Dangkou, a place full of historical charm, is located in the southeast of Ehu Town, Xishan District, Wuxi City, Jiangsu Province. The ancient name is Ding She, according to legend, it is the hometown of Ding Lan, the filial son of the Eastern Han Dynasty, and it is named because it is located at the mouth of the goose gizzard.
Dangkou Ancient Town is famous for its reputation of "Little Suzhou" and "Yindangkou", where the rivers are vertical and horizontal, the lakes are dense, the small bridges are flowing water, and the environment is elegant. The characteristics and unique personality of the water towns in the south of the Yangtze River are vividly displayed here. Here, you can admire the antique buildings and feel the charm of the Jiangnan water town.
The literati and writers of the past dynasties have many words of praise for the ancient town, "the raccoon girl beats the clothes on the beach, and the passenger boat stops under the eaves". Small bridges and flowing water, riverside dwellings, revetments and river ports, and boats come and go, forming a strong water town characteristics. There are many bridges here: stone arch bridges, stone slab bridges, covered bridges and other different forms;There are many ships: rice bun boats, steamers, sailing ships, Upong boats, etcThe small bridge and flowing water highlight the unique charm of the ancient town.
The cultural heritage of Dangkou is also very profound. There are many historical attractions here, such as Hua's Yizhuang, Hua Yufang's life and deeds exhibition hall, Wang Xin's former residence, Qian Mu's former residence, Hua Junwu's former residence, Huitong Hall, Guandi Temple and Hengdeli Watch Museum. These attractions showcase the history and culture of Dangkou and give a deeper understanding of the place.
Hua's Yizhuang is one of the most complete, largest and longest-surviving Yizhuang in the Jiangnan area. The filial piety of the descendants of Hua's descendants and their good deeds are displayed here.
The exhibition hall of Hua Yufang's life and deeds displays the life deeds and academic achievements of this pioneer of modern science, making people feel his outstanding talent and contributions.
Wang Xin's former residence is the former residence of Wang Xin, the first family and songwriter of "Singing the Motherland". Here is a show of his life deeds and the charm of "Singing the Motherland".
Qian Mu's former residence is the place where Qian Mu, a generation of masters of Chinese studies, lived, studied and taught in Dangkou's childhood. His life story and scholarly achievements are exhibited here, giving a glimpse of his erudition.
The former residence of Hua Junwu is the ancestral residence of Hua Junwu, a famous Chinese cartoonist, artist and social activist. His comic works and artistic achievements are showcased here, as well as his concern and contribution to society.
Huitong Hall is the study and printing workshop of Hua Sui, a Ming Dynasty bibliophile, engraver, and copper movable type printer, where his printing achievements and contributions are displayed.
Guan Di Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Guan Yu, a historical figure, and it is full of sacred and solemn atmosphere.
The Hendley Watch Museum is a museum that displays ancient clocks and timepieces, giving you a taste of the charm of time and the depth of history.
The style of courtesy and filial piety has been passed down from generation to generation, stemming from the humble virtues and Confucianism of Wu culture. Here abide by filial piety, promote people, love all sentient beings, and do business. This culture of filial piety not only makes the Hua family prosperous, but also creates a social environment in which the people in Dangkou are simple, harmonious and peaceful. "Advocating filial piety and advocating righteousness" has become one of the important characteristics of Dangkou culture.
Dangkou culture has a profound heritage and a long history. Under the infiltration of the Feng Shui treasure land of Goose Lake, and through the cultivation of poetry and ritual culture, Dangkou has become a "state of filial piety" and a "cradle of celebrities".
The ancient town is worthy of being the rich land of fish and rice in the south of the Yangtze River, because the water surface is extensive, the water products are abundant, the goose gizzard is rich in water chestnut, fish and shrimp, especially the whitebait is the most famous, "the year is not less than ten thousand hundred".
In Dangkou, the food is also not to be missed. Snacks such as oily meat, water golden bean curd, Jinjia baked cakes, and medicinal food crisp make ** forget to return. Here, you can taste authentic Wuxi-style snacks, crab roe xiaolongbao, fresh meat xiaolongbao and other delicacies, which make people feast. You can also sit down at the tea house facing the river and enjoy the scenery while drinking tea, which is very pleasant.
The natural scenery of Dangkou is beautiful, and the historical sites are full of charm. Here, you can feel the weight of history and the breadth of culture. Dangkou Ancient Town is a bright pearl, which has witnessed the prosperity and changes of the water towns in the south of the Yangtze River, and also carries the memories and emotions of countless people.