Dangkou Ancient Town
荡口古镇
A Jiangnan water town on the shore of Lake E, known for the Ming–Qing residential compounds of the Hua clan. Its waterways, stone bridges and charitable estates are well preserved, and it is quieter than Zhouzhuang and Wuzhen.
Dangkou Ancient Town is located in Ehu Town, Xishan District, Wuxi, beside Lake E (formerly known as Ezhen Lake), and is a classic Jiangnan water town. During the Ming and Qing dynasties the Hua family settled here, leaving architectural complexes including the Hua Charitable Estate, the Old Hua Charitable Estate and the former residence of Hua Hengfang. The town also produced several modern notables; Qian Mu and Qian Weichang studied at the Guoyu School in town. The old town is centered on the Beicang River, with whitewashed walls and dark-tiled roofs of old houses and shops along both banks. Visitors can take a sculling boat, and the town is lit in the evening. Entry to the streets is generally free, while some former residences and exhibition halls charge admission; check on site. It is about 35 km from downtown Wuxi, about 50 minutes by car or taxi, and is good for a half-day visit.
Opening hours
All day (some venues approx. 08:30–17:00)
Nearby sights
- Hongshan Site Museum
- Taibo Temple & Meili Ancient Town
- Nanchang Street & Qingming Bridge
- Wuxi Museum
- Donglin Academy
- Xiaolou Lane
- Former Residence of Xue Fucheng
- Jichang Garden