Changshu Aston

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Changshu Aston
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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.

School

Established in September 2009 and officially opened in March 2010 Changshu is one of the newest members of Aston English School. Situated in the tourist area across from Yushan Park, the school is surrounded by upscale eating places, bars, and clothing shops. Still less than a year old, Changshu Aston is growing rapidly with a student population of almost 50.

Because the school is so young the classrooms are in really good condition. The reception area has three computers where students can be seen playing on E-buddy to practice their English over weekends. The school is currently staffed with two receptionists, a foreign assistant manager, a local assistant manager and a general manager as well as one foreign teacher. The Teachers Lounge is a large, comfortable working space, well-stocked with all kinds of teaching tools and toys that may be required when teaching. Formal Chinese language lessons are provided twice weekly by one of our qualified Chinese teachers.

 


Apartments

The teachers apartments are located a ten minute stroll away from the school tucked away in an alleyway of an area called Lingtang Beicun. Located on the first floor, the apartment is a large two-bedroomed flat with all the creature comforts that one could hope for.

There is no shortage of places to eat in the vicinity with an especially alluring barbecue place (offering everything from lamb on sticks to vegetables and fish), located right across the road from us. People of Changshu really love noodles for lunch and there are one or two restaurants offering great noodles in walking distance from the apartments. Western restaurants and Fast Food places including Dairy Queen and KFC are also conveniently nearby for those craving for a taste of home.

For the adventurers among us the lure of Yushan Park, (open both day and night), beckons with the maze of foot trails that wind through the wooded mountain. Yushan Park is situated across from the school and only a five minute walk from the apartments.

Transportation is no problem as the apartment is situated against the main city artery of Beimen Dajie, and there is a constant stream of both buses and taxis along this main road. Travelers should note that there are two long-distance bus stations in Changshu, one in the North of the city and one in the South. The apartment is about a 15 minute taxi ride from either of those.


Videos & Web Resources

Watch School Video

Teachers Testimonial Video


Top reasons to pick Changshu Aston

  • Changshu is very close Shanghai and other large cities.
  • We are surrounded by beautiful lakes and mountains.
  • The supermarkets have all the Western food that one needs.
  • There are starbucks and cinemas.
  • It’s a small city with nothing too far.
  • The air is clean.
  • The vibrant clothes and shoes market makes shopping really easy.
  • There are lots of Western style bars.
  • Great Chinese and western cuisine.
  • Great mix of old and new china.

Changshu Gallery

 

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