Jinxi Town. A name that resonates with the echoes of history and whispers of ancient beauty. We stand at the edge of this captivating water town, ready to unravel its enchanting story. Jinxi Town, nestled in the southwest of Kunshan City, boasts a history dating back to the Neolithic era. Evidence suggests humans toiled and thrived here, leaving their mark on the land long before recorded history.
Jinxi Town was originally called Jinxi. The name changed in 1512, during the reign of Emperor Zhengde in the Ming Dynasty. It became known as Chenmu. But even before the name changes, the town played a role in the grand theatre of Chinese history. During the Spring and Autumn period, Jinxi Town belonged to the Kingdom of Wu. In the Three Kingdoms period, it fell under the jurisdiction of Wu Commandery. Later, during the Tang Dynasty, it remained part of Wu Commandery. By the Song Dynasty, it was incorporated into Suzhou. The Northern Song government officially named it Jinxi in 1107.
Our journey through Jinxi Town takes us back to a pivotal moment in 1131. Emperor Gaozong of the Southern Song Dynasty, fleeing the Jin invasion, sought refuge in Jinxi. His favored concubine, Chen Fei, fell ill and passed away here. The heartbroken emperor renamed the town Chenmu, meaning “Chen’s tomb,” in her memory. The name stuck for over three centuries, a poignant reminder of imperial sorrow.
Jinxi Town’s story continues with local scholars diligently documenting its rich tapestry. In 1518, Qu Xiong compiled the *Chenmu Gazetteer*. Later, in 1644, Lu Fuxing penned the *Minor Records of Chenmu*. A more comprehensive account, the *Chenmu Town Gazetteer*, emerged between 1700 and 1724, painstakingly compiled over 46 years by Chen Changlong and Chen Shugu.
Tragedy struck Jinxi Town on January 26, 1938. Japanese forces, arriving on 18 ships at Maqiao Village, unleashed a brutal attack. They murdered 108 villagers and burned 64 houses, totaling 204 rooms. This horrific event, forever etched in local memory, is known as the “Maqiao Incident”.
The tides of change swept through Jinxi Town once more in 1949. On May 13, the town changed hands. The People’s Liberation Army wrestled control from the Nationalist Kuomintang, ushering in a new era. Finally, on November 8, 1992, the town reclaimed its historical name, Jinxi Town, shedding the somber weight of its past.
Today, Jinxi Town stands as a testament to resilience and the enduring power of history. As we stroll along its canals and across its ancient bridges, we connect with the generations who have walked these same paths. Jinxi Town invites us not only to admire its picturesque beauty but also to reflect on the passage of time and the stories whispered within its ancient walls.