Was it always called “evergrow”? Changshu. This name reflects its long history of agricultural success. Changshu is a county-level city. It falls under the jurisdiction of Suzhou in Jiangsu province. It is part of the Yangtze River Delta.
Changshu sits northeast of Nantong. The Yangtze River separates them. Its fertile land ensures a constant and plentiful harvest. The name Changshu captures this essence. The first character means “always” or “often.” The second means “ripe.” The nearby city of Taicang means “great granary”.
Let’s journey back to 540 AD. Changshu became its own county then. Later in 581 AD, it fell under Suzhou’s control. By 1295, it rose to a full prefecture. The city was rebuilt and strengthened in the 14th century. But in 1370, it became a county again. In the 15th and 16th centuries, Japanese pirates often attacked Changshu.
Changshu became a market town. Locals traded rice, corn and wheat here. Tea and mulberry leaves were also important. By the 13th century, cotton production grew. Changshu became a major center. Though under Suzhou, it traded with other countries. A harbor is being built on the Yangtze River. It will help Suzhou and Wuxi with trade.
Changshu’s industries are diverse. They include textiles and paper-making. Fine chemicals and machinery are also produced here. Steel and forestry add to the economy. The city boasts over 4000 textile companies. Their sales reach RMB50 billion each year. The paper industry has drawn over US$15 billion in foreign investment. By 2007, it produced over 2.4 million tons of paper.
Many foreign companies have invested here. These include Sharp and Dunlop. Taiwanese firms have invested over US$100 million. UPM-Kymmene from Finland runs a paper mill since 1999. It makes 200,000 tons of coated paper yearly. It also produces 600,000 tons of uncoated paper.
Changshu is more than an industrial hub. It is a city of parks and gardens. Fangta Park features a square tower. Yushan Park has a lake and hidden gardens. They nestle at the foot of Yushan Mountain.
Consider visiting the Zengs’ Garden. Or explore the Zhaos’ Garden. The Yan Garden offers another peaceful retreat.
Yushan Mountain stands tall. Other hills include Fushan Hills and Tongguan Hill. Dianshan Hill and Xishan Hill are also nearby.
Explore Xingfu Temple. Visit Zhongyong’s Tomb. See Yanzi’s Tomb. These sites offer glimpses into the past.
Many faiths thrive in Changshu. Buddhism and Taoism are present. Protestantism and Catholicism also have followers. Changshu Christian Church is a Protestant church here.
Getting around is easy. China National Highway 204 passes through Changshu. The Sujiahang Expressway is also accessible. The Sutong Yangtze River Bridge is nearby. It is one of the longest cable-stayed bridges.
Changshu’s past is rich. Its present is dynamic. The city continues to grow. It embraces both tradition and progress.