Changshu Yushan Park

Changshu Yushan Park

Yushan Park in Changshu is a national-level forest park.

Yushan Park is located at the foot of Yushan Mountain in the northern part of Changshu city. Nestled against the mountain and adjacent to the urban area, it boasts lush trees and elegant pavilions, terraces, bridges, and corridors, all thoughtfully placed. Pools, springs, rocks, and pathways are exquisitely designed. The natural mountain scenery blends seamlessly with exquisite architecture, making it a unique comprehensive park that combines urban charm with forested mountain landscapes in the Jiangnan region. The main entrance faces Beimen Street, the former site of Bancaojü and Chenjiashanmen. Established in the 20th year of the Republic of China (1931), the park was initially named Changshu Park. At that time, there was also Xiaoyao You Park in the western part of the city, originally the reading place of Yan Nè, a grand secretary during the Ming Dynasty's Jiajing era. It was once renamed Yushan Park but later declined and disappeared. Changshu Park was commonly referred to as the "New Park" to distinguish it.

This park is built against the mountain and along the city wall, closely hugging the eastern foothills of Yushan. The landscape undulates with the terrain, and buildings are staggered across different levels, interspersed with trees, springs, and rocks, blending natural scenery with man-made embellishments into one harmonious whole. The entire park is divided into front, middle, and rear sections. The front section features attractions such as Yiqinglou (Sunny Pavilion), Lili Teahouse, and Juan Yunshi (Rolled Cloud Rock). The middle section centers around a water body, representing the essence of the park’s scenery, with pavilions, terraces, and winding bridges scattered around, embodying the charm of a classic Jiangnan garden. The rear section features the continuous stretch of Yushan Mountain, covered with lush trees, dominated by natural rocks and stones, offering a strong wild mountain vibe. The 1948 *Changshu Handbook* by Wang Qingping states: “The park is located inside Hanbei Gate, built against the mountain and city, with scenery that boasts natural beauty. Pavilions and terraces are dotted around, Lili is surrounded by greenery, and the teahouse stands in the distance, serving as a resting place for visitors.” In the past, the main attractions included Zhongshan Hall, the People's Education Hall, Beilang Thatched Cottage, Hubing Pavilion, Jiǔqū Bridge (Nine-Turn Bridge), Shuāngmáo Pavilion, Yìxiù Shānfáng (Fragrant View House), Xīntíng (New Pavilion), Lili, Huán cuì Xiǎozhù (Verdant Retreat), and Yǐnlǜ Xuān (Green Drink Pavilion). By the eve of liberation, the park scenery had become largely overgrown and neglected.

In 1950, it was renamed People’s Park. Since then, the Hubing Pavilion, Jiǔqū Bridge, and Shuāngmáo Pavilion have been gradually renovated, the park entrance and Huán cuì Xiǎozhù have been rebuilt, and new attractions such as Yìcuì Pavilion, Zhībiān Pavilion, Tīngsōng Pavilion, Zhōngwáng Bēi Pavilion, and Xīzhào Xiè (Sunset Veranda) have been added. A book pavilion and a children’s playground were also established. In 1960, Yuhóng Pavilion was built. Starting in 1979, the Lili Teahouse was rebuilt, the Wángshígǔ Pavilion was added, Yìqínglou and Bànshān Xuān were newly constructed, a flower and plant shop was opened, a flower nursery was developed, and a greenhouse was built. Between 1984 and 1985, “Yiqíng Yuán” (Sunny Garden) was built, featuring Guīfēi Pavilion and Wǎncuì Pavilion. A climbing corridor was added at Bànshān Xuān, the children’s playground was expanded, and a penjing (bonsai) garden was created. In April 1984, it regained its original name, Yushan Park. This park is not only a comprehensive public park for leisure and entertainment but also a major component of the Yushan Scenic Area.

In recent years, the park has further integrated its rich and dense forest resources with cultural elements, creating a harmonious picture of humans and nature. A large number of plants have been introduced or improved, resulting in a vibrant scene where birds, trees, insects, and fish coexist, complemented by pavilions and architectural features. To date, Yushan Park spans over 10 hectares, several times its original size, and has become a uniquely charming destination among Jiangnan gardens.

Address: No. 8, Sìlù Street, Yushan North Road, Changshu City, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province

Type: Forest & Mountain

Rating: AAAAA

Recommended Visit Duration: 0.5–1 day

Phone: 0512-52225000

Official Website: http://www.csyssh.com/

Opening Hours:

Open all day; ticket sales from 8:00–16:00.

Ticket Information:

Free admission. The scenic area is free to enter. However, a combined ticket for smaller mountain attractions (including Jiànmén Scenic Area, Bǎoyán Scenic Area, and Yushan City Wall) costs 35 RMB, and Xīngfú Temple tickets are 10 RMB.

Yushan Subdistrict: Yushan Subdistrict in Changshu covers an area of 62.7 square kilometers, with a permanent population of 207,000, including 137,000 registered residents. Yushan Subdistrict is positioned as the core area for all-for-one tourism, integrating mountains, waters, and the city.

The Jiangsu Provincial Government (Document No. Su Zheng Fu [2017] No. 103) and the Suzhou Municipal Government (Document No. Su Fu Fu [2017] No. 62) have recently issued approvals regarding the adjustment of the administrative divisions of Yúshān Town, Changshu City.

… Detailed information about Yushan Subdistrict ++