Osmanthus Fragrance Soaks the Ancient Bridge, Lantern Shadows Sway on the Autumn River! Complete Guide to Jinxi Golden Autumn Carnival

As the autumn breeze sweeps across Wubao Lake, it scatters the scent of osmanthus into the bluestone alleyways. The Golden Autumn Carnival of Jinxi Ancient Town is unfolding. Here, there are no noisy crowds, only the poetic charm of the ancient bridge reflecting ginkgo trees and Kunqu opera drifting around the painted boats—this immersive travel guide will help you unlock all the romance of the water town in autumn.

1. Carnival Highlights: Three Romantic Autumn Scenes

1. Ancient Bridge Ginkgo and Rowing Autumn Waves

From late October to mid-November is Jinxi’s “golden moment.” The ancient ginkgo trees beside the Shiyan Long Bridge turn their leaves golden, which fall into the river, making a boat ride feel like entering a moving oil painting. The gentle sunlight from 7:30 to 9:00 AM slants across the bridge arches and water surface, making it the perfect time to capture panoramic shots of the “ancient bridge + ginkgo + reflection.” In the afternoon, rent a black-awning boat for 80 yuan per boat (seats 4). The boatwoman hums in soft Wu dialect while explaining the riverside scenery. Passing the Ancient Lotus Bridge, you can closely admire the exquisite stone-carved lotus patterns. If you want to relax, the ginkgo coffee house by the bridge offers ginkgo lattes for 32 yuan a cup, with window seats that overlook the falling leaves.

2. Intangible Cultural Heritage Performances and Ancient Style Parades

The streets during the carnival hide endless surprises. Intangible cultural heritage performances on Shangtang Street and Xiatang Street run from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekends and holidays. At 10:00 AM, the Jinxi scroll announcement tells folk stories in Wu dialect, accompanied by the long-lasting melodies of the sanxian and erhu. At 2:00 PM, the water town wedding custom show features the groom arriving by black-awning boat and the bride leaving in a flower sedan chair, with visitors invited to participate in throwing candy. The Hanfu ancient style parades on October 1 and 6 are not to be missed. Teams dressed in splendid costumes walk along the river, contrasting beautifully with the white walls and black tiles. Those wearing full Hanfu sets can get free simple makeup by following the official WeChat. The ancient theater stage performances are a highlight: from October 1 to 3, there are comedic plays, and from the 4th to 8th, a live-action version of "The Peony Pavilion" is staged, with Kunqu opera melodies flowing through the mossy alleys, fully displaying the elegant charm of Jiangnan.

3. Autumn Flavor Market and Lantern Sea Night Tour

The autumn market in the middle section of the main street runs from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, gathering the most authentic seasonal delicacies of Kunshan. Freshly baked pork mooncakes have flaky layers and juicy meat filling; Jiangnan Rice Shop’s osmanthus sugar taro is soft, glutinous, and sweet, sprinkled with freshly made sugar osmanthus for extra flavor; there is also gorgon fruit cake made from local water chestnuts, priced at 5 yuan each, available in osmanthus and sesame flavors, each with its own charm. After nightfall, the “Fish Lanterns Playing in Autumn” alley lights up warmly. Lantern-lit strolls include a stamp-collecting activity—collect five stamps to exchange for an ancient-style folding fan. The lotus pond river lantern release ceremony at 7:30 PM is the most romantic. River lanterns cost 10 yuan each and float with the current, mingling with lanterns on the shore to create a night scene described as “a boat full of clear dreams pressing the starry river.”

2. Must-Visit Spots: A Dual Gift of Culture and Nature

- Lotus Pond Zen Temple and Wenchang Pavilion: The thousand-year-old Lotus Pond is even more tranquil in autumn. The red walls, vermilion gates, and ancient cypress trees make it an excellent spot for ancient-style photography. Climb Wenchang Pavilion for a panoramic view of the town’s waterways and to pray for academic success.
- Zhang Sheng Art Museum: An artistic landmark hidden on Shangtang Street, featuring ink paintings and calligraphy that showcase Jiangnan charm. After visiting the cultural and creative area, you can pick up unique souvenirs.
- Chenfei Water Tomb: The underwater tomb of a Southern Song dynasty imperial consort is hidden among the reeds. In autumn, the flying reed flowers make it look like a small island floating on the water, creating a strong atmospheric vibe.
- Intangible Cultural Heritage Workshop: Here you can personally experience bamboo weaving or nut carving. Starting at 50 yuan, you can make your own exclusive small item and take it home as a souvenir.

3. Jinxi on the Tip of Your Tongue: Autumn Must-Eat List

- Classic Water Town Flavors: At the ancient town entrance, the “Jinxi First Crisp” freshly baked sock-bottom pastry is crispy and delicious; farm-style dishes on Shaodian Gang Road must include steamed white fish and water celery with dried tofu. The famous Aozao noodles recommend the “fried fish + braised meat” double topping for 25 yuan a bowl, served with pickled radish to cut the richness.
- Seasonal Limited Items: Shangtang Street’s Xianyu Wonton Shop offers osmanthus sugar lotus root, glutinous rice stuffed lotus root drizzled with syrup, showcasing Suzhou flavors; Jiangnan Rice Shop’s “Water Chestnut, Water Caltrop, and Mung Bean Delight” combines tender water chestnuts with crispy water caltrops, a healthful delicacy favored by Su Dongpo; the Changlong vegetarian mooncakes around Mid-Autumn Festival inherit a century-old craft, with a flaky, non-greasy crust, a sweet taste full of memories.
- Souvenir Choices: Vacuum-packed Jinxi sauce duck (68 yuan each) and osmanthus wine (45 yuan per bottle) from the water town specialty store let you bring autumn flavors home to share.

4. Practical Tips: Pitfalls to Avoid and Peace of Mind Guide

Time and Tickets

The carnival’s core period is from October 20 to November 15, with the most intensive activities from October 1 to 8, open daily until 9:30 PM. The ancient town is free to enter; a combined ticket for small attractions costs 60 yuan and is more cost-effective. Students enjoy half price. During holidays, visitor flow is limited, and free tickets must be reserved via the official WeChat; entry before 2:00 PM requires no reservation. On weekends, night boat tours are added, running from 6:30 to 8:00 PM, costing 120 yuan per boat to enjoy the lantern night view.

Transportation and Accommodation

- For self-driving, navigate to “Jinxi Ancient Town Visitor Center.” It takes 1 hour from Suzhou and 1.5 hours from Shanghai. Parking costs 10 yuan per day; during peak season, arrive early to secure a spot. Public transport options include taking Kunshan bus C10 from Suzhou Railway Station (1 hour, 5 yuan) or taking a high-speed train to Kunshan South Station from Shanghai and transferring to tour bus 7. For the night tour return, add 10 yuan for a water bus back to the city, with the last departure at 9:00 PM.
- Recommended accommodations include the quaint Jinfu Guesthouse (150-220 yuan) or the modern Jiangnan-style Jinshang Xishe (400-600 yuan). The former offers various room types, while the latter suits travelers seeking quality.

Pitfall Warnings

Private guides soliciting at the ancient town entrance mostly offer temporary explanations charging 50-100 yuan, which is not worth it. It’s better to spend 20 yuan renting an official electronic guide device, which is more professional. Be sure to choose official dock boats for the black-awning boat rides to avoid price gouging by private boats. Autumn has more mosquitoes, so bring insect repellent. The temperature difference between morning and evening is about 5°C, so a long-sleeve light jacket is recommended. Spending over 88 yuan allows you to draw a blind box with a chance to win Mid-Autumn Festival koi boat tickets—don’t miss this surprise.

The osmanthus will fade, the ginkgo leaves will fall, but the autumn memories of Jinxi will last a long time. Come here to slowly stroll the market, listen to Kunqu opera, and ride the painted boats, letting the autumn atmosphere of the water town soak into every moment.