Kunshan Leisurely Jiangnan Travel Guide
by IRENE HAYES
Oct 11, 2025
🌟Kunshan Travel Guide: The Perfect Blend of Jiangnan Water Town and Modern City🌟
📍About Kunshan
Kunshan is located in the southeast of Jiangsu Province, adjacent to Shanghai, known as the "Land of Fish and Rice in Jiangnan." It boasts the gentle charm of a thousand-year-old town and the vibrant prosperity of modern industry, making it an excellent choice for a weekend getaway!
🚗 Transportation Guide
High-speed rail: Shanghai Hongqiao Station → Kunshan South Station (about 17 minutes, ticket price from ¥24)
Self-driving: About 1 hour from downtown Shanghai
Local transport: Buses and taxis are convenient, shared bikes are great for short trips
🌿 Must-Visit Attractions
1️⃣ Zhouzhuang Ancient Town (🎫 Ticket ¥88)
✅ The No.1 Water Town in Jiangnan: Small bridges, flowing water, blue bricks and black tiles, take a gondola ride to feel the poetic charm of "Memories of Jiangnan."
✅ Must-see: Shuangqiao Bridge, Shen Hall, Zhang Hall, and the dreamy night light show!
🍜 Food: Wansan Pork Knuckle, Grandma’s Tea, Sock Bottom Pastry
2️⃣ Jinxi Ancient Town (🎫 Free, some attractions charge)
✨ A low-key hidden gem, fewer crowds and beautiful scenery!
📸 Photo spots: Shiyan Long Bridge, Wenchang Pavilion, Ancient Lotus Pond
3️⃣ Tinglin Garden (🎫 ¥20)
🌳 Kunshan’s "Urban Green Lung," featuring the Gu Yanwu Memorial Hall and millennium-old Qionghua flowers (blooming beautifully from April to May!)
4️⃣ Yangcheng Lake Tourist Resort
🦀 Autumn special: Hairy crab feast! (Recommended: Bacheng Crab Boat Garden)
🚴 Cycling: Rainbow Trail around the lake, stunning views
5️⃣ Future City (Youzhan · Magic Tower)
🏢 The internet-famous "Pyramid" building, full of sci-fi vibes, perfect for photos!
🍽️ Food Recommendations
Aozao Noodles: Century-old brand "Aozao Guan," signature spicy fish noodles in red broth!
Qingtuan (Green Rice Balls): Wenkuai Zhai on Zhengyi Old Street, soft and sweet with red bean paste filling
Shipu Lamb: A must-eat in autumn and winter, braised lamb warms and nourishes
Night Markets: Huanghe Road Food Street, Loujiang Wharf Night Market (crayfish, BBQ are legendary!)
🛍️ Shopping & Leisure
Kunshan Golden Eagle International: High-end shopping mall
MixC: A hotspot for young people, with trendy restaurants and fashion stores
Dayuwan Lakeside Style Street: European architecture + musical fountain, super romantic at night
🏨 Accommodation Suggestions
Homestays in Zhouzhuang Ancient Town: Recommended "Huajiantang" and "Zhenfengxuan," experience sleeping by the water
City hotels: Kunshan Crowne Plaza (near high-speed rail station), Fairmont Yangcheng Lake (beautiful lake views)
📅 Sample Itinerary (2 days 1 night)
Day 1: Zhouzhuang Ancient Town (daytime sightseeing + night tour) → Stay in Zhouzhuang
Day 2: Jinxi Ancient Town → Tinglin Garden → Yangcheng Lake cycling/crab tasting → Return
💡 Travel Tips
Best seasons: Spring and autumn (March-May for flowers, September-November for crabs)
Zhouzhuang is best visited before 8 AM to avoid crowds
Kunshan Metro Line S1 (under construction) will connect directly to Suzhou/Shanghai in the future
📢 In one sentence: Kunshan, a hidden gem city where you can "visit ancient towns in the morning, drink coffee in the afternoon, and eat hairy crabs at night!" Start planning now~
✨ Follow me for more off-the-beaten-path tips in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai! 
Post by The Epicurean Expedition | Oct 19, 2025













