Shajiabang Scenic Area: A Cultural and Natural Paradise

Overview

Shajiabang Scenic Area, situated approximately 10 kilometers south of Changshu City and on the north side of Yangcheng Lake, is renowned for its association with the Peking Opera model play ‘Shajiabang’ and the filming location for the TV series. Visitors can immerse themselves in the play’s scenes, embark on boat tours through the reed marshes, and enjoy the breathtaking wetland scenery.

Entry and Initial Impressions

The entrance to Shajiabang is found in the southwest corner. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by the Square of Respect, featuring statues of Ah Qing’s wife and New Fourth Army instructor Guo Jian Guang. The first stop within the area is the Shajiabang Revolutionary History Memorial Hall, which provides a deeper understanding of Shajiabang’s role in the resistance against Japanese aggression and the revolutionary careers of Ah Qing’s wife and Guo Jian Guang.

Exploring the Main Scenic Area

Walking east past the ‘Tian Kai Bo Jing’ archway, one arrives at the main scenic area of Shajiabang, the Red Stone Folk Culture Village, a quintessential Jiangnan water town. Here, visitors can explore various museums, such as the root carving museum and the marriage customs museum, to learn about local customs and traditions.

Boat Tours and the Reed Maze

North of the Hidden Lake Corridor lies the boat dock, offering boat trips to the reed maze and the Hengjing Old Street Film and Television Base. The reed maze, divided into water and land sections, is best experienced by boat, as it is the essence of the scenic area. The reeds, towering over visitors, create a green curtain in spring and summer, and a desolate, yet beautiful, scene in autumn and winter.

Historical Significance and Wildlife

The reed marshes played a crucial role in hiding and treating injured New Fourth Army soldiers during the war. Today, visitors can enjoy the sight of egrets and the soft Wu dialect songs of the boatmen, enhancing the ‘Jiangnan’ experience.

Hengjing Old Street Film and Television Base

After the boat tour, visitors return to the dock and head northeast to the Hengjing Old Street Film and Television Base, a restored ancient town used for filming the TV series ‘Shajiabang’. Here, one can explore various workshops, the Jiangnan Rural Customs Museum, and overlook Hengjing Old Street from the upstairs of Diao De Yi’s mansion.

Additional Attractions

Shajiabang also features attractions such as the Reed Flower Village, Wan Zhu Island, and the National Defense Education Park, which displays military equipment and offers recreational facilities for quality development.

Cultural Performances

The scenic area hosts numerous performances, including Peking Opera ‘Shajiabang’ excerpts at the Red Stone Folk Culture Village’s ancient stage and various shows at the Hengjing Old Street Film and Television Base. On weekends, wedding customs performances are also available.

Teahouses and Dining

Inspired by Ah Qing’s wife’s teahouse ‘Chunlai’ in the Peking Opera, Shajiabang has several teahouses named after it, offering a place to reminisce about the play’s elegance. While there are limited dining options within the area, Hengjing Old Street offers local snacks, and it is recommended to bring dry food for extended visits. Fresh sweet reed and red water chestnuts are seasonal delicacies, and a row of restaurants outside the parking lot and along the Xitai Highway serve fresh and delicious local dishes.

Yangcheng Lake Hairy Crab Dining

Popular Eating Spots: Around Yangcheng Lake, you can find many popular places to indulge in Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs. One such place is Bacheng. Another lesser-known but equally delightful spot is Shajiabang in Changshu, which offers a unique dining experience with authentic and delicious crabs.

Operating Hours:

Morning: 08:30 to 16:30
Evening: 17:30 to 21:00

Preferential Policies:

Children:

Under 6 years old (inclusive) with household registration or under 1.4 meters (inclusive) in height: Free of Charge

Minors:

Aged 6 years old (exclusive) to 18 years old (inclusive) with valid documents: Half-Price Tickets

Students:

Full-time undergraduate and below students with valid documents: Half-Price Tickets

Elderly:

Over 70 years old (inclusive) with valid documents: Free of Charge
Aged 60 years old (inclusive) to 70 years old (exclusive) with valid documents: Half-Price Tickets

Soldiers:

Active soldiers or retired officers with various certificates: Free of Charge

Accompanying Drivers:

Tour bus drivers with A1, A2 driving licenses: Free of Charge

Disabled People:

With various certificates: Free of Charge
Severely disabled (first and second levels) can have one free companion

Retired Cadres:

With ‘Retired Cadre’s Honor Certificate’: Free of Charge
One family member can enter the park for free with the certificate

Martyr’s Family:

With ‘Revolutionary Martyr’s Family Preferential Certificate’: Free of Charge

Journalists:

With ‘Broadcasting and Television Editor Journalist Certificate’ or ‘Press Journalist Certificate’: Free of Charge

Labor Models:

With various ‘Labor Model Certificates’: Free of Charge

Tour Guides:

With various tour guide qualifications: Free of Charge

Citizens’ Card:

With valid ‘Changshu Citizen Card’ and other specified cards: Free Entry During Non-Peak Periods

Ecological Association Members:

With ‘Membership Card’: Free Entry for 3 People (Including Themselves)

Wildlife Protection Association Members:

With ‘Membership Card’: Free Entry for 3 People (Including Themselves)

Primary and Secondary School Students:

Collective participation in memorial halls: Free (Reservation Required)

Local Residents:

From December 1 to December 7 each year, with valid documents: Free of Charge

Honorary Citizens:

With relevant documents: Free of Charge for 5 People (Including Themselves)

Blood Donors:

With various blood donation awards: Free of Charge with Certificates

Preferential Treatment Objects:

With ‘Jiangsu Province Preferential Treatment Object Pension and Assistance Certificate’: Free of Charge

Firefighters:

With various fire and rescue team certificates: Free of Charge with Certificates

Changshu City Residents:

With valid documents: Preferential Tickets for Night Visits

Children’s Tickets:

Under 90 cm (inclusive): Free
Between 90 cm (exclusive) and 140 cm (inclusive): Half-Price Tickets