Kunshan, Manufacturing hub in Suzhou, China
Kunshan is a county-level city near Suzhou that spreads across flat terrain crossed by numerous waterways and a complex network of canals and water management systems. The urban area is divided into multiple administrative zones, with Yushan serving as the center while other areas like Huaqiao and Zhouzhuang serve different economic purposes.
The region originated as Lou County during the Qin dynasty and underwent various administrative changes across the centuries. In 1989 it received its current status as a county-level city and became a major manufacturing center in the Suzhou region.
Kunshan is the birthplace of Kunqu opera, a classical Chinese theatrical form that remains performed in the city's cultural venues and theaters today. This art form continues to shape the identity of the place and draws visitors interested in experiencing traditional performances.
The city is best explored on foot or by bicycle in its central areas, with the waterways providing pleasant surroundings. The different districts are easily accessible, and the flat terrain makes navigation straightforward without steep sections or difficult elevation changes.
The area is known for its more than 100 polders that serve as natural solutions for water storage and flood control. These traditional water management systems show how the city has learned to work with its waterlogged geography over many centuries.
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