Xu Xiake’s Hometown, Beautiful Jiangyin

ChinaNews|Published:2026-10-20 17:23:11

Jiangyin, a city in Wuxi with a history spanning more than 5,000 years, is a historic city in the Jiangnan region. Blessed with a beautiful natural environment and a rich cultural heritage, it is one of China's Outstanding Tourism Cities.

Discover Xu Xiake, the Legendary Traveller

Jiangyin is the hometown of Xu Xiake, the renowned geographer, traveller and writer of the Ming Dynasty. Over more than three decades of exploration, he wrote 600,000 Chinese characters in The Travel Diaries of Xu Xiake.

Xu Xiake's Former Residence is a Ming Dynasty residence nestled amid the waterways of Jiangnan. Historic sites associated with him remain well preserved, including Shengshui Bridge, a podocarpus tree he planted himself, and Qingshan Hall, which he built for his mother.

Explore Jiangyin, a Riverside Garden City

Known as the "Gateway between River and Sea" and a "Strategic Stronghold for Navigation", Jiangyin occupies a strategically important location along the Yangtze River. In recent years, the city has developed a series of scenic landmarks, including Jiangyin Bund, Bali Riverside Park and Ten-Mile Canal Park. Together, these waterfront spaces create a distinctive urban landscape along the Yangtze River and the canal, bringing nature into the heart of the city.

Experience the HLA Equestrian Show

HLA, a leading Chinese menswear brand, has developed an equestrian-themed resort in Jiangyin. Its Heilan Horse Culture Museum showcases 47 valuable horses representing breeds from more than 30 countries and regions. Visitors can enjoy horse-riding experiences and watch dressage performances every Saturday evening, experiencing the appeal of equestrian culture.

Discover the Charm of Jiangyin's Countryside

According to local legend, the Hongdou Tree in Jiangyin was planted by Crown Prince Zhaoming of the Liang Dynasty. Associated with a romantic legend that has endured for centuries, the ancient tree remains a symbol of enduring love. At Shishan Lake Ecological Park, lush greenery and surrounding waters create an idyllic rural retreat. Set beside the lake, Shijian Jiutian, Jiangyin's first homestay, offers visitors a peaceful escape amid the natural beauty of the countryside. In the whimsical Huzhi Town, art, music, handicrafts and unconventional architecture create a distinctive atmosphere, with surprises waiting around every corner. Across Jiangyin, rural communities are embracing the integration of agriculture and cultural tourism, weaving scattered local attractions and resources into a connected network of countryside experiences.

Savour Jiangyin's Local Delicacies

Jiangyin is renowned for its fresh river and freshwater delicacies, including pufferfish, Chinese tapertail anchovy and Reeves shad. Its traditional pastries are equally enticing. Mati Su, a traditional pastry, and Caoxiedi, a crisp pastry named after the traditional straw sandal, are prized for their fragrant, flaky crusts and smooth, flavourful fillings. Changjing-style mooncakes carry on a time-honoured local baking tradition, while Gushan's Eight-Bowl Feast showcases the distinctive flavours and culinary heritage of traditional Jiangyin cuisine. Rooted in local traditions and passed down through generations, these beloved delicacies continue to bring the distinctive flavours of Jiangyin to the table, keeping the city's culinary heritage alive in the modern era.

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