Why Changzhou
Changzhou is a prefecture-level city situated along the southern bank of the Yangtze River in southern Jiangsu Province, China. Positioned within the Yangtze Delta on the Taihu Lake Plain, it lies equidistant from Shanghai and Nanjing, approximately 144 kilometers from the provincial capital. The municipality borders Nanjing and Zhenjiang to the west and northwest, Wuxi to the east, Anhui Province to the southwest, and Zhejiang Province to the south. Historically known by names such as Yanling, Lanling, Jinling, and Piling, Changzhou recorded a population of more than five million during the 2020 census.
The local landscape features prominent bodies of water including Ge Lake, Tao Lake, and the Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal, as well as mountain peaks such as Maoshan to the southwest. Human history in the area spans over 6,000 years, beginning with the Neolithic Majiabang culture at the Weidun site, followed by the Liangzhu culture at Sidun and the ancient walled complex of Yancheng, known for its three concentric walls and moats. The area's heritage is closely tied to Prince Jizha of Wu, who settled in the region during the late Spring and Autumn period. Following the Grand Canal's completion in 609, Changzhou flourished as a key transit stop. Over subsequent centuries, it served as a prefectural seat, endured a major siege in 1275, hosted a palace during the Taiping Rebellion, and established a major cotton manufacturing industry beginning in the 1920s.
Visitors to Changzhou can explore a variety of cultural and recreational sites. Near the city center sits Tianning Temple, one of China's largest Zen Buddhist monasteries, which features the Tianning Baota. Standing at over 153 meters tall after its reconstruction, it is recognized as the tallest pagoda in China. The temple is located adjacent to Hongmei Park. In the Xinbei District, the China Dinosaurs Park showcases a massive collection of dinosaur fossils from across China inside its museum, alongside themed zones, amusement rides, a giant panda, and sea lions. Additional points of interest include the Old Museum of Wisteria and the Canal 5 Creative Campus.
Changzhou is served by a comprehensive transportation network. Air travel is accommodated by Changzhou Benniu International Airport, located roughly 15 kilometers from the city center in the Xinbei District. Rail connections include Changzhou station on the traditional Beijing–Shanghai railway and the Shanghai–Nanjing intercity railway, Qishuyan station, and Changzhou North station on the high-speed rail line. Urban transport across the city is facilitated by a multi-line metro system, a Bus Rapid Transit network with dedicated lanes, and several primary expressways and national highways.
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