Zhongshan Road Shopping Street
Some large shopping centers in Wuxi are located along Zhongshan Road, which stretches from Shengli Gate (胜利门) to Nanchan Temple(南禅寺). Some old and famous shops selling local specialties line the streets.
Huishan Clay Figurine 惠山泥人
Huishan Clay Figurine has a long history. It is said that the Huishan Clay Figurines can be traced back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279). During the Qing Dynasty (1636-1911), the production and sales of Huishan Clay Figurine reached its peak. Huishan Clay Figurine is made of the clays at the foot of the Hui Mountain. This kind of clay is tender and easy to be molded. In addition, it is not easily breakable. Nowadays, people begin to use plaster to make Huishan Clay Figurine, which solves the problem of shortage of Huishan clays. The representative of Huishan Clay Figurine is a couple of children. Local people usually call them A Fu (Big Lucky). The cute figurines are barefoot and sit cross-legged. Two rare animals are carried in their hands.
There are many clay figurine shops in Huishan’s main streets. On Heng Street (横街) and Zhi Street (直街) there are many shops selling Huishan Clay Figurines. The famous Huishan Clay Figurine Factory (Address: No.26, Huixi Road) has a three-storey Exhibition Hall, where tourists can see precious clay figurines, and make a clay figurine by themselves.
Purple Clay Teapot 紫砂壶
Yixing purple clay teapot has a long history and enjoys great reputation. Its history can be traced back to the spring and Autumn Period of more than 2,400 years ago. Purple clay teapots are only produced in China, with Yixing Town in Wuxi City as the best and most famous producing area. The teapots are handmade and used to make tea. It can retain the original fragrance and freshness of tea. The longer the teapot is used, the brighter the teapot surface becomes.
Tai Lake Pearl 太湖珍珠
Tai Lake (太湖) is the second largest fresh water lake in China. Besides its beautiful scenery and abundant fish, Tai Lake is also famous for the pearls. Tai Lake Pearls a kind of artificial cultivated freshwater pearl. It is famous for its big size, bright luster and round shape. The pearls can be used as accessories. In addition, as it is rich in protein, amino acid and certain minerals, it also can be taken as health products. Cixi (1835-1908), the Empress Dowager in the Qing Dynasty, who is famous for being luxurious and young-looking, used lots of pearls for beauty care, and she gave high praise Tai Lake Pearls.
