Changzhou
Changzhou is a prefecture-level city under the jurisdiction of Jiangsu Province, located in the Yangtze River Delta. It has a long history and profound cultural heritage, and is known as the "Dragon City". As an excellent tourist city in China, Changzhou combines the elegance of the Jiangnan water towns with the vitality of modern cities, and has rich natural landscapes, historical sites, and distinctive cuisine.
Recommended attractions
1. Historical and cultural sites
Spring and Autumn Yancheng Tourist Area
The most complete Spring and Autumn period city site in China, known for its "three cities and three rivers" layout, including the site protection area, the Spring and Autumn Paradise, and the wildlife area, showcasing more than 2,800 years of history.
Tianning Temple
One of the four major Buddhist temples in Jiangnan, built in the Tang Dynasty, it is known as the "No. 1 Temple in Southeast China". The Tianning Pagoda is 153.79m high and is the tallest Buddhist pagoda in the world. Its chanting music has been listed as a national intangible cultural heritage.
Jiaoxi Ancient Village
A typical Jiangnan water town, preserving ancient Ming and Qing buildings. It was selected as a Chinese historical and cultural village because of its "small bridges, flowing water, and waterfront residences".
2. Natural scenery
Maoshan Scenic Area
The birthplace of the Shangqing School of Taoism. The main peak, Damao Peak, is 372.5m above sea level. It is characterized by "beautiful mountains, sacred Taoism, and unique caves". It also has red resources such as anti-Japanese war sites and the New Fourth Army Memorial Hall.
Tianmu Lake Tourist Resort
A national 5A-level scenic spot, combining lake and mountain scenery with hot spring resources. The core attractions include the Landscape Garden, Nanshan Bamboo Sea, and Yushui Hot Spring, suitable for all seasons.
Songjian Lake
One of the four major lakes in Changzhou, with well-preserved wetland ecology, suitable for bird watching and boating to experience the wildness of nature.
3. Theme parks
China Dinosaur Park
A national 5A-level scenic spot with the theme of dinosaur culture, with a dinosaur gene research center, dinosaur museum, etc., known as the "Oriental Jurassic Park".
Global Animation Play Valley
An animation and game theme park that combines virtual reality technology, suitable for parent-child interaction and trendy play for young people.
4. Canal culture
Qingguo Lane
"The No. 1 Lane in Jiangnan", adjacent to the ancient canal, more than 100 celebrities have emerged from the Ming and Qing dynasties to the present, such as Qu Qiubai and Tang Jingchuan, with both historical and artistic atmosphere.
Dongpo Park
Built to commemorate Su Dongpo, the Yizhou Pavilion, Xiyan Pond and other attractions in the park reproduce Dongpo's footprints and show the cultural heritage of the canal.
Food recommendations
Changzhou cuisine is a branch of Jiangsu cuisine, characterized by "emphasizing the original flavor and matching meat and vegetables". The "Top Ten Changzhou Delicacies" officially selected in 2018 are the most representative:
Tianmu Lake Casserole Fish Head
Selected Tianmu Lake gray carp head, the soup is milky white, fresh but not fishy, is the top brand dish in Changzhou.
Radish Dried Fried Rice
Changzhou radish is salty, sweet, crisp and tender, matched with local rice and soy sauce, simple but full of the atmosphere of daily life.
Fragrant Distiller's Grains Braised Pork
Made with Erhualian pork and Changzhou distiller's grains, it is fat but not greasy, and has a strong aroma of distiller's grains.
Silver Noodles
The noodles are as thin as silver threads, and the soup base is clear and fresh, reflecting the exquisite craftsmanship of Changzhou pasta.
Stir-fried Liyang White Celery
White celery is crisp, tender and slag-free. It is a specialty of Liyang, reflecting Changzhou's attention to seasonal ingredients.
Osmanthus Sweet Taro Seedlings
Made from Jintan red fragrant taro, with osmanthus syrup, it is sweet, soft and glutinous, and is a classic dessert.
Red Soup Baiye
Hengshanqiao Baiye is soft and tough, and the red soup base is spicy and delicious, which is the favorite of Changzhou people for breakfast.
Other special snacks: Dama Cake, Net Oil Roll, Tofu Soup with Douzhai Cake, Zhaiqiao Old Goose, etc.
Recommended recent events (May Day holiday in 2025)
China Dinosaur Park: Installation art exhibition, aerospace exhibition and fantasy parade to create an immersive experience.
Tianmu Lake: Bamboo Sea Art Exhibition, Aromatic Hot Spring Healing Activities, integrating nature and art.
Spring and Autumn Yancheng: Intangible cultural heritage of iron fireworks, national style juggling and light and shadow show, reproduce the charm of the ancient city for thousands of years.
Oriental Salt Lake City: Nezha drone fireworks show, comedy flash mob, suitable for parents and children and young people.