Nianhuawan in Wuxi, the real-life version of the "Eternal Night Star River"! A must-visit Zen town for National Day

Stop squeezing into crowds—this hidden gem in Wuxi lets you instantly travel back to the Tang and Song dynasties, experiencing the dreamlike beauty where Zen and technology blend.

The moment I stepped into Nianhuawan, it felt like I had traveled back to the bustling streets of the prosperous Tang Dynasty. As night falls, thousands of Nianhua lanterns slowly rise, intertwining with the drone show in the night sky to create a breathtaking scene. This is not Kyoto, yet it has a richer Tang and Song atmosphere than Kyoto; this is not a fairyland, yet it offers a more magical nightscape experience than any fairyland.

Why choose Nianhuawan?

Nianhuawan is located on the shore of Taihu Lake in Wuxi, backed by Lingshan Mountain and facing Taihu Lake. Its unique geographical location captures the spiritual essence of heaven and earth. The town centers on "Zen," with its name derived from the story of "Buddha’s smile while holding a flower." Every brick, every flower, and every tree exudes a strong Zen aesthetic.

Most impressively, it perfectly combines classical Zen with modern technology. By day, it is a tranquil Tang-Song style town; by night, it transforms into a dreamlike kingdom of light and shadow. Compared to other crowded popular spots during National Day, Nianhuawan offers a more comfortable and immersive travel experience.

How to get there most conveniently?

Address: No. 68, Ma Mountain West Ring Road, Binhu District, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province.

Public Transport: After exiting Wuxi High-Speed Rail Station, walk about 200 meters to Wuxi Central Station. From there, take the Leyou Line 2 directly to Nianhuawan. Operating hours are 08:00-16:00, ticket price 10 RMB per person.

By Car: Navigate to "Nianhuawan Zen Town Parking Lot." From Shanghai, take the G42 Huyu Expressway; from Nanjing, take the G42 Huyu Expressway; from Hangzhou, take the G25 Changshen Expressway. Parking fee is 10-20 RMB per day.

Must-visit activities: National Day limited edition

【Nianhua Lantern Wishing】(September 30 - October 8)

When night falls, iron flower performances, Kongming lanterns, drones, and fireworks blend together. Thousands of Kongming lanterns rise simultaneously, creating an extremely stunning scene. This is the must-see experience during National Day; it’s recommended to find a good spot for photography in advance.

【AI Tower Technology Light Show】

This year marks the 10th anniversary, and the drone show has been specially upgraded with drones carrying fireworks, presenting a brand-new rendition of the classic "Buddha’s Smile with a Flower" program, full of high-tech vibes.

【Gold Drawing Event】

Scan the TV screen on-site to participate for a chance to take home a Chow Tai Fook 10th Anniversary limited edition gold pendant. Such "unbelievable fortune" is not to be missed!

Recommended regular tour routes

Daytime route: Xiangyue Flower Street → Fantian Flower Sea → Nianhua Tower → Wudeng Lake → Yunmen Lawn → Smile Square → Luming Valley.

Night performance route:

• 15:30 Wudeng Lake Square "Five-Petal Flower Bloom"

• 16:00 Main Street Entrance "Admiring Flowers by Oneself"

• 16:40 Fantian Flower Sea "Deer Playing Among Flowers"

• 18:00 Half-Mountain Embracing the Sun "Water Curtain Movie"

• 18:35 Nianhua Tower "Tower Lighting Ceremony"

• 19:30 Smile Square "Buddha’s Smile with a Flower"

• 19:45 "Five-Petal Flower Bloom"

• 20:00 Half-Mountain Embracing the Sun "Water Curtain Dance"

In-depth exploration of core attractions

Nianhua Tower: As the town’s landmark, Nianhua Tower is an excellent photo spot. The tower lighting ceremony at night is especially stunning, with a light show accompanied by ancient music performances, making you feel like you’ve returned to the Tang Dynasty. The ceremony runs every half hour from 18:30 to 20:20.

Fantian Flower Sea: Different flowers bloom each season. Autumn is the peak season for cosmos and sunflowers. Wearing Hanfu and taking photos in the flower sea creates a stunning effect.

Wudeng Lake: Enjoy the music fountain during the day and the "Five-Petal Flower Bloom" light show at night. The lotus lanterns on the lake complement the dance performances perfectly.

Luming Valley: This is the town’s secret spot, featuring bamboo forests, streams, and Tang-style tea houses forming a tranquil scene. Note that Luming Valley closes at 17:30, so it’s best to visit during the day.

Zen experiences not to miss

At Nianhuawan, you can also try Zen activities such as sutra copying, flower arranging, and handmade sachets (some charge fees). Parents with children can choose family pottery or rubbing experiences. Hanfu rental is available within the scenic area for about 50-100 RMB per hour. Wearing Hanfu while strolling on the bluestone paths makes for even better photos.

Food recommendations: Taste Zen and Jiangnan flavors

Zen Food Hall · Boromido: Offers exquisite vegetarian buffet, about 100 RMB per person, with plating as beautiful as artwork. The "Lotus Flower Pastry" is especially recommended.

Nianhua Wuxi Cuisine: Try authentic Wuxi soup dumplings, magnolia cakes, and Zen set meals with great value.

Ludexing Noodle House: Classic Su-style soup noodles. Recommended dishes include shaved yellow oil noodles and spicy eel paste, showcasing the charm of Jiangnan’s traditional craftsmanship.

Accommodation guide: Stay within the scenery

On-site accommodation:

• Nianhua Inn: Located in the core area of the scenic spot, with Zen views right outside the window, including entrance tickets and shuttle service.

• Boromido Hotel: The only hotel inside the scenic area, fully equipped and suitable for family travelers.

Off-site accommodation: More cost-effective options include Wuxi Guwan Inn, near Lingshan Grand Buddha, with a quiet environment and prices around 500 RMB.

During peak seasons (such as National Day), it is recommended to book rooms one month in advance. On-site accommodation prices range from 800 to 2000 RMB per night.

Practical tips

1. Wear comfortable shoes: The town mainly has bluestone paths and involves a lot of walking.

2. Use the "Nianhua Code": The scenic area’s mini-program provides real-time maps and performance schedules.

3. Bring mosquito repellent: Mosquitoes are abundant in summer, so prepare repellent spray in advance.

4. Night tours are the highlight: It’s recommended to stay at least one night to fully enjoy the night views and performances.

5. Best seasons: Spring and autumn (March-May, September-November) have pleasant weather and blooming flower seas.

The essence of Nianhuawan lies in "slow travel" and "night appreciation." Here, you can leave behind the city’s hustle and bustle and feel the healing power of "a day in Tang style, a thousand years of Zen." When the Nianhua lanterns rise, all worries vanish, leaving only inner peace and joy.