Wuxi, located next to Suzhou, is often overlooked but is actually a gem worth exploring. Compared to Jiangyin and Yixing—which I’ve visited a few times—Wuxi itself offers even more cultural depth and natural beauty. For budget travelers, this city is a paradise, with plenty of free attractions that allow you to enjoy a fulfilling trip without spending much. Here are the top 10 free scenic spots in Wuxi, mainly focused on the city center.
Huishan Ancient Town
Among all the ancient towns I’ve visited, Huishan Ancient Town left the strongest impression. With its combination of mountains, rivers, ancestral halls, stone-paved streets, and the Longtou River, it presents an authentic water-town charm. While the famous Jichang Garden requires a ticket, the free sections are already worth a full day. Nearby, you can also visit the China Clay Figurine Museum and watch masters craft traditional mud figurines.
Address: 18 Baoshan Street, Liangxi District
Transport: Metro Line 4, Huishan Ancient Town Station
Chong’an Temple
This is one of Wuxi’s oldest cultural and commercial hubs, and also where the city’s busiest metro station, Sanyang Plaza, is located. Besides strolling through the lively pedestrian street, you can enjoy shopping, dining, and entertainment all in one place. Notable sites include the Republic-era clock tower and A Bing’s Former Residence (ticketed).
Address: Chong’an Temple Pedestrian Street, Liangxi District
Transport: Direct access via Metro Lines 1 & 2, Sanyang Plaza Station
Donglin Academy
Famous for the line “The sound of wind, rain, and reading,” Donglin Academy is a place to feel the intellectual spirit of Jiangnan scholars. Here, you can step into the atmosphere of a Song Dynasty lecture hall while admiring the beauty of Jiangnan gardens.
Address: 867 Jiefang East Road, Liangxi District
Qingming Bridge Ancient Canal Scenic Area
Represented by Qingming Bridge, Nanchang Street, and the Grand Canal, this area is the essence of Wuxi’s canal culture and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its scenery is comparable to Pingjiang Road in Suzhou, but evening visits add even more charm.
Address: Nanchang Street, Liangxi District
Transport: Metro Line 1, Nanchansi Station
Nanchan Temple Scenic Area
Located along the Grand Canal, Nanchan Temple is one of Wuxi’s most iconic landmarks. With over 1,400 years of history, it is often referred to as “the most prosperous Buddhist temple south of the Yangtze River.”
Address: 32 Xiangyang Road, Liangxi District
Gonghu Bay Wetland Park
Situated on the shores of Taihu Lake, this park covers a vast area with dense water cedar forests. It’s a perfect summer escape, featuring a rainbow jogging track and the iconic Taihu Church, making it a favorite for photography lovers.
Address: Intersection of Gonghu Avenue and Hongzhou Road, Binhu District
Transport: Metro Line 1, Tangqiao Station → Transfer to Bus 503
Lihu Central Park
If the famous Yuantouzhu feels too crowded or pricey, Lihu Central Park is a great alternative. With European-style architecture (a bit aged but photogenic), the park offers a peaceful retreat. You might even spot black-headed gulls in the summer.
Transport: Metro Line 4, Lihu Bridge Station, Exit 1. For self-driving, parking is only 5 RMB for 4 hours.
Bogong Island Ecological Park
Located right next to Yuantouzhu, Bogong Island is a peaceful place for walking, with a thousand-meter willow-lined trail along the lake. At sunset, photographers often gather here to capture the “misty rain in Jiangnan.”
Address: Huanhu Road, Binhu District
Transport: Metro Line 2, Rongxiang Station → Transfer to Bus 87
Wuxi Museum
The largest museum in the city, Wuxi Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in culture and history. It houses collections on Yixing clay teapots, clay figurines, and calligraphy. Highlights include the Sword of King Liao, Longquan celadon ware, Yuan Dynasty golden goblets, Ni Zan’s Mossy Tree Shadows, and Zhu Yuanzhang’s calligraphy.
Address: 100 Zhongshu Road, Liangxi District
Dangkou Ancient Town
Once ticketed, Dangkou Ancient Town is now free and far less crowded, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing stroll. It is home to the Eastern Han filial son Ding Lan’s residence, the Yizhuang Museum, and the former residence of historian Qian Mu—perfect for experiencing Jiangnan’s slow life.
Address: 55 Hengfang Road, Goose Lake Town, Xishan District
Transport: Bus 708/710 to Ancient Town East Gate
