Changshu first became an independent county in 540 AD, but in 581 was made subordinate to Suzhou. It was made the seat of a full prefecture in 1295, was rebuilt and fortified in the 1300s, but in 1370 was reduced again to the level of a county. In the 15th and 16th centuries Changshu was several times attacked by Japanese pirates.

Changshu China Changshu has traditionally been a market town for locally-produced rice, corn, wheat, tea, and mulberry leaves, and since the 13th century has been a major cotton-producing district. Although administratively it is still a subordinate city to Suzhou, it is a provincial base of foreign trade. Currently a harbour is being developed on the Chang Jiang near Changshu to service Suzhou and Wuxi.

Recently, the economic boom in southern Jiangsu has resulted in an increase in brick production. The fluoride emitted from brick factories is absorbed by mulberry bushes, and the silkworms, on which farmers depend for a cash crop, can get poisoned from eating the leaves.

Language

Changshu is in the region of Northern Wu dialects , like nearby Suzhou and Shanghai.

Food

Big Gate Crab is a famous specialty of Changshu.

Culture

At least three famous painters were born at Changshu:

Huang Gongwang (1269-1354), one of the Four Masters of the Yuan dynasty
Wang Hui (1632-1717), one of the "Four Wangs" representing the orthodox school of painting during the Ming and early Qing dynasties
Wu Li (1632-1718), one of the orthodox school of "literati painting" in the early Qing dynasty

Changshu is noted for its lace making. To the northwest of Changshu is Yushan, which has historical and scenic spots, including a nine-story pagoda.