The famed Nanchan Temple in Wuxi is a popular destination for foreign visitors as well as local residents. The renowned shrine was constructed during the reign of the Southern Dynasty in 549 AD. At the time of its creation it was called the Huguo Temple, but at the time of the Tang Dynasty’s Emperor Xianheng the temple’s name was altered to Lingshan Temple. Its present name only came to be used to refer to the shrine in the reign of the Song Dynasty’s Emperor Tiansheng.

The environs of Nanchan Temple offers abundant shopping opportunities with numerous markets vending rare coins, stamps, birds, antiques and flowers amongst other merchandise. Other interesting items on sale are works of calligraphy, traditional paintings, conventional Chinese arts and crafts, jade articles, cultural relics, insects, goldfish and souvenirs.  With a teahouse and snack bar in close proximity, the surrounding area provides a complete leisure experience for the visitor. During daytime hours visitors may take a shopping excursion amidst the picturesque surroundings and in the evenings enjoy the nightlife in the radiance of the temple lights.

Wuxi’s well known Lantern Festival Temple Fair is held in the environs of Nanchan Temple each year, attracting a multitude of devotees and curious spectators.

There are several other sites of interest in Wuxi which will draw the attention of the visitor. The beautiful Garden of Ecstasy is one of the most renowned gardens in southeast China. Another famed attraction is the Lingshan Grand Buddha which is counted amongst the biggest Buddha statues in the nation; nearby visitors will see a musical fountain describing the birth and life of the Buddha.