Wuxi 无锡 DayTrip!
We went to Wuxi for a day trip from Suzhou! Around 15mins away by the train! Decided to go there after watching Shine on Me (Lin Yusen 🥺🥺) and it’s 张凌赫’s hometown!
First stop: we went to 梅园 but apparently it was the wrong timing cause 没有梅 wth lol HAHAHA maybe should have went to 太湖鼋头渚风景区 but this gives me another reason to visit Wuxi!
Afterwards we took the didi to 📍 南禅寺 a pretty small temple in Wuxi! Afterwards we had lunch at 📍 熙盛源(南禅寺步行街店) just right outside the temple, as recommended by Zhang Linghe! IT WAS SO GOOD! The pork ribs were sweet and flavourful and fall-off-bone kinda soft! 小笼包 and 馄炖 were good too! I’ll def eat this again if I ever go back to Wuxi!
We walked down to 南长街 after, and I loved this street cause it was so wide? More than enough space to walk around! The little shops here were so cute as well!
I walked past the pet cafe 📍 奇迹萌宠·猫咖·狗咖·羊驼 and couldn’t resist heading there since we had time before dinner! I think I spent like 2 hours there. It was a single ticket price for BOTH DOGS AND CATS (I think it was CNY59) and I also bought treats for dogs and cats (spent a total of CNY128 cause I bought the most expensive treat set 🤣)
But omg I love this cafe cause the dogs are so friendly and playful??? The moment I sat down a Schnauzer made himself home on my lap!! Without any food HAHAHA a Maltese came along after and the two of them were happily napping together on my nap!!
As normal, the dogs do go crazy around food, and it was pretty funny cause the husky and the Samoyed were tapping my shoulder the entire time for the food. Good thing I had my jacket on and wasn’t too bothered with their strength! But the staff was always on standby to ensure that the dogs don’t go overboard!
There were also so many cats on the 2nd floor! Cats being cats, they definitely take a bit more time to warm up! But they were still so fun to play with 🥺🥺 you could tell that the pets here were very well taken care of!! And the ticket was for a whole day entry, so you could come back anytime on the same day! Pity I only had a day in Wuxi, I would definitely love to be back!
Afterwards we headed to 📍 惠山古镇景区 via 古镇大照壁 it was a small little town, and it was nice to walk around when the place was lit up!!
We had dinner at 二泉园老菜馆·百年无锡菜 the place was really nice, in an old traditional house with a nice courtyard, but the food we ordered…. The flavours just were not it 🥴 a bit sad cause the environment was really so nice! Maybe it was just us not able to appreciate the local taste…
But the drinks at 📍 李山山茶事(无锡惠山映月里店) was a life saver!! Easily top 3 of the milk teas I’ve tried on this trip!
The main highlight of the town was 📍 惠山古镇景区-上下河塘 it was so pretty with the lanterns lit up and reflecting against the river! There was a performance but it was pretty mid 🤣🤣 everyone was confused as to what they were supposed to watch when it ended… HAHA
But Wuxi was a really nice day trip, easily accessible from Suzhou or Shanghai! Would definitely love to be back for 熙盛源 and the pet cafe!!
Next up, the last city: Nanjing!
If you're planning a day trip to Wuxi, here are some extra tips and experiences to make your visit even more memorable. Starting from Suzhou, the train ride to Wuxi is indeed short and convenient, making it perfect for a spontaneous getaway. Although the timing might not always be perfect for every attraction—like missing the plum blossoms at Meiyuan—the city offers plenty of other charming sights. For nature lovers, Taihu Lake's Yuantouzhu Scenic Area is a fantastic alternative to explore, especially during spring when the cherry blossoms bloom. When it comes to food, following local recommendations can lead you to some delicious finds. For instance, the pork ribs and small buns at Xishengyuan near Nanzen Temple really capture the authentic taste of Wuxi cuisine—sweet, tender, and flavorful. Don’t hesitate to try the local specialties beyond common staples, as Wuxi cuisine is known for its subtle sweetness and delicate balance of flavors. One of the most unique experiences in Wuxi is visiting the pet cafe 奇迹萌宠·猫咖·狗咖·羊驼. It’s not just a cafe but a cozy haven where you can interact with both cats and dogs. The friendly Schnauzer and Maltese making themselves comfy are witnesses to the warmth of this place. Be prepared to spend a couple of hours here—it’s a delightful break that adds a lot of joy to your trip. The pricing is reasonable considering you get all-day access, and buying treats to share with the pets is highly recommended for a more engaging experience. For an evening stroll, the atmosphere at Huishan Ancient Town with its lantern-lit riverbanks is enchanting. Walking along the upper and lower river pools, you can soak in the traditional architecture coupled with festive lighting. While some live performances might be underwhelming, the picturesque setting itself is worth the visit. If time allows, sampling the local milk tea at 李山山茶事 in Huishan can be a refreshing highlight. The tea culture in Wuxi is flourishing, and that blend is often praised among visitors. Wuxi’s compact size and variety of experiences—from cultural sites and scenic nature to culinary delights and pet interaction—make it an excellent day trip destination from major nearby cities like Suzhou and Shanghai. Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes, carry some cash for small shops and street food, and keep your camera ready to capture those beautiful lantern reflections at night. This balance of urban exploration and relaxing spots makes Wuxi a delightful escape that you will want to return to again.