Mudu Ancient Town｜A must-visit place for Emperor Qianlong during his six trips to the south of the Yangtze River

Mudu was a must-visit place during Emperor Qianlong's six trips to the south of the Yangtze River. Every inch of its land is filled with the fragrance of history. According to legend, in the Spring and Autumn Period, King Fuchai of Wu built the "Guanwa Palace" on Lingyan Mountain to please Xi Shi, and also built the Gusu Terrace on Zishi Mountain. The project was so huge that "mudu" got its name from the fact that "mudu was blocked by piles of wood". Mudu Ancient Town, elegantly known as Xiangxi, is a famous scenic spot in the south of the Yangtze River. This ancient water town of the Han nationality, which is the same age as Suzhou City, has a history of more than 2,500 years and is known as "the first town in Wuzhong" and "the most beautiful town in Jiangnan". ✅ Recommended attractions 1️⃣Yan Family Garden: This is the ancestral home of Taiwanese politician Yan Jiagan. Its garden design is unique. The richest family in the ancient town, Yan, bought the garden and called it "Xian Garden"! Known as "a classic of Jiangnan gardens", the garden is divided into four scenic areas: spring, summer, autumn and winter, with flowers and trees of all seasons. It is a beautiful sight no matter when you visit. 2️⃣Hongyin Mountain House: Known as the private palace of Emperor Qianlong, it has an elegant architectural style and rich historical legends. 3️⃣ Ancient Pine Garden: This is the residence garden of Cai Shaoyu, a wealthy man in Mudu in the late Qing Dynasty. The garden has towering ancient pines and pleasant scenery. 4️⃣ Bangyan Mansion: This name came from Feng Guifen, a disciple of Lin Zexu, who passed the imperial examination in 1840 and ranked second in the first class of the Gengzi Imperial Examination. A typical Jiangnan residential garden architectural style of the early Qing Dynasty, the garden is centered on a pond, with pavilions, porches, corridors, terraces, bridges and Huangshi rockery scattered throughout, with varying heights and full of poetry. 🔆In addition, you can also visit the Mingyue Ancient Temple to experience the tranquility and solemnity of the thousand-year-old temple; or visit some traditional handicraft workshops to learn about the local craft culture. ✅Dining recommendations The food in Mudu Ancient Town is mainly Jiangnan cuisine. We especially recommend trying the special dishes such as squirrel mandarin fish, white sauce shredded pork, and clear-boiled crab meat and lion's head. Snacks such as green dumplings, juecchio, amaranth, and sweet wine have their own local flavor and can be tasted in street shops. 🔆In addition, the local Shen Ji Qing Tuan, San Wei Zhai and Lu Gao Jian Restaurant are all worth trying. 📍Address: No. 188 Shantang Street, Mudu Town, Wuzhong District, Suzhou As time goes by, the ancient town of Mudu still retains its simplicity and elegance. The bluestone pavement of Shantang Street records the footprints of passers-by; the carved railings and jade bricks of Hongyin Mountain House tell of the prosperity of the past. Here you can slow down, feel the tranquility and leisure, and savor the unique charm of the ancient town in the south of the Yangtze River.