Shopping in Kunshan

Parkson Mall

Kunshan’s newest western-style mall opened last fall of 2011.  It is a mix of high fashion stores, including over 260 western and Asian brands along with a conglomeration of restaurants.  Here you can find some familiar places, like Starbucks, Subway, Haagen Dazs, and Uniqlo.  It is also connected to the popular French grocery, Carrefour.  It can be easily reached by hopping on bus 119.

There are more things to do than just shop and eat.  They have a large water and light show that often has a daily presentation during the evening.

ShangSha Mall

Shangsha Mall, like Parkson, is just one of the many brand name malls in Kunshan.  It is located in the downtown area on Renmin Nanlu. Inside, you will find a bowling alley on the top floor that is familiar to most localized expats for cheap beer and inexpensive games. Shangsha Mall also has a nice ice cream store and coffee shop located inside.  You will see brands like Este Lauder and Calvin Klein sold here.

Tinglin Road

Tinglin Road is known for its quaint, small retail shops.  You never know what you might find when you walk down this street!  The best way to explore is to start near the Kunshan hotel and head north on Tinglin Lu.  After a leisurely stroll and some window shopping, you will you will eventually end up at Tinglin Park.  I particularly enjoy this street for the food.  Make sure to try some delicious treats, including the egg tarts, CoCo drinks, and chestnuts!

Square 9 Mall
Square 9 is  a new mall tucked away on the north side of Kunshan on XiaoLin West Road.  Inside you will find popular stores like H&M, Gap, and Sephora.  Prices are more reasonable than Parkson, although a little far from the downtown, it is easy to shop, eat and find taxis!

Eagle Mall
Eagle Mall is a short walk away from "Expat Alley" (the small strip of expat restaurants on HeiLongJiang Road).  On the bottom floor, you can find a grocery store, and the other floors are brimming with trending restaurants (including an Indian restaurant) and reasonably-priced stores (well, in comparison to Parkson).

Home Improvements: Fixing Your A/C

Look at the top right part of this photo.  I took this photo after eating at Big Bamboo in Shanghai.  

Our A/C broke over the summer.  I dragged my feet until Chitrak finally called up a technician to fix it, but you won't see me at home when the repair man arrives.  Take a look at this photo - no harness, all confidence!  It's unfortunate I have a weak stomach... isn't that what husband's are for?

Suzhou Pearl Market

Suzhou and Shanghai are some of the best places to fulfill your appetite of all pearls, big and small.

I usually go to the Shanghai markets, where vendors speak English, and have a variety of necklace pendants and earring designs.  Recently, Chitrak and I tried our luck with the Suzhou Pearl Market.   I will still recommend going to Shanghai for anyone who lives the area.  Shanghai markets are easier to reach and have a lot of other activities around the market. 

However, one unique feature in Suzhou is that you can book a tour to pick up your own pearls from the lake.  We choose not to do this activity.  

Hill Living

An article I wrote back when Chitrak and I visited Shimla in October 2012.

The town of Shimla is breathtaking and one first falls in love with the picturesque backdrops and the quaint, laid back lifestyle of hill living, a difficult retreat to find in the chaotic larger cities of India that never sleep.  After a few days of leisure, you notice aberrant fixtures on the doors and windows.  Bars cast shadows over the glass like a prison. On a second glance, you begin to notice an odd consistency of spiky branches that have only fallen on the tops of vehicles.

However, all trimmings are intentional attempts to ward off monkey malice.  The slimy thieves break into your house with ease, take your food, steal your clothes, and leave your house in utter disarray.  Don't worry, if you are a woman and try to shoo the monkey away, he's not that scared of you.  The little devil will smugly continue on ravaging your home.  (For some reason, monkeys are only scared of men.  Ladies, don't go out alone!)  The thorny  branches put on the car by their owners are a frail defense to all monkey business, from monthly monkey meetings to sweet monkey love making.  Chitrak once told me a story of a friend that had just bought a new car, and while they were away one day, the dome was beaten in to look like it had suffered an unrelenting hail storm.  (Should have invested in the handy-dandy thorny branch!)

Our days were full of treks up and down steep slops, through crowded markets of colorful knick knacks and sweets.  I wish it were only the monkeys I was frightened of.  The larger, and wiser langur are just down-right terrifying.  But, let's save that for another day!

Medical Care in Kunshan

In Kunshan, many of the establishments are Taiwanese or Chinese run.  If you feel more comfortable with a western doctor, there are many online-recommended institutions you may decide to visit in Shanghai.  However, here are some tips I have compiled you may find helpful if living in Kunshan:

Dentist

In Kunshan, there is a popular Taiwanese establishment called Asia Dental Center that has similar care to that of back home.  They have many expatriate customers and affordable prices.  Ask for an English speaking doctor when making an appointment.

Eye Doctor

There are many eye doctors around the city.  Usually, an examination is free.  At some locations, prescription glasses can be ready-made the same day as the examination.  If you know your prescription, you can order these things cheaper online at websites like www.taobao.com.

Family Doctor/Physician

If you are looking for someone to prescribe medicine to cure symptoms of a slight illness, please contact someone at your company who can recommend the best options for your situation.  In China, private doctor offices are rare.  In the Kunshan area, many expats visit the Suzhou Kowloon Hospital.  There is an English-speaking branch for expatriates and VIP rooms.  Amenities are more western in comparison to local hospitals.  Call in advance to make an appointment.  

     Address:  Wangsheng Street, Wuzhong, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China 6262-7999
     Website:   http://www.kowloonhospital.com  (website is in Mandarin)

Just recently, a new chain of expat-friendly doctor offices have sprouted up around larger cities called Parkway Health.  They have English services, including an online English website (please see below).  Since services are in English, the cost of your visit will be higher, but at least this gives you another option.

http://www.parkwayhealth.cn/medical-center-locations/sip-medical-dental-center.php


Finally, there are also many affordable and expat-friendly hospitals in Shanghai.  In these establishments, nurses and doctors speak English and patients are provided with many other western amenities.

Kunshan Tourist Attractions

There are many things to do and see in Kunshan but at times you may find it to be a challenge to get around. You can choose to walk, ride a bicycle, take a taxi or the bus, but they have their limitations as you do not have the freedom to explore. Some expats will apply for their driver’s license and purchase a personal car. Motorcycles are an option, but these licenses are difficult to get in Jiangsu Province.  Most people hire a private driver for long excursions, or buy an e-bike (a scooter that runs on electricity).

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS:

Tinglin Park

Tinglin Park is situated on the north end of downtown.  It spans over 140 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, walkways, trails, and exhibits.  There is a 20 RMB entrance fee, however, if you pay a little more up front, you can enjoy a year’s membership so you can visit as often as you like.

Tinglin Park is best known for Ma ‘an Mountain.  If you decide to take the challenge, it is no more than a 15-20 minute hike up to the top, where you can enjoy the view of the entire city as well as a few refreshments.

The park also includes many other features, including a zoo, bonsai garden, Kun Opera Museum, paddle boats, haunted house, and tomb.

  **Some features require additional fees.

  **The best times to visit are during the months of April and May when the flowers
bloom..

Kun Opera Museum

While you’re at Tinglin Park, you might take a few minutes to explore the Kun Opera Museum. The building is a model of antique architecture from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Kun Opera is widely known as “the father of all Chinese operas” and has been very influential to Beijing Opera. Inside the museum, you can see scripts and paraphernalia used in Kun Opera.

Fairmont Hotel

The Fairmont Hotel is one of the most renowned hotels in Kunshan. It hosts many community activities for expats, including a scrumptious Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner. The hotel also offers a spa, buffet, gym, walking/biking trails, and classes (including yoga, kung fu, etc.) for residents living in Kunshan. It is located near the famous Yangcheng Lake, which is famous for Hairy Crab. Its serene environment allows you to take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and relax in nature.

Zhou Zhuang Water Town

You may have noticed that China isn’t exactly that "National Geographic image” you had imagined before moving here. In fact, many people are speechless to find that in some ways, China is far more advanced than many western cities.  But, if you are hoping to get a glimpse of China’s past, you can visit Zhou Zhuang Water Town.  It is one of the three most popular water town destinations outside of Shanghai.  Every year, there are several native and international guests.  It is usually quite busy, especially during beautiful weather and holidays.

While there, you can take boat rides, buy handmade items from local vendors, and immerse yourself in local cuisine.  Be sure to schedule a driver or long distance bus as it is quite far from the downtown area.

Living Skyhigh

Did I mention we move A LOT?!  We have been living on the West side of Kunshan now for over 4 years.  Our current apartment's name is Bo Jue Da Di.  Like most apartment complexes in the city, it has an English name.  There is no reason to learn it because none of the taxi men or locals will be able to help you with directions.  (This gives you a great opportunity to start practicing your Mandarin!)  

Our apartment complex is great:  it is stunning from the outside in.  We have the penthouse with an incredible view of Yang Cheng Lake, an enormous kitchen (for Chinese standards), and a fabulous landlord who has been helping us out.  

However, this area is known for its constant construction from the new buildings being erected from all around us.  After a while, you do become desensitized to the noise.  However, we recently had a neighbor move in.  Drilling began at 7:00AM and didn't typically end until 5:00PM.  Unfortunately, the construction workers continued over the weekend.  We would crawl out of the apartment like earthworms after a rainy day and tried to find things to do outside.  Luckily, after about two months, the neighbors officially moved in...

Our apartment is quite perfect - we are only dissatisfied with one thing: our high speed internet... or should I say lack thereof?  Basically, it is nonexistent.  Chitrak ran the figures the other day and showed that while dial up was 22.2 kbps, our apartment is a whopping 8.3.  Does that put things into perspective?  It like comparing a tortoise to a cheetah (with dial up being the cheetah).  After comparing our internet with our local friends, we have found out that our VPN is cause for our poor internet connection.  Chinese websites are lightning fast.

Enjoy a tour of our home!  These pictures were taken when we were apartment shopping.

Can you guess who lives here?

We are at the tippy toppy!

Only four towers in our building complex now, but there are more popping up.

Main lobby / Entrance to building elevator.

Two elevators for our building.

A one-minute journey to the top, just hope you don't have to pee!

Our apartment has an incredible view of the Kunshan Stadium and Forest Park.

The new buildings soon to be constructed in our apartment complex.  Did anyone hear a BANG, BANG!

Master Bedroom - Out the window, you have a neat view of the bullet train line.

Master Bedroom attached bath, closet and cabinets.

Our second bathroom, just off the living room.

Our third bedroom, with the capacity for two wee ones.  No intentions to fill it.  :-)

Another closet for the kids' bedroom.

Door on the left opens to the main entrance of the apartment.  

Dining / Living Room - Chitrak is happy to see how big the kitchen is (door on the left).  He approves.

Kitchen - I have not seen a kitchen this large in all of China,unless of course you are renting a villa.

Dining room with lazy susan.

Our far-out decoration... Liberace anyone?  (We call it "tu hao" 兔毫)

Our crazy wall mirrors.

Master Bedroom Shower - apologies for the blurriness.

Laundry Room - Washer & Clothes Hanger

What's That Incredible Flavoring You Use?

Is he tying his shoe?  Did he drop something?  

WAAAAAAIT!! Is that a manhole??  Oh dear, it is!!

Recently, I watched a clip online of some clever entrepreneurs doing their best to help the world reduce waste... almost literally!  In a way, you have to give them kudos for their imaginative creativity.  However, I think you will agree with me when I say "recycled oil" may not be your thing.

In China, it is common practice to dump oil down the sink where it makes its way below the city streets and bumpy sidewalks, straight into the sewer.  It appears that there is a large top layer of oil sitting there, sad and lonely, just waiting to return to its glory days.

It is then that hardworking immigrants trying to support their families, come with buckets and large ladles in hand, for collection.  The mixture that they gather is then taken to a distillery, where it is cleansed with cleaning agents and resold for a reduced price in the market.

Chitrak and I happened to chance upon it as we exited one of our favorite haunts.  Yes, it even happens in Kunshan.  I stared with shock and wonder as the man bent down to take the manhole cover off.

Ahhhhh, I realized as I noticed the mush spilling onto the sidewalk, That must be why there are black oil stains around the manholes in town!

It is illegal in China, and the government does its best to stop this "gutter oil" production, but with such a large population it simply can't be eradicated.  Know that the gross part really isn't that it is a mixture of oil and unknown sewage, because after the distilling process, it is pretty clean.  It is the chemical agents that you consume that make it a health risk and dangerous.

Words of advice:  be wary of street food and check out their oil bottle first before ordering.  Better safe than sorry I always say.  :-)