Ruins of the Helü City

Ruins of the Helü City

The Ruins of the Helü City is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

The Museum of the Helü Capital Ruins is located at No. 2 Liulv Road, Mashan Town, Binhu District, Wuxi City. It opened to the public in 2014. The building features a smooth and flowing design, resembling a phoenix breaking out of its shell, symbolizing "phoenix nirvana" — representing the rebirth and renewed glory of the Helü Capital after 2,500 years. It is a multifunctional museum that integrates cultural relic displays, archaeological research, science education, and cultural leisure.

The Ruins of the Helü Capital is an extremely precious historical and cultural heritage site in Wuxi City, serving as the capital of the Wu Kingdom, one of the Five Hegemons of the Spring and Autumn Period. The city was built in the first year of King Helü’s reign (the sixth year of King Jing of Zhou, 514 BC), and has a history of over 2,500 years. In 1956, it was designated as a provincial-level cultural relics protection unit by the Jiangsu Provincial Government. At the national expert symposium held in 2008, the site was confirmed to be the capital of King Helü of Wu and was rated as one of the “Top Ten Archaeological Discoveries in China in 2008.”

The museum is divided into two main areas: the main exhibition building, which narrates the archaeological process of the Helü Capital ruins and showcases the humanistic spirit of King Helü of Wu — his dedication to governance, integrity, closeness to the people, and merit-based appointments. It combines 3D and multi-point interactive multimedia in the theater show “Greatness of Helü,” allowing visitors to interact with history and experience an immersive journey. The annex building, the Wu Culture Exchange and Research Center, primarily serves functions related to the research, exchange, and dissemination of Wu culture, supplemented by tourism supporting facilities such as cultural leisure, dining, conferences, and accommodation.

Scenic Area Address: No. 2 Liulv Road, Mashan Town, Binhu District, Wuxi City, Jiangsu Province

Transportation by Bus: Take air-conditioned bus 88 or bus 89 (click to view stops along the route) and get off at Liujian Station. Follow the visiting guide signs back to reach the site.

Self-driving Route: 1. Taihu Lake Ring Road (Shibawan) – Liujian – Wuxi Wudu Helü Capital Ruins Museum; 2. S48 Shanghai–Yixing Expressway (Xiyi Expressway) – exit at Yangshan/Huatai/Mashan – Lumai Road – Hushan Road – take the third exit at the roundabout and turn right – Wuxi Wudu Helü Capital Ruins Museum.

(?–496 BC), also known as “Helu.” Ruler of the Wu Kingdom in the late Spring and Autumn Period (514–491 BC). Personal name Guang. He ascended to the throne by having Zhuan Zhu assassinate King Liao of Wu. He conquered Xu, defeated Chu, and occupied the Chu capital Ying (present-day northwest Jiangling, Hubei). His campaign suffered setbacks due to Qin’s intervention on behalf of Chu and the rebellion of his younger brother Fugai. Later, he was defeated by King Goujian of Yue at Aili (present-day southwest Jiaxing, Zhejiang), suffered severe injuries, and died. 1. Helü (?–496 BC), also written as Helu, surname Ji, personal name Guang, son of King Zhufan of Wu, hence also called “Prince Guang.” Ruler of the Wu Kingdom in the late Spring and Autumn Period, reigned from 514 to 496 BC, renowned military… Detailed information on Helü++

Further Reading:

· First and Second Batch of Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units