Jiangsu's 2,500-Year-Old Qiandeng Ancient Town, Perfect for Budget Travel Check-ins
How long has it been since you last visited an ancient town?
Uncle Shuai is here to introduce a Jiangsu ancient town with a 2,500-year heritage, a place in Jiangnan known for its Shuimo opera, perfect for budget travel check-ins. If you like it, you should definitely visit!
We’re talking about Qiandeng Ancient Town in Jiangsu [named for the thousands of earthen mounds within its territory, later evolving into "Qiandeng"], originally called Qiandun, with a history of over 2,500 years. It is the hometown of the patriotic scholar Gu Yanwu and the birthplace of Kunqu opera, famous from the Wu-Yue rivalry.
Looking through the history of Qiandeng Ancient Town, Uncle Shuai found it has a profound heritage. During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, it belonged to Louyi. In the 26th year of Qin Shi Huang (221 BC), it was part of Lou County. During the Eastern Han Jianwu era (25–55 AD), it was again named Lou County. In April 1966, it was renamed Qiandeng. In 2008, Qiandeng Ancient Town was rated a national AAAA-level tourist attraction and won the Jiangsu Province Human Settlements Environment Model Award.
It’s clear that "Qiandeng Ancient Town" has always been diligent, like a hardworking student growing stronger and more well-known through effort, eventually becoming a Jiangnan place resonating with Shuimo opera. Its quaint Jiangnan charm is truly delightful!
First-time visitors can follow this route for check-ins:
Qiandeng Ancient Town - West Side Ground Parking Lot — Qiandeng Ancient Town - West Gate — Jidi Bridge — General Bridge — Gu Yanwu’s Former Residence [including Guyuan] — South Street — Ningxun Bridge — 1,000-Meter Corridor — Qiandeng Hall — Qiandeng Stone Slab Street — Hengsheng Bridge — Yanfu Zen Temple — Xu Fu Memorial Hall — Hengsheng Bridge — Qiandeng Ancient Town Kunqu Culture Study Park — Qiandeng Ancient Town Shaoqing Garden — Return
A leisurely stroll takes about 4 hours, allowing you to experience the rich natural and cultural atmosphere, especially these highlights:
Gu Yanwu’s Former Residence [including Guyuan], with a building area of 5,450 square meters. The residence is the main part of the entire mansion, facing east and west, featuring five courtyards in the style of ancient Ming and Qing architecture. The famous phrase "The rise and fall of the nation is the responsibility of every individual" was proposed by Gu Yanwu! Being there, you can see ancient book displays and old artifacts, and the scholar’s spirit shines through his writings and objects, letting you feel the patriotism of that era deeply.
Qiandeng Hall, echoing the town’s name, displays numerous ancient lamps arranged in a charming way, from bronze lamps to exquisite palace lanterns. When lit, it’s like traveling through time! If you love the history of lamps, this is a must-visit for lamp exhibits and history.
Yanfu Zen Temple, an ancient temple from the Liang dynasty, built during the Five Dynasties, flourishing in the Song dynasty, with continuous incense offerings. It was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Over 1,500 years, it has endured hardships and was last rebuilt in the 1980s. Praying here, you’ll see the Hall of Heavenly Kings, Kṣitigarbha Hall, Jade Buddha Hall, Mahavira Hall, Shrine, Guanyin Hall, Great Compassion Pavilion, Earth God Temple, Pagoda Courtyard, and Zen Garden buildings, including the "Qinfeng Pagoda," one of the town’s landmarks.
Qiandeng Ancient Town Shaoqing Garden is a less crowded but beautiful ancient town park where history and relics coexist. Every scenic spot is carefully designed with layers and depth, making it a beautiful garden worth visiting.
Many people will be attracted by Qiandeng Ancient Town, which subtly reveals a historical flavor showcasing over 2,500 years of depth, the voice of patriotic scholar Gu Yanwu, and the extraordinary birthplace of Kunqu opera! Slow down, explore every corner on foot, and you’ll discover many surprises!
Uncle Shuai talked with fellow travelers, and everyone really liked Qiandeng Ancient Town, considering it a treasure of Jiangnan ancient towns, perfect for budget travel check-ins. The town is not only low-key, luxurious, and rich in connotation but also full of heritage and scenery, with water town views everywhere!
When night falls, the entire ancient town instantly transforms into a "living Jiangnan." Red lanterns on both sides gradually light up, warm light reflecting on white walls and black tiles, and even the wind chimes under the eaves become gentle. Looking from afar, the painted boats on the river carry laughter as they glide by, lantern reflections ripple in the water, gently swaying like the whole starry sky is blended into the water bridges!
When you get tired of walking, try the "Grilled Mixed Fish" [wild crucian carp + anglerfish + flatfish], salt and pepper pork ribs [freshly fried pork ribs with golden armor], "Aozao Noodles" [Kunshan intangible cultural heritage specialty], and other delicious dishes that are unbelievably tasty. Find a window seat, eat while enjoying the night view—it’s truly one of life’s great pleasures!
Transportation
Self-driving: Navigate to "Qiandeng Ancient Town - West Side Ground Parking Lot," with plenty of parking spaces.
Bus: Take the train to "Kunshan Station" or "Kunshan South Station," then transfer to bus [Kunshan Route 88 / Kunshan Route 101 / Kunshan Route 16 → Kunshan Route 113, about 1 hour 15 minutes], or take a taxi [35 minutes] to the entrance.
Practical Information for Jiangsu Qiandeng Ancient Town:
Free admission, optional small attraction combo ticket for 50 RMB [includes Gu Yanwu’s Former Residence, Yanfu Temple, Yu’s Pawnshop, and other highlights], open all day, located at No. 1 Shangshu Road, Kunshan City, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province. Self-driving is recommended.
So, what do you think? Are you interested in Jiangsu Qiandeng Ancient Town? Feel free to leave a comment and discuss!