Water Margin City (水浒城), located on the shores of Taihu Lake in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, is a remarkable destination that holds a significant place in the world of film and television. This sprawling complex, spanning 580 acres, was built with a specific purpose in mind: to serve as a filming location for a grand television series adaptation of the classic Chinese novel, “Water Margin” (also known as “Shuihu Zhuan” or “水浒传”). Water Margin City was developed by China Central Television (CCTV), and it has since become a popular attraction for tourists and enthusiasts of Chinese history and culture.
Water Margin City shares its vicinity with another iconic film and television city, the Three Kingdoms City, which is located to the south. To the west, it boasts a picturesque waterfront view of the expansive Taihu Lake. The city’s layout and architecture are carefully designed to recreate the historical ambiance of the Song Dynasty, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Chinese history.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Water Margin City
- Attractions near Water Margin City
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 2 – 3 hours |
| Ticket Price | 85 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 17.30; Last admission: 17.00 (3rd August – 31st December) 8.00 – 16.30; Last admission: 16.00 (1st January – 2nd August) |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0510-85555219 |
Location and Transportation
Shuihu City, also known as Water Margin City, is located on the picturesque shores of Taihu Lake in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China. The precise address is 128 Shanshui West Road, Binhu District. Tourists can take bus 82 and get off at Sanguo City Stop (Three Kingdoms City Stop, 三国城站) to reach the attraction.
Highlights of Water Margin City
Recreated Buildings
Within the city, you’ll find a wide variety of buildings, each meticulously designed to capture the essence of the Song Dynasty era. From the grand imperial palace and mansions of nobles to simple thatched cottages and bustling marketplaces, the architecture brings to life the diversity of life during that time. Notable landmarks within Water Margin City include government offices and prisons, temples and shrines, street markets, shops, inns, and even the iconic Water Poem Bridge, which depicts scenes from different strata of society and reflects the rich history and local customs of the Song Dynasty.
County District
This area mirrors the everyday life of the lower and middle classes during the Northern Song Dynasty. It includes features such as government offices, prisons, execution grounds, neighborhoods, shops, and manors. A highlight of this district is the enchanting Purple Stone Street, where you can visit well-known establishments like the Wu Dalang Pancake Shop, Wang Po Teahouse, and Zheng Butcher Shop. The meticulous historical accuracy and craftsmanship of these buildings create a vivid atmosphere reminiscent of the Northern Song era.
Capital District
The architecture in this area is grand and magnificent, featuring structures like the imperial palace, Daxiangguo Temple, Fan’s Mansion, and Gao’s Mansion. The centerpiece of this district is the “Qingming Shanghe Street,” designed to replicate the layout of Rainbow Bridge and the marketplaces from Zhang Zeduan‘s famous painting “Along the River During the Qingming Festival.” Here, you can explore traditional Chinese culture through various handicraft workshops, shops, and enjoy folk performances, such as acrobatics, puppet shows, magic tricks, and animal acts.
Live Performances
Water Margin City is not just a film set but a thriving tourist destination with a rich array of live performances. With a daily schedule of up to twelve shows, visitors can immerse themselves in the world of “Water Margin.” These performances are carefully choreographed and capture the excitement, drama, and emotion of the novel. You can witness lively street performances like “Brothers’ Reunion” and “Yang Zhi Sells Knives,” as well as demonstrations of traditional Chinese martial arts like “Yan Qing’s Challenge” and dramatic reenactments of iconic scenes such as “Wu Song’s Drunken Brawl with Jiang Mensheng” and “Heroes of Liangshan.” These captivating performances bring the tales of “Water Margin” to life, ensuring that visitors are enthralled and engaged at every turn.
