Strolling along the bluestone streets of Wuxi's Dangkou Ancient Town feels like stepping back in time. Originally built during the Tang Dynasty and flourishing during the Ming and Qing dynasties, it's known as "Little Suzhou."
In ancient times, this area was a vital waterway hub, attracting merchants and producing numerous scholars. Tang Bohu, a prominent scholar from Jiangnan during the Ming Dynasty, left his mark here, and Shao Mi, a renowned painter from the Qing Dynasty, also painted here, adding to the town's elegance.
Modernly, it has also produced numerous renowned figures, including Qian Mu, Qian Weichang, and Hua Junwu, who spent their childhoods here.
The town's unique attractions include the following:
Wang Xin's Former Residence: Wang Xin, the renowned musician and author of "Singing the Motherland," was born in this old house in Dangkou. Within the creaking brick walls, the piano keys still bear the composer's creative passion. It's said that when Wang Xin returned home in his later years, he loved to sit in the courtyard and listen to the rain. Perhaps the melody is woven into the raindrops.
Hua's Charity Cemetery: This is a charitable site left behind by the Hua family, a renowned merchant family from the Qing Dynasty. The quaint buildings embody the traditional virtue of charity. Particularly worth a visit is the Yizhuang's accounting office, which retains complete records of its relief efforts, a testament to the warmth and warmth of the ancient town spanning centuries.
Huitong Bridge: This Ming Dynasty bridge connects the north and south banks of Dangkou. Standing on the bridge, you can admire the Ming and Qing Dynasty buildings lining the river, as well as the rickety black-sailed boats that drift by. The bridge piers bear the marks of ropes used by trackers, evoking a sense of the vibrant merchant shipping of those days.
The boat ride is now affordable, costing 30 yuan both daytime and nighttime.
The nearby Huitong Hall houses a "Character Museum."
Along the Beicang River: A stroll along the river is the ultimate ancient town experience. The whitewashed walls and black tiles are reflected in the emerald waters, stretching out along the banks, making for stunning views both in the early morning and evening.
Additional cultural attractions include the former residences of Hua Junwu, Qian Mu, and Qian Weichang.
Currently, no entrance fee is required, but please note that the former residences of famous people usually close at 5:00 PM.
Transportation is a bit inconvenient. If you're traveling by high-speed rail, it's closer to Wuxi East Station and a taxi ride takes about 20 minutes.