Wuxi is about a 2hr drive west from Shanghai and about a 1hr from the more renowned Suzhou. Both Wuxi and Suzhou sit on the shores of Lake Taihu which is part of the Yangtze Delta. With a population of around 8 million Wuxi is still not that well known as an international tourist destination yet it is a major city with many attractions without the traffic congestion and crowds from its larger neighbours.
I had always wanted to visit the city and with Geoffrey’s old colleague and friend from his Computershare days living there, it was the perfect excuse to visit on route home from France.
We had taken the fast train from Shanghai which only took 40minutes and then met up with Geoffrey’s friend and her family over a traditional and amazing hotpot dinner.
The next morning we visited Wuxi’s major attraction – the Ling Shan Grand Buddha and Brahma Palace scenic area. At 88m the Grand Buddha is one of the largest Buddha statues in China and also in the world and commands views over the surrounding forest reserve and the north shores of Lake Taihu. The impressive and huge Brahma Palace also features a huge circular auditorium which houses an amazing light and live show. Outside there is also a a water show featuring a Buddha being born in a gigantic lotus. The whole complex is huge and we used the tram trolleys to help us get around.
We also walked around the Lake Taihu Yuantouzhu Scenic Area which was very pretty but unfortunately we were too late to see its famous Cherry Blossoms. We dined in the historic Nanchang Canal district. At night it is lit up with lights and lanterns and is very crowded especially with the younger crowd. It is a great place to wander, shop, eat exotic and local foods or take boat along the main canal.
We also visited and had lunch at the very local fresh food markets (very yummy and super reasonable), and indulged ourselves with a traditional foot and neck massage which included a full dinner!!
It was just a short 3 day visit but Geoffrey’s friend has suggested he come back to run the Wuxi Marathon in march which is renowned as being a scenic and fast course.
We elected to take a private car transport back to Shanghai Pudong Airport as, although a little longer than by fast train, it was door to door and more convenient with our luggage bags!
Please contact me if you are interested in knowing more about this destination.
Lingshan Grand Buddha