Taibo Temple & Meili Ancient Town
泰伯庙·梅里古镇
A shrine honoring Taibo, the ancestor of Wu culture. The surrounding area has been rebuilt as Meili Ancient Town, making it a core attraction of the 'Birthplace of Wu Culture'.
Taibo Temple, also known as Zhide Shrine, is located in Meicun, Xinwu District, Wuxi. According to legend, Taibo, the eldest son of King Tai of Zhou in the late Shang dynasty, yielded the throne and traveled south, establishing the state of Gouwu at Meili. He is revered as the ancestor of Wu culture, and a temple for sacrifices was built here as early as the Eastern Han dynasty. The surviving buildings are in Ming–Qing style, including the Zhide Archway, Xianghua Bridge and Zhide Hall. Every year around the 9th day of the first lunar month, the anniversary of Taibo's birth, a temple fair is held. Meili Ancient Town was built nearby in recent years, with replica lanes, waterways and exhibits on Wu culture, making it good for a stroll. Taibo Temple and the ancient town are generally free or low-cost; check on site. Located in Meicun, it can be combined with the Hongshan Site Museum on the same day.
Opening hours
About 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (old town streets open all day)
Nearby sights
- Hongshan Site Museum
- Dangkou Ancient Town
- Nanchang Street & Qingming Bridge
- Wuxi Museum
- Donglin Academy
- Xiaolou Lane
- Former Residence of Xue Fucheng
- Jichang Garden