Among the ancient towns in Wuxi, locals most often recommend Huishan Ancient Town, Meili Ancient Town, and Dangkou Ancient Town: Huishan has the best collection of gardens and ancestral halls, Meili offers free access to Wu culture, and Dangkou is quieter and ideal for a half-day stroll. This guide breaks down transport, tickets, must-see spots, snacks, and photo ops for each. To link multiple towns, book a private car; for high-speed rail or airport transfers, use our transfer service.
To arrange the route, commentary, and meals for all three towns at once, use our custom travel planning; for cultural commentary only, hire a guide. For a ready-made Wuxi itinerary, check out the group tour "Zen of Wuxi."
Why Huishan, Meili, and Dangkou?
Each town has its own character: Huishan layers centuries of history with classical gardens; Meili is the birthplace of Wu culture; Dangkou preserves its charity estate and the slow pace of a water town. None are huge, and you'll still see locals washing clothes by the river and playing chess on the bridges—these aren't just movie sets. Short on time? Pick one. Have two and a half days? Visit all three.
Huishan Ancient Town: how to spend a day
If you only have one day, Huishan Ancient Town is usually the top choice. We recommend entering the free area early in the morning, then deciding whether to buy a combo ticket for the heritage zone. Take Metro Line 4 to Huishan Ancient Town Station, Exit 6, and you'll be right by the northeast gate. If driving, there are parking lots nearby; on weekends and holidays, arrive before 9:00 AM. If you're arriving with luggage, book an airport/station transfer first.
The video above gives you a quick overview of "Huishan + Yuantouzhu + Nanchang Street." Opening hours and combo tickets are subject to the day's posted information.
The photo above shows the goldfish lanterns in the corridor. You can explore the lively Huishan morning market and the garden area separately.
The photo above shows a Jichang Garden-style courtyard pool and corridor. After exiting the metro station, you can first stroll through the free areas.
Tickets and combo passes
The block offers free access to the old streets, ancestral hall exteriors, and street food. Core heritage sites like Jichang Garden, the Second Spring Under Heaven, and Huishan Temple usually require a combo ticket, often around ¥70 (student/senior discounts and last entry times are subject to on-site or official information). Don't cut it close for entry. For cultural commentary, we recommend hiring a private guide.
Jichang Garden, Huishan Temple, Second Spring, clan halls & clay figurines
Jichang Garden is a classic Jiangnan garden—take your time watching the reflections in Mirror Pool. Huishan Temple has a long history, and the ancient ginkgo at its entrance makes for great fall photos. The "Second Spring Under Heaven" is linked to the famous erhu piece "Moon Reflected in the Second Spring"; tea tasting availability depends on which areas are open. The ancestral halls line the river, and their exhibition rooms have varying hours. At the China Clay Figurine Museum, the first floor is usually free while the second floor charges admission. To catch all the stories in one go, hire a private guide or add one to your custom private tour.
The photo above shows the orange walls and ancient ginkgo tree at Huishan Temple. Check what's included in the combo ticket before entering.
The photo above shows the stone carving wall inscribed with "Second Spring Under Heaven." Tea tasting with the spring water is subject to on-site availability.
The photo above shows the rooftops and alleyways of the ancestral hall cluster. Open exhibition halls and closure days are subject to notices posted at the entrance.
The photo above shows framed Afu and Axi clay figurines. The first-floor exhibition area and second-floor admission fees are subject to the day's posted information.
Meili Ancient Town: free half-day Wu culture tour
Meili Ancient Town is free to enter overall. Take Metro Line 1 to Meicun Station and transfer to a bus; if driving, parking lots are available. Highlights include Taibo Temple, the Bodu River, and the Meili Ruins Museum. It's a great fit if you're on a budget or want to explore Wu culture. If you don't want to switch transport between towns, use a private car.
The photo above shows reflections in the water lane at Sanrang Bridge in Meili. The free area of the ancient town is perfect for leisurely photography.
The photo above shows the gate plaque and inner courtyard of Taibo Temple. As the birthplace of Wu culture, allow plenty of time for a guided explanation here.
The photo above shows the exterior of the Meili Ruins Museum. You'll need to register your ID to enter.
We suggest arriving in the afternoon, photographing the Bodu River at dusk, and catching the lanterns and water screen show after dark. After your evening stroll, you can head back downtown to stay, or combine Meili and Huishan into a group tour built around Wuxi's Zen-inspired highlights.
The photo above shows the Meili Ancient Town wall gate tower and lantern net. It looks even better at night once the lights come on at dusk.
The photo above shows the Bodu River at night. Water screen show schedules are subject to on-site or official announcements.
Dangkou Ancient Town: a quiet half-day water town
Dangkou Ancient Town is less commercialized and less crowded, making it ideal for photography and a slower pace. It's a bit farther from downtown: take Metro Line 2 to Wuxi East Station and transfer to a bus, or drive about 40–50 minutes. If you have luggage when you arrive, prioritize booking a station transfer. Linking Dangkou with Huishan is easiest with a private car.
The photo above shows the covered bridge and tea banners in Dangkou. This quiet water town is perfect for a slow half-day stroll.
Combo tickets, Hua Family Charity Estate & sculling boats
Dangkou usually requires a ticket. Past combo tickets were around ¥80, covering the Hua Family Charity Hall, Huitong Hall and more. At the Hua Family Charity Hall, you can get a firsthand look at the Jiangnan tradition of charitable clan halls. Hand-rowed boat rides used to be around ¥30 per person, and they're especially photogenic at dusk when the lanterns are lit. For a package with a guide, boat ride and route, use private customized travel or hire a private guide.
The photo above shows the courtyard corridors of the Hua Family Charity Hall. Combo ticket coverage is subject to the ticket purchase page.
The photo above shows a sculling boat passing under a bridge in Dangkou. Boat ticket prices are subject to on-site rates at the dock.
Authentic eats across the three towns
Huishan: savory tofu pudding, flaky pastries and rice cakes (such as osmanthus double-filling balls) make great breakfast options; for main meals, try xiaolongbao, Aozao noodles and braised pork ribs. Meili: sesame flatbreads, flaky pastries, Sanrang rice cakes, braised pork ribs and local noodle shops. Dangkou: home-style dishes at old restaurants, xiaolongbao, wontons and dried tofu. Per-person costs and opening hours are subject to on-site conditions. Not sure how to plan your food and sightseeing route? Leave it to private customized travel or join a group tour day tour.
The photo above shows the rice cakes and flaky snacks of Huishan. They taste better hot, so don't buy too many at once.
The photo above shows Wuxi braised pork ribs, rich in sweet and savory flavors. Prices per person for main meals depend on the restaurant's menu.
How to choose and plan your Wuxi ancient towns
Short on time and want classic Jiangnan: Huishan. On a budget and interested in Wu culture: Meili (mostly free areas). Prefer fewer crowds and a slower pace: Dangkou. With two and a half days, you can visit all three: one day for Huishan, half a day plus evening views for Meili, and half a day for Dangkou. Use station transfers from the high-speed rail station or airport to your first town, book a private car between towns, use custom travel planning to rearrange the whole itinerary, or check out a group tour for a ready-made framework.
The photo above shows the riverbank and distant hills of Huishan in the early morning. Arrive early to beat the crowds and take photos at your own pace.
Rough budget (excluding long-distance transport and accommodation): Huishan combo ticket around ¥70, Meili free, Dangkou combo ticket around ¥80; snacks ¥10–20, main meals about ¥50–100 per person; a comfortable day in one town runs about ¥150–300. Seasons: March–April and September–November are most pleasant; avoid public holiday peaks; early morning and dusk offer the best experience.
The photo above shows the circular gate and pagoda silhouette at Xihui Scenic Area. To wrap up, here's how to choose among the three towns.
![[Wuxi & Nanjing Heritage 3 Days 2 Nights] Yuantouzhu (Turtle Head Isle) + Plum Garden + Nanchang Street + Huishan Ancient Town + Nanjing Museum + Niushou Mountain Cultural Tourism Zone](https://us-east-cdn.greentourasia.com/image/20260318/Oqyolq/wuxirongshimeiyuantianxintai1.jpg?x-oss-process=image/resize,w_164/quality,q_80/format,webp)
[Wuxi & Nanjing Heritage 3 Days 2 Nights] Yuantouzhu (Turtle Head Isle) + Plum Garden + Nanchang Street + Huishan Ancient Town + Nanjing Museum + Niushou Mountain Cultural Tourism Zone
[Top Attractions] Yuantouzhu (Turtle Head Isle), Plum Garden, Nanchang Street, Huishan Ancient Town, Nanjing Museum, Niushou Mountain Cultural Tourism Zone! [Comfortable Stays] Choose between 4-star and 5-star hotels! [Thoughtful Service] Custom vehicles and experienced East China drivers with years of safe driving records for a worry-free trip! [No Shopping Stops] No-shopping group tour for a pure travel experience—memories that last a lifetime! [Free Bonus] One bottle of branded mineral water per person per day!
The card above is our live "Wuxi & Nanjing Heritage" multi-day itinerary framework (including Huishan), ideal if you don't want to plan it yourself. If you just need an in-depth Wuxi ancient town tour plus transfers, we still recommend booking a private car, station transfer, or private guide.
FAQs
Which Wuxi ancient town should you visit: Huishan, Meili, or Dangkou?
Pick Huishan for classic sights and plenty to see; Meili for free Wu culture; Dangkou for a quiet water town. With two or more days, you can combine them. Use a private car for travel between towns, or book a custom private trip for the whole journey.
How do I get to Huishan Ancient Town? Do I need a combo ticket?
Huishan Ancient Town Station on Metro Line 4 is quite convenient. The street area is free, while combo ticket prices and entry times for the heritage area are subject to official/on-site information. Add commentary by hiring a private guide; use station transfers for arrivals and departures.
What's the easiest way to get around Meili and Dangkou?
For Meili, take the metro and transfer to a bus; for Dangkou, transfer to a bus at Wuxi East Station or drive. If you're visiting several towns in one day, book a private car; for door-to-door transfers only, use our transfer service.
Where's the best place to stay overnight in the ancient towns?
When visiting Huishan, stay downtown or near Nanchang Street; for Meili's night views, book a nearby guesthouse; if you're spending half a day in Dangkou, you can return downtown. To adjust your hotel and itinerary together, use our custom travel planning; for ready-made multi-day routes, check out our group tours.
Group tour, private car, transfer, guide or custom trip — which should I choose?
For ready-made Wuxi day tours or multi-day trips, choose a group tour; for transport only, book a private car; for airport or station transfers only, use our transfer service; for commentary only, hire a guide; to customize your commentary, route and meals together, use our custom travel planning.
Wuxi's three towns each have their own charm: Huishan is historic, Meili is cultural, and Dangkou is peaceful. Use a private car to travel between towns, our transfer service for arrivals and departures, and hire a guide for commentary. To rearrange your entire trip, use our custom travel planning; for a hassle-free framework, check out our group tours.