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For an expat looking for the best parts of old and new China, the city of Changshu is an ideal location. Changshu has a long history, beginning in 540 AD and today it is one of China's most affluent, prosperous and modern cities. Living and working in Changshu gives an expat a perspective on China's past, present and future. The most striking feature of Changshu is Yushan mountain, rising high above the flat Yangzi River plain. Yushan mountain park is crisscrossed with hiking paths, tea fields, ancient temples and features excellent views of the sprawling city skyline below. The city also features a maze of waterways, the exquisite Shang Lake and ancient temples dotted around the city.

Changshu is quite different from most cities in China because of the good air quality. This is because the local economy is focused primarily on light manufacturing, garment production, technology and hospitality services; rather than on heavy industry. The city is noted for its inviting parks, gardens, pagodas and the Xinfu Temple, an ancient Buddhist monastery on the slopes of Yushan. Changshu means "long harvest" in Mandarin and is known as "clothing capital of china", for its status as a worldwide leader in garment distribution and trade.

The cuisine of Changshu features familiar Western chains, high end dining, and a tempting selection of Chinese food, from top rate seafood (freshwater crab is the local delicacy) to a multitude of street stands serving shish kebobs, dumplings, and hot pot dishes. Expats living here are lucky to have a wide variety of foods to choose from. In addition, the markets are not to be missed. A technology street features all things electronic, the men's and women's fashion shopping centers are renowned for their immense size and selection, and food markets bring endless choices for preparing dinner.

Changshu is an ideal location to explore China's most fascinating cities: historic Suzhou (1 hour), Hangzhou (3.5 hours), Nanjing (3 hours), and the megacity of Shanghai, just down the Yangzi by coach bus (2 hours). Changshu's expat community includes American and European businesspeople and a small network of foreign teachers. However, Changshu is a Chinese city. You will not see many foreigners on a walk through town, yet you will find that the local people are very kind and helpful. Changshu would be an ideal city to learn Chinese, which is difficult to do in larger cities that are filled with Westerners. Changshu's size is another factor that benefits the expat community, with a population of 1 million people. Distances are not insurmountable and with a little motivation you can cross the main city center in an hour or so on foot and the city has a useful bus system. Exercise opportunities include hiking, jogging, bicycling, and health clubs. The central pedestrian street features coffee and tea houses, shopping and a lively street scene.