A favorite of Emperor Qianlong, who visited six times.

Did you know? This was a favorite of Emperor Qianlong, who visited six times! Today, we'll give you a detailed guide to this place. Let's start with Hongyin Shanfang. Located on Shantang Street in Mudu Ancient Town, Wuzhong District, Suzhou, it was the private garden of Xu Shiyuan, a scholar in the early Qing Dynasty. Back then, Emperor Qianlong would visit Hongyin Shanfang every time he traveled south to Mudu. Here, he would enjoy the garden, watch plays, listen to music, drink tea, and write poetry. For this reason, Hongyin Shanfang is known as the "folk palace" of Emperor Qianlong. Getting there: It's very convenient to get here. Take Metro Line 5 to Lingyanshan Station, exit from Exit 1, and you'll see Mudu Ancient Town. Opening hours: The park opens at 8:00 am and closes at 5:00 pm. Please plan your visit accordingly. Ticket information: The ancient town itself is free to enter, but some attractions require separate tickets. Yanjia Garden, Hongyin Shanfang, Gusong Garden, and Bangyan Mansion are paid attractions, while Mingyue Temple is free. If you want to visit all the attractions, we recommend buying tickets in advance. There are joint tickets available. A regular joint ticket is ¥78, but if you book one day in advance, it's only ¥68. Yanjia Garden and Hongyin Shanfang are ¥40 each, while Gusong Garden is ¥20. Recommended order of attractions: We recommend visiting Yanjia Garden first to experience its unique garden charm. Then, head to Mingyue Temple for some peace and tranquility. Next, visit Hongyin Shanfang to experience the leisure of Emperor Qianlong. Finally, visit Gusong Garden to enjoy its unique scenery. Food recommendations: Mudu Ancient Town has a lot of delicious food! You must try the black rice, which is sweet and glutinous with a great texture. The qingke bread is also very special, fragrant, and delicious. The Zangshu mutton is rich in flavor and perfect for warming you up on a cold day. The pine nut and jujube cake is also a must-try, full of traditional flavors. Oh, and there's a wonton shop in the ancient town with amazing wontons. There are also many other delicious foods nearby, so you're sure to have a great meal. Accommodation suggestions: If you want to experience the ancient town's charm, we recommend staying in one of the town's unique inns. Prices range from ¥200 to ¥500, and each has its own unique environment. Staying here feels like traveling back in time. In short, Mudu Ancient Town has a rich history and culture, as well as many delicious foods and fun activities. It's definitely worth a visit. Start your Mudu Ancient Town journey today!