Jinxi Ancient Town

Introducing Jinxi Ancient Town
Jinxi Ancient Town is a paragon of water towns. Jinxi Ancient Town is situated on the border between Suzhou and Shanghai. Jinxi Ancient Town awakens long-forgotten memories of how life was lived in the water towns on the lower reaches of the Yangtze River.

The town takes its name from the Jinxi River, a ribbon of water that weaves its way through the heart of this historic gem. As twilight descends, the river transforms into a liquid mirror, reflecting the quaint homes lining its banks in a mesmerizing dance of light and shadow. Dawn paints a different masterpiece, as the rising sun bathes the river in a golden glow, each ripple shimmering like scattered jewels.

Some whisper that Jinxi’s beauty eclipses even that of famed Suzhou. The late writer Shen Congwen captured its essence perfectly, describing Jinxi as a “dreaming damsel.” Indeed, Jinxi Ancient Town is a living testament to the timeless beauty of ancient China, captivating visitors with its picturesque canals, charming bridges, and the tranquil rhythm of life on the water.

Jinxi Ancient Town Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Jinxi Guzhen 锦溪古镇
• Best Time to Visit: April to October
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 2 to 3 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Architecture, History and Culture
• Opening Hours: 8:00 – 17:00 (Apr – Oct), 8:00 – 16:30 (Nov – Mar)
• Entrance Fee: Free (Jinxi Ancient Town), CNY45 (Sites inside), CNY140 (Boat ride, 1-6 people)
• Address: Jinxi Town, Kunshan, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province

What to Expect at the Jinxi Ancient Town
This charming Chinese town offers a refreshing contrast to modern skyscrapers, perfect for a relaxing stroll. Smaller than Zhouzhuang Water Town, it boasts quaint streets brimming with local crafts, tasty treats, and unique souvenirs, alongside renowned attractions like Lotus Pond Temple and The Water Tomb of Concubine Chen. Moreover, a memorable boat ride along the canals, serenaded by traditional Chinese songs, is a must-do.

The Water Tomb of Concubine Chen
“Beneath jade water’s shimmering gleam, a treasure sleeps in gold,/The Emperor’s lost love, serene and still, in depths forever cold./His love, a river’s ceaseless flow, his grief, a timeless tide,/And still, the river sings her name, where his beloved died.” These sorrowful lines, penned by a Ming Dynasty poet, tell the tale of Concubine Chen and her watery resting place in Wubao Lake, south of Jinxi Ancient Town.

The tomb was erected in 1162 AD by the grieving Emperor Xiaozong after Concubine Chen tragically passed away during their flight south from the invading Jin army. In her honor, Xiaozong also built the Lotus Pond Temple on the lake’s banks and entrusted the monks with the tomb’s care. The ancient town itself was even renamed “Chenmu” (Chen’s Tomb) in her tribute, a title it held for nearly nine centuries until 1993 when it was restored to Jinxi.

Lotus Pond Temple
Lotus Pond Temple, also known as Gulian Temple, is a renowned highlight of Jinxi Ancient Town. Originally built during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279 AD) to honor the late consort Concubine Chen, the site later became a gathering place for literati during the Song and Yuan (1271-1368 AD) dynasties.

The temple, connected to the shores of Wubao Lake by only two bridges, enjoys a secluded and ethereal atmosphere. Its name derives from the adjacent lotus pond, where each summer, blossoms sway gracefully in the breeze, adding to the sense of peace and serenity. Extensively renovated over time, the temple now boasts a complete array of structures, including Buddhist halls, corridors, and intricate pavilions. It is renowned as the most poetic Buddhist temple in the Jiangnan region and hosts a popular annual temple fair.

The Teapot Museum
Teapot culture is deeply ingrained in Chinese tradition, and this museum showcases its breadth with a collection of both ancient and modern treasures. The first floor is dominated by the awe-inspiring “Dongpo Teapot,” an enormous replica honoring the poet Su Shi (1037-1101 AD). Weighing approximately 3300 pounds, this gigantic vessel – its lid alone requires multiple people to lift – can hold enough tea for more than 2000 people. In contrast, the second floor celebrates the refined artistry of Yixing, China’s pottery capital. Here, visitors can admire classic and contemporary purple clay teapots, showcasing the meticulous skill of Chinese artisans.

The Ancient Brick and Tile Museum
The Ancient Chinese Brick and Tile Museum is the first one in China dedicated to these unassuming yet essential building blocks. Housing over 2,300 pieces spanning from the Han Dynasty (202 BC-220 AD) to the Republican era (1912-1949), the museum’s collection encompasses 14 categories showcasing the evolution of brick and tile use across the dynasties. Visitors can marvel at Han Dynasty city bricks, intricate Six Dynasties (222-589 AD) roof tiles, and sturdy Tang (618-907 AD) and Song dynasties well bricks.

Among the treasures is a 5,500-year-old brick, considered the earliest example of its kind. Crafted with a bamboo and reed framework and fired in a bonfire, this “red burnt earth” offers a glimpse into the origins of brickmaking. From humble beginnings to intricate designs, the museum’s collection showcases how bricks and tiles have shaped Chinese civilization for millennia.

Ten Eyes Bridge
The Ten Eyes Bridge (Shiyan Bridge), which gracefully spans the waters south of Jinxi Town, is a 52-meter (170 ft)-long architectural marvel. The bridge’s unique design features ten arches supported by nine sturdy piers built from meticulously stacked stone slabs. When viewed from afar, these arches resemble ten large eyes, lending the bridge its evocative name and creating a commanding spectacle. The remarkably well-preserved bridge is a beloved landmark, attracting eager visitors to photograph and share its beauty.

How to Get to Jinxi Ancient Town

From Shanghai
• Take direct bus from Shanghai Long-distance Bus Station to the town.
• Take Metro Line 11 and get off at Huaqiao Station. Then take Tourist Line 7 to Jinxi town.

From Suzhou
• Take a direct bus from Suzhou North Bus Station to the town.

From Kunshan
• Take bus No. 107, 130 or 133 and get off at Jinxi Statioin.
• Take bus No. 161 and get off at Jinxi Huyuan Statioin.
• Take Tourist Line 1 and get to the Jinxi Tourist Center directly.

Additional Travel Advice on Jinxi Ancient Town
• Please take care when taking a river cruise.
• The old town is free to enter and exit. The entrance ticket is for the 9 sites inside.