Jinxi, Jiangsu Province

With Dianshan Lake to its east and Chenghu Lake to its west, Jinxi has a history of over 2,000 years. Unlike other towns in southern China, Jinxi gives you the first sight of an ancient bridge crossing over the open water, while inside is the typical southern Chinese scenery of streams and rivers.

Various shops selling local souvenirs line the river banks, but the noise of trade is muted by the flowing water. Jinxi is also a town of museums, with 14 private museums featuring pottery and porcelain, painting and calligraphy, carvings and engravings, etc. You need a whole day to take a look at all of these collections.

Tips:

1. Tourists can take the bus to Jinxi from Jiangsu Kunshan Bus Station (6 yuan/person) and will arrive in Jinxi in 40 minutes. The ticket into Jinxi ancient town costs 50 yuan, and visitors can take the boat for half an hour. If the boatman is hospitable, you can even pay a visit to the tomb of Chen Concubine on the island in the center of the lake. The museum costs about 10 to 30 yuan.

2. Jinxi is famous for its Tipang (the uppermost part of a leg of pork) and sesame seed cake.