Mudu in Brief

Mudu Water Town is located to the southwest of Suzhou city. Surrounded by groups of hills and next to Taihu Lake, Mudu has beautiful natural scenery and abundant natural resources. It now covers about 34.5 square kilometers (about 13.32 square miles).With a history more than 2,500 years long, Mudu has witnessed the rise and fall of many dynasties and it is also endowed with plentiful cultural connotations. Mudu is a traditional town and has typical landscape gardens, small rivers and bridges. Unlike the prosperous eastern cities in China, Mudu displays a simple, peaceful image.

Mudu Water Town History

The name of Mudu is from a story about Xishi, one of the Four Beauties in Chinese history. It is said that in the Spring and Autumn Period (773BC-476BC), Fuchai, the king of Wu Kingdom, obliged workers to build a Guanwa Palace in order to please the Beauty Xishi. Then, considerable wood was carried here so that the river in this area was blocked. This was called 'jimusedu' in Chinese, which means the accumulated wood blocks the river. So, the town got the name 'Mudu'.

Early in the Three Kingdom Period (220-280), Mudu had been a crucial town in China both economically and militarily. During the coming Song（960-1279）, Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, it still held an important position in Chinese culture and commerce. In the past thousands of years, Mudu has produced many outstanding scholars and wealthy businessmen. Some of their former residences have now become popular sights.

Main Attractions

Yan’s Garden

Yan’s Garden also named Xian Yuan, was originally the residence of the famous scholar Shen Deqian in Suzhou during the reign of Emperor Qianlong in Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).  Shen Deqian was also the teacher of Emperor Qianlong of Qing Dynasty. Then it was rebuilt several times and became one of the most famous gardens in China. In this garden there are several southern magnolias which it is said were planted by the Emperor Qianlong. Nowadays, they have become lofty trees. Every spring when the flowers are in full bloom, the whole garden is enveloped in their fragrance.

Bangyan Mansion

Bangyan Mansion ('bangyan' means the person who wins second place in the imperial exam in feudal society). In this garden, there is a carving on the rock wall which shows the prosperous image of Suzhou. This carving is made up of 8 rocks; each of them is 1.2 meters (about 4 feet) high. Most of the scenery on these carvings is about the fair, streets and people of Mudu. In the back yard, there is a beautiful lake in the center. Around the lake are sprinkled pavilions, chambers, corridors and artificial hills which are like the decorations. Among those buildings stand many vigorous green trees. All in all this garden has a poetic feeling.

Lingyan Mountain

Lingyan Mountain (Spirit Rock Mountain) is situated in the suburban area of Mudu. With a height of 182 meters (about 597 feet), this mountain covers about 124 hectares (about 306 acres). Because it looks like an elephant in the distance, it is named Xiang Mountain (Elephant Mountain). It is also called Yan Mountain (Inkstone Mountain) for many stones in the mountain could be made into ink stones. The small path up to the top of the peak is constructed with rocks. Along the path, there are over 18 different scenes such as an elaborate pavilion, old pine trees, ancient temple, or a spectacular sunset. Remarkable rocks with special shapes like an old man, a turtle or other animals are situated here and there on the mountain. On the top of the Lingyan Mountain, is the majestic Lingyan Temple. Built in 503, this temple was originally named Xinfeng Temple. The large vivid and life-like josses make this temple much more magnificent. In the eastern part of the temple, there is the Lingyan Pagoda, also named the Duobao Pagoda which was also built in 503. With a height of about 34 meters (about 112 feet), this simple but dignified seven-storied pagoda has become the symbol of Lingyan Mountain.

Tianping Mountain

Three kilometers (about 1.9 miles) away from Mudu town is the Tianping Mountain (Flat Peak Mountain). This mountain is of a height of 201 meters (about 659 feet) and covers about 100 hectares (about 247 acres). It is a mountain with a charming natural beauty. Among its beautiful natural scenery, there are three marvels: remarkable rocks, natural springs and old maples. In the mountain, spectacular rocks which look like parrots, dragons, camels or other animals stand everywhere.

Recommended Tours including the visit to Zhouzhuang:

Suzhou One Day Tour with Mudu Water Town

A Trip to Mudu Water Town from Shanghai

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  8 Days Golden Triangle China Tour
• From USD 956 pp
  Tour Code: CL-01
• Destinations: Beijing,Xi'an,Shanghai

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  10 Days Tour of All China Highlights
• From USD 1398 pp
  Tour Code: CL-02
• Destinations: Beijing,Xi'an,Guilin,Shanghai

• From USD 2009 pp
  9 Days Best of China with Glof Tour
• From USD 1666 pp
  Tour Code: GF-02
• Destinations: Beijing,Xi'an,Shanghai

• From USD 2449 pp
  12 Days Beijing-Xian-Lhasa-Shanghai
• From USD 1899 pp
  Tour Code: XZ-01
• Destinations: Beijing,Xi'an,Lhasa,Shanghai

• From USD 2169 pp
  11 Day Classic China Tour with Yangtze Cruise
• From USD 1519 pp
  Tour Code: YZ-01
• Destinations: Beijing,Xi'an,Yangtze River,Shanghai