Recommended Huishan Ancient Town Complete Travel Guide

Huishan Ancient Town Complete Travel Guide (2025 Latest Edition) I. Overview of the Ancient Town Huishan Ancient Town, located in the western suburbs of Wuxi City and nestled against the famous Jiangnan mountain—Huishan, is a cultural town with a thousand-year history. Renowned for its well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty ancient architecture, profound cultural heritage, and unique Jiangnan water town charm, it is hailed as the "Open-air Museum of Wuxi's History and Culture." In 2019, Huishan Ancient Town was rated as a National 5A-level Tourist Attraction. II. Transportation Guide By Air: From Sunan Shuofang International Airport, take the airport shuttle to Wuxi Central Station, then transfer to Metro Line 1 (toward Yanqiao) and get off at Huishan Ancient Town Station. A 5-minute walk will take you to the ancient town. By High-Speed Rail: Arrive at Wuxi Station or Wuxi East Station, then take Metro Line 1 (toward Yanqiao) to Huishan Ancient Town Station. By Car: Navigate to "Huishan Ancient Town Parking Lot." There are several parking lots around the ancient town, with a fee of approximately ¥10/hour. III. Ticket Information Ancient Town Admission: Free (some attractions require separate tickets) Combo Ticket (Recommended): ¥120/person, covering major attractions such as Jichang Garden, the Second Best Spring Under Heaven, Huishan Temple, and the Clay Figurine Museum. Opening Hours: The ancient town is open all day, while attractions are generally open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. IV. Must-Visit Attractions 1. Jichang Garden: One of the four famous gardens of Jiangnan, built during the Ming Dynasty, known for its exquisite layout and beautiful scenery. The garden features pavilions, towers, rockeries, and ponds, making it an ideal place to experience Jiangnan garden art. 2. The Second Best Spring Under Heaven: Rated as the "Second Best Spring Under Heaven" by Lu Yu, the Tea Sage of the Tang Dynasty. The spring water is clear and sweet, historically a favored spot for literati to enjoy tea and compose poetry. 3. Huishan Temple: A thousand-year-old temple dating back to the Northern and Southern Dynasties, with thriving incense offerings and numerous precious cultural relics. 4. Clay Figurine Museum: Showcases the history and craftsmanship of Wuxi Huishan clay figurines. Visitors can admire lifelike clay artworks and even try making them. 5. Ancestral Hall Complex: Huishan Ancient Town boasts over a hundred ancient ancestral halls, representing architectural styles from various historical periods, serving as important physical records for studying ancient Chinese clan systems. V. Food Recommendations Wuxi Soup Dumplings: Thin-skinned with rich fillings and delicious broth. Recommended: "Yi Qin Yuan Soup Dumplings." Braised Spare Ribs: A traditional Wuxi dish, tender with a balanced sweet and savory flavor. Oil Gluten: Chewy texture, suitable for soups or stir-fries. Tofu Pudding: Smooth and refreshing, available in sweet or savory flavors. Huishan Crispy Cake: Crispy outside, soft inside, sweet and fragrant. VI. Shopping Recommendations Huishan Clay Figurines: Traditional Wuxi handicrafts, vivid in shape and brightly colored. Clear Water Oil Gluten: A Wuxi specialty, versatile for various dishes. Vacuum-Packed Braised Spare Ribs: Convenient to carry, perfect as gifts. Wuxi Embroidery: Exquisite and delicate, with high artistic value. VII. Accommodation Recommendations Wuxi Lakeside Hotel: A 5-star hotel by Taihu Lake with beautiful surroundings. Hotel Nikko Wuxi: A 4-star hotel with convenient transportation and comprehensive facilities. Huishan Ancient Town Homestays: Several unique homestays within the town offer a local experience. VIII. Itinerary Suggestions One-Day Trip: Visit Jichang Garden and the Second Best Spring Under Heaven in the morning, explore Huishan Temple and the Clay Figurine Museum in the afternoon, and enjoy Wuxi cuisine in the evening. Two-Day Trip: Day 1—Explore the main attractions of the ancient town; Day 2—Visit nearby Xihui Park or Taihu Yuantouzhu Scenic Area. IX. Travel Tips Best Seasons to Visit: Spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasant. The ancient town has many cobblestone paths; comfortable shoes are recommended. Keep personal belongings secure to prevent theft. Respect local customs and practice civilized tourism. X. Nearby Attractions Xihui Park: Centered around Huishan and Xishan Mountains, featuring beautiful scenery and numerous historical sites. Taihu Yuantouzhu Scenic Area: A landmark of Wuxi, famous for cherry blossoms and Taihu Lake views. Lingshan Grand Buddha: The world's tallest bronze Buddha statue, solemn and majestic. We hope this guide helps you plan your trip to Huishan Ancient Town. Have a pleasant journey!