Located in Changshu City, Jiangsu Province, Shajiabang·Yushan Shanghu Tourist Area is a national 5A-level scenic spot covering approximately 42 square kilometers, consisting of three major areas: Shajiabang, Yushan Mountain, and Shanghu Lake. It integrates red culture, landscape scenery, and historical heritage, creating a unique tourism experience blending "red classics, green ecology, and ancient culture".
History and Culture
Shajiabang gained nationwide fame through the Peking opera "Shajiabang", serving as an important base for the New Fourth Army during the Anti-Japanese War. In 1939, the army established the Jiangnan Anti-Japanese Volunteers here, leaving behind many heroic revolutionary stories. Today, Shajiabang preserves revolutionary sites intact, serving as a national patriotic education base.
Yushan Mountain is one of the birthplaces of Wu culture, with over 3,000 years of history. During the Shang and Zhou dynasties, early Wu rulers like Zhongyong and Zhouzhang were active here. During Ming and Qing dynasties, it became a cultural hub where literati like Qian Qianyi and Liu Rushi left rich cultural legacies.
Shanghu Lake derives its name from Jiang Taigong (Lü Shang) who allegedly fished here. Since ancient times, it has been a resort for literati, with lakeside villas and gardens forming unique cultural landscapes since the Song Dynasty.
Main Attractions
Shajiabang Scenic Area
Focusing on red tourism, covering 100 hectares. Main sites include the Revolutionary History Museum, Chunlai Teahouse, and Reed Marsh. The area preserves 36 revolutionary sites, recreating New Fourth Army's living and fighting conditions.
The 66-hectare Reed Marsh is the core attraction, with crisscrossing waterways accessible by boat to experience historical guerrilla warfare scenes. In summer, the reeds turn lush green; in autumn, reed flowers dance in breathtaking displays.
Yushan Mountain Scenic Area
With its 263m main peak dubbed "First Mountain South of Yangtze", highlights include Xingfu Temple, Jianmen (Sword Gate), and Yanzi Tomb. Built during Southern Dynasties, Xingfu Temple features meditative landscapes like Hollow Heart Pond and Broken Dragon Gully.
Yushan National Forest Park has 96% vegetation coverage with over 1,000 vascular plant species, making it an important botanical gene pool in Yangtze Delta. Jianmen's spectacular rock formations testify to geological movements.
Shanghu Lake Scenic Area
This 800-hectare lake is a key Taihu Basin wetland. Attractions include Fushui Villa, Lotus Fragrance Islet, and Fishing Islet. Fushui Villa exemplifies Jiangnan classical gardens, ingeniously incorporating lake and mountain views.
Shanghu Wetland Park hosts over 100 bird species, with tens of thousands of migratory birds wintering annually. Lotus Fragrance Islet grows 200+ lotus varieties, offering spectacular summer blooms.
Cuisine
Shajiabang Yangcheng Lake Hairy Crab
Adjacent to Yangcheng Lake, Shajiabang produces premium hairy crabs. Local fishing families serve authentic steamed crabs with rich roe and tender meat, best from September to November.
Yushan Green Tea
With 1,300 years of history, "Yushan Sword Tips" is the most prized variety. Shaped like sword tips, it brews into fragrant, enduring liquor. Tea houses in the area offer traditional tea ceremonies.
Shanghu Lake Fish Banquet
The pristine lake yields mandarin fish, white fish, etc. Signature dishes include "Shanghu Three Whites" (white fish, white shrimp, silver fish) and "Claypot Fish Head".
Tickets
Combo ticket: 150 yuan (valid 2 days). Separate tickets: Shajiabang 100 yuan, Yushan 80 yuan, Shanghu 90 yuan. Seniors 60-69: half price; over 70 & children under 1.4m: free. Boat rides extra: Shajiabang reed marsh 60 yuan, Shanghu 50 yuan.
Recommended Itinerary
Two-day tour: Day 1 morning - Shajiabang (Revolution Museum → Chunlai Teahouse → Reed Marsh boat ride); afternoon - Shanghu (Lotus Islet → Fushui Villa). Day 2 - Yushan (Xingfu Temple → Jianmen → Yanzi Tomb). Extended tours can include farm stays and tea experiences.
Transportation
- Driving: From Shanghai via Shenhai Expressway Changshu Exit; from Nanjing via Changhe Expressway North Changshu Exit
- High-speed rail: Transfer to Tourist Bus Line 1 at Changshu Station to Shajiabang
- Bus: From downtown Changshu, take Routes 5, 117 etc. to various sites
- Inter-area transport: Tourist shuttle buses run every 30 minutes
Must-Visit Spots
- Shajiabang Reed Marsh: Boat ride through revolutionary history
- Chunlai Teahouse: Relive classic "Shajiabang" scenes
- Xingfu Temple: Zen atmosphere of ancient monastery
- Jianmen: Marvel at Yushan's spectacular rocks
- Shanghu Lotus Islet: Prime summer lotus viewing
Travel Tips
- Best seasons: spring-autumn; April-May for early lotus blooms, October-November for golden reeds
- Guides recommended at Shajiabang for deeper historical insights
- Yushan hiking takes 2-3 hours - wear comfortable shoes
- Bring binoculars for Shanghu birdwatching (best in winter)
- Stay at characteristic nearby B&Bs for immersive experiences
Important Notices
- Maintain solemnity at revolutionary sites - no loud noises
- Protect wetland ecology - don't disturb birds or pick plants
- Caution when hiking - some steep sections
- Life jackets mandatory on boats
- No unauthorized drone flights in scenic area
- No flash photography at cultural relic sites