Mudu Ancient Town is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, surpassing all in the south of the Yangtze River
Mudu, also known as Duchuan or Xujiang, shares a history as ancient as the city of Suzhou, dating back over 2,500 years. Legend has it that King Fuchai of Wu built a splendid palace atop Lingyan Mountain to win the favor of the beauty Xishi. However, the excessive building materials blocked the river's port, leading to the name 'Mudu'.
Located by the shores of Taihu Lake, Mudu is blessed with stunning scenery and abundant resources. Surrounded by famous mountains such as Lion Mountain, Lingyan, and Tianping, it is also known as the 'Treasure Bowl'.
Mudu serves as a transportation hub connecting Suzhou city with the vast Taihu Lake. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, it was the most prosperous port to the west of Suzhou city. It is said that Emperor Qianlong stayed here during all six of his visits to the south of the Yangtze River, which speaks volumes about Mudu's charm.
There are numerous historical and cultural sites in Mudu, especially known for its garden culture, earning it the title 'Town of Gardens'.
😎 Main Attractions
🍀 Yan's Garden:
Originally the private residence 'Lingyan Mountain House' of Shen Deqian, a notable figure in Suzhou during the Qianlong era, it was later purchased and renamed 'Xian Garden' by Mudu's wealthiest man, Yan Guoxin, commonly known as 'Yan's Garden'.
The garden's overall structure is elegant and serene, with a well-organized layout, reflecting the same strict demeanor and style as its owner. The interior is innovatively designed, full of vitality, with delicately unique pavilions and towers of varying heights, showcasing the builder's exquisite gardening craftsmanship.
The residence consists of five sections, from the outside to the inside: the entrance hall, Yibin Hall, Shangxian Hall, Mingshi Tower, and Tiaonong Tower. Among them, Shangxian Hall is a very rare nanmu hall, simple and elegant; the finely carved nanmu structure is simple and spacious, with a light and pure color tone, reflecting the owner's tranquil and indifferent taste. In front of Shangxian Hall and Mingshi Tower, there are finely carved brick archways, with superb carving skills and masterful techniques, mostly depicting stories from operas.
🍀 Ancient Pine Garden
Located on Shantang Street, not far from Yan's Garden, it is named for a 500-year-old Arhat pine from the Ming dynasty within the garden. Ancient Pine Garden features the typical architectural style of Qing dynasty gardens, with each part being exquisitely elegant and delicately constructed.
Crossing the entrance hall, you come to a brick archway, grand and solemn, adorned with vivid carvings that create a strong three-dimensional effect, offering a glimpse into the garden's exquisite layout.
The main hall, called Ancient Pine Hall, is built in the style of a Ming dynasty hall. The hall's beams are supported by eight wooden beams on either side, resembling the two wings at the back of an ancient official's hat, hence the name 'Official Hat Hall'.
A particular carving in the hall is very captivating, with sixteen flower baskets and sixteen soaring phoenixes carved on the beams, lifelike and exquisitely detailed.
🏁 Address: No. 188 Shantang Street, Mudu Town, Wuzhong District, Suzhou City
🎟 Admission: Free for the ancient town (combined ticket for adults for internal attractions is 78 yuan, tickets can also be purchased separately)
⌚️ Opening Hours: 08:00~17:00
👍 Best Season: March to November
🌸 Tour Route: Long Street ▶️ Yan's Garden ▶️ Hongyin Mountain House ▶️ Ancient Pine Garden ▶️ Banyan Mansion ▶️ Lingyan Mountain ▶️ Shantang Old Street
🍱 Mudu Delicacies: Black rice, green dumplings, fern vegetables, Malan head