Jinxi Ancient Town, located on the shores of Dianshan Lake in the southern suburbs of Kunshan, is a Jiangnan water town with a history of a thousand years. The town, though small, boasts attractions such as the picturesque Gu Lian Bridge, reminiscent of traditional Chinese landscape paintings, and the mysterious Chen Fei Water Tomb, drawing visitors to explore its secrets. Various folk museums are also worth visiting, including the Ancient Brick and Tile Museum displaying antiques, the Zisha Pavilion, and the Pot Ware Museum, offering a reflection on historical Cultural Revolution collections.
On the old street, one can find a variety of snack shops offering local specialties such as Jinxi’s signature sock-bottom pastry, Changlong mooncakes, and Begonia cakes, as well as Jiangnan delicacies like water caltrop cake and braised pork and trotters.
Walking along the waterways to the end of the old street, one is greeted by an expansive view of a pond filled with rowing boats, in front of which sits the Lianchi Zen Temple and Wenchang Pavilion, originally built during the Southern Song Dynasty, with a thriving incense burning inside. Near the temple on the lake, during summer, the lush green lotus blossoms create a beautiful contrast with the Gu Lian Bridge, making it an ideal spot for photography.
On the lake, the Chen Fei Water Tomb, the tomb of Emperor Xiaozong of the Southern Song Dynasty’s favorite concubine, is a famous site. It is said that regardless of water level changes, the tomb always remains above the lake surface. Although Jinxi shares common features with other Jiangnan ancient towns such as waterways, stone bridges, and long corridors of ancient residences, it is less known than nearby Zhouzhuang and Tongli, yet it offers a more tranquil atmosphere with a richer and more genuine local life. Walking by the waterways, one often sees local elders sitting in the corridors, drinking tea and chatting, presenting a leisurely urban scene.
Opening hours: April 1st to October 31st from 08:00 to 17:00; November 1st to March 31st from 08:00 to 16:30.
2. Special personnel enjoying free admission or discounts to scenic spots need to present valid certificates when entering the scenic spot. Service facilities Parking lot: [Jinxi Tourism Service Center Parking Lot]. Reference price: ¥10/hour. Address: Jinxi Ancient Town Tourism Service Center. Parking spaces: 100. WIFI: Account: ksly. Password: no password. Coverage: The whole ancient town. Mobile phone charging: The scenic spot provides power bank scanning code rental service at the tourist service center and individual tourist ticket office. Luggage storage: Reference price: free. Address: -. Scenic spot interpretation: The scenic spot tourist service center provides manual interpretation service. Cost: 80 yuan/time. Transportation within the park: Reference price: 130 yuan/person for a boat. Address: Individual tourist ticket window on Wenchang Road, Jinxi Town. Up to 6 people can ride. Operates on Jinxi River. Stroller rental: Reference price: free. Deposit: 500 yuan/vehicle. Address: -. Toilets: There are multiple toilets in Jinxi Ancient Town scenic area, located respectively in the parking lot of the tourist service center, inside the tourist service center, Jinxi Cultural Square, opposite Zhangsheng Art Gallery, in the alley of Jinxi Fuxili, in the lane of Jinxi Yanyuelou, opposite Hongmu Bridge and Xuanjuan Museum, Nantang Bridge, Yaohoutou, on the west side of South Street, and on the north side of Yueqing Bookstore. They are marked with eye-catching signs. Convenience stores: There are convenience stores in the scenic area. The specific location is subject to the scenic area map. Must-see tips 1. There are much fewer tourists in Jinxi than in Zhouzhuang and Tongli. However, it is still recommended to visit on weekdays to better feel the simplicity beyond the commercial atmosphere. 2. Taking a water alley rowing boat comes with a song of water town boats. From the second song onwards, you can freely choose whether to listen or not. It is not mandatory. From the second song onwards, it is priced at 10 yuan per song. Be sure to remember the boat number when taking the ride. 3. There are many local restaurants in the scenic area, and the prices are generally not expensive. There are also various restaurants outside the scenic area.
