Dinosaur Park, Grand Canal Heritage & Historic Temples
Changzhou is a city where ancient history meets modern family entertainment. With over 3,200 years of recorded history, it has been a strategic crossroads on the Grand Canal since the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC). The city's name, meaning "Constant Prefecture," reflects its unwavering importance through successive Chinese dynasties.
Today, Changzhou is best known for the China Dinosaur Park — one of the country's most visited theme parks, drawing over 3 million visitors annually. But beyond the roller coasters, the city offers remarkable cultural depth: the world's tallest wooden pagoda at Tianning Temple, the only well-preserved Spring and Autumn period ruins at Yancheng, and a beautifully restored 8-kilometer Grand Canal scenic belt running through the city center.
Located just 30 minutes by high-speed train from Nanjing and Suzhou, and only 1 hour from Shanghai, Changzhou is perfectly positioned for travelers exploring the Yangtze Delta region. It offers a compelling mix of family-friendly attractions, Buddhist heritage, canal-side leisure, and authentic Jiangnan cuisine — all without the heavy crowds found in nearby Shanghai or Suzhou.
The city covers 4,375 square kilometers and has a population of 5.28 million. Its economy is driven by advanced manufacturing, new energy industries, and increasingly, cultural tourism. Changzhou was historically famous for its comb-making industry (the "Combs of Changzhou" were a tribute to the imperial court), and today it's also gaining recognition for its animation and creative industries.
Opened in 2000, China Dinosaur Park is one of the country's largest and most elaborately designed theme parks, covering 500,000 square meters. The park houses over 50 rides, a world-class dinosaur museum with real fossils (including a complete Mamenchisaurus skeleton), a large water park, 4D theater, and daily live shows featuring acrobatics and dinosaur mascots.
The park is divided into themed zones: Dinosaur Bay (water rides), Cretaceous Adventure (dark rides), Adventure Island (roller coasters), and the Science Zone (interactive exhibits for kids). The signature roller coaster, the "Crazy Firedrake," reaches speeds of 110 km/h with a 60-meter vertical drop. For families, the "Dinosaur Egg" 4D ride and the petting zoo are highlights.
Allow a full day for a complete visit. The park also hosts a spectacular evening parade and fireworks show on summer weekends. There are numerous restaurants inside, but bringing your own snacks is allowed. A joint ticket with the adjacent Hot Spring Resort is available.
Hours: 9:00–21:00 (summer), 9:00–17:00 (winter)
Admission: 230 yuan (adult), 120 yuan (child 1.2–1.5m), free (under 1.2m)
How to get there: Metro Line 1 to "Dinosaur Park" station, then 5-min walk
Website: www.cnkly.com
Founded in 648 AD during the Tang Dynasty, Tianning Temple is one of the most important Buddhist sites in Jiangsu. Its centerpiece is the world's tallest wooden pagoda at 153 meters (502 feet), completed in 2007. The pagoda has 13 stories, each housing Buddhist statues, murals, and scripture inscriptions. An elevator takes visitors to the top observation deck for panoramic views of Changzhou and the Grand Canal.
The temple complex includes the Mahavira Hall (the largest wooden hall in Jiangsu), the Bell Tower (housing a 10-ton bronze bell), the Drum Tower, and beautifully landscaped gardens. Evening chanting by resident monks takes place daily from 18:00 to 19:00 — a deeply atmospheric experience with the sound of bells and wooden fish drums echoing through the halls.
The temple is especially beautiful during the Lantern Festival (first full moon of the lunar new year) when thousands of red lanterns are hung throughout the complex. Vegetarian cuisine is served at the temple restaurant, renowned for its mock-meat dishes made from soy and gluten.
Hours: 8:00–17:00 (temple grounds), pagoda closes at 16:30
Admission: 30 yuan (temple only), 50 yuan (temple + pagoda elevator)
How to get there: Metro Line 1 to "Tianning Temple" station
Yancheng is the only well-preserved Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BC) city ruins in China. The site features three concentric moats and earthen city walls that have remained intact for over 2,500 years. Archaeological excavations have uncovered bronze artifacts, jade ornaments, pottery, and ancient tools that reveal the sophisticated culture of the Wu Kingdom.
The archaeological museum on-site displays over 1,000 artifacts, including a complete chariot burial and rare bronze vessels with intricate inscriptions. A reconstructed ancient city shows how people lived, worked, and traded during the Spring and Autumn period. Traditional craft demonstrations (bronze casting, jade carving, silk weaving) take place daily.
In the evening, the site hosts "Spring and Autumn Paradise," a spectacular light and sound show with over 1,000 performers reenacting historical battles, royal ceremonies, and folk festivals. The show is one of the most elaborate historical performances in Jiangsu.
Hours: 9:00–17:00 (day), evening show 19:30–21:00 (spring/summer)
Admission: 80 yuan (site + museum), 120 yuan (including evening show)
How to get there: Bus 61 or 75 from city center, 30 minutes
Changzhou's largest and most beloved urban park, covering 37 hectares in the city center. The park centers around a picturesque lake with traditional pavilions, arched bridges, and over 500 plum trees that burst into spectacular pink and white bloom every February and March. The park's namesake "Red Plum Pavilion" dates back to the Ming Dynasty and is a popular spot for tea drinking and poetry reading.
Other highlights include the Wenbi Pagoda (built in the 1500s, open for climbing), a bonsai garden with over 300 specimens, a lotus pond that peaks in July–August, a children's playground, and extensive walking and jogging paths. The park is also home to a small zoo and a vintage carousel.
Early morning (6:00–8:00) is the best time to visit, when locals practice tai chi, play erhu, and practice water calligraphy with large brushes on the pavement. The park is beautifully lit in the evening, making it a popular spot for evening strolls.
Hours: Open 24 hours (gardens and paths), pavilions 8:00–17:00
Admission: Free
How to get there: Metro Line 1 to "Hongmei Park" station
With over 500 years of history, Qingguo Lane is Changzhou's best-preserved historic quarter. Once home to more than 100 scholars, officials, and wealthy merchants during the Ming and Qing dynasties, the lane features classic Jiangnan architecture with white-washed walls, black-tiled roofs, stone-paved paths, and carved wooden doorways.
Restored in 2018, the lane now combines heritage preservation with modern boutiques, cafes, craft workshops, and small museums. Notable residences open to visitors include the former home of Tang Jingchuan (a Ming Dynasty philosopher), the residence of the Sheng family (Qing Dynasty merchants), and a traditional Chinese pharmacy that has operated continuously for 200 years.
The lane is especially atmospheric in the evening when red lanterns are lit and the sounds of guqin (ancient zither) drift from teahouses. Several family-run restaurants serve authentic Changzhou cuisine in restored courtyard settings.
Hours: Open 24 hours (lane and shops 9:00–21:00)
Admission: Free
How to get there: Bus 12, 24, or 55 to "Qingguo Lane" stop
Located at the foot of Maoshan Mountain (one of China's most sacred Daoist mountains), this large cultural theme park is dedicated to Daoist philosophy and traditional Chinese culture. The park is designed as a recreation of an ancient mountain town, with stone bridges, flowing streams, traditional workshops, and performance stages.
Features include the Mountain Gate (the park's grand entrance), Traditional Craft Village (where artisans demonstrate paper-making, calligraphy, and pottery), the Hot Spring Area (28 outdoor pools with mineral water from 1,500m underground), and daily performances of traditional music, martial arts, and acrobatics. The park also offers Daoist meditation sessions and tea ceremonies.
A major animation and cosplay festival is held here every August, drawing thousands of young visitors. The resort has several hotels and guesthouses in traditional architectural style, making it possible to stay overnight and enjoy the evening light show.
Hours: 9:00–17:00 (day), hot springs open until 22:00
Admission: 150 yuan (day pass), 280 yuan (including hot springs)
How to get there: 1-hour bus from Changzhou Bus Station, or 40-min taxi
Opened in 2010, Changzhou Museum is a modern facility showcasing the city's 3,200-year history through five permanent galleries. The Yue Bronzeware Gallery displays ritual vessels and weapons from the Spring and Autumn period, many excavated from the Yancheng ruins. The Ceramics Gallery features Tang Dynasty tomb figurines and Song Dynasty celadon ware. The Art Gallery showcases rotating exhibitions of contemporary Jiangsu painters.
The museum building itself is an architectural landmark, with a distinctive wave-shaped roof and a grand entrance hall with a 12-meter-high glass wall. Interactive displays, English signage, and an excellent English-language audio guide (20 yuan) make the museum accessible to international visitors. The museum shop sells high-quality replicas of bronze vessels and silk scarves with traditional patterns.
Allow 2–3 hours for a thorough visit. Photography is allowed in most galleries (no flash). The museum is located next to the Changzhou Grand Theatre and the city library, making it easy to combine several cultural stops in one afternoon.
Hours: 9:00–17:00 (closed Mondays)
Admission: Free (ID required)
How to get there: Metro Line 1 to "Changzhou Museum" station
A massive indoor-outdoor theme park dedicated to Chinese animation, gaming, and comic culture. Covering 600,000 square meters, the park features themed zones including Magic Forest (fantasy rides), Galaxy World (space simulators and VR experiences), Cartoon Street (life-size statues of popular characters), and the eSports Arena (hosting national tournaments).
The park is especially popular with teenagers and young adults. Highlights include the "Sky Loop" roller coaster, the 5D cinema, and the "Mystery Island" dark ride. The park hosts a major animation festival every August, with cosplay competitions, meet-and-greets with voice actors, and exclusive merchandise launches.
Weekends and holidays can be very crowded with school groups. Visit on a weekday if possible. The park offers a "combo ticket" with the Dinosaur Park at a 20% discount.
Hours: 9:00–17:00 (weekends until 20:00)
Admission: 180 yuan (adult), 90 yuan (child)
How to get there: Bus 88 from Changzhou Railway Station, 50 minutes
An 8-kilometer stretch of the Grand Canal running through central Changzhou has been transformed into a scenic belt with walking paths, cycling trails, traditional stone bridges, riverside teahouses, and evening light shows. The canal, dating back to 486 BC, remains an active waterway with cargo barges and tourist boats sharing the water.
Boat cruises (50 minutes) depart from the pier near Tianning Temple and pass under 12 historic bridges, offering close-up views of riverside architecture, old warehouses converted into cafes, and locals fishing from the banks. Evening cruises (19:00 and 20:00) feature illuminated bridges and LED light installations along the water.
The riverside is also perfect for cycling. Bike rental stations are located every 500 meters along the route. The entire scenic belt connects Tianning Temple, Hongmei Park, and the Qingguo Lane historic quarter, making it easy to explore multiple attractions in one outing.
Hours: Open 24 hours (boat cruises 9:00–21:00)
Admission: Free (walking/cycling), 60 yuan (boat cruise)
Best time to visit: Evening (19:00–21:00) for light show
Home to over 1,000 animals from 200+ species, Changzhou Zoo is one of the best regional zoos in Jiangsu. Star residents include giant pandas ("Xingxing" and "Mengmeng"), golden monkeys, Siberian tigers, red-crowned cranes, and a successful breeding colony of Yangtze alligators. The zoo is designed with spacious natural habitats rather than cages, and emphasizes conservation education.
Features include a walk-through aviary, reptile house, petting zoo for children, safari bus tours (additional 30 yuan), and a botanical garden with over 2,000 plant species. The zoo also runs a "keeper for a day" program (reservation required) where visitors can help prepare food and clean enclosures.
Allow 3–4 hours. The zoo is adjacent to the Dinosaur Park, making it easy to combine both in a single day. A combined ticket (Dinosaur Park + Zoo) is available for 280 yuan, saving 70 yuan compared to buying separately.
Hours: 8:30–17:00 (last entry 16:00)
Admission: 100 yuan (adult), 50 yuan (child 1.2–1.5m)
How to get there: Metro Line 1 to "Zoo" station
Located 30 kilometers south of downtown Changzhou, Taihu Bay is a lakeside resort area on the shores of Lake Tai — China's third-largest freshwater lake. The area features swimming beaches, lakeside cycling paths, seafood restaurants, and several hot spring resorts. The "Taihu Bay Summer Carnival" (July–August) includes music festivals, beer gardens, and water sports competitions.
Key attractions include the Taihu Bay Golf Club (an 18-hole championship course), the Lakeside Wetland Park (excellent for birdwatching, especially migratory geese in winter), and the Fishing Village where visitors can join local fishermen for early morning fishing trips. Sunset over Lake Tai from the bay is considered one of the most beautiful natural scenes in Jiangsu.
Hours: Open 24 hours (resort facilities 9:00–21:00)
Admission: Free (beach access), 80 yuan (wetland park)
How to get there: Bus 72 from Changzhou South Station, 45 minutes