Around Shanghai | Jinxi Ancient Town, a hidden gem that's free to visit

| Jinxi Ancient Town, a hidden gem that's free to visit. I got my driver's license over a year ago, and this was my first time renting a car for a self-drive trip. I didn't want to go too far, so I chose Jinxi Ancient Town near Shanghai as my destination. Compared to the famous Zhouzhuang, I prefer this free, lesser-known ancient town. Jinxi Ancient Town has a history of 2,000 years and is known as the "Hometown of Chinese Folk Museums." It has many well-preserved buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. "Thirty-six bridges, seventy-two kilns," ancient bridges and buildings complement each other, surrounded by "five lakes and three ponds," with wide waters and beautiful, tranquil scenery. Transportation Guide - Address: Located in Kunshan, Jiangsu Province, near the high-speed rail station "Kunshan South." It's also convenient to get here from downtown Shanghai or Suzhou. - Self-drive: Navigate to "Wenxin Parking Lot." Due to bridge construction, the default route on the map may be longer. - High-speed rail: After arriving at Kunshan South Station, you can take Bus 133 or a taxi. Attractions - Lianchi Temple: Built in the Southern Song Dynasty, surrounded by lotus flowers, the summer scenery is stunning. - Guliang Bridge: A landmark ancient bridge in the lotus pond, with a classic and elegant charm. - Chen Fei Water Tomb: Quietly lying in Wubao Lake, it can only be viewed from a distance, adding a touch of mystery to the ancient town. - Shiyan Bridge: 52 meters long, a rare bridge type in the Jiangnan water town. - Wenchang Pavilion: Built during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, located in Lianchi Temple, dedicated to the God of Literature. - Ancient Brick and Tile Museum: Houses over a thousand brick and tile treasures from various dynasties, don't miss the golden bricks on the second floor. Food Recommendations - Begonia Cake: Soft and glutinous, with a sweet bean paste filling. - Radish Cake and Sock Bottom Pastry: The ancient town also has delicious salted crispy chicken worth trying. Ticket Information The ancient town is not fenced and does not charge an entrance fee. The folk museums inside charge a fee, with a pass costing CNY 65. Some venues offer individual tickets, priced between CNY 10 and CNY 20. The Kunshan Tourism Annual Card is also accepted. Boat Experience A boat tour is a great choice, costing CNY 150 per boat, seating 6 people, for about 25 minutes, including a boat song. If you want to hear more boat songs, you need to pay extra. The boat lady's singing is full of Jiangnan charm.