Jinxi Ancient Town – Ticket Price, Opening Hours, Location, and highlights

Nestled in the heart of Kunshan, Suzhou, Jinxi Ancient Town (锦溪古镇) boasts a history spanning over two thousand years. Revered as the “Hometown of China’s Folk Museum,” this charming town preserves numerous cultural landscapes, historical sites, and distinctive architecture with a rich blend of Ming, Qing, and Republican styles.

The town is crisscrossed with a network of lakes and waterways, creating a picturesque scene. To the south lies the Five-Bao Lake and Dianshan Lake, while Chen Lake graces the northwest. The internal waterways of the ancient town extend up to 6 kilometers, forming a typical Jiangnan water town ambiance – connecting rivers and lakes, surrounded by marshes, streets and alleys hugging the water, and bridges linking pathways. Most of the existing residences in Jinxi were constructed during the Ming, Qing, and Republican periods. These homes, predominantly built along the water’s edge, are characterized by one to two-story brick and wooden structures, adorned with blue-tiled walls. Many open their doors and windows to the water or have waterfront docks.

Table of Contents

• Basic Information
• Location and Transportation
• Map of Jinxi Water Town
• Highlights of Jinxi Water Town
  • Chen Concubine Water Tomb
  • Charming Waterways and Stone Bridges
  • Artisanal Workshops
  • Ancient Temples
  • Cultural Museums
• Vlog about Jinxi Ancient Town
• A Brief History of Jinxi Ancient Town
• Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
• Other Attractions in Kunshan

Basic Information

Location and Transportation

Jinxi Ancient Town is nestled within the picturesque landscape of Kunshan, a city situated in the southeastern part of Jiangsu Province, China. This historical gem is strategically located approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles) west of Shanghai, one of China’s most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities.

Tourists from other cities can first take a high-speed train to Kunshan South Railway Station and then transfer to bus 133 or a taxi to cover the remaining 25 kilometers.

Map of Jinxi Water Town

Highlights of Jinxi Water Town

Chen Concubine Water Tomb

Located in the southern Five-Bao Lake of Jinxi Town, Chenfei Shuizong (Chen Concubine Water Tomb) tells a poignant story. In the first year of the Longxing era (1163), during the Jin invasion, Emperor Xiaozong moved south to Lin’an with his entourage. Along the way, Chen Concubine fell ill and passed away, prompting the construction of a water tomb. Regardless of water level fluctuations, the tomb consistently surfaces on the lake, creating a scenic marvel. After extensive restoration in 1992, it was declared a cultural heritage site in 1997, marking its significance in Kunshan City.

Charming Waterways and Stone Bridges

Jinxi Ancient Town is adorned with elegant bridges due to its intricate water network. Tianshui Bridge, commonly known as North Guanyin Bridge, was initially constructed in 1407, financed by Guo Zijing. It was rebuilt in 1652, with a length of 17.2 meters and a width of 2.7 meters, made primarily of granite with a blue stone arch. Puqing Bridge, also known as Yu Family Bridge, was built in 1733, spanning 18.5 meters in length and 2.8 meters in width, maintaining its original integrity. Shiyu Bridge stretches from Funtang Port to Wubao Lake, measuring 52 meters in length, 2.8 meters in width, and 3 meters in height, featuring nine piers and ten arches constructed with neatly stacked stones. After various renovations, these bridges are well-preserved today.

Artisanal Workshops

Jinxi Ancient Town’s artisanal workshops offer a captivating window into traditional craftsmanship. Delve into the world of skilled artisans as they meticulously create intricate wonders, from delicate embroidery and intricate paper-cutting to pottery and woodwork. These workshops are living embodiments of China’s cultural heritage, where techniques passed down through generations come to life. Visitors can engage with craftsmen, witnessing their dedication and passion firsthand. Through hands-on experiences and observation, one can grasp the essence of these time-honored arts, fostering a deep appreciation for the artistry and skill that have thrived in Jinxi for centuries.

Ancient Temples

Temples grace Jinxi Ancient Town, each bearing its own historical significance. Tongshen Taoist Temple, originally named Tianqing Temple, dates back to the Southern Song Dynasty, with expansions during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. It features the East Yue Hall and the mountain gate, covering an area of 200 square meters. Lianchi Zen Temple, founded in the Southern Song Dynasty, occupies an expansive 5111 square meters. Wenchang Pavilion, built in the Ming Dynasty, is a three-story pavilion-style structure with brick and wooden framework, flying eaves, and a height of 15.6 meters, covering an area of approximately 200 square meters.

Cultural Museums

Jinxi Ancient Town is also home to a collection of museums, including the Yixing Purple Clay Museum, showcasing exquisite purple clay pottery from the pottery capital Yixing; the Ancient Brick and Tile Museum, featuring over 2300 items, including roof tiles, drip edges, roof ridge components, building bricks, inscribed bricks, and sacrificial bricks; and an Antique Museum established by the Suzhou antique collector Mr. Xue Rensheng. The museum’s exhibits cover a wide range, distributed across three floors, with lacquerware, wood carvings, Ming and Qing furniture displayed on the ground floor, ceramics, calligraphy, and jade artifacts on the second floor, and a collection of 800 water basins, pen holders, brush washers, and brush racks spanning 3000 years on the third floor.

Vlog about Jinxi Ancient Town

A Brief History of Jinxi Ancient Town

Jinxi Ancient Town, located in Zhejiang Province, has a history that dates back over 5,500 years to the Songze culture period. During the Spring and Autumn period of the Wu-Yue kingdom, it became a settlement and was part of the Kuaiji Commandery. From the Three Kingdoms to the Tang Dynasty, it was part of Wu Commandery, and during the Five Dynasties, it belonged to Suzhou.

In the first year of the Song Dynasty’s Shaoxing reign (1131), the town was administratively divided along the North and South Market Rivers, with areas on the west side of the river placed under Changzhou County and those on the east side under Kunshan County. In September 1952, parts of Wu County, including towns like Chenmu, Zhouzhuang, and others, were incorporated into Kunshan County. The two counties’ Chenmu town merged and was upgraded to a sub-county town of Kunshan.

In 1985, the town administration system was reformed, merging villages into Chenmu Town, which was renamed Jinxi Town in 1992. The town began its tourism development in 1995 and was recognized as a 4A National Tourist Attraction in 2005. T

Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews

Recommended Local Delicacies:

• Haitang Cake: Try the sticky and chewy Haitang Cake with a delicate red bean filling.
• Radish Shredded Pancake: Highly praised for its delicious taste.
• Qingtuan: Enjoy this refreshing rice cake made with glutinous rice.
• Ao Zao Mian: Don’t miss the local noodles known as “Ao Zao Mian” in Kunshan.

Boat Ride Experience: Consider taking a boat ride for 150 yuan per boat, accommodating up to 6 people (children included), lasting approximately 25 minutes. The boat operator, often a local woman, may sing a local song in the native language. It’s customary to give a tip of around 30 yuan for this unique experience.

Explore the Town at a Leisurely Pace: Jinxi Ancient Town is not very large, and you can explore it in 2-4 hours. It offers a quaint atmosphere with a climate of early development as a tourist attraction. While not heavily commercialized, there are areas that are still undergoing improvement. Apart from the main route, there are many old and traditional houses. Note that the lack of clear signage may lead to taking the wrong path, so be cautious.

Other Attractions in Kunshan

Zhouzhuang Ancient Town

Luzhi Water Town

Tinglin Garden