Mudu Water Town

Introduction to Mudu Water Town (木渎古镇)

Mudu Water Town is located to the southwest of Suzhou city. Surrounded by groups of hills and next to Taihu Lake, Mudu has beautiful natural scenery and abundant natural resources. It now covers about 34.5 square kilometers (about 13.32 square miles).With a history more than 2,500 years long, Mudu has witnessed the rise and fall of many dynasties and it is also endowed with plentiful cultural connotations. 

Mudu Ancient Town shares a history as long as that of Suzhou. It is said that, during the late period of Spring and Autumn, Yue State failed in war against Wu State. For peacemaking, King of Yue State presented a beauty named Xi Shi to King of Wu State. Fuchai, the King of Wu Kingdom, built Guanwa Palace on top of Lingyanshan Mountain for Xi Shi. 

Mudu water town ranks the top of thirteen scenic spots of Taihu Lake Scenic Area, and the only ancient garden town of China. There are more than 30 private gardens built in Ming and Qing Dynasties. Mudu, surrounded by several mountains like Tianping Hill, Lingyan Hill, Lion Hill and Qizi Hill, has a gorgeous natural landscape, thus it is also widely known as a basin of treasure collection. 
 

Location

Mudu Water Town, Wuzhong District, Suzhou

Main Sights

Yan Garden, Mingyue Temple, Hongying House, Gusong Garden, Banyan Garden

Travel Information

Admission: Combo Ticket 78 (incl. Yan Garden, Hongying House, Gusong Garden, Banyan Garden)

Opening Hours: 8:00AM - 5:00PM

Transportation 

1. Take buses 2, 38, 43, 63, 64, 65, 69, 312, 315, 326, 446, 502, 505, 506, 508, 511, 512, 622 or tourism bus 4 getting off at Mudu Station.

Travel Tips 

1. Try to avoid visiting Mudu Water Town during the summer holidays and Golden Week in October. There are many tour groups and local tourists during national holidays.