Facts
Phone Code: 0512
Postal Code: 215300
Area: 927.68 square kilometers (358.18 square miles)
Population: 1,647,000 (2010 statistics)
Location: Kunshan City is located in the southeast of Jiangsu Province, between Shanghai and Suzhou and neighbours Changchu, Taicang, Wujiang and Shanghai cities. The driving distance from Kunshan to Shanghai is only 65 km (40 miles). Its longitude is between 120°48′21″E and 121°9′4″E, while the latitude is between 31°6′34″N and 31°32′36″N.
Physical Features: The city lies on the Taihu Lake Plain of Yangtze River Delta. Plain covers most of the city with the distributaries of Yangtze River waving a river network.
History: The history of Kunshan dates back to the Neolithic Period, of which human traces were discovered in the region. Since the Zhou Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD) the region belonged to Wu (old name for Suzhou). Not until 1989 was it transformed to a city of Jiangsu from a county of Suzhou. Kunshan is known as the hometown of Kun Opera - one of the traditional Chinese opera, which was developed from the Kunshan Tune during the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). The Local artists also made some improvements to the instruments, so the accompanying instruments for Kun Opera were made up of traditional Chinese string instruments, flutes and drums.
Attractions: Kunshan enjoys a long history and profound culture. The most famous attractions in the city should be the old towns with thousand years of history, including Jinxi Ancient Town, Zhouzhuang and Thousand-Lamp Ancient Town where you will see a tranquil, peaceful and leisurely life rather than the busy life in cities. The traditional Chinese buildings with handing roofs and painted columns, small wooden boats, arch bridges and the charming scenery in the towns will also leave you deep impressions. More over, you really should not miss Yangcheng Lake featuring delicious fresh water crab and Dingshan Lake with beautiful landscape.
Transportation:
Air: Though there is no airport in Kunshan City, it is only 54 km from the Shanghai Hongqiao Airport, 70 km from the Wuxi Sunan Shuofang Airport and 102 km from the Shanghai Pudong Airport. So visitors can fly to Shanghai or Wuxi, and then take bus or train to Kunshan.
Train: Trains departing from Kunshan Railway Station reach most major Chinese cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Zhengzhou, Xian and Chongqing. The other station, Kunshan South Railway Station only operates the bullet trains to Shanghai, Nanjing, Wuhan, Beijing, Zhengzhou, Yichang, Hangzhou, etc. Therefore, traveling to Kunshan by train would be very convenient.
Bus: Travelers preferring taking buses can take long-distance buses to/from Kunshan. The Kunshan Passengers Transportation Center operates coaches to cities in Jiangsu Province, such as Suzhou, Nanjing, Wuxi and Changzhou, which can be reached within 3 hours. Buses to cities in other provinces are also available, including Shanghai, Xian, Wuhan and Nanchang. For those who taking a flight to/from Shanghai, long-distance buses between Kunshang and the two airports in Shanghai are good choices.
Public Bus: Traveling by bus in the city is convenient, as railway stations, coach stations and the tourist attractions can be reached by public buses. Buses No. 10, 12, 21, 30, 53, 105, 108, 107 and 111 run to the the railway station, while buses No. 4, 16, 18, 88, 124, 125, 133 and 213 travel to the south railway station. For visitors to Thousand-Lamp Ancient Town, you can take bus No. 88 from Kunshan Railway Station to Kunshan Passengers Transportation Center, and take a bus No. 112 or 113 the attraction. Jinxi Ancient Town can be reached by buses No. 130 and 133 and Zhouzhuang buses No. 130, 133 and 161.
Weather: Kunshan belongs to the subtropical monsoon climatic zone which has four distinct seasons and mild climate with sufficient sunshine and rain. The average annual temperature is 16.5°C (61.7°F). The best time to visit Kunshan is between September and November as it is the best time to eat fresh Yangcheng Lake crab. Apirl, May, July and August are also good time to appreciate beautiful flowers.
Dining and Shopping
You can not miss the Yangcheng Lake Fresh Water Crab during your trip in Kunshan, and the best time is between September and November. Wansan Pig’s Trotters and green glutinous rice ball are also local specialties in the city.
