Explore Mudu Ancient Town: The Jewel of Jiangnan’s Water Towns

Lying 10 kilometers southwest of Suzhou, by the side of Taihu Lake, at the foot of Linyan Hill, Mudu Ancient Town is a famous historical and cultural town. Mudu Ancient Town has long been hailed as “the foremost town in Wu” and “the most exquisite town in the south of the Yangtze.”

Mudu Ancient Town was first established during the Northern Song Dynasty, making it a Han Chinese water town of ancient culture as old as Suzhou City itself, with over 2,500 years of history. Its name “Mudu,” has the meaning of the woodpile blocks in the river. For travelers who are seeking the essence of ancient Chinese water towns without the overwhelming crowds, Mudu Ancient Town is a captivating and essential stop on any Suzhou tour and will offer you an authentic and less-crowded glimpse into the romanticized Jiangnan region.

Suzhou Mudu Town Facts

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Brief History of Mudu Water Town

The very name “Mudu” whispers a tale of ancient love and extravagance. During the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC), Fuchai, King of the Wu State, sought to please his beloved queen Xishi, one of the famed Four Beauties of ancient China, by constructing a magnificent palace: Guanwa Palace. The project required so much timber that the logs clogged the river at this very spot. “Mu Du” (木渎) literally means “wooden blockage,” which refers to the accumulated wood blocks in the river, and became the name of the town. This rich history forms the foundation of the town’s deep cultural atmosphere.

What to See: Treasures of Mudu Ancient Town

As one of the water towns near Shanghai, except for Wuzhen and Zhouzhuang ancient water towns, Mudu Ancient Town is celebrated not just for its waterways, but also for its exceptional collection of classical Suzhou gardens in Mudu, which rival the fame of the UNESCO-listed classical Suzhou gardens.

Yan Family Garden (严家花园)

Yan Family Garden is situated on Shantang Street in the ancient town of Mudou. Originally the residence of Governor Shen Deqian during the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty, it later became the property of Yan Guoxin, a wealthy merchant of Mudou. The garden features exquisite design and breathtaking scenery. Over two centuries and three generations of owners, Yan Family Garden has accumulated both the vicissitudes of time and a rich cultural heritage, endowing it with an air of refinement and the stature of a renowned garden. Its uniquely styled architecture has earned it the reputation as “a model of gardens south of the Yangtze River.”

Hongyin Shanfang Garden 

Hongyin Shanfang Garden, situated 200 meters east of the Yan Family Garden, was a renowned garden in the outskirts of Suzhou during the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty. 

Every time Emperor Qianlong toured the southern regions and visited Mudu, he would invariably come here. In this garden, he would stroll through the gardens, watch plays, savor tea, and compose poetry until nightfall. Only then would he reluctantly depart, following the imperial path along Shantang Road back to the Lingyan Mountain Palace. Consequently, Hongyin Shanfang Garden is locally known as Emperor Qianlong’s “folk palace.” 

Today, visitors can explore its serene ponds, pavilions, and halls, imagining the emperor enjoying operas and tea here.

Historic Streets & Bridges

When you wander along Shantang Street in Mudu, don’t miss its iconic: Mingyue Bridge. The real name of this bridge is Xiangxi Bridge, and “Mingyue” in Chinese means “the moon.”

As night falls and the lights come on, you’ll find that when you raise your camera, Xiangxi Bridge and its reflection in the water form a crescent moon. This graceful stone arch offers perfect photo opportunities of your Suzhou tour. 

>> Recommended 2 Days Suzhou Culture Tour 

Nearby Cultural Sites 

For a fuller experience during you tour, you can consider a visit to the serene Shengen Temple (圣恩禅寺) nestled in the nearby Guangfu Town. Just a 35-minute car ride and you will enjoy a delicious vegetarian meal, experience a Buddhist scripture reading and sharing session, and feel inner peace.

>> Recommended 15 Days Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour to China with Tibet

Things to Do in Mudu

Savor a Moment of Peace 

When you come to Mudu Ancient Town, you should settle into one of the traditional tea houses overlooking the water. Sip on Biluochun tea or black tea in Huajian Tea Shop, and simply watch daily life unfold along the canals; you will enjoy leisurely moments with ease.

Experience Evening Ambiance on a Boat

In Mudu Ancient Town, you can spend CNY 60 yuan to take a small boat through various scenic spots. However, as dusk falls, the lanterns illuminate, casting a golden glow on the water. While large-scale night shows are less common here, the natural evening ambiance is a tranquil spectacle in itself; you can enjoy the unique scenery of Mudu Ancient Town.

How to Get to Mudu Ancient Town

Luzhi Water Town is conveniently located for a day trip from two major cities.

From Suzhou

The most convenient way is to take Suzhou Metro Line 5 to “Lingyan Mountain Station,” and you can reach Mudu Ancient Town directly. Or you can take bus Route 2 or Route 511 and get off at Yan Family Station.

From Shanghai

Mudu Ancient Town is near to Shanghai. You can first take a high-speed train from Shanghai to Suzhou (about 30 minutes), then take Suzhou Metro Line 5 to “Lingyanshan Mountain Station.”

Explore Jiangnan with Easy Tour China

While Mudu Ancient Town can be explored independently, the best way to appreciate its history and seamless travel is with a curated tour. To seamlessly experience Mudu Ancient Town and Suzhou, just let Easy Tour China craft your perfect Suzhou itineraries. Here are some specialized tour itineraries about Suzhou:

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