Joanna James
Located near Shanghai, Wuxi lies close to Lake Taihu, which is one of the largest freshwater lakes in China! This beautiful city offers a ton of activities and culture for its visitors. From exquisite Chinese Gardens to temples and parks, there is something to please everyone.
The Lingshan Buddha statue is Wuxi's most iconic monument and is found toward the northern bank of Lake Taihu. Constructed in 1997, this bronze image of the Shakyamuni Buddha is one of the tallest bronze Buddha statues in the world. The statue stands majestically at 88 metres, surrounded by three cliffs and fronted by beautiful Taihu Lake.
Located near the Lingshan Buddha statue is Brahma Palace situated on the floor of Lingshan Hill. This Buddhist palace is a symbol to commemorate the history of Buddhism in China. This magnificent palace holds exquisite architecture, harmoniously integrating into its layout, while towering arcades and a high dome add grandeur and lavishness to its design. Inside, visitors will get to witness Dongyang woodcarvings and elegant murals by skilled Dunhuang painters.
Sometimes dubbed Turtle Head Island, Yuantouzhu is a well-known promontory on the northwest of Lake Taihu. Its name is derived from the huge stones protruding in Taihu. Yuantouzhu is surrounded by gorgeous views of verdant cliffs and pristine water, which have been praised by Chinese poets like Guo Moruo. The location abounds in many tales of historical and religious value as well. Serviced apartments in Wuxi the like of Ascott Central Wuxi are among the best accommodation options around here.
Nanchan Temple was initially constructed during the Liang Dynasty (502-560 CE). This temple has a record of around 1450 years, and is the earliest temple made of wood surviving to this day! Nanchan Temple had a remarkable reputation during the Liang Dynasty as the best temple in the Jiangnan Province. To gain an understanding of the long history of Chinese Buddhism, don't forget to visit this temple when in Wuxi.
Situated on the coast of the stunning Li Lake, this is an exquisite garden to go on an evening stroll to enjoy the lake surroundings. It is named in honour of Fan Li, a 5th Century BC military strategist and politician who retired to Wuxi with his wife, Xi Shi, for the remainder of his life. Some of the main attractions are the Four Season Pavilion, Chunqiu Pavilion and the Thousand-step Corridor. The Liyuan Garden is best visited from June to September when the lotus blossoms are in full bloom.
The plum flower happens to be the official flower of the city, Wuxi. To experience the aromatic blooming of plum flowers, visit the Plum Garden in Jiangnan Province. This captivating and well-laid-out garden has more than 5000 varieties of plums. The most suitable time to visit is between January to March when the plum trees start flowering in all their glory.
Huishan Old Town lies at the bottom of Huishan Mountain and 2.5 kilometres west of downtown Wuxi. The Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal runs across the town and is renowned for its magnificent natural beauty and well-kept ancestral halls. Part of the town remains a protected reserve, which is approximately 103 hectares and extends 1.7 km east to west. This central location is found between Huishan Temple and Baoshan Bridge. One can encounter archaeological and historical ruins that foretell the town's ancient history. As of now, 118 ancestral halls have been uncovered. However, most remain restricted to visitors, save those mentioned in the admission ticket. While there, you can also witness Huishan Clay Figures, a handicraft of the townspeople during the Ming Dynasty. Its distinctive style is still popular among the Chinese! Walk into one of the workshops to discover how it's made, or even buy a few to take home.
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