Weekend Getaway for Working Professionals: Stop #30 - Taicang, Jiangsu

Weekend Escape for the 9-to-5 Crowd🎉 Stop #30📍 Taicang, Jiangsu✅

🚘 Transportation
Train🚂: Shanghai Hongqiao to Taicang, ticket price 23 yuan, duration: 30 minutes.
Travel tips: 🚌, 🗺️, 🚖

🏠 Accommodation Recommendation:
Boman Hotel (Suzhou Taicang Wanda Plaza Museum Branch) 195 yuan.

📮 CityWalk Itinerary
DAY1⃣️: Taicang Station - Taicang Museum - Haiyundi Scenic Area - Shaxi Ancient Town.
DAY2⃣️: Nanyuan Garden - 72 Ideal Village - Liuhe Ancient Town - Shanghai.

🔸GD:📍 Shaxi Ancient Town.
👍 Must-visit: Shaxi Ancient Town 🎫 Free
This is a large-scale ancient town with low commercialization. On sunny days, every snapshot looks picturesque📷.
Local snacks worth trying: Caotou pancakes, radish cake, pork floss qingtuan, and Taicang's specialty pork floss. A casual stroll takes about 2 hours.

🔸GD:📍 Taicang Museum.
👍 Must-visit: Taicang Museum 🎫 Free, no reservation needed.
Friendly reminder💖 The museum closes at 16:30, so plan your time wisely to avoid missing out! The museum features a massive ancient ship and exhibitions across four floors that will immerse you for hours.

🔸GD:📍 Haiyundi European Style Street.
👍 Must-visit: Haiyundi European Style Street 🎫 Free
Quiet during the day but transforms into a stunning spectacle when night lights illuminate the area. Filled with European architecture and graffiti, it's perfect for photos! Best visited at night to enjoy the enchanting lights.

🔸GD:📍 Nanyuan Garden.
👍 Must-visit: Nanyuan Garden 🌳 A beautiful garden lush with flowers and plants.
Previously ticketed, this 3A-rated scenic spot now offers free admission. It rivals Suzhou's famous gardens and is absolutely worth visiting.

🔸GD:📍 72 Ideal Village.
👍 Must-visit: 72 Ideal Village 🎫 Free
The most photogenic spot💖 offering breathtaking riverside views. Home to the Sanlian Bookstore, with windmills, lakes, and lighthouses creating picturesque scenery. Activities include riding a mini train, crab digging, and picnicking. The full loop takes 2-3 hours. Walk further to Liuhe Military Parade Platform for better photo opportunities📸.

🔸GD:📍 Liuhe Ancient Town.
👍 Must-visit: Liuhe Ancient Town 🎫 Free
Less charming than Shaxi with heavier commercialization and smaller size, but surrounded by great food options.

✅🍽️ Food Recommendations
🎀1️⃣ Gege Yuan
A local institution famous for Taicang's specialty pork floss ribs - sweet-flavored spare ribs at just 13 yuan each, absolutely delicious😋.
🎀2️⃣ Nanyuan Noodle House
Authentic Suzhou-style noodles with rich toppings, another longstanding establishment🍜
🎀3️⃣ 80s Tea Restaurant
Locals' favorite for the most authentic Hong Kong-style cuisine in Taicang, always packed during meal times🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️!

🚗 Recommended to drive🅿️ Parking fees are very affordable, around 4-6 yuan.