Changshu (常熟): Ancient City at Yushan Mountain
Changshu (常熟) is an ancient city with over 1,700 years of history, located in Jiangsu Province. The city is famous for its unique city wall on Yushan Mountain, which is called the "Little Great Wall" for its impressive appearance that follows the contours of the mountain slope. Changshu offers a perfect blend of history, nature and culture: the ancient Xingfu Temple, the picturesque Shanghu Lake and Yushan Mountain with its walking trails. It is a peaceful place away from tourist crowds, where you can feel the authentic atmosphere of ancient China.
Attractions in Changshu
What to expect
- Departure from Shanghai in the morning – meeting at Hongqiao station, boarding a high‑speed train to Changshu station (about 50 min).
- Arrival in Changshu – the guide meets you, transfer by taxi or bus to Yushan Mountain (20–30 min).
- Visit to Xingfu Temple – an ancient Buddhist temple founded in the 5th century, with Tang‑era stone steles.
- Walk along the Yushan City Wall – walk about 1.4 km along the wall, climb the watchtowers, enjoy panoramic views.
- Lunch with local cuisine – famous noodle with mushroom oil (蕈油面) and other Jiangsu dishes.
- Visit to Jianmen Pass – one of the main natural attractions of Yushan Mountain.
- Walk along Shanghu Lake – a picturesque lake surrounded by parks, with an option to take a water taxi.
- Fantayuan Park and ancient pagoda – end the program with a visit to the 12th‑century Chunjiao Pagoda.
- Return to the station – evening train back to Shanghai.
Sample itinerary (1 day)
*Times and program may be adjusted depending on weather and group pace.
| Time | Activity | Details and transport | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:30 | Meeting at Hongqiao station (Shanghai) | Meet your guide, board the train (recommended G8284, 08:00). | |
| 08:50 | Arrival in Changshu (常熟站) | Exit the train, transfer by taxi or bus to Yushan Mountain. | |
| 08:50–09:20 | Transfer to Xingfu Temple | Taxi (about 40¥) or bus to "Xingfu Temple" stop. | |
| 09:30–10:30 | Visit to Xingfu Temple | Entrance ticket about 30¥. | |
| 10:30–12:00 | Walk along Yushan City Wall | Entrance ticket to the wall 30¥ (combined with park). Length 1.4 km. | |
| 12:00–13:00 | Lunch at a restaurant at the foot of the mountain | Try the famous noodle with mushroom oil. | |
| 13:00–14:00 | Jianmen Pass and viewing platforms | Climb to the rocky pass, panoramic views. | |
| 14:00–14:30 | Descent to Shanghu Lake | Transfer by taxi or on foot (about 20 min). | |
| 14:30–15:30 | Walk along Shanghu Lake 醫學Embankment, water taxi (60¥). | ||
| 15:30–16:00 | Fantayuan Park and pagoda | Visit the ancient pagoda (free entry). | |
| 16:00–16:30 | Transfer to Changshu station | Taxi or bus. | |
| 16:30–17:00 | Wait for the train (time for a snack) | There is a café at the station. | |
| 17:00–18:00 | Train back to Shanghai | Recommended G8289, arrival at Hongqiao at 18:00. |
💡 Important notes:
- Train tickets must be purchased at least 3 days in advance, especially on weekends.
- There are ascents on the wall – comfortable shoes are essential.
- Bring water and a light snack.
- It gets cool in the evening – take a windbreaker.
Price and conditions
Tour cost
Train + taxi
EconomyServices of a Russian‑speaking guide, help with tickets, route planning, accompaniment throughout the day.
By car
ComfortGuide services + sedan (1‑3 pers.) for the whole tour, including round‑trip transfer from Shanghai.
Estimated expenses per person
Duration
Additional services
Frequently Asked Questions
Important information
The indicated prices are valid at the time of the offer for private individuals. The cost and availability of train tickets and guide services may change.
Booking is confirmed only after receiving a deposit. The exchange rate is calculated at the current Central Bank rate on the payment date.
If you cancel less than 7 days before the tour, the deposit is non‑refundable.
In the event of force majeure that makes it fully or partially impossible to carry out the tour (train cancellations, weather conditions, official events), the organizer reserves the right to make changes to the program and its duration.
The basic cost does not include and is paid separately: transport, meals, entrance tickets and personal expenses.
🏯 Logistics and secrets of Changshu for guide only
How to get there, buy tickets, lead the group and not miss the main points.
The name "Changshu" (常熟) means "constant harvest". The city was famous for its fertile lands and was an important centre of rice cultivation. Yushan Mountain was considered sacred – poets and hermits sought solitude here.
- Train: from Hongqiao station to Changshu station (常熟站). Recommended departures: G8284 (08:00–08:50), G8288 (09:00–09:50). 2nd class ticket ~80¥ one way.
- From the station to Yushan Mountain: bus No. 116 (to "Yushan Scenic Area" stop) or taxi (DiDi, 40–50¥, 20 min).
- Entrance tickets: combined ticket for the wall and temple – 60¥. Can be bought online via WeChat.
- Start: from Xingfu Temple (foot) – ascent to the city wall.
- Wall: from Yushanmen Tower to Jianmen Pass – about 1.4 km, 1 hour.
- Jianmen Pass: rocky passage, the best view of the lake.
- Descent: can be along the trail to Shanghu Lake (30 min walk) or by taxi.
- Park around the lake, can rent a boat (water taxi 60¥). Best photos at sunset.
- There are cafés and walking areas.
- Founded in 489 AD. The main treasures are stone steles with Tang‑era calligraphy. A very peaceful place, fewer tourists.
- Entry 30¥.
- Apps: Gaode Maps (buses), Alipay (tickets), WeChat.
- Cash: for small expenses (tea, street food) it's better to have 100–200¥.
- Toilets: available on the wall, near the temple and by the lake.
- Clothing: comfortable shoes are a must. Sun protection in summer, windbreaker in cool weather.
- Photo spots: Yushanmen Tower, Jianmen Pass, lake embankment.
- Food: be sure to try the noodle with mushroom oil (蕈油面) – a local delicacy.
📍 When to use: legends – at the entrance; route – for orientation; notes – in tricky situations.