I always thought Suzhou was beautiful enough, until I visited Wuxi!

I used to believe Suzhou was the epitome of beauty, but Wuxi truly took my breath away! Compared to the crowded Nanjing and Suzhou, I prefer Wuxi for its gentle Jiangnan charm and fewer tourists, making it incredibly comfortable to explore. During my two-day trip, I visited classical gardens, ancient temples, Nanchang Street, admired the hydrangeas at Li Garden, and savored various Wuxi snacks—there were so many amazing sights that I couldn't take them all in! Below is my 2-day, 1-night itinerary to help you discover Wuxi's beauty. 2-Day, 1-Night Itinerary • Day 1: Huishan Ancient Town—Jichang Garden—Xihui Park—Nanchan Temple—Nanchang Street (night view) • Day 2: Li Garden—Turtle Head Isle—Lihu Lake Light Attraction Highlights • Huishan Ancient Town: This expansive ancient town includes Jichang Garden (¥70 entry) and Xihui Park (¥10 entry), offering a full day of exploration. The town preserves many Ming and Qing dynasty buildings and numerous ancestral halls, exuding a rich historical atmosphere. • Jichang Garden: As one of the four great gardens of Jiangnan, the admission fee is well worth it. The garden is lush and picturesque, with every corner showcasing the elegance and refinement of Jiangnan-style gardens. • Xihui Park: Home to Huishan and Xishan, known as the "First Mountain of Jiangnan," the park boasts many historical sites, such as the "Second Spring Under Heaven," dug during the Tang Dynasty and praised by tea sage Lu Yu. The park also features Huishan Temple from the Southern Dynasties and the Golden Lotus Bridge from the Song Dynasty. • Nanchan Temple: This ancient temple has a long history and unique architecture, with a solemn main hall. The ancient ginkgo trees are especially stunning in autumn when golden leaves carpet the ground. • Nanchang Street: A lively blend of old-world charm and modern vibes, with canals, ancient streets, and neon-lit high-rises. Visit at dusk for a sunset stroll along the river or a boat ride. • Li Garden: A waterside garden by Taihu Lake, it’s particularly enchanting during the hydrangea bloom (May 28–June 15), when blue and pink flowers create a fairy-tale scene. The Thousand-Step Corridor, with its 80 unique lattice windows, is another highlight. • Turtle Head Isle: A short 15-minute taxi ride from Li Garden, this vast scenic area offers breathtaking views of Taihu Lake. Take a boat ride, visit Guangfu Ancient Temple, or admire the waves at Wanlang Bridge. • Lihu Lake Light: A lakeside grassy area perfect for camping. Enjoy the sunset and lake breeze for a relaxing evening. Best Photo Spots • Huishan Ancient Town: The historic streets and ancestral halls make a perfect backdrop, especially in traditional attire. • Jichang Garden: Every pavilion, rockery, and pond is photogenic, especially by the water with lush greenery. • Nanchang Street: Capture the night view with ancient bridges, red lanterns, and reflections on the water. • Li Garden: Pose amid hydrangeas or frame shots through the lattice windows of the Thousand-Step Corridor. • Turtle Head Isle: Wanlang Bridge and lakeside rocks with Taihu Lake and distant mountains as backdrops. • Lihu Lake Light: Silhouettes against the sunset on the grassy shore. Recommended Route • Day 1: Start at Huishan Ancient Town, then explore Jichang Garden and Xihui Park. Visit Nanchan Temple in the afternoon and Nanchang Street at night. • Day 2: Morning at Li Garden (hydrangea season), lunch nearby, then Turtle Head Isle, ending with sunset at Lihu Lake Light. Tips 1. Book tickets online in advance to avoid holiday crowds. 2. Check hydrangea bloom dates for Li Garden. 3. Pack rain gear and sunscreen—Wuxi weather is unpredictable. 4. Arrive early for Nanchang Street boat rides to avoid queues. Local Delicacies 1. Wuxi Braised Spare Ribs: Glazed, tender, and sweet-savory. 2. Wuxi Soup Dumplings: Thin-skinned, juicy, and flavorful—mind the hot broth! 3. Three-Delicacy Wontons: Stuffed with shrimp, egg, and dried scallops in a savory broth. 4. Plum Blossom Cakes: Soft, sweet pastries with red bean or sesame fillings.