First time visiting Wuxi? Just copy this itinerary!
Just got back from Wuxi and put together this lazy person's itinerary – explore all the must-see attractions in 3 days, try all the local time-honored brands, and avoid 90% of the pitfalls! If it's your first time, follow this guide for a worry-free and enjoyable trip, complete with super detailed tips 👇
Getting to Wuxi is super convenient 🚇
✈️ Sunan Shuofang International Airport: Upon arrival, take Metro Line 3 directly to the city center 🚇, 40 minutes to Nanchansi Temple, fare 5 RMB; a taxi to Zhongshan Road commercial area is about 30 RMB, and the driver is super enthusiastic and will proactively recommend snacks~
🚄 Wuxi Railway Station/Wuxi East Railway Station: Wuxi Railway Station is close to the old town, a 10-minute walk to Nanchang Street upon exit; Wuxi East Railway Station is a high-speed rail hub, take Metro Line 2 for 40 minutes to Sanyang Plaza, where you can enjoy city views along the way~
🚗 Driving perks: City traffic is super smooth! Scenic area parking is 10 RMB/hour, Yuantouzhu and Lingshan Grand Buddha Scenic Area both have huge parking lots. Just search for 'attraction name + parking lot' on your navigation for ultimate convenience 🅿️
Choose these 3 accommodation options for a guaranteed good stay 🏠
•Near Nanchang Street 📍: Highly recommend Junlai Shizun Hotel Wuxi! A 5-minute walk to the Ancient Grand Canal, rooms offer night views 🌃, and you'll wake up to the sound of canal boat bells in the morning – so atmospheric~
•Sanyang Plaza Commercial Area ✨: Hyatt Regency Wuxi is amazing! High-floor rooms overlook the entire city, and the subway entrance is right downstairs, making it super convenient to go shopping at Chong'an Temple and Yaohan. Breakfast includes freshly made Wuxi xiaolongbao~
•Value for money option 💰: Nanchansi Temple Metro Station B&B, 120+ RMB per person! Downstairs is a snack street where you can eat your fill of oil gluten and Yulan cakes. Students, go for it without hesitation~
3-Day Essential Itinerary 🎈
Day 1: Taihu Lake Scenery
🌊 Yuantouzhu (Turtle Head Isle): A must-visit! In July, the lotus flowers are in full bloom. Take a boat trip to Taihu Fairy Island to see 'Three Mountains Reflected in Green Waters'. In the evening, watch the sunset at Changchun Bridge, where the lake shimmers with golden light – super therapeutic~ Arrive by 8 AM to avoid the crowds 📸
🌳 Liyuan Garden: A lesser-known garden! Surrounded by water on three sides, with winding corridors leading to secluded spots. In summer, the lotus pond is full. Sitting in a pavilion enjoying the lake breeze is more comfortable than an air-conditioned room~
Day 2: Ancient Grand Canal + Old Town
🚤 Nanchang Street Ancient Grand Canal: Super pleasant to stroll in the early morning! The bluestone paths are free of tourists, you can see old ladies washing clothes by the river, and ancient bridges reflecting in the water like paintings~ In the evening, take a boat tour to see the lights and listen to boatmen tell old stories~
🏮 Chong'an Temple Pedestrian Street: A place for both eating and shopping! Buy braised pork ribs at the time-honored 'Sanfengqiao', eat Yulan cakes at 'Muguiying Delicacies'. If you're tired, have a cup of green tea at a street teahouse – the slow pace is super relaxing~
Day 3: Cultural Heritage
🗿 Lingshan Grand Buddha Scenic Area: Breathtaking! The Lingshan Grand Buddha is 88 meters tall; touching the Buddha's feet for blessings is incredibly ceremonial~ The Nine Dragons Bathing Sakyamuni performance is spectacular, remember to collect a bottle of 'holy water' for good luck~
📜 Wuxi Museum: A free treasure! See the recreated scene of 'Abing's Former Residence', listen to the original sound of 'Moon Reflected on Erquan Spring', and admire Yuan Dynasty blue-and-white porcelain with underglaze red – it's educational and cool~
Must-Eat Food List 🍜
🥟 Wuxi Xiaolongbao: 'Xishengyuan' is a must-try! Thin skin, generous filling, fresh and sweet soup. Pair with ginger and vinegar to cut the richness. You can easily devour two baskets~
🍖 Sanfengqiao Braised Pork Ribs: A time-honored brand! The ribs are stewed until tender, with a sweet and savory taste and a hint of wine aroma. Vacuum-packed ones can be souvenirs, but remember to buy freshly made ones~
🌼 Yulan Cake: Crispy on the outside, with a filling of fresh meat + glutinous rice. One bite and the juice flows out. Super fragrant when eaten hot, 'Muguiying' has the most authentic version~
🍜 Yangchun Noodles: Have a bowl for breakfast! Thin noodles with delicious shrimp roe soup, sprinkled with chopped green onions. Simple yet incredibly fresh, locals love to eat it this way~
🍧 Meihua Cake (Plum Blossom Cake): The king of street snacks! Sweet red bean paste filling, savory fresh meat filling. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, topped with sesame seeds. Only 5 RMB each, super affordable~
Helpful Tips ⚠️
1️⃣ Wuxi cuisine tends to be sweet! If you're not used to it, tell the staff 'less sugar' when ordering, and they'll kindly adjust it~
2️⃣ For Yuantouzhu, it's recommended to buy the 'ticket + boat' combo pass, which saves 20 RMB compared to buying separately. Be sure to sit on the top deck of the boat for amazing views~
3️⃣ For transportation, use the 'Lingxi' APP! Scan to ride buses and subways. To get to Lingshan Grand Buddha Scenic Area, take bus route 88 directly to the entrance~
4️⃣ Bring an umbrella in July! There might be occasional thunderstorms, but they usually pass quickly, and Taihu Lake is even fresher after the rain~
If it's your first time visiting Wuxi, follow this itinerary to enjoy both the beautiful scenery of Taihu Lake and the charm of the old town. After 3 days, you'll be filled with happiness~ Don't hesitate, start planning now 🚀!