Wuxi and Dangkou Ancient Town

Wuxi and Dangkou Ancient Town are popular tourist destinations where visitors can enjoy the charm of Jiangnan's water towns. Below is an introduction to the attractions of Wuxi and Dangkou Ancient Town.

### **1. Basic Information about Dangkou Ancient Town**
- **Location**: Ehu Town, Xishan District, Wuxi City, Jiangsu Province.
- **Access**: About 25 km from Wuxi city center, approximately 1 hour by car.
- **Features**:
- Known as "Little Suzhou" and "Silver Dangkou," it boasts beautiful historical architecture and canals.
- Designated as a "Chinese Historical and Cultural Town" in 2010 and recognized as a National 4A Tourist Attraction in 2014.

### **2. Main Attractions**
- **Hua Family Charity Estate**: One of the best-preserved charity estates in the Jiangnan region.
- **Wang Xin's Former Residence**: The old home of Wang Xin, composer of "Ode to the Motherland."
- **Hua Hengfang Memorial Hall**: Showcasing the life of Hua Hengfang, a pioneer in modern mathematics.
- **Huitong Hall**: Remains of a Ming Dynasty printing workshop.
- **Guan Yu Temple**: A temple dedicated to Guan Yu from the Three Kingdoms period.
- **Hand-rowed Boat Experience**: A paid activity to explore the canals and enjoy the water town scenery.

### **3. Recommended Local Cuisine**
- **Zouyou Rou**: Braised fried pork, a Wuxi specialty.
- **Jinjia Shaobing**: Traditional baked flatbread.
- **Qinyuan Xiaolongbao**: Wuxi-style soup dumplings.
- **Shuijin Douhua**: Handmade tofu pudding.

### **4. Transportation Options**
- **Public Transport**:
- Take the **712 bus** from Wuxi Station to Ehu Town (about 1 hour).
- Take Wuxi Metro Line 2 to Meicun Station, then transfer to the **712 bus**.
- **By Car (Rental or Taxi)**:
- About 35 minutes from Wuxi city center.
- Accessible via highways from Shanghai or Suzhou.

### **5. Best Seasons to Visit**
- **Enjoyable year-round**, but spring and autumn are particularly recommended.
- Summer offers lush greenery, while winter provides enchanting snowy landscapes.

### **6. Combining with Other Wuxi Attractions**
- **Huishan Ancient Town** (within Wuxi): Famous for ancestral halls and gardens.
- **Nanchang Street** (along Wuxi Canal): Renowned for its stunning night views.
- **Lingshan Grand Buddha**: Experience the massive Buddha statue and Buddhist culture.

### **Conclusion**
Compared to other ancient towns that have become more commercialized, Dangkou Ancient Town offers a quieter and more historically rich atmosphere. Be sure to visit when exploring Wuxi!