Kunshan 3 Days 2 Nights Selected Travel Guide
Spending a fulfilling and cost-effective three days in Kunshan is completely feasible. I have planned a ¥3000 budget, 3-day Kunshan essence travel guide for you, allowing you to immerse yourself in the gentle charm of the Jiangnan water town while experiencing local history, culture, and modern leisure.
💰 Budget Plan (Total about ¥980)
To enjoy Kunshan with ¥3000, reasonable budget allocation is crucial. Most expenses will be on accommodation and transportation between areas. The good news is that many key attractions have free or low-cost tickets.
Item Per Person Budget (Economy) Description
Accommodation (2 nights) ¥300 Choose city center budget hotels/ancient town inns, about ¥150/night.
Tickets ¥100 Zhouzhuang ticket about ¥100 (more cost-effective if discounted), Tinglin Garden, Jinxi Ancient Town, and Qiandeng Ancient Town all have free admission.
Meals (3 days) ¥300 Taste local specialties like Aozhao noodles and Wansan pork knuckle, about ¥100/day per person.
Local Transportation ¥180 Mainly bus/tourist lines, supplemented by taxis, budget about ¥60/day.
Others ¥100 Flexible spending on souvenirs, drinks, etc.
Subtotal ¥980 This is a very tight budget; actual expenses may vary depending on personal spending habits.
High-speed train tickets from Shanghai or Suzhou are very cheap, usually between ¥20-¥40 one way, with round-trip costs controllable within ¥100. Thus, total expenses (including round-trip transportation) are about ¥1080, leaving you nearly ¥2000 budget flexibility for upgrading accommodation, experiencing more activities, or enjoying fine dining.
🗺️ Itinerary
🏮 Day 1: Immerse in "China's No.1 Water Town" Zhouzhuang
· Morning: Departure and Tour
After arriving at Kunshan South Station by high-speed train from Shanghai or Suzhou, take a bus or tourist shuttle to Zhouzhuang. Upon arrival, it is recommended to buy a ticket (about ¥100) and start exploring this famous water town. Key highlights include well-preserved Ming and Qing architecture like Shenting and Zhangting, and you can also look for the Double Bridges depicted by painter Chen Yifei.
· Noon: Ancient Town Lunch
Have lunch at a restaurant in the ancient town; a must-try dish is Wansan pork knuckle.
· Afternoon: Water Town Boat Ride
After the meal, it is highly recommended to experience a rowboat ride. The small boat gently glides through water alleys while listening to the boat lady humming soft Wu dialect tunes—this is the true way to feel the water town’s charm.
· Evening: Night View and Accommodation
In the evening, don’t rush to leave; Zhouzhuang’s night view is uniquely charming under the lights. You can dine within the scenic area, then return to Kunshan city center to stay at a hotel and recharge for the next day. If budget allows, you can also choose to stay overnight at an inn within Zhouzhuang to better experience the tranquility of the ancient town at dawn and dusk.
🌿 Day 2: Garden Culture and Leisurely Ancient Villages
· Morning: Tinglin Garden
Head to Tinglin Garden. This garden has been free to the public since May 1, 2025, with only online advance reservation required. Inside, you can see the "Three Treasures of Yufeng": Kun stone, Qionghua, and twin lotus flowers, and visit the Gu Yanwu Memorial Hall to feel the historical and cultural atmosphere.
· Noon: Head to Jinxi
After Tinglin Garden, take a ride to Jinxi Ancient Town. Jinxi has free admission, allowing more casual strolling. Have lunch near the ancient town entrance first.
· Afternoon: Jinxi Stroll and Ideal Village Visit
The highlights of Jinxi include the Ancient Lotus Bridge, Chen Fei’s Water Tomb, and small exquisite folk museums. Here, you can slow down the pace a bit.
Then, take a taxi to the nearby Jijiadun Ideal Village. This area is a renovated old village gathering many designer homestays, handmade workshops, and cafes, making it a new artsy check-in spot.
· Evening: Return to City Center
Return to Kunshan city center in the evening, find an authentic restaurant for dinner, and try the famous Aozhao noodles.
🎣 Day 3: Choose Return Day Itinerary Based on Preference
For the last day, I have prepared two very different options for you to choose from according to your interests:
Option A: Ecological Leisure Tour
· Morning: Head to Jinlan Beach. Although small, it has a beach and lake, perfect for relaxation; families with children will have a great time.
· Afternoon: Visit Qiandeng Ancient Town. This ancient town is also free to enter, with stone-paved streets and Gu Yanwu’s former residence as highlights. Remember to try the local Sock Bottom Pastry. After touring, you can leisurely start your journey home.
Option B: Cultural Blessing Tour
· Morning: Go directly to Qiandeng Ancient Town for an in-depth visit to Gu Yanwu’s former residence, Yanfuchen Temple, and other attractions.
· Afternoon: Head to Huiju Temple. This is a distinctive Fujian-Taiwan style temple with free admission, where you can feel the peaceful atmosphere and pray. Afterward, proceed to the station for your return trip.
💡 Money-Saving and Travel Tips
1. Transportation: There are bus lines connecting various attractions within Kunshan. Use a mobile map app to check real-time bus info. Zhouzhuang, Jinxi, and Qiandeng ancient towns are close to each other; if traveling in a group, sharing taxi fares can sometimes be more efficient and cost-effective than waiting for buses.
2. Tickets: Always confirm the latest ticket policies. Except for Zhouzhuang, Tinglin Garden, Jinxi, and Qiandeng recommended in the itinerary all have free admission, saving you a lot. Some small attractions may require separate tickets, which you can decide based on interest.
3. Accommodation: Choose hotels in Kunshan city center, usually cheaper than those inside ancient towns and more convenient as a transportation hub to various attractions.
4. Meals: Try more local snacks like Wansan pork knuckle, Aozhao noodles, Sock Bottom Pastry, and Qing Tuan; this way, you experience flavors and save money compared to ordering dishes in scenic area restaurants.
This guide covers Kunshan’s classics and highlights within budget, hoping to help you easily start a pleasant Jiangnan water town journey.
If you want more detailed information about any attraction, accommodation, or food, I am happy to provide further assistance.