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The Xihui Scenic Area is conveniently located at the foot of the beautiful Xihui Mountains west of Wuxi, the "Pearl of Taihu Lake." It enjoys convenient transportation, just 2 kilometers from the city center. Nestled alongside the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, it is nestled against the backdrop of Xishan and Huishan Mountains, sharing its name. Covering approximately 70 hectares, encompassing the most beautiful forests of both Xishan and Huishan, with a 45-hectare scenic area, the area is a large-scale, integrated garden renowned for its cultural relics, breathtaking landscapes, forests, and springs, making it a popular destination for both sightseeing and leisure. With its picturesque landscapes and splendid culture, it has earned the reputation of Wuxi's "open-air museum" and "spiritual home."
Wuxi Xihui Gardens, a collection of Wuxi's rich historical and cultural landscapes and diverse, mountainside garden-themed scenic resources spanning thousands of years, enjoys the reputation of Wuxi's open-air historical museum. Its numerous scenic spots, including renowned springs and gardens such as the Second Spring Under Heaven and Jichang Garden, are renowned both domestically and internationally. Annually, the area welcomes over one million domestic and international visitors (including approximately 200,000 international visitors). The area is a National AAAA-level scenic spot and ISO14001 certified.
Climate: This region has a subtropical monsoon climate, suitable for human habitation. Located primarily on the Pacific Ocean edge, it experiences hot summers with abundant rainfall and mild winters with little rainfall. This subtropical monsoon climate region boasts abundant thermal resources, with an average annual temperature between 13°C and 20°C.
Travel time: All seasons are suitable for travel
Play time: 1-3 hours
Attractions:
Hua Xiaozi Temple
The Hua Xiaozi Temple, located inside the ancient Huishan Temple in Xihui Park, Wuxi, is dedicated to Hua Bao, a filial son of Wuxi during the Eastern Jin Dynasty. In the third year of the Jianyuan Period of the Southern Qi Dynasty (481), Emperor Gao of Qi bestowed the inscription "Xiaozi" on Hua Bao's former residence, as recorded in the "Book of Southern Qi." A dedicated temple was built during the Tang Dynasty, housing a statue of Hua Bao with a bun and long beard. The temple has undergone numerous renovations and destruction, but the current structure dates back to the Ming Dynasty and was completed in the Qing Dynasty, remaining largely intact.
Tomb of A Bing
Hua Yanjun, also known as Blind A Bing, was a native of Wuxi and a folk musician. He was originally a Taoist priest, but later became blind and wandered the streets, singing for a living. His life was difficult, and he composed erhu pieces such as "Erquan Reflecting the Moon," "Listening to the Pines," and "Cold Spring Breeze," and pipa pieces such as "The Great Waves Washing Away the Sands," "Zhaojun Going to the Frontier," and "Dragon Boat." His tomb is now a protected cultural relic in Wuxi.
Yingshan Lake
Following the Chunshenjian River eastward, nestled between the Xishan and Huishan Mountains, lies Yingshan Lake, formerly known as "Qinhuangwu." In 1958, Wuxi residents volunteered for ten months, digging 50,000 cubic meters of earth and transforming Qinhuangwu into a 14,000-square-meter artificial lake. The mirror-like surface of the lake blends the scenery of the Xishan and Huishan Mountains into one, with verdant peaks, ancient pagodas, and elegant pavilions reflected in the lake, earning it the name "Yingshan Lake."
Erquan Academy
Erquan Academy, a designated cultural relic protection site in Wuxi, was built in 1516. The remaining Haitian Stone House and Tingsongfang Academy ruins on Huishan Mountain indicate its vast scope. Historical records indicate that it boasted fifteen scenic spots, including Haitian Pavilion, Chaoran Hall, and Dianyi Terrace. Shao Bao lectured here for 11 years, instructing his students that "morality is paramount, and achievement secondary." After Shao Bao's death, a shrine was erected to commemorate him. Throughout history, it has been repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt, with the last restoration during the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty leaving it in a state of profound disrecognition.
Huishan Temple
Originally built during the Southern and Northern Dynasties, it was originally the "Lishan Thatched Cottage" of Zhan Ting, the Minister of the Interior and Right Chief Minister during the Liu Song Dynasty. In the first year of the Jingping reign of the Liu Song Dynasty, the cottage was converted into a monk's residence, known as the "Huashan Jingshe." In the third year of the Datong reign of the Liang Dynasty, the Huashan Jingshe was transformed into Huishan Temple. Over the past thousand years, the temple has undergone several ups and downs, hosting numerous eminent monks as residents or abbots, and numerous celebrities who visited or stayed for periods of time. Emperors Kangxi and Qianlong each made six southern tours, but both visited Huishan Temple seven times to burn incense and worship Buddha.
Huishan Ancient Town Ticket + Xihui Park Ticket Price: Adult Ticket: 120 yuan/person
Ticket price for the cultural relics and historical sites area: Adult ticket: 70 yuan/person
8:00-17:30 (non-winter season)
8:30-17:00 (winter)
Xihui Gardens is a historical Chinese garden known for its elegant layout and tranquil environment. It has a long history dating back to the Ming Dynasty and was designed to showcase the beauty of classical Chinese garden art. The garden is renowned for its cultural and architectural significance, reflecting the artistic and philosophical ideals of traditional Chinese garden design.
Xihui Gardens is located in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province. It can be reached by taxi or public transport, with bus routes connecting major parts of the city. The garden is also a short walk from nearby metro stations, making it easy to access by public transport.
The garden is open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM daily. The best times to visit are in the early morning or late afternoon, when the weather is more comfortable, and the crowds are smaller. The spring and autumn seasons offer the most pleasant weather for exploring the garden.
The entrance fee is typically around 30-50 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online through local Chinese ticketing platforms.
It is not mandatory to book tickets in advance unless visiting during peak seasons, such as Chinese holidays. In such cases, it is recommended to book tickets a few days before your visit.
You will need around 1 to 2 hours to explore the garden at a leisurely pace. If you plan to participate in a boat ride or cultural activities, it may take an additional hour.
Must-see highlights include the Three-Unit Tower, the serene lake area, traditional pavilions, and the winding paths lined with ancient trees. The rock garden and the stone carvings are also key attractions within the garden.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides in English are also offered for foreign visitors, providing historical and cultural insights into the garden's design and significance.
The best photography spots include the view from the Three-Unit Tower, which offers a panoramic view of the entire garden and the surrounding landscape. The traditional bridges and the lake area are also picturesque and ideal for photos.
Start at the main entrance, explore the lakes and pavilions, then walk towards the Three-Unit Tower for a view of the garden. Afterward, enjoy a stroll through the winding paths and finish with a peaceful boat ride on the lake if available.
Currently, night visits are not available. However, the garden may host special cultural events or performances during major holidays. It's recommended to check for events before your visit.
The garden can get crowded during weekends and holidays. The least crowded times are early mornings during weekdays, especially during off-peak seasons like winter.
Facilities include toilets, resting areas, and a small shop selling local souvenirs. There are also food stalls near the entrance, offering light snacks and drinks.
The garden is mostly accessible to elderly visitors and children, with smooth paths and seating areas. However, some parts with steep stairs or uneven terrain may be difficult for disabled visitors.
Mobile payment methods like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted, along with credit cards. Cash is also acceptable in most areas.
There are several restaurants nearby serving traditional Chinese cuisine, particularly local dishes from Jiangsu Province. You can also find cafes offering tea and snacks close to the garden.
Vegetarian food options are available in nearby restaurants, and some establishments offer halal food. It's best to confirm the availability of these options at the restaurant beforehand.
There are a variety of hotels close to Xihui Gardens, ranging from budget options to luxury hotels. Many of them are within a short walking distance or a brief taxi ride away from the garden.
Nearby attractions include Taihu Lake, the Nanchan Temple, and the Wuxi Museum. These can be easily combined in a day trip with Xihui Gardens.
Souvenir shops around the garden sell traditional Chinese arts and crafts, such as silk products, jade items, and paper fans. You can also find locally made tea sets and paintings.
Taxis, buses, and the Wuxi metro system offer convenient transportation to other parts of the city. For travel to nearby towns, taxis and buses are also available.
