Jiangnan Ancient Town Tour in Misty Rain

📸【Photo Tips】

1. Jichang Garden Secret Realm
The light and shadow at Jin Hui Yi Shui Pavilion at 4 PM are stunning. Wearing Hanfu on Qixing Bridge, leaning on the railing to gaze afar, the water reflections and rockery create an ink painting-like scene. The natural stone stream at Bayin Stream is perfect for side backlighting shots; hair seems to have a soft light filter with the sound of flowing water, and paired with an oil-paper umbrella, it looks even more lively. Entering the garden before 8 AM guarantees empty shots; the Taihu stones at Jiushi Terrace intertwined with morning mist make every snap a classical wallpaper.

2. Dragon Head River Reflection Magic
At sunrise, stand in front of the “Huishan Ancient Town” archway on Dragon Head River and use a wide-angle lens to capture the symmetrical reflection of the bluestone road and archway. When the thin mist on the water hasn’t dispersed, it looks like a fairyland. After 6:30 PM, when lanterns light up, the dynamic projections in Qin Garden Street’s Lantern Alley make koi swim beneath your feet. Turn on your phone’s slow-motion to capture the magical effect of “walking on water.”

3. Intangible Cultural Heritage Scenes
At the China Clay Figurine Museum, intangible heritage masters teach DIY clay figurines live. You can wear Hanfu and interact with the painted sculptures; the traditional patterned window frames in the background add a storytelling vibe. The corridor light and shadow at Fan Zhongyan Ancestral Hall are mottled; when experiencing handmade round fans, let the artisan guide you to pose in the classical “half-covering face with fan” style.

4. Night Tour Light and Shadow Theater
Every Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM, the fire dance performance takes place on Ying Shan Lake, where water flyers and blazing flames intertwine. Use a telephoto lens to capture dynamic moments. The “Blossoms and Full Moon” lantern sea at Xiuzhang Pavilion features koi and auspicious deer themes. Standing in front of the pavilion with warm light shining on your face creates a full atmospheric vibe.

🍜【Local Hidden Food Map】

• Zhushunxing Crispy Pastry: Freshly baked pepper-salt flavored crispy pastry that flakes apart, the 29.9 RMB signature triple combo (crispy pastry + smiling open mouth pastry + stringy slice) offers great value and makes a perfect souvenir.

• Erquan Garden Old Restaurant: The second-floor terrace overlooks the entire ancient town. Must-try dishes include osmanthus sugar taro and Liangxi crispy eel, representing the sweet and savory Xibeng cuisine.

• Guhuashanmen Food Stall: Silver thread noodles with crab roe, rich and fresh soup base, freshly fried pork chop crispy outside and tender inside, paired with chilled sour plum soup to beat the heat.

🏨【Cost-Effective Accommodation Recommendations】

• Song Art Hotel: A 5-minute walk to the scenic area, smart king rooms over 200 RMB include breakfast for two and tickets to Song Art Museum, featuring full smart home and a strong artistic book bar atmosphere.

• Huishan Yashe Homestay: Jiangnan courtyard on the outskirts of the ancient town, white walls and black tiles with a small terrace, about 300 RMB per person to experience the poetic “living by the water.”

• Yiyuan Hotel: Smart business hotel, around 400 RMB per night, 3-minute walk to the scenic area, suitable for travelers seeking convenience.

🚗【Transportation Guide】

• Metro Line 4: Huishan Ancient Town Station Exit 5 leads directly to the “Outstanding People and Land” grand archway right outside.

• Self-driving Parking: Navigate to “Huishan Ancient Town Underground Parking Lot” (15 RMB per entry), entering from the northeast gate is more convenient.

💡【Avoid Pitfalls Guide】

1. The combined ticket is 70 RMB (includes Jichang Garden + Huishan Temple + Second Spring Under Heaven), saving 20 RMB compared to buying separately. Tickets stop selling after 4:30 PM, so it’s recommended to buy online in advance.

2. Intangible heritage clay figurine DIY requires booking 1 hour in advance, limited daily. Arriving before 10 AM increases success rate.

3. The hydrangea sea in summer is located under Longguang Pagoda in Xihui Park. Enter from Qin Garden Gate and walk 15 minutes along Ying Shan Lake. Wearing light-colored long dresses with blue-purple flower belts makes for better photos.

✨【Trip.com Atmosphere Tips】

• Outfit Suggestions: New Chinese-style modified qipao or tea dress paired with a plain shawl, avoid large bright color blocks that clash with the ancient town’s blue bricks and wooden windows.

• Props Bonus: Hanfu rental is available in the scenic area (about 80 RMB/hour), or bring your own folding fan, bamboo woven bag, etc. The classic pose “holding fan and standing sideways” in front of the ancestral hall’s red wall is a must.

• Dynamic Shots: When shooting the warm yellow light at the tofu pudding stall in the ancient opera stage square, have a companion take continuous shots while walking to capture the collision of “smoky life” and ancient architecture.

🌙【Hidden Night Tour Activities】
At 7:15 PM, wait for the intangible heritage bench dragon parade; the golden tassel dragon body weaves through ancient alleys, as stunning as a Spring Festival Gala scene. At 9:00 PM, the dynasty dance “Tang · Rain Stream Spring Walk” is performed on Baoshan Bridge. Enjoy it for free and capture photos of dancers and lanterns together to instantly get 50+ likes on social media!