Things to buy in Wuxi

Things to buy in Wuxi


Yixing Zisha Teapots (Yixing Zisha Hu) 宜兴紫砂壶

Taihu Stone (Taihu Shi) 太湖石

Taihu Pearl (Taihu Zhenzhu) 太湖珍珠

Wuxi Embroidery (Xixiu) 锡绣

Yixing Yangxian Tea (Yixing Yangxian Cha) 宜兴阳羡茶

Huishan Clay Figurines (Huishan Niren) 惠山泥人

Silk (Cansichou) 蚕丝绸

Wuxi honey peach (Wuxi Shuimitao) 无锡水蜜桃

Black Du wine (Heidu Jiu) 黑杜酒



Yixing Zisha Teapots (Yixing Zisha Hu) 宜兴紫砂壶

Zisha, meaning purple sand, is the primary ingredient in the clay compound used to make local stoneware and ceramic products. There are actually a number of natural colors available, from red and green to turquoise and yellow, all of which are known for vivid natural hues, which can only be found in the Wuxi region. When teapots are made of this porous clay, the aroma and flavor of the tea is enhanced over time, allowing for a unique and prized character to develop in each teapot, which will in turn, accent the flavors of teas subsequently brewed in the pot.

Taihu Stone (Taihu Shi) 太湖石
Found in limestone deposits around Taihu Lake, these stones are one of the famous four ancient stones of China. Usually grey, rare examples can be found in black and white. Taihu stone is known for its fine grain and translucency. Examples can be found ranging from small pendants to massive garden ornaments costing a king’s ransom, and weighing in at many tons.

Taihu Pearl (Taihu Zhenzhu) 太湖珍珠
Wuxi peals are cultivated in the famous Taihu Lake. As far as freshwater pearls go, the Wuxi examples are known for their staggering size and fine quality. Not only are they used for adornment and the ‘bling’ factor, they are often ground to powder, which is said to have detoxifying and pain relieving effects, and is used in numerous TCM applications.

Wuxi Embroidery (Xixiu) 锡绣
Wuxi (or Xi) embroidery boasts a distinct local flavor, and enjoys a long history, dating back to the Ming Dynasty, some 300 years ago. Practiced by all levels of society, Xi embroidery was loved by the Royal Family and farmers, alike. A century ago, Xi embroidery developed a reputation for detail and sophistication that was almost unmatched in China. Unfortunately, technology has somewhat lessened the impact of a hand-stitched work of art, with computer-controlled sewing machines turning out perfect examples of the ‘traditional art’. It is still possible to find numerous examples of the hand-sewn item, characterized by the smaller selection and higher costs. To buy a machine-made example is a cheap way to get a feel for the art form, but the traditionally-made pieces will offer a much more highly regarded ornament.

Yixing Yangxian Tea (Yixing Yangxian Cha) 宜兴阳羡茶
Yixing is one of China’s most important historical tea producing regions, and is still now the region of Jiangsu with the greatest production. This so called ‘Oasis of Tea’, and produces a few famous varieties including Yixing Yangxian purple bamboo tea.

Huishan Clay Figurines (Huishan Niren) 惠山泥人
Huishan clay are known for their sophistication, bright colors and life-like shapes.

Huishan Clay Figurines Factory
A three-storey building designed for tours and individual visitors to go and experience the production process and incredible amount of work that goes into producing these amazing figurines. Sculptures are made on site, and visitors have the opportunity to try their hand at it.
Add: 26 Xihui Lu, Wuxi

Silk (Cansichou) 蚕丝绸
Wuxi is a national center in China for silk weaving. Modern Wuxi silk is known for being very high quality stuff, with a range of colors, patterns and styles of fabric available, all of which can be made into a variety of garments and other products.

Wuxi honey peach (Wuxi Shuimitao) 无锡水蜜桃
Described as a fruit that melts in your mouth, the Wuxi peach is a particularly fine work of nature, which is so popular that over 100 tons of the fruit are exported each year, to Hong Kong, Macau and other international destinations. They are distinguishable by their bright color, tough skin and juicy flesh.

Black Du wine (Heidu Jiu) 黑杜酒
This wine is the color of ink, and is locally renowned to enrich the blood, improve circulation and invigorate your internals, and is often given to women shortly after they give birth, for these reasons. It is a sweet drink, and very nice to drink.

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