Live Your Best Lives
After a dreary winter, the early spring of 2019 was still rainy. Suddenly, in March, countless tourists began to stir. Whether it was Japan, Tibet, western Sichuan, Wuyuan, Guilin, or Wuhan, spring tourism peaks were approaching, and outings to enjoy the blossoms became a fitting ritual.
On the shores of Taihu Lake, there is a small Jiangnan city that not only boasts stunning Taihu Lake scenery, but also has simple and heavy old streets and ancient towns. Wu culture nourishes this land, two major Zen holy places lead the trend of Zen travel, and three major flower-viewing holy places attract countless people. Its name is Wuxi!
This article will comprehensively introduce the natural and cultural beauty of Wuxi from the perspectives of Taihu Lake scenery (Yuantouzhu), the holy land of Zen (Lingshan, Nianhua Bay), the old canal street (Qingming Bridge), the ancient town gardens (Huishan Ancient Town/Jichang Garden), and the secret peach blossom realm (Yangshan Scenic Area).
★Recommendation★
① "The best place in Taihu Lake is Yuantou after all." As one of the three major cherry blossom viewing spots in the world, it is the only place besides the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Garden in Japan and the Washington Cherry Blossom Garden in the United States where you can enjoy cherry blossoms without leaving the country. It is also the best place to enjoy cherry blossoms in Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai!
②There are more than 30,000 cherry trees in the park, with more than 100 varieties, many of which are rare. They cover early, mid and late cherry blossoms, with a long flowering period and a wide distribution area. During the peak blooming period, visitors seem to be surrounded by pink and white cherry blossoms, which is beautiful.
The annual International Cherry Blossom Festival offers not only regular tours but also nighttime cherry blossom viewing. From March 22nd to April 7th, the blossoms are in full bloom for 17 days. China-TravelNote also offers exclusive early admission to the "Yuantouzhu Exclusive" series of events, allowing you to avoid the crowds and enjoy the sea of cherry blossoms in private. In addition to this upgraded experience, there are also 24-day large-scale events and a 2-day cherry blossom tour available.
★The perfect spot for cherry blossom viewing★
① Cherry Blossom Valley (first to bloom)
Cherry Blossom Valley boasts the largest cherry blossom planting area in China, boasting tens of thousands of early, mid, and late-blooming cherry trees. Climbing Nieyun Pavilion offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the valley. The most common species is the Tsubaki-hanzakura, which blooms in late February. Nearby, rapeseed blossoms create a stunning three-dimensional blossom viewing experience.
(by the Internet)
②Sino-Japanese Friendship Forest (most exotic)
Since the first Japanese delegation to China arrived in Yuantouzhu in 1988, they worked with Wuxi residents to plant 1,500 cherry tree saplings. For the past 30 years, large delegations have visited Wuxi annually, creating a vast sea of cherry blossoms in the Friendship Forest. From the Cherry Blossom Viewing Pavilion, you can overlook the entire Sino-Japanese Friendship Forest to the east and the Cherry Blossom Valley to the west, making it a truly exceptional spot for cherry blossom viewing.
(by Cai Daxianren)
③Ten-mile Fragrant Path (Cherry Blossoms and Green Willows in Harmony)
On one side is Luding Mountain, and on the other lies Wuli Lake and its embankment, planted with cherry blossoms and willow trees. Walking along the Ten-Li Fragrant Path, you'll encounter a new scene with every step. Several cherry trees, nestled among swaying willows, the red and white blossoms, the tender green of the willow trees, the clear water, and the blue sky create a poetic and picturesque spring scene.
(byLifan)
④ Changchun Bridge (the most colorful)
In the core scenic area (Somei Yoshino Viewing Area), you can see the scenery of Taihu Lake and the famous "Imperial Ripples". When in full bloom, it is like a colorful ribbon. Whether you watch it during the day or at night, it is a good place to watch the colorful falling cherry blossoms. When the cherry blossoms wither and fall into the lake with the wind, they float on the surface of the lake under the Changchun Bridge, creating countless ripples, melting the hearts of every tourist.
(by Cai Daxianren)
★Food Recommendations★
① Hengyun Hotel
Hengyun Villa in Yuantouzhu, also known as Hengyun Restaurant, is a time-honored establishment. Originally named "Hengyun Villa" when Yuantouzhu was first built in 1918, Hengyun Villa's dishes, including "Taihu Cloud Fish" and "Sweet and Sour Live Carp," became famous Wuxi recipes in the 1950s, earning it a place among Wuxi's "Eight Great Restaurants."
The Taihu "lake fresh" delicacies available at Hengyun Restaurant include Taihu white shrimp, Taihu whitebait, Taihu saury, Taihu mandarin fish, as well as traditional Taihu kua fish and braised chub. We recommend trying Hengyun Restaurant's signature dish, Taihu kua fish; you'll find the authentic dish only here.
Advantages: Fresh lake seafood ingredients, rich grades, rich dishes, famous old restaurant;
Disadvantages: low cost-effectiveness, unstable menu during peak customer flow period;
(by the Internet)
② Guangfu Temple Vegetarian Noodle House
When visiting Yuantouzhu, why not stop by Guangfu Temple for a bowl of vegetarian noodles? For those who prefer the "three fresh" toppings, you'll find gluten, dried bamboo shoots, black fungus, and day lily, each of which is incredibly appealing. This vegetarian noodle restaurant, nestled within Guangfu Temple, offers a tranquil atmosphere, affordable prices, and a distinctly Zen atmosphere, unlike the restaurants within the scenic area. Besides Luohan noodles, they also offer sweet and sour pork ribs with lotus root and vegetarian duck.
Advantages: affordable price, popular plain noodles;
Disadvantages: Limited variety, it is recommended to bring cash, the taste is sweet;
(by the Internet)
Tips:
Address: No. 1, Yuanzhu Road, Binhu District, Wuxi City
Cherry blossom viewing period: mid-March to early April (Cherry Blossom Festival March 22-April 7)
Cherry blossom varieties: Somei Yoshino, Okanzakura, Fujian Mountain Cherry, Red Weeping Cherry, Winter Cherry, Weeping Early Cherry, etc.
Tickets: 105 yuan (Daytime ticket, including ferry, 8:00-17:00) 80 yuan (Nighttime ticket March 22-April 7, 17:00-21:00)
Transportation: Take bus K1 or K87 from Wuxi Railway Station
Note: Parking within the scenic area is 20 yuan per vehicle for large vehicles and 15 yuan per car. Daytime visitors will be cleared after 5:00 PM, and a new ticket will be required for a second entry (nighttime ticket).
★Recommendation★
①Lingshan is a holy place of Buddhism. You can go to the No. 1 Palm in the World to touch the Buddha’s hand for good fortune, or go to the foot of the 88-meter-high Buddha to embrace Buddhism and peace. You can have both peace and good fortune.
② The wonderful and magical Nine Dragons Bathing recreates the magical scene of "the Buddha appearing when the flower blooms" when the Buddha Shakyamuni was born. You can also drink the Buddhist holy water "Eight Meritorious Water" sprayed by the phoenix to bring good luck and peace.
③Wander in the magnificent Lingshan Buddhist Palace and marvel at the colorful altar of the Buddhist Palace. First, see the architecture, Buddha statues, and sculptures of the Buddhist Palace. Second, see the treasures in the Buddhist Cultural Treasure House of the Buddhist Palace. Third, watch the "Auspicious Hymn" performance in Miaoyin Hall (limited performance per day), and then go to the vegetarian restaurant to taste vegetarian food.
★Must-see attractions★
① Nine Dragon Bathing
Performance time:
10:00, 11:30, 14:45, 16:45
Holidays (two additional performances at 9:00 and 13:00)
The large-scale musical dynamic sculpture group "Nine Dragons Bathing" at Lingshan Scenic Area is a perfect reproduction of the magical scene of "Buddha appearing when flowers bloom" at the birth of Buddha Shakyamuni - the music is accompanied by the slow opening of lotus petals, and the Buddha statue slowly rises, pointing one hand to the sky and the other to the ground. In an instant, drums and music sounded in all directions of the square, and fountains were in various shapes and forms.
(by Yimeng Laogan Zhai Xiaofeng)
②Xiangfu Zen Temple
Xiangfu Temple, founded during the Zhenguan period of the Tang Dynasty, has been a popular destination throughout history. Legend has it that the Tang Dynasty monk Xuanzang once visited the temple. Opposite the Hall of Heavenly Kings, it serves as the temple's main entrance. Enshrined within the hall are the Four Heavenly Kings, representing favorable weather and favorable harvests, symbolizing peace and prosperity for the nation. The temple's existing ancient well, lotus pond, ginkgo and plum trees stand as testament to its millennia of history and heritage.
(by Lingshan official website)
③Lingshan Giant Buddha
The Lingshan Giant Buddha is the world's tallest outdoor bronze statue of Sakyamuni. Climb the 216 steps of the "Cloud-Climbing Path" to reach the Lingshan Giant Buddha. Don't forget to touch the Buddha's feet; this is the only way to get up close and personal with the Buddha. As the saying goes, "Touching the Buddha's hand brings blessings, while touching the Buddha's feet guarantees safety." Touching the Buddha's feet at Lingshan can bring peace, good fortune, longevity, and happiness.
(by Yimeng Laogan Zhai Xiaofeng)
④Lingshan Buddhist Palace
It can be called the Louvre of the East. The hall is filled with all kinds of rare and exquisite treasures, including tall and elegant Dongyang wood carvings, huge glass works, Ou sculptures and relief murals, as well as beautiful and exquisite Yangzhou lacquerware, quaint and exquisite cloisonné Xumi lamps, exquisite Jingdezhen blue and white Doucai jars and many other art treasures and treasures, which interpret the excellent traditional culture to the fullest, making people dazzled and leaving endless aftertaste.
(by Lingshan official website)
⑤Five-Seal Mandala
The Five Seals Mandala boasts a majestic and splendid exterior, featuring a dazzling golden roof, a massive gilded vase, and striking pagodas and prayer flags. Its interior seamlessly blends traditional Tibetan decorative techniques, including painting, murals, wood carvings, thangkas, wall decorations, and gilding. Visitors to the mandala can appreciate a variety of Buddhist cultural and artistic treasures from across Tibet and participate in interactive folk activities such as lighting butter lamps and turning mani prayer wheels.
(by Carrying a schoolbag to pick up rubbish)
Tips:
Address: No. 1 Lingshan Road, Mashan Town, Binhu District, Wuxi City
Tickets: 210 yuan at the market, about 195 yuan on the online platform
Performance: Tickets for the performance of "Ode to Good Fortune" are distributed in limited quantities every day, Monday to Friday at 10:35, 11:30, 13:00, 14:00, and 16:00. Additional performances on Saturdays and Sundays will be subject to on-site inspection. Tickets will be checked 20 minutes in advance.
Catering: Lingshan vegetarian buffet is 45 yuan per person. Lingshan Vegetarian Restaurant recommends Lingshan vegetarian buns, vegetarian noodles, and vegetarian banquets, which are 30-50 yuan per person. A la carte dishes in private rooms are 80-150 yuan. You can bring your own snacks.
Transportation: You can take the Leyou Line 2 special bus, 15 yuan/person, or the Lingshan special bus 88/89 (Central Station-Lingshan)
Note: The battery car for sightseeing in the scenic area is 25 yuan per person, valid for personal use on the same day (no limit on the number of times), and the operating hours are 9:00-17:00; the parking lot in the scenic area is 15-20 yuan
★Recommendation★
① During the day, you can visit the Zen Music Hall, Baihua Hall, Miaoyin Terrace, Nianhua Hall, Nianhua Tower and other buildings, visit the handicraft shops, and enjoy the unique experience activities of Nianhua Bay (Nianhua Zen, tea ceremony, flower arrangement, copying scriptures, etc.).
(by Nianhua Bay official website)
At night, you can capture the tranquil nightscape of Nianhua Bay and watch the 3D water-screen movie "Flowers in Bloom" on Nianhua Lake. You can also stroll along Xiangyue Flower Street and sample local delicacies.
(by Nianhua Bay official website)
③ Check in to the extremely popular Nianhua Bay Inn and experience a true Zen life. Each themed inn also offers handcrafts and parent-child activities. With a cup of tea and a quiet night, you can release all the stress and worries from the world.
(by Nianhua Bay official website)
④During the cherry blossom season, the scenic area has launched Hanfu garden tours, cherry blossom markets, cherry blossom post offices/photoshoots/handmade experiences, and you can also enjoy the sea of cherry blossoms under pink lanterns.
(by Nianhua Bay official website)
★Cherry Blossom Season Theme Event★
Nianhua Pagoda Lighting Ceremony
Location: Nianhua Square
Time: 18:10, 18:30, 19:00, 19:30, 20:00, 20:30
(by Nianhua Bay official website)
Night Cherry Blossom Water Lantern Festival (Cherry Blossom Light Decoration + Wetland Light + Pink Cherry Blossom Lantern)
Location: Wetland Park
Time: March 22nd-April 10th
(by Nianhua Bay official website)
Traditional Chinese Costume Parade (Daytime + Nighttime)
Location: Xiangyue Flower Street
Time: 10:00-11:00, 15:00-15:30, 19:30-20:00 (Date: March 22-April 10)
(by Nianhua Bay official website)
Literary Flower Market (Cherry Blossom Blessing + Cherry Blossom Restaurant + Experience + Retail + Art Exhibition)
Location: Wudeng Lake Square
Time: Every Saturday and Sunday during the cherry blossom season
(From the Internet)
Sakura Tea Party (Chinese tea party, snacks, and Guqin Zen dance)
Location: Luming Valley
Time: Every Saturday and Sunday during the cherry blossom season 14:00-16:00
(From the Internet)
Sakura Post Office during Sakura Season (Send to your future self, check in, take a photo, get a stamp, and win a Sakura handbook)
Location: Wudeng Lake Square
Time: Cherry Blossom Season March 22nd-April 10th
(by wangda-photo)
Sakura Beauty Photography Garden & Hanfu Garden Tour (themed scene decorations, beauty photography or ancient Hanfu garden tour)
Location: Wetland, Luming Valley
Time: Cherry Blossom Season March 22nd-April 10th
(by Nianhua Bay official website)
Sakura handmade (charges apply, including sakura keychains and sakura photo frames)
Location: Zen House, Handmade Experience Hall
Time: Cherry Blossom Season March 22nd-April 10th
(From the Internet)
★Food Recommendations★
① Zen Restaurant (58/person, high cost-effective, fine cold dishes, fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, Mashan specialties, original steamed food, etc.)
(by Nianhua Bay official website)
②Buffet dinner at Paramita Hotel (NT$258/person, rich dishes, free choice, elegant environment)
(by Nianhua Bay official website)
③ Exquisite Japanese cuisine, Xiaoluji hotpot, and Nianhuaxi food (prices vary per person, and are specialty restaurants, including hotpot, Japanese cuisine, and Wuxi snacks)
(by Nianhua Bay official website)
Tips:
Address: No. 68, Huanshan West Road, Binhu District, Wuxi City
Tickets: 120 yuan at the market, 110 yuan online, special offer in March starting at 90 yuan
Transportation: You can take the Leyou Line 2 special bus, 15 yuan per person
Notes:
① We recommend visiting March and April to enjoy cherry blossoms, watch the night cherry blossom water lantern festival, and participate in cherry blossom-themed activities. We strongly recommend staying in the Zen style of Nihua Bay (including the Zen Village, Nihua Inn, and Paramita Hotel) to experience a truly peaceful and tranquil Zen life.
② It is recommended to arrange your time reasonably. In addition to regular performances and free experience activities (copying scriptures, walking meditation, flower arrangement, etc.), each theme inn will regularly arrange a hand-made activity, which guests staying in the hotel can participate in free of charge (pay attention to the notice of the scenic spot and the inn in time)
★Recommendation★
① It is formed by the intersection of two "Y"-shaped thousand-year-old rivers and two ancient streets along the river, and is a collection of rich historical relics and cultural landscapes. The sounds of oars, lights, ancient bridges and houses along the banks form a natural "folk customs water painting" of the ancient canal.
(by Standing North)
②Nanchang Street (prosperous and bourgeois)
Nanchang Street is a bustling, spacious and bustling place with many people. On both sides of the street are various restaurants, bars, cafes, bookstores and handicraft shops. Your beloved Maokong is also on this street. The street is very long and you can spend a whole day strolling around it if you walk carefully.
(by jinseniu)
③Nanxiatang (Jiangnan in the old days)
Strolling along the streets, the well-preserved ancient dwellings from the Ming and Qing dynasties offer a quintessential waterside scene, with small bridges and flowing water along the canal. With windows overlooking the river, and nearly every home boasting a "water dock," this area embodies the urban charm of Jiangnan. While there are numerous teahouses, cafes, bookstores, and gift shops, this area remains one of the top choices for experiencing Wuxi's old streets.
(by Spy Xiaoyu)
★Recommended gameplay★
① It is recommended to start the tour in the afternoon (try to avoid peak tourist periods such as major holidays), stroll through the old streets, choose a coffee shop along the river, and quietly watch the tranquility of the day and the splendor of the night on both sides of the ancient canal from day to night.
(by New Rain Queen, Lanshanmrchen)
② Take a night cruise on the Ancient Grand Canal (retail price 100, online price 70), sit on the cruise and watch the night view of Wuxi, move around and feel the tranquility and elegance of this city.
(by You Are Lonelier Than Fireworks, Sakurayang)
③ Enjoy a variety of snacks on Nanchang Street, browse cafes and bookstores, and visit the old riverside houses in Nanxiatang to experience the simplicity of Jiangnan in the old days. You can also sit in a bar in the evening. For dinner, you can also visit the nearby Nanchan Temple, which has a wealth of delicious snacks.
(by Si Zi)
Tips:
Address: No. 173-1, Jiejingqiao Lane, Qingmingqiao Street, Wuxi City
Transportation: Take Metro Line 1 to Qingmingqiao Station and walk 1.3 kilometers, or take a taxi
Note: Avoid peak tourist season and visit at night for a nice view. Nanchang Street is relatively commercialized. Recommended food: Stylish Frog (16 RMB per person) and Peach Restaurant (Wuxi creative cuisine, 60 RMB per person)
★Recommendation★
①Inheriting the light of history and culture for thousands of years
The most distinctive feature is the ancestral hall culture, which involves more than 80 surnames and has more than 100 ancestral halls. More than 100 historical celebrities have come here, and you can come here to trace your roots.
(by the Internet)
②Natural light created by nature
Here you can find memorial archways, folk houses and bluestone roads in the Jiangnan style; compared to Zhouzhuang Tongli, you can see more quiet houses with small bridges and flowing water.
(by Qilian Achnatherum splendens)
③Specialized entertainment
Here you can not only visit the Clay Figurine Museum, but also make your own clay figurines, follow the footsteps of Emperor Qianlong to explore ancient and secluded places, and visit many ancestral halls (recommended are the Fan Wencheng Ancestral Hall, Gu Kejiu Ancestral Hall, and Mr. Yang Oufang Ancestral Hall).
(by the Internet)
★Recommended gameplay★
① Enjoy tea in the ancient town teahouse
Visit the Fan Zhongyan Ancestral Hall (you may also visit some clan ancestral halls depending on the situation), the Clay Figurine Museum, etc.
(by Sunny Day Bug, xbat)
②Enjoy delicious food in the ancient town
For xiaolongbao, we recommend Yiqinyuan, for tofu pudding, we recommend Laocao Snack Shop (a time-honored brand that has appeared on food shows and recommends tofu pudding, small wontons, etc.), Jushan Noodle House, as well as seasonal delicacies such as plum blossom cake and green rice dumplings.
(by Si Zi)
★Recommended gameplay★
① Wuxi's only Ming Dynasty garden, and one of the four great gardens of Jiangnan, is renowned for its rockery, ponds, pavilions, and long corridors. Emperor Qianlong visited this garden several times during his visits to Jiangnan, and even built an identical, renowned Harmonious Garden in the Summer Palace.
(by the Internet)
② Huishanquan in Qianlong Park is said to be the "Second Best Spring in the World" as praised by Lu Yu, and Abing's famous song "Erquan Yingyue" was written beside this spring. It is a must-see when checking in at Xihui Park!
(by the Internet)
Tips:
Address: No. 15, Changshouli, Liangxi District, Wuxi City
Transportation: Take bus No. 126 from Wuxi Central Station to Huishan Station and walk to the ancient town. From Wuxi Station, take a taxi, which is about 4.5 kilometers and costs less than 20 yuan.
Notes:
①The China Clay Figurine Museum is closed on Mondays!!!
② Huishan Ancient Town (RMB 70 at the store, RMB 60 online) includes attractions such as China Clay Figurine Museum + Wuxi Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition Hall + Huishan Garden (Li Gong Temple) + Liugeng Thatched Cottage + Yang Oufang Temple + Gu Kejiu Temple + Zhou Lianxi Temple + Fan Wencheng Temple + Xu Ruzi Temple + Lu Xuan Temple + Ni Yunlin Temple.
③ Huishan Ancient Town + Xihui Park package (NT$120 at the store, NTD$90 online) includes attractions such as Huishan Ancient Town [China Clay Figurine Museum + Wuxi Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition Hall + Huishan Garden (Li Gong Temple) + Liugeng Thatched Cottage + Yang Oufang Temple + Gu Kejiu Temple + Zhou Lianxi Temple + Fan Wencheng Temple + Xu Ruzi Temple + Lu Xuan Temple + Ni Yunlin Temple] + Xihui Park (Jichang Garden + Huishan Temple + The Second Spring Under Heaven + Xihui Leisure Area sightseeing ticket).
★Recommendation★
① Every year at the end of March and the beginning of April, the International Peach Blossom Festival is held. From the initial art performance to the "Peach Blossom Marathon", Yangshan Town, where peach blossoms are in full bloom, attracts tourists from all over the country.
(by Jiang Zhongyingyue)
② Flower viewing event. When peach blossoms bloom, rape blossoms and pear blossoms are also in full bloom. The pink, yellow and white colors are connected, attracting many photography enthusiasts.
(byT104)
③From June to August every year, the world-famous Yangshan peaches are on the market, attracting many fruit lovers. It is also the preferred destination for weekend peach picking and farm-style leisure tours.
(by the Internet)
④There is also Taohua Island Scenic Park. When you come to Yangshan, in addition to enjoying the flowers, picking peaches and tasting farm dishes, you can also enjoy the scenic view and entertainment in the ecological park. It is the first choice for parent-child families. You may wish to stay at Tianyuan Dongfang or the soon-to-open Huajiantang B&B to experience the exquisite rural life.
(by the Internet)
★Recommended gameplay★
① During the Peach Blossom Festival in late March and early April, it is recommended to drive there for a weekend trip to enjoy the flowers and the farm life. However, it is not recommended to visit on the day of the Yangshan Half Marathon as there will be a lot of people and parking is difficult.
(by Huiyan Duju)
② From June to August, you can pick peaches, enjoy farmhouses, stay in luxury B&Bs, and experience a new life in the countryside (it is recommended not to buy peaches on the roadside, and for accommodation, please refer to online reviews)
(by Huiyan Duju)
Tips:
Address: Taoyuan South Road, Huishan District, Wuxi City
Tickets: Yangshan Taohua Island Scenic Park (35 yuan at the store, 28 yuan online), Yangshan Volcanic Geological Park, and Anyang Academy are free
Transportation: It is recommended to take a taxi or drive
Note: Peach blossom season and peach ripening season are the peak seasons for tourists. The prices of catering, accommodation and parking will increase to a certain extent. You should try to choose a way of playing that suits you. You can refer to online reviews before making a choice.
Wuxi may not be as famous as Nanjing, Hangzhou and Suzhou, but its leisurely and gentle beauty and strong human touch will make you feel like home.
In this city, known as "the most beautiful place on Taihu Lake," you can enjoy a boat ride on Taihu Lake or hop on a rowboat through the waterways, watching the smoke from cooking fires curl up from the banks. For lunch, bite into a delicious, salty, sweet, and savory soup dumpling, then leisurely stroll through the arty shops of Nanchang Street.
Known as the "Pearl of Taihu Lake" and comparable to "Little Shanghai," Wuxi was founded as a capital during the Shang Dynasty and later became one of the four major rice markets. Its oldest canal runs through the city. Here, the traditional charm of Jiangnan cities is enhanced by a vibrant human touch. Only after visiting will you realize the true meaning of the saying, "Wuxi is a great place."
