Changzhou City Area

With China Dinosaur Park, the Global Dinosaur City complex, Liyang's Tianmu Lake and its scenic "Route 1," Changzhou is one of the Yangtze River Delta's most popular family theme-park destinations.

Changzhou lies in southern Jiangsu in the heart of the Yangtze River Delta, bordered by the Yangtze to the north, Yixing and Changxing (Zhejiang) to the south, Zhenjiang to the west and Wuxi to the east; it administers Liyang City and Jintan District, among others. It is an ancient Jiangnan city with more than 3,200 years of history (in the Spring and Autumn period it was Yanling, the fief of Ji Zha) and in modern times a hometown of notable figures — the "Three Heroes of Changzhou," Qu Qiubai, Zhang Tailei and Yun Daiying. Today Changzhou is known as a "city of theme parks": China Dinosaur Park, Yancheng Spring and Autumn Amusement Park and Joyland (Xixi Valley) form one of the delta's most popular family theme-park clusters, while Liyang in the south is famous for Tianmu Lake, the Nanshan Bamboo Sea and countryside road trips along "Route 1." A visit falls into three parts: first, downtown sights such as Tianning Temple and its pagoda, Qingguo Lane, Nan Street and Hongmei Park, good for a day of city walking; second, China Dinosaur Park (Global Dinosaur City) in Xinbei District, Yancheng Spring and Autumn Amusement Park in Wujin District and Joyland on Taihu Bay — each park needs a full day; third, Liyang (about 1 hour's drive from downtown) with the Tianmu Lake Shanshui Park, the Nanshan Bamboo Sea and Route 1. The climate is subtropical monsoon with four distinct seasons; Mar–May and Sep–Nov are ideal. Jul–Aug summer vacation brings the biggest crowds and heat to the parks, though night sessions and water attractions are open; winters are damp and cold. Getting there: Changzhou Station and Changzhou North Station are on the Beijing–Shanghai high-speed railway and the Shanghai–Nanjing intercity line — about 1 hour to Shanghai and 40 minutes to Nanjing; Liyang Station also has high-speed service; Changzhou Benniu International Airport is northwest of the city; metro Lines 1 and 2 serve downtown. Allow 3–4 days: 1 day at Dinosaur Park, 1 day downtown and 1–2 days in Liyang. Admission: China Dinosaur Park one-day ticket about ¥230, Yancheng Spring and Autumn Amusement Park about ¥190, Tianmu Lake Shanshui Park (including boat ride) about ¥125, and Nanshan Bamboo Sea about ¥90; dynamic pricing and night tickets are common on holidays — check official sources. Food: Tianmu Lake fish-head casserole, silver-thread noodles, crab-meat xiaolongbao, damagao sesame flatbread, Liyang white celery, and zagan (tied pork liver rolls). Tips: queues at the parks are long during summer vacation and holidays, so download the official apps to check wait times and show schedules; Liyang's Route 1 is best explored by car or bike.

Top sights

Where to eat

Itineraries