Kunshan

Here is a little information about where Lilly is from in China.  We have been researching her town, so she knows a little about her heritage.  We also want to know what to expect when we get there.

Where Kunshan is located in China

Jiangsu Province

Lilly is from a town called Kunshan, which is located in the Jiangsu province.  It is about 358 sqaure miles in size and has 650,000 people.  It does not have its own airport, but is situated between Shainghai and Nanjing (two larger cities) and can be accessed by train or bus.  Kunshan is a travel destination for its beautiful scenery.  Yangcheng and Dianshan Lakes are known to be beautiful.  Yangcheng Lake is known for its supply of Yangcheng crab, which is an area specialty.  It is a fresh water lake and has salmon, whitefish, eels, turtles, and shrimp.  Another culinary specialty in the area are Ao Zao noodles.  Tingling Park, which is 140 acres, is also a popular destination.  It is situated below the Kunshan Mountain.  The park is filled with Kun Stones, which have a jade-like texture, but are in various forms.  The Eight Immortals flower is very rare and unique to China and can be found throughout the park. They are special because they are formed by eight smaller flowers surrounding a center.  The flower is as big as a saucer and white as snow. Every April and May, the flowers are in full bloom, which apparently, is a sight to behold.  The Lotus flower is also a must see in Tingling Park.  Located inside the park is a museum for the Kun Opera, which originated in Kunshan and is known as the 'Father of Opera' in China.  There is also a monument to Gu Yanwu, a Chinese philosopher from Kunshan.  Lilly's Chinese last name is Gu in honor of this philosopher.  (All the girls in the orphanage have been given this last name).  Gu Yanwu's former home and tomb are also located in the park.

In recent years, more and more businessmen from Taiwan have invested in Kunshan and many hotels, restaurants, and attractions have been built as a result.  Kunshan is subject to subtropical monsoon climate, enjoying abundant sunlight and plentiful rainfall all year round.  The average temperature is 59 degrees year round.

Kunshan Center

Eight Immortals Flower

Yangcheng Crab

Kunshan Mountain & Kun Stones

Lotus Flower

Kun Opera

Gu Yanwu (Chinese Philosopher)

"every man is responsible for his country's rise and fall"