Zhangjiagang 4 Days 3 Nights Selected Travel Guide

Zhangjiagang is an emerging port industrial city on the south bank of the lower Yangtze River, with a long history and numerous Neolithic sites and scenic spots. This small city left me with the impression of being less crowded, beautiful scenery, high cost-performance food, and a strong sense of local life. Based on your budget of 4000 yuan and a 3-day itinerary, I have designed a relaxed yet in-depth guide that allows you to enjoy natural landscapes and experience historical culture. 🏞️ Zhangjiagang Three-Day Leisure Trip: A Refined Travel Guide Within Budget ✨ Highlights of the Itinerary · Perfect balance of nature and culture: From hiking at Xiangshan to circling Shuangshan Island, combining natural scenery with rich historical and cultural experiences. · High cost-performance food and accommodation: Carefully selected local specialties and quality hotels to ensure comfort while controlling the budget. · Free and low-cost attractions: Free admission to Shazhou Youhuang Cultural Park, multiple parks and ancient streets with no entrance fees, maximizing sightseeing value. 🚗 Transportation Guide External transportation: Zhangjiagang has a high-speed rail station, making it very convenient to reach from nearby cities like Shanghai and Nanjing. The high-speed rail station is about a 25-minute taxi ride from the city center. Internal transportation: · Taxis or ride-hailing services are affordable for city attractions. · To reach Shuangshan Island, take a ferry at the dock; pedestrian fare is 8 yuan per person, and 44 yuan per car if driving onto the island. · Walking is also comfortable in some city areas. 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations It is recommended to stay near the city center at the Marriott Hotel or Wanda Plaza, where transportation is convenient and dining options are abundant. Zhangjiagang Marriott Hotel is located inside the Huijin International Center shopping and entertainment complex. For those seeking cost-effectiveness, Home Inn·neo (Zhangjiagang Pedestrian Street Manbat Plaza) is a good choice, located in the commercial center of Zhangjiagang with bustling shopping and many food options nearby. 🗺️ Detailed Itinerary 🍁 Day 1: Xiangshan Culture and Old Street Charm · Morning: After arriving in Zhangjiagang, drop off your luggage at the hotel, then head to Xiangshan Scenic Area. Located west of Zhangjiagang, here you can enjoy the garden scenery formed by Piaoxiang Lake, Anxiang Lake, and Mingxiang Lake, as well as historical sites like Lingfeng Tower and Meihuatang with plaques inscribed by Su Dongpo. The Xiangshan Scenic Area also holds cultural memories such as the Xiangxiang Path left by Xi Shi picking fragrance. · Noon: Have lunch near Xiangshan Scenic Area or return to the city center. · Afternoon: Experience the newly developed light hiking route in Xiangshan—the Egret Line (about 4.3 km long). This shaded, quiet mountain trail connects the cultural memories of Xiangshan. Stop at the No. 1 viewing platform on Wanghu Road to overlook Meiling of Xiangshan and enjoy distant views of Xiangshan Lake. · Evening: Dine and stroll at Yangshe Old Street. Located on Yuanlin Road in downtown Zhangjiagang, Yangshe Old Street is a commercial and cultural district with Su-style garden architecture, combining sightseeing, tourism, retail, dining, and entertainment. Enjoy local delicacies and soak in the lively night market atmosphere. 🌊 Day 2: Cultural Experience and Island Scenery · Morning: After breakfast, visit Shazhou Youhuang Cultural Park. Admission and parking are free. The park offers knowledge and experiences related to brewing, as well as attractions like the Rainbow House and a non-powered playground. Don’t forget to try specialty products such as yellow wine yogurt and yellow wine popsicles. · Noon: Return to the city for lunch, with options to taste local specialties. · Afternoon: Head to Shuangshan Island Tourist Resort. Surrounded by water, the island boasts beautiful scenery and a pleasant climate. Activities include crab catching and cycling. If time permits, visit the Waterside Leisure Park, which features lotus ponds and reed marshes. · Evening: Enjoy dinner in the city, recommended to try Zhangjiagang specialties like crab tofu. 🏮 Day 3: Ancient Street Charm and City Leisure · Morning: Visit Tianzhuang Ancient Street, an important historical and cultural heritage site in Zhangjiagang. It preserves a complete group of Ming and Qing dynasty buildings and historic alleys. Walking along the old street, you will see embankments, arch bridges, water alleys, and narrow stone-paved streets, forming the unique style of a water town. Historical buildings such as Bangyan Mansion and Yang’s Filial Piety Archway are here. Be sure to try the street’s specialties like Tuolu Bing (a type of baked cake) and tofu pudding. · Noon: Have lunch on Tianzhuang Ancient Street or return to the city center. · Afternoon: Depending on time, visit Shazhou Park or Zhangjiagang Park. Shazhou Park is a cleverly designed Jiangnan-style classical garden with unique layout and rich historical and cultural connotations. The park features a memorial archway, "Eight Views of Cangjiang" reliefs, an artificial ribbon-shaped river, Fenghua Garden, two rockeries made of yellow stones, and a stone boat. · Evening: Before departure, buy some local specialties (such as Phoenix honey peaches products) in the city as souvenirs, then conclude your pleasant trip. 💰 Budget Breakdown Item Detailed Category Estimated Cost (CNY) Accommodation 2 nights in budget hotel 600 Transportation City transport, ferry, etc. 400 Meals 3 days meals + snacks 600 Tickets Xiangshan Scenic Area, Shazhou Youhuang Cultural Park combo 150 Shopping Local specialties, souvenirs 250 Total 2000 The actual cost is about 2000 yuan, well below your 4000 yuan budget, leaving ample room for adjustments or extra expenses. 💡 Practical Tips 1. Xiangshan Hiking: Wear comfortable sports shoes and bring a bottle of water. The Egret Line is a light hiking route suitable for most people. 2. Shuangshan Island Activities: If planning to catch crabs, prepare gloves and long leg covers in advance. 3. Food Experience: Don’t miss Zhangjiagang’s specialties, including Tuolu Bing and crab tofu. 4. Weather Preparedness: Zhangjiagang has a mild climate with distinct seasons, but it’s best to check the weather forecast before traveling. On rainy days, adjust plans to indoor activities. This guide ensures a rich travel experience within your budget. The charm of Zhangjiagang lies in its tranquility and authenticity. I hope you have a pleasant and unforgettable holiday here! If you have special preferences or need more detailed information on any part, feel free to let me know, and I can help you further customize it.