Huangbu Islet, a small oval-shaped island, was a vital checkpoint to enter Wuxi during ancient times, according to local county annals. It remains a landmark on the Wuxi section of the Grand Canal today for its feng shui features.
In the past, Huangbu Islet was a stopover for canal travelers. Its reputation rose following visits from several emperors and legendary officials throughout the history of ancient China.
The inscription on the "Shui Yue Cheng Guan" plaque was written by Emperor Qianlong (1711-1799), who compared it to the fairyland of Penglai. His grandfather Emperor Kangxi (1654-1722) offered an alternative, "Lan Ruo", which literally means an orchid in the water.
Hai Rui, a high-ranking official during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), was more straightforward with his opinion of the island, describing Huancui Tower as "the best place to appreciate the hill and water scenery".
