide snacks for under 30 RMB/person
- Guanghua Road Food Street: Lively late-night dining hub

### IV. Accommodation
- **Luxury**: Dino Club Hotel (theme rooms), Tianmu Lake HanTian Peninsula
- **Budget-friendly**: Atour Hotel Cultural Plaza (near subway), Qingguo Lane homestays
- **Unique stays**: Taihu Bay Camp Valley (starry sky RVs)

### V. Practical Tips
1. Transport: Metro Lines 1/2 cover main attractions, taxi starting fare 10 RMB
2. Best seasons: March-May (flower season), September-November (autumn colors)
3. Hidden perk: Changzhou Travel Annual Card (200 RMB/year for 21 attractions)
4. Souvenirs: Combs (local specialty), pickled radish, Jiaoxi glutinous rice balls

Suggested 2-3 day itinerary: Day 1-Dino Park, Day 2-Tianmu Lake + hot springs, Day 3-cultural tour. Extend to Wuxi or Zhenjiang for multi-city trips if time allows.