Qiandeng offers window into the past


(chinadaily.com.cn)

Updated: 2016-01-20

While sporting all the latest modern facilities, the 2,500-year-old town of Qiandeng has not forgotten its past.

Historic attractions can be found throughout the tranquil town, including the centuries-old Qinfeng Pagoda, Yanfu Temple and a well-preserved ancient stone paved street.

Qinfeng Pagoda was first built in AD 503 and has lived through periods of wreck, ruin and restoration. It received state protection in 2013 for the Buddha figures inscribed on the wall bricks of the building and for its delicate structure and exemplary architecture.

Qiandeng offers window into the past

The Qinfeng Pagoda and the Hengsheng Bridge in Qiandeng town, Kunshan.[Photo from Kunshan Tourism Resort]

The 1,500-year old Yanfu Temple forms the enclosure of the pagoda and features distinct yellow walls and old gingko trees. Soothing sutra chanting can be heard echoing throughout the temple. Accessing the temple is easy and it is located by the main waterway of the town – the Shangshupu River.

The old flagstone street runs for approximately 1,500 meters and features ancient sewer openings built into carved stones at intervals as a pragmatic flood control design.

Qiandeng offers window into the past

The old flagstone street runs for approximately 1,500 meters and features ancient sewer openings built into carved stones at intervals as a pragmatic flood control design.[Photo from Kunshan Tourism Resort]

The town also features many iconic bridges; some arched and some beamed.

Old wooden buildings can be found in remarkable condition. The variety of different types and ages of wood used in the town's buildings make for a pleasing view.

Qiandeng offers window into the past

Old wooden buildings can be found in remarkable condition. The variety of different types and ages of wood used in the town's buildings make for a pleasing view.[Photo from Kunshan Tourism Resort]

For tourists willing to go the extra mile, leisure-agricultural tourism facilities can be found a little further out of town.

Edited by Jacob Hooson

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