The plush city of Kunshan is host to a handful of scenic water towns. These offer residents and visitors alike a wonderful chance to retreat from the summer heat. Those arriving from the neighboring metropolises of Shanghai and Suzhou will find Kunshan a welcome dosage of tranquility.

Dream of Water Park

A bird's-eye view of the sleek shell-shaped ocean-themed hotel. [Photo/bbs. kshot.com]

Open since June 2015, this gargantuan 248,000-square-meter splishy splashy wonderland is the largest of its kind in East China. Dream of Water Park caters to everyone from toddlers to seasoned adults. The park includes several different sized swimming pools, a wide range of slides, numerous fun zones for kids to play around in sprinklers and water shooters, and relaxation areas decked out with beach chairs and umbrellas. Whether you want to get the heart racing with some pulse-stopping rides, or just kick back on the beach and read a novel, this is an ideal spot to spend a summer's day.

Location: North of Zuchongzhi Road and south of Jinxiu Road, Bacheng town.

Please consult its official site: http://waterdream.com.cn/ for detailed information.

Yinhua Yijing

The Yinhua Yijing horticultural garden becomes a rainbow of color world when flowers are in bloom. [Photo/bbs. kshot.com]

Although construction has not yet been concluded, Yinhua Yijing gardens are certainly worth keeping an eye out for. The gardens are being meticulously designed and are set to include a stunning set of plant sculptures. This garden's beautiful scenery is sure to be a perfect place for couples to take a stroll and snap some photographs that will live long in the memory. It will also be a good place for locals to relax and exercise.

Location: West of Hubin Road, near the Yangcheng Lake, Bacheng town

Qipan Lake

The Qipan Lake is a picturesque local spot for tourists to come and experience some authentic landscape up close. The local resort center hosts a canoeing club and paddling around the area is certainly a peaceful and enjoyable way to spend an afternoon. Don't worry if you've never stepped in a canoe before, the resort center caters to both absolute beginners and seasoned veterans. There is parking for caravans as well as a range of boutique-style hotels to stay in.

Location: West of the Dianshan Lake

Bailian Lake park

The iconic tranquil scenery at the Bailian Lake park. [Photo/bbs. kshot.com]

This park has something for everyone and is spread across a vast area giving visitors an easy feel of independence. Aside from its stunning location and host of spectacular lakeside views, the park gives guests an insight into the feel of traditional Kunshan farms. For guests planning to stay overnight, there are several charming local boutique hotels on offer.

Old Kiln Cultural Park

A kiln in the village of Zhudian, Jinxi town. [Photo from travel.sohu.com]

The brick and tile kilns once provided great wealth for locals and stood as the dominant industry in Jinxi town. In fact, so high was the quality of the local produce that during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1644, 1644-1912) it was often included as tribute. Even though the site's kilns have been well-preserved, it is still currently undergoing renovation so that the village's rich history can be fully appreciated. Upon completion, it will be comprised of a museum documenting the local cultural achievements, a workshop offering brick making demonstrations, and an array of hotels reconstructed to represent the local architectural style.

Location: East of Jinzhou Road, near the Changbai Lake, Jinxi town.

Cycling track around the Mingjing Lake

Visitors looking to get some exercise might consider taking the cycle track around the serene Mingjing Lake. The lake is part of a local water conservation project and, at approximately 12 kilometers long, the track is the perfect length to get blissfully lost in nature.

Location: East of Jinxi town.

Tianfu Wetlands Park

The Tianfu Wetlands Park comes alive at night with spectacular lighting. [Photo from chinadaily.com.cn]

Stretched across a tidy 8 square-kilometers, this park was declared Kunshan's first national wetland park in 2012. Visitors have the chance to take a walk and enjoy the site's unique and varied wetland flora and fauna. For those keen on fishing, there are many quiet spots to sit with rod in hand. In general, this is a wonderful place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Location: 888 Yanhu Avenue, Huaqiao town.