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Explore the scenic views along the Ancient Grand Canal, take a boat ride to experience the canal's historical charm, visit the local heritage museums, and enjoy traditional canal-side cuisine. There are also cultural performances and craft exhibitions to experience.
The Qingmingqiao Ancient Grand Canal Scenic Area, located south of Wuxi's city center, covers approximately 44 hectares. Formed by the intersection of two thousand-year-old "Y"-shaped rivers and two ancient streets along the river, the area boasts a rich tapestry of historical relics and cultural attractions.
The most famous of these is the "Jiangnan Water Lanes," known as "the ultimate gem of the ancient canal." The sounds of oars, the shadows of lanterns, the ancient bridges, and the dwellings along the banks create a natural "waterside sketch of folk customs" along the ancient canal. The ancient kilns, houses, streets, bridges, temples, pagodas, temples, alleys, and docks from the Ming and Qing dynasties offer a breathtaking glimpse into Eastern culture.
Climate: Subtropical monsoon climate
Best time to travel: All seasons
Recommended places to visit:
Jiangnan Water Lane
Outside the south gate of the old city of Wuxi, a renowned Jiangnan city, stands the Qingming Bridge, an arched stone bridge over 400 years old. The ancient Grand Canal flows beneath the bridge, dividing the old city into two. The silvery-white marble railings, eroded by time and wind, are somewhat worn and mottled. Touching them, a rough, cool sensation instantly spreads to the palm of your hand.
Leaning against the railing, slowly turning my neck, the gaze shifts, the allure of the ancient canal revealed. The approximately 1.3-kilometer stretch of waterway from this point to the South Gate, designated the Qingming Bridge Historical and Cultural District, is the most essential section of the ancient canal. In 2014, this section of the Grand Canal of China was inscribed on the World Cultural Heritage List, with this section of the canal nominated. This area, home to numerous ancient cultural landscapes—temples, pagodas, rivers, streets, kilns, residences, alleys, and museums—has earned the reputation of being "a rare canal spot and a Jiangnan waterside alley."
Suggested play time: 1.4 hours
Ancient Grand Canal Water and Land Tour (Ancient Grand Canal Cruise + Wuxi Kiln Group Site Museum + China Silk Museum + Zhu Dachun's Former Residence) : 100 yuan
Ancient Grand Canal Cruise (Ancient Grand Canal Cruise) : 60 yuan
Night cruise on the Ancient Grand Canal (boat cruise): 80 yuan
A. Free policy: Height less than 1.3 meters (free admission to cruise ships and attractions)
B. The following individuals enjoy free admission to three attractions (excluding cruise ships): 1. Active-duty military personnel with their officer ID cards; 2. Disabled military personnel with their disabled military personnel ID cards; 3. Retired personnel with their "Retirement Honor Certificate of the People's Republic of China"; 4. Model workers with their provincial or ministerial-level or higher model worker or hero certificates; 5. Disabled persons with their disability certificates; 6. Seniors 70 years and older with their ID cards or senior citizen cards; 7. Children under 6 years old or under 1.3 meters tall with their ID cards or household registration books; 8. Children on Children's Day with their student ID cards or ID cards.
C. The following individuals enjoy a 50% discount on attraction tickets (excluding cruises): 1. Seniors aged 60-70 years and above from outside Wuxi City with their ID card or senior citizen card; 2. Minors aged 6 to 18 years, and full-time undergraduate students and below, with their student ID card or ID card. 3. Young tourists from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and other countries can enjoy the above discounted ticket prices by presenting a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao Residents, a Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents, or a student ID.
Off-season (November 1st to March 31st): 13:00--20:00
Peak season (April 1st - October 31st): 13:00--20:30
Legal holidays : 9:00--20:30 (off-season), 9:00--21:00 (peak season)
The Qingmingqiao Ancient Grand Canal Scenic Area is part of the historic Grand Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The canal has been a major waterway for trade and transport for over 1,000 years. This area is known for its well-preserved ancient architecture and the role it played in connecting northern and southern China.
Located in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, the scenic area is easily accessible by taxi, bus, or walking from the city center. You can also take a metro to the nearest station and then a short taxi ride to the entrance.
The area is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. The best times to visit are in spring and autumn when the weather is mild, and the area is less crowded during weekdays.
The entrance fee is around 40-60 CNY, depending on the sections you wish to explore. Tickets can be purchased online or at the ticket booths on-site.
Booking tickets in advance is not mandatory but is recommended during peak seasons or holidays. Booking a few days in advance will ensure availability, especially for boat rides and guided tours.
It typically takes 2-3 hours to fully explore the Qingmingqiao Ancient Grand Canal Scenic Area, including a boat ride, visiting museums, and strolling along the canal.
Key highlights include the canal itself, the old stone bridges, traditional boat rides, and the canal-side markets. Don’t miss the heritage museum and the traditional craft workshops where you can see artisans at work.
Guided tours are available in both Mandarin and English. Audio guides in several languages, including English, are available for self-guided tours.
The best viewpoints are from the bridges overlooking the canal, especially at sunset. The boat ride also provides excellent photo opportunities along the waterways, capturing the traditional architecture and lush surroundings.
Start with a walk along the canal, followed by a boat ride to explore the waterways. Visit the local markets and heritage museum before enjoying a traditional tea or meal at one of the canal-side cafes.
Currently, night visits and light shows are not available. However, there are occasional cultural events and performances in the evening, especially during festivals.
The area can get crowded on weekends and during holidays. The least crowded times are weekday mornings, especially outside of peak tourist seasons (autumn and spring).
There are public toilets, rest areas, and water stations throughout the area. Several small shops and local food stalls sell traditional snacks and souvenirs along the canal. Cafes and restaurants offer meals and refreshments.
The area is mostly accessible with paved pathways, but some of the older sections and boat rides may not be suitable for those with mobility issues. Strollers for children are recommended in some areas.
Mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are accepted at most locations. Cash is also widely accepted, but it's advisable to have some cash on hand in smaller shops.
There are several cafes and restaurants near the scenic area, serving both local Jiangsu cuisine and traditional Chinese dishes. Nearby areas also have a wider selection of restaurants, especially in Wuxi's city center.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in local cafes and restaurants. Halal food options may be limited, so it’s advisable to check menus in advance or visit larger areas in Wuxi for more variety.
There are several hotels and guesthouses near the scenic area, ranging from budget to luxury accommodations. More options are available in Wuxi city center, just a short distance away.
Nearby attractions include the Wuxi Taihu Lake Scenic Area, Nanchan Temple, and Wuxi Zoo. These can be easily combined into a day trip along with the Grand Canal.
There are souvenir shops selling traditional crafts, tea-related products, and local snacks. Typical souvenirs include handmade crafts, Wuxi-style tea sets, and canal-themed items.
After visiting, taxis, buses, or metro are convenient options to continue your trip in Wuxi. If traveling to nearby areas, train stations and bus terminals are easily accessible.
