Wuxi Ancient Town is the Ceiling! A 2-Day, 1-Night Trip to the Jiangnan Secret Realm

Must-See Highlights｜Photo-Shoot-Worthy Landmarks with a 100% Success Rate
1️⃣ Ancestral Hall Complex in Huishan Ancient Town: The largest open-air "Ancestral Hall Museum" in China, with over 120 Ming and Qing Dynasty ancestral halls scattered throughout. Wear Hanfu and take ancient-style photos in front of Mr. Ni Yunlin's Ancestral Hall, and encounter a clay figurine workshop to experience making clay figurines.
2️⃣ Night Tour of the Grand Canal on Nanchang Street: Take a boat through the "Jiangnan Water Alley," with red lanterns reflected in the water + neon bar street. Capture the same atmosphere as "Spirited Away" when the lights come on at night.
3️⃣ Jichang Garden's Landscape Aesthetics: One of the four famous Jiangnan gardens that Emperor Qianlong visited six times during his visits to Jiangnan. The rockery streams + ancient trees reach the sky. Avoid the crowds and take empty shots in the early morning.
4️⃣ Xuntang Ancient Town's Niche Secret Realm: A lesser-known and beautiful Republic of China-style water town, with bluestone roads + white walls and black tiles. Wear a cheongsam to take retro Republic of China-style photos.
5️⃣ Dangkou Ancient Town's Authentic Atmosphere: The reflection of the double bridge in the morning mist, and the must-try flavors of the ancient town: Wansan Pork Knuckle + Fried Vegetable Cake.

Essential Route｜2-Day Immersive Experience
DAY1 Ancient Charm Culture Route
🔸 8:00 Enjoy morning tea at Huishan Ancient Town (tofu pudding + steamed buns), and climb Xishan Longguang Pagoda to overlook the entire city.
🔸 10:00 Visit Jichang Garden and the Second Spring Under Heaven, and check out the same spot as in "Rattan."
🔸 14:00 Take a cruise on Nanchang Street (departing from Nanchansi Wharf on Line A) to photograph the riverside residences on both sides of the canal.
🔸 19:00 Take night shots of the red lanterns on Nanchang Street, and eat Sanfengqiao braised spareribs + Muguiying rice cakes.

DAY2 Waterside Town Atmosphere Route
🔹 8:00 Drive for 1 hr to Dangkou Ancient Town, enjoy the morning mist over the double bridge + Shen Hall's ancient residence, and taste freshly roasted Wansan Pork Knuckle.
🔹 12:00 Cycle through the chrysanthemum fields in Shanlian Village, and drink morning tea with crab roe soup dumplings.
🔹 16:00 Take sunset silhouette photos in Xuntang Ancient Town, and enjoy a boat ride + listening to Pingtan storytelling in a teahouse.

Practical Guide｜Tips to Avoid Pitfalls
🚗 Transportation:

Take the high-speed train to Wuxi Station, and take Metro Line 2 directly to Huishan Ancient Town; parking fee is CNY 10/day for self-driving.

The Ancient Canal cruise is divided into Line A/B, with Line A having a more stunning night view (departures after 18:30).

🏡 Accommodation:

Song Art Hotel: Next to Huishan Ancient Town, with artistic design + Zen courtyard.

Xuntang Shuxiang Mansion: Converted from an ancient residence, with a view of the water town from the window.

🍜 Food Hit List:
✔️ Must-try: Huishan Tofu Pudding (CNY 5/bowl), Xishengyuan Steamed Buns, Plum Blossom Cake (old stall in Dacheng Lane).
❌ Avoid: "Internet-famous bamboo tube milk tea" in the scenic area (heavy saccharin flavor).

⚠️ Tips:

Book the Huishan Ancient Town clay figurine experience in advance (CNY 50/person), and wear plain clothes for better photos.

Nanchang Street bar street has high minimum spending requirements, so it is recommended to go to the second floor of the "Mao Kong" bookstore to take panoramic photos.