Huishan Ancient Town is located in Liangxi District, Wuxi City, Jiangsu Province, and is a national 5A-level tourist attraction. The ancient town features ancient ancestral halls as its core attraction, with 118 well-preserved ancestral hall buildings covering an area of approximately 300,000 square meters. It completely retains the street layout from the Tang and Song to Ming and Qing dynasties, earning the titles "Open-air History Museum" and "Root of Wuxi's History and Culture".
History and Culture
The history of Huishan Ancient Town can be traced back to the Northern and Southern Dynasties period, over 1,500 years ago. The town flourished due to the Huishan spring water, where Lu Yu, the Tea Sage of the Tang Dynasty, once tasted the spring and wrote books. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, it became the center of ancestral hall culture in Jiangnan, with various clans building ancestral halls here, forming a spectacular complex of ancient ancestral hall architecture.
The town's street layout preserves the typical Jiangnan water town style of "one river with two banks", with residential and commercial buildings lining the river. Emperors Kangxi and Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty stayed here during their southern tours, leaving many historical anecdotes. In modern times, the ancient town has produced cultural celebrities such as Qian Zhongshu and Xu Beihong.
Core Attractions
Huishan Ancestral Hall Complex
The Huishan Ancestral Hall Complex is the largest and best-preserved ancient ancestral hall architectural complex in China, with 118 ancestral halls spanning from the Tang Dynasty to the Republic of China period. These halls feature diverse architectural styles, combining the delicate beauty of Jiangnan residences with the solemn grandeur of official architecture, making them a "living fossil" of Chinese ancestral hall architecture.
The Second Best Spring Under Heaven
The Second Best Spring Under Heaven is the soul of Huishan Ancient Town. Lu Yu, the Tea Sage of the Tang Dynasty, rated it as "the second best under heaven" in his "The Classic of Tea". The clear and sweet spring water has attracted literati throughout history to enjoy tea and compose poetry here. Exquisite pavilions and towers around the spring pool create a poetic garden landscape.
Jichang Garden
Jichang Garden is one of the four famous gardens in Jiangnan, built in the Ming Dynasty and renowned for its exquisite layout and superb gardening art. The garden features rockeries, ponds, pavilions, and towers arranged in picturesque disorder, showcasing the artistic concept of "mountains and forests within a small space" in Jiangnan gardens. Emperors Kangxi and Qianlong stayed here multiple times during their southern tours.
Cuisine
Huishan Crispy Cake
Huishan Crispy Cake is the most representative traditional snack in the ancient town, with a history of over 600 years. The crispy crust and sweet but not greasy filling make it a favorite, and its production technique has been listed as intangible cultural heritage. The time-honored "Zhu Shunxing" cake shop in the town is most popular among tourists.
Wuxi Soup Dumplings
Wuxi Soup Dumplings are famous for their thin skin, generous filling, and delicious soup. The "Yi Qin Yuan" dumpling shop in the town uses traditional techniques and high-quality pork and crab roe for the filling, making it a must-try Jiangnan delicacy for visitors.
Ticket Information
Huishan Ancient Town implements an attraction-based ticketing system. The ancient town streets are free to enter, while the core attractions combo ticket costs 120 yuan per person, including Jichang Garden, The Second Best Spring Under Heaven, and the Huishan Ancestral Hall Complex. Students and seniors can enjoy half-price discounts with valid certificates.
Recommended Tour Route
Suggested tour route: Ancient Town Entrance → Huishan Straight Street → Fan Wenzheng Ancestral Hall → The Second Best Spring Under Heaven → Huishan Temple → Jichang Garden → Clay Figurine Museum → Ancestral Hall Complex. This route allows visitors to fully experience the essence of the ancient town's history and culture, taking about 3-4 hours to complete.
Transportation
- Bus: Multiple bus routes including No. 4, 15, 43, 75, 76, 81, 83, and 126 can reach directly
- Subway: Get off at Huishan Ancient Town Station on Wuxi Metro Line 4
- Driving: Parking is available at the scenic area for 5 yuan/hour
Must-Visit Attractions
- The Second Best Spring Under Heaven
- Jichang Garden
- Huishan Ancestral Hall Complex
- Huishan Clay Figurine Museum
- Fan Wenzheng Ancestral Hall
Travel Tips
- The best visiting time is spring and autumn, avoiding summer heat
- Arrive before 9 am to avoid crowds
- Wear comfortable sports shoes as most paths are stone-paved
- Rent an audio guide or hire a tour guide for better historical understanding
- Don't miss the night light show for a unique ancient town experience
Precautions
- Protect cultural relics - do not touch or climb on ancient buildings
- Smoking is prohibited in the scenic area
- Do not throw coins or other items into the spring pool
- Keep personal belongings safe as the area is crowded
- Respect local customs and traditions