This Is Zhangjiagang

The summer evening breeze of southern Jiangsu, brushing your face

Driving all the way to Zhangjiagang

Day 1: Xiaojia Lane (Zhihengli 16 Coffee Shop) – Fenghuang Lake

Day 2: Xilongji – Tianzhuang Ancient Street (Zhima Tuo Lu Bing) – Feima Water City

Stay – Zhangjiagang Golden Phoenix Hot Spring Resort

Address: No. 82, Lindun Road, Gusu District / Near Lindun Road Metro Station Exit 3

Xiaojia Lane, also known as Zhou General Lane, is a street in eastern Suzhou,

Located in the Pingjiang Historic Block, connecting Pingjiang Road and Lindun Road.

It is said that the Eastern Wu general Zhou Yu once lived in Suzhou, and his former residence is believed to be in today's Xiaojia Lane.

Gone are the flashes of swords and shadows of spears, faded the drumbeats and horns.

Now, life fills every crack, another kind of charm has gathered.

Deep courtyards, old wells, ancient streets – the quiet lane soothes the soul.

· Zhihengli 16 Coffee Shop

Address: No. 16, Zhihengli, Xiaojia Lane

Average spend: ¥34

Opening hours: 12:00-18:30

A gentle encounter around the corner — retro-patterned ceramic tiles, low-saturation walls, a super-quiet cat that steals glances, and chairs and tables with rounded, sturdy shapes.

Zhihengli 16 – a name that seems to hide a story – is actually the address of the coffee shop.

The restrained aroma, bright acidity, and a slight bitterness when it cools — the cup and saucer strike an aesthetic chord.

The Basque cheesecake with dried fruit is also delicious.

Everything here is quiet, laid-back.

Address: No. 15 Fengtian Road, Zhangjiagang / 5 minutes’ drive from the hotel

Phoenix Lake in summer, surrounded by vast green spaces,

With brilliant reds and purples, flowers blooming in clusters — like a passionate oil painting, it’s the backyard garden of Zhangjiagang.

By the lake, footsteps pace after dinner, the intense glow of screens fills the water's surface, while nearby Jing'an Temple remains serene. Balloon sellers sit along the street.

If one evening you want to unwind by the lake, 40 minutes slip by unnoticed.

Zhangjiagang Golden Phoenix Hot Spring Resort

Located on Jingu Road, Phoenix Town.

In the geothermal-scarce southern Jiangsu region, such excellent spring quality is rare. The resort features 52°C hot spring water, turning the legend of the Phoenix Spring into reality.

Accommodation includes wooden cabins, villas, and hot spring rooms, each with its own charm.

The hotel has two sections: one with private hot springs and one without, just a 5-minute walk apart, with shuttle carts available.

With a gentle breeze, wooden cabins come into view; the lines and structure inside and out are delicate.

Like a bird perched by the sea, the scent of sea breeze secretly tucked in one’s heart.

The 5 or 6 p.m. sunlight is a pale blue, like a Tokyo sunset.

Lying in bed, the attic door half-open, close your eyes and only hear the quiet footsteps of passersby and a few cicadas.

The rush mat on the balcony is soft, sit on the ground to brew tea and enjoy a moment of smoky tranquility, waiting for dusk.

The bathroom is separate, on the left just inside the entrance.

Pulling down the roller blind makes the space feel hidden away from the world, deeply secluded.

Warm yellow lighting is softened by the wooden decor.

The packaging of the toiletries incorporates subtle ink-wash elements and gives off a rich coconut milk fragrance.

Drowsy, moistened by the hot spring,

A hint of incense, cups clinking, the evening breeze in your arms,

lingering music, steam dispersing all around, the spring water soft, warm, and smooth.

Each hot spring pool in the garden has its own name, arranged in a picturesque, well-spaced manner, separating movement and stillness.

The park uses equipment to spray cool mist to physically cool the hot springs; the negative ions in the mist purify the air and moisturize the skin.

Soaking in the pool, you enjoy both the warmth and the refreshing mist — absolutely comfortable and relaxing.

Towels and tea are thoughtfully provided in corners, and the complete facilities enrich your leisure time.

The Chinese restaurant in the lobby is open all day; the soups of southern Jiangsu seem even more delicate.

On the lavender tablecloth, a bit of creamy white and a bit of pale yellow; the tree shadows shift, stirring soft ripples.

Address: No. 88 Laozhai Road, Yangshe Town, Zhangjiagang

Average spend: ¥22

Opening hours: 06:00-19:30

Wuxi xiaolongbao are traditionally sweet, but sweet without being cloying; a dip in vinegar is just right.

The skin doesn’t stick to your teeth, and the meat filling stays whole and doesn’t crumble.

The crab roe ones have thinner skin.

Pick one up, don’t dip it in vinegar yet — first nibble a small hole and slurp the broth, then take a big bite full of the fresh flavor of crab roe.

The kaiyang wontons (with dried shrimp) are a little rich and savory,

while the shepherd’s purse wontons have a stronger taste.

Address: Phoenix Town, Zhangjiagang / 5 minutes’ drive from the hotel

Open: 08:30-16:30

That not-so-long stone-paved path, not trodden by many,

Glistens with a warm, oily sheen under the sunlight — quiet, with few merchants, only deep imprints of the past.

According to the Qianlong-era Jiangnan Tongzhi: “A bridge spans Xipu Pond, with a thousand households; it became prosperous at the end of the Ming Dynasty.”

At its peak, Tianzhuang had pawnshops, silver shops, cloth shops, dye houses and other major businesses, fully equipped and known as “Silver Tianzhuang.”

In a courtyard with dancing bamboo shadows, sit at a small table covered with traditional blue-and-white cloth, and eat a bowl of peach gum soup as translucent as amber.

We lingered with the gentle time, reluctant to leave this tranquility that none of us wanted to break.

Strolling along the lake, deep in this small lane hides the mansion of a second-place candidate from the Xianfeng era of the Qing Dynasty, with five bays and three courtyards, tall walls and carved wood, perfectly embodying the delicate, petite elegance of a typical Jiangnan residence.

Almost all the residents here are locals; deeper down a lane, there are specialty snack shops, tea houses, and tofu workshops.

It’s a place of edutainment, sharing the joy of tasting the fruits of labor.

· Zhima Tuo Lu Bing

Zhima Snacks' Tuo Lu Bing is located right in the ancient street.

One costs ¥5, with a crispy crust and a rich filling that can be sweet or savory, such as red bean paste, shepherd’s purse, or a creamy sugar syrup.

Walking through the old lane, take a bite and let it slide down your throat; the dense texture warms every cell, instantly brightening your mood — incredibly soothing.

Address: No. 888 Nanhuan Road, Jiangyin City

All is bustling; the Baroque architecture glows with neon lights.

As if lost in Italy, European-style buildings and exotic sculptures stretch along the waterways.

Water flows quietly beneath the shopping mall; at night, the “Water Venice” adds charm to this town under the Heilan brand.

Music, the jingle of horse bells, and the clatter of hooves drift slowly past your ears and fade away.

At the end of the street, a lighthouse twinkles; turn around, cross the connecting iron towers, bridges, and corridors, and then you leave.