The civilization of Kunshan can be traced back to over 6,000 years ago. Founded for more than two thousand years, the city is abundant in natural resources, home to talented individuals, and possesses remarkable cultural heritage. As far back as the Songze and Liangzhu cultures (around 5,400 to 6,000 years ago), ancient Chinese, with their diligence, created the splendid Yangtze River civilization. In addition to its official name, Kunshan is also referred to as “Lucheng Town”, or “Deer Town”. According to legend, during the Spring and Autumn Period (770 B.C.-476 B.C.), King Shoumeng of the Wu Kingdom had a fondness for hunting. He kept large herds of deer at the foot of Bushan Mountain and established a new town, named Xilucheng (West Deer Town), where the city Kunshan developed and thrived.

Kunshan boasts a rich treasure trove of intangible cultural heritage. In 2001, Kunqu Opera was recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity; in 2006, it was designated as one of the first national-level intangible cultural heritage items by the State Council of China. Additionally, there are numerous remarkable national and provincial level intangible heritage masterpieces: Xuanjuan (an ancient ballad form) from Jinxi Town, Tea Plate Dancing from Qiandeng Town, Traditional Aozao Noodle-making techniques, North Kunshan  Ballads, Lujia Dragon Dancing, Jiangnan Silk and Bamboo Music, and Ancient Brick and Tile Making Techniques.

Kunshan also has distinctive intangible heritage items at the municipal and county levels: Water-town Wedding customs, Apo Tea (or grandma’s tea), Speedboat Rowing, Qingtuan (green rice balls) Making Techniques from Wenkui Zhai in Zhengyi Village, Kunshan Stone Processing Techniques, Zhoushi Stewed Duck Making Techniques, Zhoushi Lion Dancing, and Yangcheng Lake Crab Fishery. Each item possesses a unique charm and showcases the pursuit of Kunshan residents for a better life and artistic aesthetics over the past thousands of years.