Dangkou Ancient Town

Introducing Dangkou Ancient Town

Dangkou Ancient Town is located in Ehu Town, southeast of Xishan District, Wuxi City, Jiangsu Province. It borders the Hongshan Yue Noble Tombs and Taibo Tomb to the west, and Suzhou and Changshu to the east. It covers an area of ​​20.68 hectares. Anciently known as Dingshe, it is said to be the hometown of Ding Lan, a filial son of the Eastern Han Dynasty. It derives its name from its location at Dangkou in Edan.

Dangkou Ancient Town, located 25 kilometers from Wuxi's city center, lies at the junction of Wuxi, Suzhou, and Changshu. One of Wuxi's five key historical and cultural districts (or famous towns), it was designated a Chinese Historical and Cultural Town in 2010. Known as "Little Suzhou" and "Silver Dangkou," it is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

Climate and best time to travel

Climate: Subtropical monsoon climate

Best time to travel: All seasons

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Recommended places to visit:

Hua's Charity Cemetery

The Hua Family Charity Cemetery is one of the most intact, largest, and longest-standing charitable cemeteries in the Jiangnan region. Founded in the seventh year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty by father and son Hua Jinsi and Hua Gongbi, they were commended by Emperor Qianlong and subsequently continued to be built upon by descendants of the Hua family. The existing building comprises four courtyards and covers an area of ​​approximately 2,500 square meters. Along the central axis, from south to north, lie the screen wall across the river, the dock and grounds, the eight-character screen wall, the entrance hall, the sedan chair hall, the main hall (Yigut Hall), and the back hall. From north to south, the west road leads to the granary, the west garden, and the pawnshop.

Since the Qing Dynasty, Dangkou has established Fenyi Zhuang, Yongyi Zhuang, Chunyi Zhuang, Xiangyi Zhuang, Xuyi Zhuang, etc., with more than ten of them at its peak. The old Hua Family Charity Zhuang has now been transformed into the Dangkou Charity Zhuang Exhibition Hall.

Former Residence of Wang Shen

Wang Xin’s former residence is located at the entrance of Yangjia Lane in Beicang River.

Wang Shen (1918-2007), a native of Dangkou, Wuxi, was a folk musician, composer, and composer of the song "Singing the Motherland." He was a recipient of the China Musicians Association's Golden Bell Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2009, Wang Shen's former residence, a replica of a Tianjin Western-style house, and two restored old houses were constructed, creating a 1,670-square-meter museum. The museum is divided into three sections: "Songs Begin in Dangkou," "Songs Lead the Way," and "The Singer Never Stops," showcasing Wang Shen's life and deeds and showcasing the captivating melodies of "Singing the Motherland."

Qian Mu's Former Residence

Qian Mu (1894-1990), courtesy name Binsi, was a native of Qifangqiao, Yanxiang Township, Wuxi. He was a renowned modern Chinese historian, educator, and master of Chinese studies. Determined to study at a young age, his parents, inspired by the story of Mencius' mother choosing neighbors, came to Dangkou to study. The restored 710-square-meter residence, once rented by the Wang family as their ancestral home (1903-1906), now serves as their former residence. The exhibition showcases Qian Mu's life and his experiences living, studying, and teaching in Dangkou as a child.

Recommended play time: 5~7 hours

Tickets

The combined ticket is 80 yuan, and citizens of Wuxi, Jiangyin and Yixing can enjoy free tickets with proof of identity.

Attraction opening hours

8:00-17:00

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Most Popular FAQs for Dangkou Ancient Town

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Dangkou Ancient Town is a historically significant town located near Wuxi. It dates back to the Tang Dynasty and played a key role in the region's trade, culture, and local governance. The town features preserved architecture and is a representation of ancient Chinese life and customs.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Dangkou Ancient Town is located in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province. It is about 30 km from the center of Wuxi city. You can take a taxi or local bus from Wuxi. The nearest metro station is Wuxi Railway Station, from where you can catch a taxi or bus to the town.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The town is accessible to visitors throughout the day, but most attractions are open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are in spring and autumn for comfortable weather and fewer crowds.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

The entrance fee for some historical sites in the town is around 40 CNY. You can purchase tickets on-site, or some locations offer online booking options through local platforms.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Booking tickets in advance is recommended during peak seasons, such as holidays. Ideally, book a day or two ahead to ensure availability.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

You will need around 2 to 3 hours to fully explore Dangkou Ancient Town, including visits to temples, local markets, and sightseeing areas along the riverside.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

Key highlights include the old temples, the traditional riverside architecture, the ancient street markets, and the historical buildings that have remained intact since the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours in Mandarin are available. Some locations may offer audio guides in English and Chinese for a more informative visit.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The best photography spots are along the riverbanks, where you can capture the picturesque old town architecture. The traditional bridges and streets are also ideal for taking photos.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start at the main entrance, visit the historical temples, and then walk along the riverside. Explore the ancient streets and end the tour by visiting the local markets for souvenirs.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Currently, there are no official night visits or light shows. However, the town looks beautiful at night with lit-up streets, and walking through it after dark is a pleasant experience.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The town is usually less crowded during weekdays, especially in the morning hours. The busiest times are during weekends and national holidays, so visiting early in the morning or off-season is ideal.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

The town has public toilets, food stalls offering local snacks, and several shops selling traditional crafts and souvenirs. Rest areas are available throughout the town for visitors to relax.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The town is fairly accessible, with paved paths for easy walking. However, some of the older, narrower streets may be challenging for visitors with mobility issues. It's best to check for specific access requirements at the entrance.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted throughout the town. Cash is also accepted, but digital payments are preferred for ease and convenience.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There are a few local restaurants and tea houses within Dangkou Ancient Town that offer traditional Chinese meals and tea. For more options, visit nearby Wuxi city center.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian food is available in most restaurants in the area. For halal food, it's better to head to Wuxi city, where there are more specialized options.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

There are several hotels in Wuxi city center, including luxury hotels and budget accommodations. If you're looking for something closer, there are guesthouses near the town, but they tend to be more basic.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

Nearby attractions include the Wuxi Grand Buddha, Liyuan Garden, and the Taihu Lake scenic area. All can be easily combined in a day trip from Dangkou.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Yes, there are souvenir shops in the town selling traditional Chinese crafts, silk products, tea, and local Wuxi specialties like Taihu stone carvings and bamboo crafts.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After visiting Dangkou Ancient Town, taxis, local buses, and metro services from Wuxi city center provide easy transportation for onward travel. Renting a car is also a convenient option for exploring nearby areas like Taihu Lake.