National Highway G524 Mocheng to Xinzhuang Expansion Project starts from Mocheng, Changshu and stops at the boundaries of Xiangcheng District and Changshu.
The project will be completed at the end of October. Upon its completion, the new elevated highway will effectively reduce the driving time (from Suzhou to Changshu) to 30 minutes only!
Go on an excursion to Changshu and the scenery and local delicacies won’t let you down.
Scenic Spots
The elevated road will make it more convenient for residents living in Suzhou city proper to drive to Changshu on weekends and holidays.
If you have a particular liking for natural landscapes, you can visit the Yushan Shanghu Lake Scenic Area, a national 5A-class tourist attraction in Changshu, and have a good family time there.
The most beautiful shoreline of the Yangtze River--Tiehuangsha Ecological Island has attracted many visitors since it’s opened to public.
Shajiabang Scenic Spot is a good destination as well. Visitors can take a rowing boat trip amid the maze-like reed marshes there.
If you are interested in historic sites, you can go and feel the charm of Fangta Garden (方塔园, one of local iconic ancient relics).
You can also visit the Confucius Temple in Changshu (常熟文庙) and pay homage to Yan Yan, the only known southerner among Confucius’ disciples.
Wengtonghe Memorial Museum (翁同龢纪念馆) is also recommendable, and you can learn about the life of Wengtonghe who was once the tutor to Tongzhi Emperor and Guangxu Emperor in the Qing Dynasty (1636 – 1912 AD).
Local Delicacies
Getting tired after wandering around the city? Try the mouth-watering local specialties!
Beggar’s Chicken (叫花鸡) is one of the best-known local delicacies in Changshu. The marinated chicken is stuffed with local mushrooms first and then wrapped in lotus leaves and clay. Baked slowly using low heat, the chicken is tender, juicy and has the refreshing fragrance of lotus leaves.
Xun (蕈), the basic ingredient, is a kind of edible mushroom growing in Yushan Hill in Changshu. Local people in Changshu usually start a day with a bowl of Xunyou (蕈油, mushroom oil) noodles and a cup of green tea.
Changshu steamed dishes (常熟蒸菜) boast a long history, pays particular attention to raw materials and fine knife work. The tasty steam dishes were included in local intangible cultural heritage list.
Let’s look forward to the opening of the elevated highway!
