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~