This 2,500-year-old ancient town in Jiangnan is more worth visiting than Wuzhen.

There is a place that Shen Congwen likened to a 'girl in a dream,' Liu Haisu called it the 'last of Jiangnan,' and Feng Yingzi praised it as 'suitable for both light and heavy makeup.' Unlike the bustling tourist spots, this town remains quietly charming in its secluded corner. With over two thousand years of historical and cultural accumulation, it exudes the unique charm of a water town, like a breathtakingly beautiful painting. Jinxi Ancient Town, located in the southwestern corner of Kunshan City, Jiangsu Province, is one of the 'Four Pearls of Southern Jiangsu,' known for its tranquil and restrained water town scenery. It is only eight kilometers away from the famous Zhouzhuang but boasts a longer and richer historical and cultural heritage. The name Jinxi has a poetic origin. It is said that there was a small creek in the town, with peach and plum trees lining its banks. The morning and evening glows reflected on the water, making the creek shimmer like a brocade, hence the name Jinxi. The history of the ancient town can be traced back to the Neolithic period. After more than two thousand years of vicissitudes, it still retains the typical style of a Jiangnan water town. Jinxi is famous for its 'Thirty-six Bridges and Seventy-two Kilns.' These bridges, built during the Ming and Qing dynasties, have withstood the test of time and remain well-preserved. Each bridge has its unique story and charm, such as the Tianshui Bridge (commonly known as the North Guanyin Bridge) and the Jinxi Puqing Bridge, which are popular tourist spots. Among them, Tianshui Bridge, built in the fifth year of the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty (1407), has endured over 600 years of wind and rain, still maintaining its original appearance, serene and elegant, full of ancient charm. The museum cluster in Jinxi is more famous than the ancient town itself. At its peak, the one-square-kilometer ancient town area housed 15 private museums, covering various fields such as antiques, calligraphy and painting, purple clay, strange stones, and root carvings, showcasing the profound folk culture of Jinxi. Among them, the Chinese Ancient Brick and Tile Museum is particularly noteworthy, with a collection of various ancient bricks and tiles from the Neolithic period to the Republic of China. Each exhibit shines with the brilliance of wisdom, leaving people in awe. When visiting Jinxi, how can you miss the local delicacies? Sock-bottom pastry is a specialty snack in Jinxi, said to be a dessert from the love story of Emperor Xiaozong of Song and Consort Chen. It is crispy and delicious, loved by tourists. In addition, the lake-fresh cuisine in Jinxi is also worth trying, such as steamed whitefish and braised bream, which are signature dishes in local restaurants. 🌟Travel Guide🌟 Transportation: Jinxi is easily accessible. It takes about an hour to drive from Suzhou along the Shanghai-Changzhou Expressway. For public transportation, you can take bus routes 130 or 133 from Kunshan City directly to Jinxi. Accommodation: There are many inns and homestays in the ancient town to choose from. Although the prices are relatively high, they offer a better experience of the ancient town's atmosphere. Outside the ancient town, you can choose to stay in hotels in Kunshan City or surrounding areas. Itinerary: It is recommended to arrange a two-day trip. On the first day, visit attractions such as Lianchi Zen Temple, Consort Chen's Water Tomb, and Guliang Bridge, and taste local delicacies. On the second day, take a boat tour of the water town scenery and visit the folk museums to learn about local traditional culture and handicrafts. Jinxi Ancient Town attracts more and more tourists with its unique charm. Here, you can slow down and feel the simplicity and tranquility; you can enter the museum cluster to appreciate the profound folk culture; you can also taste local delicacies and enjoy a feast for your taste buds. Are there any other ancient towns you think are worth visiting? Feel free to leave a comment and let me know!