Kunshan Leisurely Jiangnan Travel Guide

—— Stroll through Zhouzhuang, savor Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs, explore Future City, a Su-style elegant trip with a budget of 2500 RMB per person!

📅 Itinerary Overview
Theme: Ancient Town Charm + Freshwater Delicacies + Modern Art
Suitable for: Culture lovers / Foodies / Photographers
Budget Allocation: Transportation 30% + Accommodation 30% + Dining 25% + Tickets 15%

🗺️ Daily Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: In-depth Tour of Zhouzhuang Ancient Town | Budget 1000 RMB

Morning: Arrive in Kunshan, check into a homestay in Zhouzhuang Ancient Town (recommended Huajiantang or Zhenfengxuan, about 300 RMB/night)
Afternoon:

Zhouzhuang Ancient Town (100 RMB/person, includes Shenting and Zhangting):

Photo at Double Bridges (prototype of Chen Yifei’s "Memories of Hometown")
Visit Shenting to see the Jiangnan wealthy mansions

Nanhu Qiuyue Garden (free): Enjoy the lake scenery

Evening:

Wansan Pork Knuckle (60 RMB per person): Zhouzhuang specialty, rich but not greasy
Night tour of Zhouzhuang (free): The water alleys are more tranquil under the lights

📸 Photo spots: Double Bridges in morning mist, carved building at Shenting

Day 2: Jinxi Ancient Town + Yangcheng Lake | Budget 900 RMB

Morning: Jinxi Ancient Town (free, some attractions charge):

Ancient Lotus Bridge + Wenchang Pavilion
Ride a black-awning boat (60 RMB/boat, seats 6)

Noon: Aozhaoguan Restaurant (50 RMB per person): Aozhao noodles + fried fish
Afternoon: Yangcheng Lake Tourist Resort (free):

Bike around the lake (bike rental 20 RMB/hour)
Eat hairy crabs at Bacheng Crab Shop (150 RMB per person, best from September to November)

Return: Taxi back to Zhouzhuang (about 60 RMB)

🦀 Crab selection tips: Choose female crabs over 2.5 taels, male crabs over 3.5 taels

Day 3: Qiandeng Ancient Town + Kunshan City | Budget 800 RMB

Morning: Qiandeng Ancient Town (free, Gu Yanwu’s former residence 10 RMB):

Stroll on stone slab streets
Listen to bell sounds at Yanfuchen Temple

Noon: Shipu Lamb Restaurant (60 RMB per person): Boiled lamb + lamb soup
Afternoon: Kunshan City:

Tinglin Park (20 RMB/person): Enjoy the Qiong flowers (best April-May)
Wanxianghui Shopping Center: Try one of "Kunshan’s three treasures" — Sock Bottom Crisp Milk Tea (25 RMB)

Evening: Stay at a hotel in Kunshan city (recommended Jinying Shangmei, about 250 RMB/night)

Day 4: Future City + Dianshan Lake | Budget 1000 RMB

Morning: Youzhan Future City (free):

Photograph the pyramid-shaped building (internet-famous "Pyramid" building)
Browse niche cultural and creative shops

Noon: Tongfeng Restaurant (50 RMB per person): Eel silk noodles
Afternoon: Dianshan Lake (free):

Bike around the lake or camp
Watch the sunset at True Love Pier

Evening: Night tour of Huiju Temple (free): Fujian-Taiwan style temple light show

Day 5: Return + Souvenir Shopping | Budget 600 RMB

Morning: Zhouzhuang Museum of Life Mysteries (60 RMB/person): The world’s only biological plastination specimen museum
Noon: Grandma’s Home Restaurant (50 RMB per person): Su cuisine
Afternoon: Buy souvenirs:

Vacuum-packed Wansan Pork Knuckle (60 RMB each)
Yangcheng Lake hairy crab gift voucher (200 RMB for 8 crabs)
Sock Bottom Crisp (15 RMB/box)

Return: Take home the taste memories of Jiangnan

💰 Total Budget Breakdown (for 2 people)

Item
Cost

Major Transportation
1500 RMB (estimated round-trip high-speed train from Shanghai)

Local Transportation
500 RMB (taxi + rental)

Accommodation
1200 RMB (4 nights, including special homestays)

Dining
1200 RMB (one special meal per day)

Tickets
600 RMB

Total
5000 RMB

⚠️ Key Tips

Best Seasons:

March-May: Qiong flowers and rapeseed flowers bloom
September-November: Hairy crabs are plump and delicious

Money-saving Tips:

Buy Zhouzhuang tickets online one day in advance for 88 RMB
Eat crabs at Bacheng old brand in Yangcheng Lake to avoid high prices in scenic spots

Pitfall Avoidance:

Remember to bargain when shopping in ancient towns
Be cautious buying "Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs" out of season

✨ The charm of Kunshan lies in—
Hearing the sound of oars in the morning mist of Zhouzhuang, cracking open oily crab roe by Yangcheng Lake in the afternoon, and getting lost among the magical buildings of Future City at dusk. With a 5000 RMB budget, you can experience both classical Jiangnan and modern fantasy!
If you want to add a one-day Suzhou garden tour or adjust the time spent in ancient towns, feel free to leave a message for customization~