Zhangjiagang, Suzhou's Backyard Paradise

Suzhou's economic prowess within Jiangsu, China's second-strongest economic province, relies heavily on its districts and county-level cities. Zhangjiagang is no exception, boasting the second-highest GDP among Suzhou's districts and counties, trailing only Kunshan. Zhangjiagang originally referred to the Tongjiangyinpai Canal, connecting Jiangyin, Changshu, and Kunshan. Though only 100 kilometers long, this canal transformed Zhangjiagang Port into a national first-class port with 19 international shipping routes. Thanks to this port, the former Shazhou County became Zhangjiagang City in 1986. While geographically the most remote county-level city in Suzhou, Zhangjiagang ranks among the most livable places in the Yangtze River Delta. It also holds the distinction of being the first county-level city in China to receive the UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award. While long-term residency might not be in the cards for everyone, a short visit offers a glimpse into the city's thriving economy and the leisurely pace of local life. Located north of Changshu, Zhangjiagang is separated from Nantong and Taizhou by a single river, and borders Jiangyin (Wuxi) to the west. Its tourism industry has flourished over the past decade, attracting nearly 10 million visitors annually. Beyond its pristine environment, Zhangjiagang's tourism thrives on a holistic approach that integrates natural beauty with cultural heritage. While lacking the star attractions and trendy hotspots of other Suzhou areas, Zhangjiagang boasts four 4A-level scenic spots: Xiangshan Mountain, Fenghuang Mountain, Jiyang Lake, and Yonglian Town. Combined with attractions like Dongduyuan, Changyinsha, Shuangshan Island, and Liangfeng Ecological Park, Zhangjiagang has cultivated a tourism ecosystem blending scenic landscapes, rural experiences, and leisure shopping. Songze Culture settlements, predating the Liangzhu Culture, were discovered in Dongshan Village at the eastern foot of Xiangshan Mountain. Yongqing Temple on Fenghuang Mountain is one of the "Four Hundred and Eighty Temples of the Southern Dynasties." The ancient Huangsipu Port in Dongduyuan served as Jianzhen's departure point for his successful eastward journey to Japan. Yonglian Town is known as the "Hometown of Jiangsu Fresh Seafood Cuisine." Changyinsha, a modern agricultural demonstration park, is considered Zhangjiagang's backyard garden. Shuangshan Island stands as one of the best-preserved ecological islands in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. As the birthplace of Qian Qianyi, a late Ming Dynasty scholar and leader of the Donglin Movement, Zhangjiagang has long been a prosperous region in the Jiangnan area. Today, this small city, nestled on the southern bank of the Yangtze River, boasts a major port in the Yangtze River Delta. The Tongxi Expressway connects it north and south, and the Zhangjiagang Railway Station, operational since 2020, links to multiple lines, including the Shanghai-Suzhou-Nantong Railway, the Jiangsu South Coast Intercity Railway, and the Tongxiang-Suzhou-Jiaxing-Ningbo High-speed Railway. Shanghai Hongqiao is just an hour away by train. Suzhou was once considered Shanghai's backyard garden, and Zhangjiagang serves the same role for Suzhou. So, when will you visit this less-crowded, scenic, and culturally rich backyard paradise?