Expo fever is on the rise in today's travel market, but for many visitors who have come a long way to Shanghai, one tour about the Expo Garden doesn't seem enough for all the effort. So, they seek nearby tourist attractions. And among all the choices, the ancient water towns which Shanghainese often use as weekend retreats are the most popular.

Located in Kunshan city of Jiangsu province, Qiandeng is considered to be a history museum, which is more because of its richness in cultural celebrities than the well preserved old houses. Qiandeng is home to father of Kunqu opera Gujian and Qing dynasty thinker Gu Yanwu. New Stone Age ruins that dates back to six thousand years ago were discovered here and are protected as national heritage.

There is also the modern side to Qiandeng. Its new town area has attracted many technology companies to build their headquarters which has greatly spurred the local economy.

Qiandeng holds a tourism festival each year from March to May and this year, in addition to the usual activities, locals will organize traditional celebrations on the Dragon Boat and Mid Autumn Festivals to attract Expo visitors.