Changshu makes for ideal autumn weekend getaway
The Changshu themed bazaar took place at Shanghai International Convention Center on Monday.
For those planning an autumn weekend escape, look no further than Changshu. Just 100 kilometers from Shanghai, the historical and cultural city under the administration of Suzhou is a great choice for a quick getaway.
The "Come to Changshu" city promotional event was launched in Shanghai, showcasing the autumn beauty of Changshu on 68,000 metro screens and bus TV screens across Shanghai.
A Changshu themed bazaar was on show at Shanghai International Convention Center on Monday.
There's a long lineup of things to do in Changshu this fall. They include the Yushan "Eagle Line" hike, the 60th-anniversary event of the Peking Opera "Shajiabang" and Shajiabang Bangwalk. Last, but certainly not least, is the upcoming 25th Shajiabang Crab Food Culture Season and Reed Culture Week event that begins on September 27.
Yushan Mountain is home to ancient Wu Culture and is designated as a national forest park, rich in lush vegetation and profound cultural heritage.
The "Eagle Line" hike allows visitors to simultaneously experience Chinese culture and appreciate natural landscapes. The 10-kilometer trail passes through tea plantations, forests, ancient roads, mountain streams, waterfalls, peaks, bamboo forests, stone carvings, and famous scenic spots like Longtan, the philosophical San Sheng Stone, and the millennia-old ancient ginkgo trees.
The Eagle Line hike includes rest stations along the way where people can get a drink.
After the hike, don't miss out on the delicious food in Yushan.
Xunyou noodle soup comes highly recommended. It's made from wild mushrooms that grow on pine trees on Yushan Mountain. After stir-frying the mushrooms in heavy oil, the fungus tastes like tender meat.
It is believed that monks at Xingfu Temple first made xunyou noodle soup. The temple is along the hiking route. Yushan Renjia farmhouse is another good option for local dishes. And Yushan Campsite is also a great spot to soak in the great outdoors.
In November, a 1,000-year-old ginkgo tree in Fangta Garden in Yushan turns golden yellow, a sight to behold. The tree, along with a Song Dynasty pagoda and well are collectively known as the "Three Treasures of Fangta Garden."
Promotion for the upcoming 25th Shajiabang Crab Food Culture Season and Reed Culture Week.
Shajiabang scenic area is the former site of a battle between PLA soldiers and the Japanese invaders. From September to October, the "Experience the New Shajiabang with Bangwalk" event gives visitors a chance to fish and catch crabs at Shasilong Fish and Fishing Park and pick vegetables at Sha Nainai's Vegetable Garden. Enjoy a rustic stove-cooked meal at the field restaurant and rent a row boat to explore the unique reed marshes.
Shajiabang hairy crabs are a delicious autumn delicacy not to be missed. During the upcoming 25th Shajiabang Crab Food Culture Season and Reed Culture Week, visitors can taste the hairy crabs raised using microbial enzyme feed from Shajiabang. The crabs are highly prized for their rich roe, filling meat, and fresh sweet taste.
During the culture week, artists have been invited to Shajiabang to create exhibitions using the reeds as the exhibition space. Exploring the area by boat is expected to offer a unique and delightful experience.
