Changzhou Travel Guide: Top Attractions and Must-Try Local Food

Looking for a spontaneous short getaway with a mix of fun, culture and nature? Changzhou, known as the “Dragon City”, blends exciting theme parks, centuries-old heritage and scenic landscapes into one vibrant destination. Whether you’re travelling with family, as a couple, or exploring at your own pace, Changzhou has something for everyone. Fly with HK Express and start your journey with ease.

Theme Parks for Family Fun

Changzhou is packed with theme parks that promise both excitement and entertainment.

China Dinosaur Park

Step into a Jurassic world filled with giant dinosaurs, thrilling rides and live shows. From high-speed roller coasters to family-friendly zones, it’s a top pick for all ages.

Address: No. 60 Hehai East Road, Xinbei District

Joyland

A futuristic park combining animation, gaming and technology, featuring adrenaline-pumping rides and immersive experiences.

Address: No. 1 Taibei Road, Wujin District

Yancheng Chunqiu Land

A history-themed park inspired by the Spring and Autumn period, blending culture with interactive attractions and performances.

Address: No. 197 Wuyi South Road, Wujin District

Strolling Through Historic Jiangnan Charm

Slow down and immerse yourself in Changzhou’s long history, where old streets, temples and canals reflect the gentle beauty of Jiangnan.

Tianning Temple

With over 1,300 years of history, this grand temple is home to the iconic Tianning Pagoda, offering panoramic views of the city.

Address: No. 636 Yanling Middle Road, Tianning District

Qingguo Lane

A beautifully preserved old street lined with white walls, stone paths, cafés and creative shops—perfect for a leisurely wander.

Address: Qingguo Lane, Tianning District

Canal No. 5 Creative District

A former industrial site transformed into a vibrant creative hub filled with art, design and photo-worthy corners.

Address: No. 141 Sanbao Street, Tianning District

Relaxing Lake and Mountain Scenery

If you’re looking to step away from the city and reconnect with nature, Changzhou’s scenic landscapes offer the perfect reset.

Tianmu Lake

Known for its clear waters and lush surroundings, perfect for boat rides or a relaxing hot spring retreat.

Address: No. 1 Huanhu East Road, Liyang

Nanshan Bamboo Sea

A vast bamboo forest with fresh air and scenic views—take a cable car or stroll through the greenery for a peaceful escape.

Address: Lijiayuan Village, Daibu Town, Liyang

Must-Try Local Food

No trip is complete without good food, and Changzhou delivers with fresh, flavourful dishes known for their river produce and traditional snacks.

Tianmu Lake Fish Head Soup

Made with premium bighead carp from Tianmu Lake, this signature dish is slow-simmered with ham and bamboo shoots. The broth is milky, rich and deeply savoury, while the fish is tender and delicate. Start with the soup, then enjoy the fish to fully appreciate this local speciality.

Changzhou Sesame Cake (Damagao)

A classic local pastry loved for generations. Coated with sesame and baked until golden and crisp, it comes with savoury fillings like pork floss or spring onion oil, or sweet options such as sugar or red bean. Perfect as a snack or light bite.

Crab Roe Soup Dumplings

A Jiangnan favourite with delicate, paper-thin skin and a rich crab roe filling. Each dumpling is packed with hot, savoury broth—take a small bite, sip the soup first, then dip in vinegar to bring out the sweetness. A must-try local delicacy.

Local Souvenirs

Want to bring a little piece of Changzhou home with you? Beyond its food, the city is also known for traditional crafts that make thoughtful keepsakes.

Biji Wooden Comb

With a history spanning hundreds of years, the Biji wooden comb is one of Changzhou’s signature handicrafts. Carefully crafted from selection to polishing, it features smooth, rounded teeth and fine workmanship. Both practical and collectible, it makes a meaningful local souvenir.

Random Stitch Embroidery

Unique to Changzhou, this embroidery technique is known for its dynamic lines, rich colours and layered texture. Created with overlapping threads in varying directions, it resembles an oil painting in textile form—making it a striking piece for collection or gifting.

Changzhou brings together excitement, culture and calm in one destination. Book your HK Express flight now and start exploring.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What attractions in Changzhou are good for family trips?

Changzhou offers several theme parks and scenic spots that are perfect for family outings:

• China Dinosaur Land – Home to a dinosaur fossil museum as well as a large theme park featuring thrilling rides and live shows.
• CC Joyland – A futuristic theme park blending animation, gaming, and digital technology.
• Yancheng Spring and Autumn Park – The world’s first Spring and Autumn–themed park, where historical culture is creatively integrated into the attractions for an educational yet fun experience.
• Tianmu Lake – Enjoy a relaxing boat ride while taking in the picturesque lake and island scenery.
• Nanshan Bamboo Sea – Ride a cable car through expansive bamboo forests and immerse yourself in the tranquil greenery.

Besides sesame pastries, what foods should I try in Changzhou?

In addition to the well-known sesame pastries, other local specialties worth trying include:

• Tianmu Lake Casserole Fish Head Soup – Made with fresh bighead carp from Tianmu Lake and slow-simmered in a traditional clay pot. The soup is rich and milky, with tender, delicate fish.
• Crab Roe Soup Dumplings – Known for their paper-thin wrappers and flavourful, juicy filling made with fresh crab roe and meat — a true taste of Jiangnan cuisine.

What local specialties make good souvenirs from Changzhou?

Changzhou is known for its distinctive handcrafted items that make memorable souvenirs:

• Biji Wooden Combs – A traditional handicraft with centuries of history, valued for their fine workmanship and practical elegance.
• Random Stitch Embroidery – A unique embroidery technique originating in Changzhou, admired for its expressive lines and painterly, almost oil-painting-like visual effect.