Chinese students begin their summer holidays on July 12.

While some of them might still be wondering how to spend their month-long vacation, the East China city of Kunshan in Jiangsu province presents a tempting choice for a holiday destination.

The city is not only ideal for students, adults, too, can find plenty of relaxation and entertainment through tours to the many ancient and vibrant towns in Kunshan.

Zhouzhuang town

At the 900 year-old Zhouzhuang town, people can learn its profound cultural legacy from the Twin Bridges Shide and Yong'an, both built from stone slabs in Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), and Shen Ting, the residence of the Shens' built in 1742 during Qing Dynasty (1636-1912).

The Twin Bridges Shide and Yong'an in Zhouzhuang town, Kunshan city, Jiangsu province.

The centuries-old Kunqu opera is performed at the ancient stage in Zhouzhuang. Before listening to beautiful performances, visitors can watch how the opera faces are made.

The Carton King Creativity Park displays cardboard artifacts. At the facility, tables and chairs, walls and ceilings, bridges and towers, and animal and human figures are all made of cardboard. If intrigued, there is a DIY area at the site where you can create something of your own.

The treasure-hunt one-day program "Benpaoba Baobei" (run, baby, run) weaves in many historical buildings and scenic spots in Zhouzhuang. It is run on weekends and is open to booking now.

Children and adults hold up a "Benpaoba Baobei" banner in front of a pailou architecture in Zhouzhuang town, Kunshan city, Jiangsu province.

Jinxi town

This summer, Jinxi offers not only tranquil aquatic views, it will also be hosting a cooking class at the local Caifenglou restaurant that teaches how to make Xuemeiniang and wadisu deserts.

The facade of a local restaurant Caifenglou in Jinxi town, Kunshan city, Jiangsu province.

Xuemeiniang are buns stuffed with large fruit pulps and cream. Their wrappers are made of glutinous rice and are chewy.

Wadisu is a pastry in a flat, oval shape - or, in the locals' words, the shape of a shoe sole (wadi). Stories about the pastry vary but all involve Emperor Xiaozong and his concubine Chenfei from the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279).

This cooking class could be a great opportunity to build relationships between parent and kid, teacher and student, colleagues or neighbors.

To get on the scheme, reservations are required. The reservation number is 021-57793305.