Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai! A seriously underrated ancient town.

🏮 This is Qiandeng Ancient Town, a Jiangnan ancient town with a history of over 2,500 years. The ancient bridges, pagodas, and streets in the town all exude a strong sense of history.

🏮 Qiandeng Ancient Town is located in Kunshan, Jiangsu Province. It is the hometown of the patriotic scholar Gu Yanwu and the birthplace of Kunqu Opera. It not only has a profound cultural heritage, but also the tranquility and beauty unique to Jiangnan water towns.

📝 Recommended reasons
🔹 Cultural tour: Visit the former residence of Gu Yanwu and experience the style of this patriotic scholar.
🔹 Natural beauty: The thousand-year-old ginkgo tree next to Yanfu Temple is a golden sight in autumn.
🔹 Food experience: Taste Qiandeng Aozao Noodles, radish cakes, and other local snacks.

🚗 Transportation guide
🔸 Self-driving: Navigate to "Kunshan Qiandeng Ancient Town". There are plenty of parking spaces around the ancient town.
🚌 Public transportation: Take bus No. 12 or 122 from downtown Kunshan to Qiandeng Ancient Town.

📌 Recommended attractions
🏮 Former Residence of Gu Yanwu: Experience the life and spiritual world of this patriotic scholar.
🏮 Yanfu Temple: The temple has a long history and is a great place for prayer and meditation.
🏮 Qinfeng Pagoda: Climb to the top of the pagoda for a panoramic view of the ancient town.
🏮 Stone Street: Walk along this ancient street and experience the unique charm of Jiangnan water towns. It is 1.5 km long and well-preserved.

🗓️ Suggested itinerary
🌅 Morning: Arrive at Qiandeng Ancient Town and visit the former residence of Gu Yanwu.
🌆 Afternoon: Visit Yanfu Temple and Qinfeng Pagoda. Then stroll along Stone Street and enjoy the scenery.
🌇 Evening: Relax in a cafe or teahouse in the ancient town.

💰 Ticket prices and opening hours
🎫 Ancient town: Free
🎫 Former Residence of Gu Yanwu: CNY 20
🎫 Yanfu Temple: CNY 10
🎫 Qinfeng Pagoda: Included in the ancient town pass, CNY 37
🕗 Opening hours: All day

🏨 Accommodation guide
🏡 Inns in the ancient town: Stay in an inn in the ancient town to experience the tranquility of Jiangnan water towns.
🏢 Hotels nearby: If you want a more comfortable stay, consider hotels near the ancient town, such as Crowne Plaza Kunshan.

🍽️ Food recommendations
🍜 Qiandeng Aozao Noodles: Delicious soup and chewy noodles.
🥟 Ancient town snacks: Various traditional snacks, such as glutinous rice lotus root and sweet porridge.

📝 Tips
⏰ Best time to visit: Autumn, especially October, when the weather is cool and the scenery is beautiful.
🅿️ There is a large parking lot at the north gate of the ancient town. It is recommended to navigate in advance.
📸 The soft light in the morning and evening is the best time for photography.