A bowl of noodles at Short Leg Noodle House. [Photo/WeChat account: wxbhfb]
As spring transitions into summer, Lihu Lake in Wuxi and its surrounding areas have taken on a refreshing new look. Without the need for a long journey, right by Lihu Lake, lies a route that offers both scenic beauty and culinary delights.
One-day route: Zhenmei Road (震美路) or Jingmao Road (经贸路) → Lihu Market (蠡湖集贸市场) → Ooffoo Coffee → North shore of Lihu Lake (蠡湖北岸) → Hubin Commercial Block (湖滨商业街)
First stop: Zhenmei Road or Jingmao Road
People in China usually start their day with a steaming-hot breakfast, and these two roads immerse you in the vibrant hustle and bustle of the early morning.
Must-try brekkie on Zhenmei Road
Head straight to Big Guy's Breakfast (大个子早点店) for a bowl of steaming hot spicy soup or special sa soup, a traditional, savory thickened soup, paired with crispy pan-fried buns. You can enjoy a satisfying meal for under 10 yuan ($1.47) per person.
If you prefer egg pancakes, try the Seven Egg Pancakes (七个蛋饼) restaurant, for a simple but strongly aromatic breakfast that is sure to leave you feeling satiated and powered up.
Must-try on Jingmao Road
Don't miss the traditional Muguiying Food (穆桂英美食), where freshly made Yulan cakes glisten with oil and reveal a hot, dense red bean paste filling — sweet but not too sweet.
Across the street, Xiao Chen's Steamed Bun Shop (小晨包子铺) offers hearty soy sauce meat buns, and its 3-yuan soy milk is rich in flavor and nutritious to boot. You can have a satisfying meal for just 6 yuan.
For those who love traditional Wuxi flavors, Ai Jiao Lou Noodle House (矮脚楼面馆) is a great choice. The red soup is rich, the noodles are chewy, and a piece of stewed meat topping makes for a heartwarming bowl.
Lihu Park. [Photo/WeChat account: wxbhfb]
Second stop: Lihu Market
The market offers not only fresh fruits and vegetables but also a variety of hot stir-fries and specialty braised dishes. Buy some fresh fruits or favorite side dishes, so you can prepare a picnic for later in the day.
Third stop: Ooffoo Coffee
After leaving Lihu Market, step into Ooffoo Coffee — a hidden gem in the Meihu Commercial Block. Order an Americano, latte, or a special spring drink, paired with a handmade dessert, to savor a moment of tranquility as time seems to grind to a halt.
Fourth stop: North shore of Lihu Lake
After savoring the respective joys of the market and a leisurely cup of joe, head to the north shore of Lihu Lake. Climb the world's second-highest water Ferris wheel to take in the full view of the lake scenery and city skyline. If you prefer a garden setting, visit the nearby Liyuan Park to experience the unique elegance and grace of the Jiangnan region.
Hubin Commercial Block. [Photo/WeChat account: wxbhfb]
Fifth stop: Hubin Commercial Block
As evening nears, head to Hubin Commercial Block to further indulge your taste buds. As a landmark of Wuxi's culinary nightlife, it gathers a variety of local and international cuisines, barbecues, crayfish, and more. Savor the authentic flavors, and let the comforting food perfectly conclude a day of enjoyable exercise and exploration.
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