The ancient town of Jinxi (satin creek) southwest of the city of Kunshan, Jiangsu Province is irrigated by a charming river which is a namesake of its host town. A laidback stroll through jinxi's lanes, docks and humpback bridges comes highly recommended since it is a chance to gorge you on the town's quaintness.
Archeological finds show the area the town that is in began to be populated five millennia ago. But it was emperor Xiaozong and his concubine Princess Chen of the Song Dynasty (960 - 1279) that put the town on the map. During the royal family's southern China tour, Princess Chen died of illness and was buried underneath the water of Jinxi River. Devastated Xiaozong commissioned the construction of a beautifully landscaped courtyard garden in memory of his beloved wife. The compound had a temple inside, resounding with the thrum of reverent monks hoping to guide the deceased to enlightenment. The royal patronage of the area brought in a constant stream of out-of-towners, and over time the town grew wealthy. Locals produced handicrafts and bricks and tiles which found their way to other parts of the country by an elaborate network of waterways.
The town of Jinxi has no shortage of historical sites. Inside Chenfei's courtyard garden is three-story Scholarly Prosperity hall (Wen Chang Ge) built in Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644) and renovated in Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911). Step onto its top floor, and admire the breathtaking views. A dyke runs through Wubao Lake east of the garden. The lake is a lotus-filled marshland supporting a wide array of flora and fauna, which makes it a great place to take in a blooming summer retreat.
In springtime, the river bank is a crimson display of leaves and flowers glimmering in the triumphant burst of full light at dawn and in the last glow of the glorious setting sun. Docks constructed in dynastic period are still well preserved. Jinxi has 26 ancient bridges, most of which are Ming and Qing constructions, including Celestial Water Bridge which crosses a serpentine waterway, Ten-eye Bridge which blends well with its charming surrounds, and Wide Celebration Bridge which is at Jinxi's center as a reminder of town's past commercial action.
Flagstone paths are flanked by small businesses selling local manufactures. Street-front counters are sheltered by upper floors that poke out by less than 1.1 yards over the paths below, and that makes the place feel even more cramped but adds to the good vibe of the neighborhoods. Businesses are festooned with lanterns and signposts, and the air is laden with scents of countryside life.
Jinxi has produced a galaxy of talent since ancient times, including 16 high-ranking court officials and over 100 professors. They have brought fame and honor to their hometown. Today, the town is awash with tourists, but mercantilism cannot eat into its raw and unpretentious aura.
Entrance Fee: CNY 50 for adults;
CNY 25 for kids between 1.0 - 1.2 m;
Free for kids under 1.0 m
Transportation:
A. From Kunshan: Take Bus No. 107 at Kunshan Railway Station, get off at Kunshan Long-distance Bus Station and transfer to the long-distance buses to Jinxi;
B. From Shanghai: Visitors can go to the Shanghai Dispatch Centers and take the tourism special bus to Jinxi.
