Wuxi Ancient City Moat

Wuxi Ancient City Moat

The gently flowing ancient moat has quietly written a splendid chapter in the history of Chinese civilization. For over 2,500 years, the main theme of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal has remained unchanged, but while linear culture is known for its straight waterways, only in Wuxi has it subtly transformed to encircle the city, creating a unique and beautiful spectacle along a thousand-mile canal.

The canal is the source of nature and culture, the soul and lifeline of this charming city. A city doesn’t have to be large to be vibrant with water, and water doesn’t have to be deep to gain fame by encircling the city. With twenty-eight historical nodes and classic landscapes—such as “Tracing the Source at Rong Lake,” “Beitang Rice Market,” “Lotus Mist in the Rain,” “Lights at the Station,” “Morning Glow at Xichun,” “Breeze at Wanghu,” “Dawn Moon over Liangxi,” and “Nostalgia in the Old City”—you can enjoy the scenery in all four seasons, with endless sights to behold. Some liken the ancient city moat to a “cultural corridor that connects past and present,” while others describe it as a marvelously emergent cultural panorama. Admiring the jade-like landscapes along both banks of the ancient city moat will surely delight your eyes and leave you lingering in awe.

A night cruise along the ancient city moat lets you witness the charming reflections of the illuminated river under a star-studded sky, and the dazzling lights of Wuxi’s vibrant nightlife. You’ll hear the sounds of water, laughter, and singing as you glide along the picturesque waterfront. You’ll be immersed in the cultural atmosphere where traditional Wu charm blends seamlessly with the modern city. And you’ll be enchanted by the hazy moonlight and twinkling lights of the captivating night. Cruising through the interplay of motion and stillness offers a true taste of our love for the canal. The emerald “water ring” opens its loving embrace to warmly welcome distinguished guests from all corners of the world.

The Ancient City Moat Scenic Area starts from Huangbuzheng in the north, passing through Canal Park, Xishuidun, Nanchang Bridge, Yangyaowan, Zhuchang Lane, and ending at Maojingbang. The entire loop around the city is about 11 kilometers long. It respects Wuxi’s old city “turtle-back” layout and renews the protection and restoration of the original concept of the ancient city with “four gates and eight districts.” Additionally, based on current conditions, the Ming Dynasty west gate “Shiquan Gate” and south gate “Wanghu Gate” have been rebuilt. The “eight districts” are themed landscapes closely tied to Wuxi’s canal culture and local historical evolution, including “Tracing the Source at Rong Lake,” “Beitang Rice Market,” “Lotus Mist in the Rain,” “Lights at the Station,” “Morning Glow at Xichun,” “Breeze at Wanghu,” “Dawn Moon over Liangxi,” and “Nostalgia in the Old City.” These include large urban green parks, open riverside green spaces, traditional ancient streets, modern leisure venues, 38 daytime historical sites, and stunning nighttime artistic lighting. Spanning from ancient times to the present, they encompass millennia of Wuxi’s historical and cultural heritage, truly embodying the philosophy of “water as the foundation, people as the root, and culture as the soul.”

Related Information

Wuxi Ancient City Moat Cruise Ticket Prices

Departure Time: Round-trip takes approximately 60 minutes (departs on time)

1. Canal Park Dock: Day cruise 14:30, Night cruise 19:00, 20:15

2. Railway Station Wenjin Dock: Day cruise 14:45, Night cruise 19:15, 20:30

Ticket Price: Day and night cruises 80 RMB per person, discounted price for Wuxi residents 60 RMB per person (for reference only)

Transportation Guide

Scenic Area Address: Entire Canal Road section, Wuxi City, Jiangsu Province

Transit Routes: Take bus routes 57, 58, 202, 81, 88, etc., to reach the Canal Park cruise dock; take bus routes 1, 2, 11, 30, 60, 88, 126, 207, etc., to reach the Railway Station cruise dock.