A Weekend in Wujiang: Savoring the Cultural and Tourism Splendor of Jiangcun

[Guide] As the saying goes, 'Above there is paradise, below there are Suzhou and Hangzhou.' Suzhou, a city adored by literati through the ages, has inspired countless well-loved verses that stir the heart. Wujiang, a vibrant thread in Suzhou's historical and cultural tapestry, is renowned for its millennium-old canal culture and forever cherished because of Taihu Lake. Here, you'll find Home Inn Town by Taihu Lake, where travel finds its meaning; Jiangcun, a perfect marriage of culture and tourism; the profoundly meaningful Fei Xiaotong Jiangcun Memorial Hall; the leisurely and pleasant Seven Lakes Wetland Park... Experience life in the revitalization of culture and tourism, and rediscover yourself in unhurried ease.

[Itinerary] Day 1: Home Inn Town by Taihu Lake – Xiaorong Restaurant – Jiangcun – Visit Fei Xiaotong Jiangcun Memorial Hall; Day 2: Qidu Taihu Wetland Park – Visit 0572 Hot Spring Resort Hotel – Dine at Laozhenyuan.

1. Home Inn Town by Taihu Lake

Live elsewhere, and touch the world’s uncharted joys. Nestled on the shore of Taihu Lake, this town called Home Inn Town by Taihu Lake was the first stop of our Wujiang trip, adding a distinctive beauty to this Suzhou locale. It is both fresh and modern, serene and passionate. Strolling through it leaves you with unforgettable, unique impressions.

Home Inn Town by Taihu Lake lies on the east side of the Taihu Midi Camp in Qidu Town, Wujiang, occupying a large area. It's a leisure town integrating dining, drinking, fun, and accommodation. Upon first sight, what catches the eye are clusters of charming container buildings, varying in height and artfully arranged—a striking visual delight.

Approaching closer, you realize these are the town's signature guesthouses, designed around container themes. Industrial style blends with a strong artistic sensibility. Casual graffiti, unconventional furnishings—the most captivating is the slogan on the wall: 'Living Elsewhere,' which hits straight to the heart and instantly reveals the meaning of travel.

In front of the guesthouses stretches an endless expanse of green grassland, with varying shades of green intermingling, showcasing nature's mystery and inviting you to run freely—as if stepping back into the pastoral scenes of 'wind blows, grass bends, revealing cattle and sheep.' An unfettered comfort wells up spontaneously. Step inside a container guestroom: though compact, it has all the essentials, with facilities complete and styles distinct. From minimalist European elegance, to modern psychedelic tech, to cozy Chinese domestic aesthetics—there's something to hold your gaze. Through the glass window, the beauty of Taihu Lake unfolds like a living backdrop, breathtaking enough to leave you speechless.

Here hides a Man Fun Land amusement park, an absolute paradise for boys that will keep them lingering. A dazzling variety of VR games captivates, maximizing fun. Faced with countless gaming machines, all worries seem to vanish; I just wanted to be a carefree child, immersed in the joy of the virtual world.

The most delightful activity is cycling along the G318 highway, a road you must drive once in a lifetime. Under blue sky and white clouds, the exquisite sign is hard to miss—'Taihu Station' in bold black characters on a white background, imposing and stylish. Riding slowly along G318, the breeze caresses your face, carrying the fragrance of plants, refreshing and soothing. If you get tired, you can stop at any time, enter a quaint coffee shop, sip a fragrant latte, and shed your fatigue.

Overlooking the whole town, it resembles a paradise. The lake surface is calm as a mirror, greenery and water enhance each other's beauty, an ancient stone bridge spans the lake, and houses line up in rows, exuding a peace unperturbed by fame or fortune. Even choosing a random patch of grass to lie on and watch clouds drift by is a whole day well spent.

2. Xiaorong Restaurant

They say good wine needs no bush, and this saying fully applies to Xiaorong Restaurant. This small eatery hidden in an ancient village has captured the taste buds of countless Wujiang locals. Despite its countryside location, it's always packed, drawing legions of food lovers. I had heard of this restaurant long before coming to Wujiang, and on this trip, I finally got my wish.

On first sight, the word 'simple' popped into my mind. Compared to other restaurants, Xiaorong's decor is very basic. The time-worn gate tower reveals its history, with willow trees on the side adding a touch of green. Yet it's precisely this unassuming establishment that gave us the most authentic Wujiang farmhouse cuisine.

First recommendation: the braised river eel, Xiaorong's signature dish, truly praiseworthy. The eel is soft and glutinous, enveloped in a fragrant sauce that hits your nose before you even pick up your chopsticks. Its enticing color draws you in, and one bite leaves a lasting aftertaste.

The Taihu seed shrimp here are an eye-opener—large enough to prompt companions to take photos. The shrimp are brimming with roe, visibly fresh; the meat is firm and plump, yielding a springy bite that feels satisfyingly meaty without the greasiness of regular meat, making it hard to stop eating.

Oil-braised snow peas are a special Wujiang farmhouse dish. After long braising, the snow peas turn soft and full-flavored. The secret house sauce is the key, transforming the otherwise mild peas into something savory and irresistible, a perfect rice companion.

The soy sauce duck is another crowd-pleaser: fresh, tender, and falling-off-the-bone tender, effortless to eat, yet immensely satisfying. It's a dish loved by all ages. Equally addictive is the braised pork belly. Cut into large chunks, it's a balanced mix of lean and fat, rich but not greasy, coated in a thick sauce—heavenly! With fragrant rice, it brings instant happiness. Steamed sea bass is relatively light, the natural sweetness of the fish highlighted with ginger, scallion, and garlic; fresh, nutritious, and healthy.

The most unforgettable dish is the braised crucian carp, prepared in a unique style with a fried egg as a crown, elevating the flavor. The egg's richness melds with the carp's freshness, both nutritious and delicious, leaving a lingering taste. Finally, a bite of Xiaorong's special old-style tofu: rough-looking but silky-tender inside. Garnished with scallions and spicy chili, it's extra fragrant, with a hint of minced meat crunch, great with rice and a palate cleanser.

3. Jiangcun (Jiang Village)

Walk in Fei Xiaotong's footsteps, and study in Wujiang. As rural development advances, most villages in China have undergone dramatic changes. The most representative is perhaps Wujiang's Jiangcun—the village visited 26 times by Mr. Fei Xiaotong, which became a window for the world to understand Chinese rural society. Scholars flock here, building a solid foundation for social research. On this Wujiang trip, we followed Fei's trail to explore Jiangcun's charm.

Upon entering Jiangcun, the four characters "中国江村" (China Jiangcun) greet you, rich in meaning and firmly established. The gate is round inside yet square outside—a subtle nod to the Chinese concept of 'round heaven and square earth.' Stacked tiles form a hollowed-out pattern of great beauty, fully revealing Jiangcun's character. A must-visit spot is the Fei Xiaotong Jiangcun Memorial Hall. The whole site comprises six areas: the Fei Xiaotong Memorial Hall, the Jiangcun Cultural Hall, Xiaotong Square, a landscape pond, a stele corridor, and a teahouse—plenty to see and well worth a leisurely tour.

Approaching the Fei Xiaotong Memorial Hall, I was greeted by a waterside pavilion with white walls and grey roofs, built over the water. The pond, dotted with a few lotus leaves lingering despite the cold, added an autumnal touch to the serene scene. Inside, white walls are covered with pictorial art and photos, narrating Fei's social survey journey vividly. Through images and historical texts, his 26 arduous visits to Jiangcun are told, his academic contributions becoming an integral part of the village's development.

In contrast, the Jiangcun Cultural Hall focuses more on history and culture, telling the story of Fei Dasheng, Fei Xiaotong's sister, and her deep patriotism and life's work. Wandering through the hall, you encounter remnants of her life—old yet vibrant scenes that fully convey her sincere devotion. "Willow-lined lanes divide the waterways, bamboo groves shelter the homes." Jiangcun, also known as Kaixiangong Village (the bow-shaped string village), gets its name from a river that curves like a drawn bowstring. Today, it epitomizes Chinese rural life and is synonymous with Jiangnan (south of the Yangtze) village scenery.

Strolling along the stone-paved paths, the "Beautiful Courtyards" of Jiangcun are a delightful surprise. Every household has its own courtyard, full of poetic charm, forming a unique and picturesque landscape. The most memorable spot is the Jiangcun Market. Once a dilapidated farmers' market, it has been transformed into a popular shopping haven for locals. The exterior fuses old and new; clean glass windows and doors reflect the surrounding greenery, exuding a strong artistic vibe. This blend of culture and tourism is the highlight of Jiangcun's tourism culture.

From the drone's eye, Jiangcun is stunning. Houses in an array of colors—red, blue, black—are artfully arranged, resembling a colorful palette. The gentle stream that quietly flows divides the village into three serene, undisturbed sections.

4. Qidu Taihu Wetland Park

"Sail shadows drifting on the horizon, shimmering waves on the misty turquoise lake." Speaking of Taihu Lake, people always heap praise. This beautiful scene, immortalized in countless literary works, is in no way inferior to West Lake. For Wujiang locals, the best place to enjoy Taihu is indisputably the Qidu Taihu Wetland Park. This secluded public water space has, to some extent, become the weekend retreat of Wujiang residents. Here, time stretches out with the ripples, everything slows down, and you instantly relax.

Qidu Taihu Wetland Park is located in Qidu Town, nestled against the Huxiang Taying (Lake Light Pagoda Shadow) scenic area and bordering the lakeside avenue to the north. Its unique location makes it a treasured feng shui site. As you enter the park, a large sign stands out, poised above the blue waves. Compared with the sea, the lake is gentler, harmonizing with Jiangnan's softness. The blue-and-white sign with a hint of green complements the water. Overhead, billowing clouds swell like cotton candy, drifting lazily, almost within arm's reach.

Walking slowly along the wooden boardwalk, surrounded by lush bamboo, the fresh air washes over you—a feeling of stumbling into a quiet countryside, free from any engine noise, as if cut off from the world, leaving only endless contentment in your heart. Following the light speckles filtering through, you soon encounter the lake and mountain views, a delightful surprise. Gazing out, the Qidu Twin Pagodas stand silently, facing each other. Their delicate, antique forms exude a solemn dignity, with vague carvings that invite distant admiration but not profane touch.

Around the twin pagodas, willows sway gently. The fusion of freshness and antiquity creates a relaxed, joyful atmosphere. If you catch the sunset at this moment, the pagodas and shimmering lake reflect each other, the afterglow spilling across the water—a scene of pure romance even to imagine. Seen from above, the twin pagodas stand like two grand Buddhas, detached and impartial, silently guarding this realm.

Walking along the lake shore, you can take in the full grandeur of Taihu. Numerous waterside platforms and corridors allow for close-up appreciation of the glinting ripples. The ancient-looking platforms, artfully spaced, break the uniformity of the water with their grey stone surfaces, adding an antique charm and infusing the park with a strong humanistic feel. As you soak in nature’s beauty, you also sense the warmth of human design.

Leaning on the railing and gazing into the distance, it's like being inside a living painting. Layers of blue in varying shades blend and blur, with voluminous clouds hanging idly, lending the scene an oil-painting quality, the brightness turned up a notch, making it even fresher and livelier.

The lake stretches endlessly. Nearshore, the vivid azure is lively and vast; far away, the deep green of the lake is serene and captivating. Together they hold your gaze. At the farthest horizon, mountain peaks barely peek through, as if veiled in mystery, alluring and inviting.

5. 0572 Hot Spring Resort Hotel

When visiting Wujiang, Taihu Lake is a must-see, and besides Qidu Taihu Wetland Park, there's another place worth considering: the 0572 Hot Spring Resort Hotel. The hotel borders Taihu Lake to the north, boasting 1.8 hectares of exclusive lakefront space and 375 meters of waterside shoreline. Here, you can take in the full panorama of lake and mountain scenery.

The hotel is vast, and I was struck by its grandeur upon arrival. Majestic buildings rise from the ground, surrounded by lush trees, the fresh greenery refreshing the spirit. The hotel's exterior is minimalist yet aesthetically pleasing, where industrial chic meets homey aesthetics, oozing high-end style that perfectly suits modern young tastes. Even before entering, I was captivated by the large outdoor swimming pool. The water is calm and azure, with lounge chairs casually arranged, creating a vibe of laziness. For an instant, I felt transported back to Sanya—blue sky, white clouds, green trees—so invigorating.

Stepping inside, it's a different world, keeping my eyes glued, making me linger. The interior style is distinctive, dominated by light and dark wood tones that create a warm, homey feel, accented by retro red brick wallpaper for a touch of novelty. The design is full of texture: from the ceiling fans, the dining chairs and tables, to every door handle—all communicate sophistication and bring the hotel's warmth to life.

Moving to the guestroom corridor, I was particularly taken by the screen design. The brown wooden screens may look simple, but they are rich in detail, echoing the carpet pattern and interpreting Zen aesthetics. Sunlight filters through, casting shadows on the carpet that stretch from near to far, evoking a feeling of peaceful time. The guestrooms blend Eastern and Western elements: European vintage meets Chinese classical elegance, culminating in an artistic aesthetic unique to the 0572 Hot Spring Resort Hotel. Muted Morandi colors intertwine, highlighting a refined lifestyle. Each room features a cozy little balcony—the best spot for a lofty view. Leaning on the railing, you can feast your eyes on the lake and mountain scenery.

The hotel has all the necessary facilities: banquet hall, private rooms, conference halls, garden landscape, etc. You can seamlessly work while enjoying leisure, making it ideal for business travelers. Wandering around, ancient trees and murmuring streams are everywhere, brimming with vitality. The architecture's spirit merges with nature's beauty, bringing deep relaxation. This is perhaps the greatness of the architects—there's a quiet beauty that "moistens things silently."

What I loved most was the open-air terrace. In early autumn, the sun is not as fierce as midsummer but offers a lazily warm glow. In the early morning, order a cup of hot tea, and wait for sunrise. The once calm lake is wrapped in sunlight, instantly glittering. A slight breeze would make it even more perfect—just thinking about it brings contentment. I heard the hotel offers many delicacies, with countless Taihu lake delicacies. Unfortunately, time was short, and I couldn't indulge my appetite—next time, I'll make sure to.

6. Laozhenyuan

As the saying goes, "Food is the first necessity of the people." For a foodie, cuisine is irreplaceable. Whenever I arrive in a new city, my first mission is to hunt down local delicacies and share them. The final stop of our Wujiang trip was Laozhenyuan, a restaurant brimming with traditional character. The storefront's ancient and elegant decor perfectly interprets Chinese beauty, bringing our Wujiang journey to a satisfying close.

On first sight, Laozhenyuan's simple yet dignified style impressed me. In a society that emphasizes keeping up with the times and chasing trends, Laozhenyuan, true to its name, preserves the 'old' and extends it, standing out as a refreshing exception. Its grey bricks and black tiles epitomize Jiangnan's tender charm. Stepping inside, you're met with an old-fashioned sign and prominently displayed awards. As a specialty Wujiang cuisine restaurant, Laozhenyuan is already well-known, and I came here expressly for its reputation.

It's crab season now. The Taihu hairy crabs here have sweet, succulent meat and plenty of roe, absolutely on par with Yangcheng Lake's famous hairy crabs. The crabs are large and weighty. High-quality ingredients often need only the simplest cooking—steaming is enough to bring out their full deliciousness, making you lick your fingers.

The "bobo" sausage rings are an unexpected delight. Not much to look at, but the taste surprises. The recipe is meticulous, testing the chef's skill and patience. Layer upon layer, the sausage is springy and chewy, the meat tight but not tough. Dip it in the secret sauce, and it's impeccable—a signature dish that rightfully earns its fame. Braised taro with pickled vegetables is another authentic Suzhou dish. The taro is marinated with a special brine, yielding a unique, well-infused flavor that transforms the otherwise bland taro into something delicious. Interested friends should definitely give it a try.

I strongly recommend the white-cut chicken. The presentation seems ordinary, but the taste is astonishing. Compared to other restaurants, Laozhenyuan focuses more on the food itself, aiming to win with taste. This chicken is incredibly tender and smooth, the meat like baby's skin, yet with a slight springiness. The fat-to-lean ratio is perfect, making it a joy to devour—even the skin is delicious.

Stir-fried river shrimp is a rare rice accompaniment. Compared to sea shrimp, river shrimp are smaller but pack more flavor. After deep-frying, the meat tightens and becomes more aromatic. Accompanied by edamame and pickled vegetables, the texture is rich, and you can't stop eating.

If you don't mind fatty meat, be sure to try the steamed pork belly. The fat and lean layers alternate, cut to an ideal thickness. Spinach adds a touch of freshness, and the smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture makes you drool. Finally, I recommend the white water fish. It's simply prepared, preserving the fish's sweetness while completely removing any fishiness. Nutritious and tasty, suitable for all ages.

Some fall in love with a city because of a person, and some fall in love with a land because of a restaurant. If you have the chance to visit Wujiang, do take a seat at Laozhenyuan and experience the taste of Wujiang on the tip of your tongue.