City guide:  Wuxi

CONTENT

1. General introduction

Wuxi is a city richly endowed by nature. Owing to its pleasantly warm and moist climate,

it boasts a reputation of the 'Land of Fish and Rice'. Relying on the near-by Yangtze

River and ancient Grand Canal, it had been a port city with the busiest rice and cloth

market in China before 19th century. In modern times, with its rapidly developing

industry, Wuxi became one of China's top 50 cities with broad strength and is thus

called the 'Little Shanghai' for its prosperous economy. With a splendid history of over

three thousand years, Wuxi claims to be 'the Pearl of Tai Lake'. Early in the Spring and

Autumn Period (770 BC-476 BC), it had been the economic and politic center south of

Yangtze River.  

As a pearl of Taihu Lake, Wuxi is not only famous for its natural scenery and man-made

landscapes, but it’s also famous for its wonderful festivals.

In addition, a number of festivals are also highlights of traveling to Wuxi, represented

by the Taibo Temple Fair (heldat Meicun Town from February 4 to February 6), Wuxi

International Plum Culture Festival (held at Meiyuan Garden in March), Wuxi Peach

Blossom Festival (held at Yangshan from March to April), the Porcelain Art Festival

(at Yixing in May)and Taihu Lake Tourism Festival (at Taihu Lake area from September

to October), during which you can purchase authentic Wuxi souvenirs and specialties,

such as dark-red enameled potteries and clay figures.

Location & population

Wuxi is an old city in southern Jiangsu province, on China’s East coast. Split in half

by Lake Tai, Wuxi borders Changzhou to the west and Suzhou to the east. The

Yangtze River lies between the northern half of Wuxi and Taizhou, while the southern

half of the city borders the province of Zhejiang. Nestled on the northern shore of

Tai Lake, China's third-largest body of fresh water, Wuxi lies on the southern border

of the province, about 128 kilometers (79.5 miles) northwest of Shanghai.

Covering an area of 4,785 square kilometers (1847.5 square miles), it borders Suzhou

to the east, Zhejiang Province to the south and Changzhou to the west. There are six

districts and two county-level cities (Jiangyin and Yixing) under its prefecture. According

to the 2010 Census, the prefecture-level of Wuxi has a population of 6,372,624, an

increase of 1,192,777 from the 2000 census, giving it an annual population growth

of 20.9% for the period 2000-2010.

Climate

Wuxi has a warm and humid climate with four distinct seasons. The annual average

temperature is 15.5C (59.9F). It is rich in rainfall all year round. Autumn is the best

season to pay a visit. In this refreshing season, your palate would be revitalized by the

delicious fresh water Wuxi products in Taihu Lake as well as the juicy fruits of the area.

Though the weather is changeable, spring is also a great season to visit for it is the

time when various flowers are blooming. In the bite of cold winter, many temple fairs

full of the local characters will make this city very lively. It is not suitable to go to Wuxi

in summer since it is hot and rainy in this season and the temperature would beyond

36C (96.8F) at this time.

Economy & industry

Currently Wuxi is designated as an investment grade city, and has two large industrial

parks devoted to new industries. While being the current manufacturing centers on

textiles, there are projects to move to electric motor manufacturing and MRP software

development. Wuxi is the solar technology hub in China as two major photovoltaic

companies are based in the city, namely Suntech Power and Jetion Holdings Ltd which

were listed on overseas stock exchanges.

In 2008 new energy industries were worth 37.8 Billion RMB, with the solar photovoltaic

industry accounting for 30.2 Billion RMB of the total. The GDP per capita was ¥107,400

(US$17,050) in 2011, ranked first in Jiangsu, ahead of Nanjing and Suzhou. The center

of the city is filled with modern high rise buildings and the market is being redeveloped

in a postmodern style.

2. Transportation

As the transportation hub in the Taihu Lake area, Wuxi is located in the Yangtze River

Delta with Taihu Lake to the south, Yangtze River to the north, Suzhou to the east and

Changzhou to the west, through which the Beijing-Hanghzou Grand Canal runs, and it

has long been famous as a land of milk and honey since ancient times. Wuxi is also

famous for being one of the birthplaces of China's modern industry and commerce,

as well as the hometown of many important businessmen who have played essential

roles in building commerce in Shanghai since the early 20th century.

Wuxi is situated on the Shanghai–Nanjing Intercity High-Speed Railway, linking it

directly with the provincial capital of Nanjing (1.5 hours) and China's economic hub,

Shanghai (45 minutes train-ride) and the fifth biggest economic hub and tourist

destination Suzhou (24 minutes).  K-series trains all stop at Wuxi. The Wuxi government

has planned a network of 8 metro lines. Line 1 and line 2 of the Wuxi Metro began

operation in 2014, on July 1 and December 28 respectively.

Metro

Since the metro Line 2 opened on Dec 28, 2014, Wuxi has become the first city where

two subways were put into operation within a year.

The north-south Line 1 and east-west Line 2 are 56.11 kilometers in length, with a

total of 43 stations covering seven districts in the city.

According to the Wuxi urban rail traffic plan, Wuxi urban high-speed rail traffic will

regard the main urban districts as the core and form a radioactive and circular

network by three main lines and two subordinate lines by 2050.

Metro line 1, 2 and 3 are bone lines, showing a radial pattern and line 4 and 5 lines

are subordinate lines. The network is planned to be 157.77 km long with 111 stations.

The concept of energy saving and environmental protection will be integrated into

routine construction, station design and technical materials.

Railway

Wuxi Railway Station was built in 1906. It is 1337 km (831 miles) from Beijing, and 126

km (78 miles) from Shanghai. As an important railway rub in East China, Wuxi Station

serves fro over 150 trains every day. Almost all trains along Shanghai-Nanjing Rail Line

pass this station. Besides, there are departure trains for Shanghai, Nanjing, Hangzhou,

Yichang, and Ningbo. By taking bullet trains, Shanghai is only one hour and Suzhou is

only half an hour from Wuxi.

Air

Wuxi City is served by the Shuofang domestic airport. There are air connections between

Wuxi City and other large cities in the country. Wuxi has relatively convenient connection

with countries abroad because owing to the developed and convenient highway traffic

arteries between Wuxi and Shanghai, Nanjing. Wuxi City is 120km away from the Hongqiao

international airport of Shanghai City, is 180km away from the Pudong international

airport of Shanghai City and is 180km away from the Lukou international airport of

Nanjing City.

There is a shuttle service between the city center and the Shuofang airport. The bus

pick-up spot is at the Wuxi United Airliners located near the Hangyun Mansion, No.5

Yunhe West Road. The passenger transport service center, located on the east side of

the Wuxi railway station square, has hourly commuter buses heading for the Hongqiao

airport and Pudong airport of Shanghai City every day from 6:30am till 5:30pm.

3. Education & Health care

International Schools

1. EtonHouse International School, Wuxi

EtonHouse International School, Wuxi is located in the Jiangsu province, 43km from

Suzhou. It commenced operations in February 2008. The international school at Wuxi

receives strong support from the Wuxi Government. It is a member of the Council of

International Schools (CIS).It is an IB School offering the PYP and MYP.

The academic expatriate western staff, prides itself on being innovative, creative and

caring in their approaches to education. Providing an international curriculum taught

in English for children from two to 15 years old.

There is a focus on an inquiry based approach using cooperative learning pedagogies

that reflect the IB PYP/MYP Curriculum.

Over Twenty Nationalities are represented in our school including Australia, USA,

UK Japan, Korea.

Our facilities are excellent with a newly refurbished Technology wing comprising

specialist areas such as; woodwork, home economics, music and band practice rooms,

art and science investigation centre, computer and science labs, Library resource centre,

gymnasium/hall, fully catered cafeteria and beautiful playing grounds and tennis courts.

We are a school that values rich learning environments with quality equipment for your

child. We also have access to a 25m swimming pool and leisure centre and provide two

8 week swimming programs each year.

The school is committed to the safety of your child and provides a high quality 24 hour

security service in the school compound.

Address: Taishan Lu off Xingchuang Silu, New District Wuxi   

Contact: 0510-85225333

Website: http://www.etonhouse-wx.com/

2. The International School of Wuxi (ISW)

The International School of Wuxi (ISW) is part of the International Schools of China (ISC)

school system, managed by Leadership Development International (LDi). LDi is a United

States registered non-profit corporation committed to educational work in China, including

the establishment of international schools for expatriate children, and to the promotion of

cultural understanding and educational exchanges.

International School of Wuxi is an established, vibrant, and growing learning community for

expat children in Wuxi, China. As the only non-profit international school in Wuxi, we strive

for excellence by hiring experienced and highly qualified international and national staff

while continuously providing affordable international education. ISW has been operating in

Wuxi since 2007 and is part of the International Schools of China, which has been providing

quality education in China since 1986. ISW is committed to serving the international

community in Wuxi by providing a holistic education focusing on academics, character,

and truth.

International School of Wuxi provides an educational experience that balances academic

learning, character building and social development. ISW offers an American curriculum

that follows the North American Colleges Preparatory Curriculum design. In 2013, ISW

became accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The

standards for each course are intentional, student focused, and designed to prepare

students for the increasing challenges and demands they will encounter as they leave

ISW. The instructors at ISW create a cooperative, interactive, and safe learning environment

where students can grow in confidence, character, relationships, and academic ability.

Instructors actively share their lives with students, and activity abounds outside of the

classroom in the form of school programs, concerts, sports competitions, and trips.

Address: 288 Xishi Lu, Wuxi   

Contact: 0510- 85281155

Getting there: K93, K107

Website: http://www.wids.cn/

3.Chiway International School, Wuxi

A new, modern facility, there is a dormitory for boarding students, small classes and a

variety of teaching methods employed as well as individual guidance. It has cooperative

partnerships with a number of schools in Canada, the US, Australia and Singapore.

Address: 99 Shanshui Xilu, Taihu Shanshuicheng Tourism Area, Wuxi   

Contact: 0510-85555111

Website: http://www.wxchiway.com/ 

Hospitals

1. Fenghuang New District Hospital 新区凤凰医院

0510-85228666

20 N. Changjiang Rd

无锡市长江北路20号

The Fenghuang New District Hospital has an English and Chinese-speaking Korean

doctor with access to foreign medicine. Their department phone number is

0510-85259149. Many Korean expats and their families visit this hospital.

2. Wuxi Chinese Medicine Hospital 无锡中医院

0510-82723081

33 Houxixi

无锡市后西溪33号

If you want to try some Chinese medicine, you can go to this hospital and have a try.

3. Wuxi Hongqiao Hospital 无锡虹桥医院

0510-82125950

150 N. Changjiang Rd

无锡市长江北路150号

4. Wuxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital 无锡市妇幼保健医院

0510-82725161 or 0510-82725094

48 Huaishu Xiang (near Xueqian St and E. Jiefang Rd)

无锡市槐树巷48号

This hospital is the most popular maternity hospital for expecting mothers. Their 18th

floor VIP maternity ward is associated with Johns Hopkins Hospital and they provide

English service for expats.

5. Wuxi People's 4th Hospital 无锡市第四人民医院

0510-88682999 or 0510-88683114

200 Huihe Rd

无锡市惠河路200号

6. Wuxi People's 8th Hospital 无锡市第八人民医院

0510-82352430

1 Guangrui Rd

无锡市广瑞路1号

7. Wuxi People's Hospital 无锡市人民医院

0510-82700778

299 Qingyang Rd

无锡市清扬路299号

The most complete hospital in Wuxi. Most emergency cases come here.

4. Recreation

Shopping

Some large shopping centers in Wuxi are located along Zhongshan Road, which

stretches from Shengli Gate (胜利门) to Nanchan Temple(南禅寺). Some old and

famous shops selling local specialties line the streets.

1. Wuxi Trade Mansion Group Co. Ltd.

Add: 343 Zhongshan Rd.

Tel: +86 0510 2700978

Description: This is the largest retail enterprise in the city, with a business area of

40,000 square meters, selling 100,000 kinds of commodities. 

Open Hour: 9am-6pm

2. Wuxi Yaohan Co. Ltd.

Add: 168 Zhongshan Rd.

Tel: +86 0510 2726688

Description: Retails general merchandise, knitwear, textiles, garments, crafts, furniture, etc.

Open Hour: 9am-8pm

3. No.1 Department Store

Add: 8 Beida St.

Tel: +86 0510 2301818

Description: One of the oldest department stores in Wuxi.

Open Hour: 9am-8: 30pm

4.Wuxi Babaiban Supermarket

Add: 168 Zhongshan Rd.

Tel: +86 0510 2726688

Description: One of the largest and most popular shopping centers in Wuxi.

Open Hour: 9am-9pm

5. Wuxi New World Shopping Mall

Add: 319-339 Zhongshan Rd.

Tel: +86 0510 2702288

Description: Covering an area of 16,000 square meters, it offers a nice place for

shopping, amusement and relaxation.

Open Hour: 9am-9pm

6. Tianhui Supermarket

Add: 2 Huaigu Rd.

Tel: +86 0510 2822985

Open Hour: 9am-8: 30pm

7.Yong'an Supermarket

Add: Gongyi Rd.

Tel: +86 0510 2303525

Open Hour: 9am-9pm

Markets

In the downtown area, Zhongshan Road is the busiest commercial street of Wuxi,

with many shopping centers and markets selling local specialties.

Nightlife

Wuxi is not exactly known as a nightlife capital which makes finding a good bar

all the more challenging. But with alcohol revenues in China growing at a yearly

average of 27.2 % and bar culture creeping into more Chinese cities than you can

keep track, you can be sure to find a suitable place to guzzle your worries away.

Here are five of the most popular expat bars in Wuxi:

Red Lion

A relatively new bar in the Wuxi nightlife scene, the owner of this bar is an Australian

expat (who used to own Blue Bar) and the chef at the helm in the kitchen was a former

chef at the Indonesia Pavilion at the Shanghai Expo. Red Lion – with its sold selection of

food, cocktails and beers – has quickly turned into one of the most popular expat

hangouts in Wuxi. The bar hosts regular events from live bands to comedy acts to

open mic nights (on Tuesdays).

Add: opp. Nikko Hotel, 12-2 Nanxiatang Nanchang Jie, Nanchang District, Wuxi

地址：无锡市南长区南长街南下塘12-2号(日航饭店对面)

Tel: 150 5213 9791

Opening hours: 17:00-late

Getting there: 乘坐27路或106路公交车在金塘桥站下车可达

Blue Marlin

Founded in 1999 in Suzhou, Blue Marlin has branched out with a whopping ten bars

in the Zhejiang/Jiangxi area. Part of the bar’s success has been in providing a “home

away from home” atmosphere complete with authentic Western dishes and a solid

selection of imported beers. The bar’s specialty is their hand shaken cocktails and

long frozen drinks; to enjoy these without breaking the bank head there on a Tuesday

when it’s buy-one-get-one free on all cocktails. With monthly themed parties, live

bands, drink deals and other events, Blue Marlin looks set to stay.

Add: 19 Yangchungang, Yongle Donglu, Nanchang District, Wuxi

地址：无锡市南长区永乐东路9号阳春巷19号（近日航酒店） 

Tel: 0510 8503 8857

Opening hours: 10:00-02:00

Website: www.bluemarlin.cn 

Getting there: take bus No. 15, 19, 27, 32, 41, 55, 62, 92, 113, 502, 505, 765 or 767 to

Miaoguang Qiao (妙光桥) stop

Blue Bar

One of Wuxi’s longest running gastropubs, Blue Bar is a no-frills place that provides

everything a punter needs: good drinks, a foosball table, dart board, a laid back

atmosphere and a steady stream of expat customers. They serve standard Western

food such as burgers and chili cheese fries and have happy hour food and drink

deals throughout the week.

Add: 53 Zongning Lu, Chongan District, Wuxi

地址：无锡市崇安区崇宁路53号(公安局对面)

Tel: 0510 8275 9866

Opening hours: 17:00-02:00

Getting there: take bus No.3 to Jianchayuan (检察院) stop

Paulaner Bräuhaus

Since opening its first location in Beijing over 20 years ago, Paulaner Bräuhaus has

taken China by storm. In Wuxi, the German beer emporium can be found on the first

floor of the Kempinski Hotel and just like its international branches, has expert brewers

who ensure customers are always served top quality brews. Paulaner Bräuhaus is not

cheap but it is one of, if not the best spot in town to enjoy authentic Bavarian food

and drinks. The Bavarian atmosphere is further channelled through the nightly foreign

bands who provide musical entertainment every night of the week.

Add: 1F, Kempinski Hotel, 18 Yonghe Lu, Nanchang District, Wuxi

地址：无锡市南长区永和路18号凯宾斯基1楼(近太湖大道), 普拉娜德国啤酒屋 

Tel: 0510 8108 8420

Opening hours:11:00-14:00; 16:30-24:00

Getting there: take bus No. 29 or 57 to Yonghe Lu (永和路) stop

Jason's Bar

Jason’s Bar is great for a more quiet night out, with jazz, blues, Latin and American

country music being the soundtrack of choice here. Owned by an American expat,

Jason’s Bar has a free foosball table, dart board and large TV screen for airing live

sports games.

Add: 93-95 Xintiandi Holiday Plaza, 8 Changjiang Lu, New District, Wuxi

地址：无锡市新区长江北路8号新天地假日广场93-95号(近汉江北路)

Tel:  0510 8522 1198

Opening hours: 18:00-02:00 (Sat-Sun, 15:00-02:00)

Cuisine

Wuxi’s proximity to Lake Tai means it is notable for wide varieties of freshwater

produce, such as the "Three Whites" - white bait, white fish and white shrimp. The

common cooking method is characterised by the addition of sugar and soy sauce to

many savoury dish often in the form of hóngshāo; literally: "red braised". This often

results in a fragrant, caramelised flavour. In addition, Wuxi cuisine often has sweeter

versions of dishes found in its neighbouring regions. Notable dishes include: Braised

spare ribs, Fried gluten balls and Wuxi style Xiaolongbao.

Steamed Bun in a Small Bamboo Steamer

It is made of top-grade flour with well selected ingredients by being steamed in a

small bamboo steamer. The bun features thin coating and abundant fillings.

Wonton with “Three Fresh Ingredients”

Three Fresh Ingredients refer to the fresh meat, dried and shelled shrimps, preserved

Szechuan pickle which are the main stuffings of this food. The seasoners include bone

soup, dried bean curd shreds and egg shreds. The wonton with "three fresh

ingredients" with thin coat, rich fillings and fresh soup, is a popular snack among locals.

Oil Dried Bean Curd

It is a traditional snack of Wuxi City. Slice hardened processed bean curd was sliced

and then fried in a small pan till the color turns to golden. spices including ripe soy

sauce, sweet flour sauce, minced scallion, minced ginger, crystal sugar are sprinkled

before the food being served. This snack is tender inside and crisp outside with

appetiting fragrance.

Attractions

Mount Xi and Mount Hui are two small hills located in the western part of the city.

The classic royal Ji-chang-yuan Gardens are located at the foot of the hill. The Grand

Canal passes through the city. There are two canals: one is the old canal that has been

there since it was excavated, the other is the new canal created after 1949. 

Wuxi has many private gardens or parks built by learned scholars and rich people in

the past. Among these, Li Yuan, Mei Yuan are good examples that have been well

preserved. Xihui Gongyuan (Xihui Park), located at the foot of Xi Shan also houses

historical relics, notably Jichang Garden. Located south of the Long Mountain, near

Wuxi's Mashan Town, the 88 metres (289 ft) tall Grand Buddha at Ling Shan is one of

the largest Buddha statues in China, and the ninth tallest statue worldwide. Built during

16th - 19th century A.D., the town is located in the north-west part of Wuxi on the west

bank of the Grand Canal and at the foot of Mount Hui. The town's buildings are mainly

family ancestral halls.

Li Garden

The lake of the Li Garden ripples gently and green hills stand in the distance. Long

corridors, embankment, arbors, pavilions in the garden are all exquisitely engraved

with elegant and colored drawing. When lounging around the garden especially in

spring, you will have a tender love for it.   

Lingshan Grand Buddha

The Lingshan Grand Buddha sits on the site of an ancient Buddhist Temple- Xiangxiang

Temple of the Tang and Song Dynasties. The outdoor bronze statue of Sakyamuni Buddha

is 88 meter high. It was set up at the same time when the temple was rebuilt. The grand

Buddha acquire its name because of the location on the small Lingshan Mountain. The

Mountain was so named by Tang Xuanzang, a Tang-dynasty Buddhist Monk whose

pilgrimage trip to India is well-known throughout the Chinese history.

More information on www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/jiangsu/wuxi