[Video provided to gowuxi.com]

Dangkou Ancient Town, a national 4A-level tourist attraction in Wuxi, will start to offer free admission on Sept 19, officials announced at a press conference held on Sept 13.

The ancient town, which boasts winding streams, elegant bridges, and tranquil scenery, is also famous for its piety culture that was passed down from the Eastern Han Dynasty (AD 25-220).

A view of Dangkou Ancient Town in Wuxi. [Photo provided to gowuxi.com]

According to industry insiders, tourism has become a source of mass consumption, but tourist attractions cannot rely solely on ticket revenue. Dangkou Ancient Town has added four entrances to connect with local blocks and communities this year, aiming to attract more visitors to enjoy culture and leisure there to stimulate consumption.

The ancient town is now home to various restaurants, coffee shops, and dessert shops. Many cultural venues were also built inside the ancient town, including the Courtyard Film Museum, Hua Wujun Cartoon Gallery, and Wang Xin's Former Residence Memorial Hall.

Dangkou Ancient Town will also host the first Wuxi Light Art Festival on Sept 21 during the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday this year. With dazzling lights, lanterns, and natural views inside, visitors will be able to spend their nighttime visiting and touring the night market in the ancient town.

An artist rendering of the first Wuxi Light Art Festival, which will be held in Dangkou Ancient Town on Sept 21. [Photo provided to gowuxi.com]