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Explore the historical replicas of buildings and landmarks from the "Water Margin" novel, participate in interactive exhibits, and enjoy the themed performances. The park offers a chance to immerse yourself in the world of the famous Chinese literary work.
Water Margin City, also known as Wuxi Taihu Water Margin Film and Television City, is a Song Dynasty-style building complex built by CCTV during the filming of the large-scale television series "Outlaws of the Marsh." It is a cluster of buildings that largely recreate scenes from the Water Margin. Following Tang City, European City, and Three Kingdoms City, it is another major initiative by Wuxi Taihu Film and Television City to become the "Oriental Hollywood."
Water Margin City, nestled between mountains and water, stands on the shores of Lake Taihu, covering a total land area of 36 hectares. In addition to its Song Dynasty-style architecture, Water Margin City also boasts a vast lakefront location for filming.
The architectural style within Water Margin City is unified yet diverse, encompassing a wide range of Song Dynasty architecture, from imperial palaces and prime ministerial residences to thatched houses. Furthermore, detailed structures such as government offices and prisons, temples and ancestral temples, market shops, restaurants and inns, and the Liangshan Stronghold are also featured. This fully recreates the historical context of the Song Dynasty and captures the rich local customs and cultures of each region during that period.
"Water Margin City" mainly promotes the glorious national culture of the Song Dynasty. It reproduces the folk customs on both sides of the Bian River during the Qingming Festival through realistic scenic spots. The distance and height of the city walls, markets, bridges, houses, and the coming and going of boats and carriages are all close to the original state, making people forget the troubles of the world and linger in the past.
Climate: Subtropical monsoon climate
Travel time: All seasons are suitable for travel
Sightseeing spots: Zishi Street in Zhouxian District, Qingming Shanghe Street in Jingcheng District, Zhongyi Hall in Liangshan District
Play time: 2-3 hours
Water Margin City adult ticket: 85 yuan/person, half price for students.
Three Kingdoms City + Water Margin City combined ticket 150 yuan/person
Discounts: ① Children's tickets: Children between 1.2m and 1.5m in height are half price, and children under 1.2m are free of charge.
② Visitors aged 70 and above can enjoy a half-price discount by presenting a valid ID (ID card); active military personnel can enjoy a half-price discount by presenting a valid ID.
③ Purchase a combined ticket and receive a coupon for a Taihu Lake ferry ticket, which is a 50% discount on the ticket.
Opening hours: 7:30-17:30
Water Margin City is a theme park dedicated to the legendary Chinese novel "Water Margin" (Shuihu Zhuan). It brings to life the stories of the 108 outlaws, showcasing their legendary feats in a series of exhibits and replicas of settings from the novel.
Water Margin City is located in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province. You can get there by taxi, or use public transportation such as buses that connect to the park. The park is also accessible via a short taxi ride from the Wuxi city center.
The park is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Weekdays and early mornings are the best times to visit to avoid the crowds.
The entrance fee is typically around 100-150 CNY. Tickets can be purchased online through official platforms or directly at the entrance of the park.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary, but it is recommended during peak seasons or weekends to ensure availability and to avoid long queues.
You will need about 2-3 hours to explore the park, depending on your interest in the exhibits and shows.
The must-see areas include the replica of the Liangshan Marsh, where the outlaws gathered, the various themed exhibits showing scenes from the novel, and the performance area where live shows are held.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides in various languages may also be available, but it’s best to check in advance for availability.
The best photography spots are the larger replica landscapes such as the Liangshan Marsh and the various statues of the outlaws. These areas provide great backdrops for capturing the essence of the "Water Margin" story.
Start with the main entrance, then visit the themed exhibits and replica buildings before heading to the performance area. End your visit by exploring the souvenir shops and enjoying the scenic views from the park’s highest points.
There are no night visits, but the park occasionally hosts special performances in the evening. It is best to check the schedule for any special shows during your visit.
The park can be crowded on weekends and during Chinese public holidays. The least crowded times are weekdays, particularly in the morning.
The park has restrooms, water fountains, and several rest areas. There are also food stalls and souvenir shops, but food options may be limited.
The park has accessible paths and facilities for elderly and disabled visitors, but some areas may have stairs or uneven surfaces. It’s recommended to plan accordingly.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and cash are widely accepted throughout the park. Credit cards may not be accepted at all locations.
Inside the park, there are several small food stalls offering local snacks. Nearby, you can find restaurants offering Chinese and Jiangsu cuisine.
There are some vegetarian options available, but vegan and halal food options are limited. It’s recommended to check with local eateries nearby if you have specific dietary requirements.
Nearby hotels include the Wuxi Grand Hotel, Hanting Express, and other budget accommodations located within a short taxi ride from the park.
Nearby attractions include Taihu Lake, Yuantouzhu Park, and the Wuxi Museum. These landmarks are close and can be easily combined for a full day of sightseeing.
The park has souvenir shops selling items such as "Water Margin" themed merchandise, traditional Chinese handicrafts, and local products.
After visiting, you can continue your trip by taking a taxi, local bus, or use ride-hailing apps. Popular nearby attractions such as Taihu Lake and Yuantouzhu Park are easily accessible.
