Nanchan Temple was built during the reign of Emperor Liangwu Taiqing in the Southern Dynasties (547-548) with 1500 years of history by now. Its initial name was Huguo Temple, which covered more than 100 mu of land. Its scale at that time was much larger than any other temples in the Southern Dynasties; Miaoguang Tower in the temple was built in reign of Yongxi in the Northern Song Dynasty with more than 1000 years of history by now. The name “Miaoguang” was granted by Emperor Huizong of Song Dynasty, Zhao Ji, so it was called “Miaoguang Tower”. Since the reign of Yongle period in Ming Dynasty, it has been listed one of “8 scenic spots of Wuxi”.

In recent years, Nanchan Temple flourishes the market. The established Nanchan Temple Cultural Shopping Mall, integrated with Nanchan Temple, Miaoguang Tower and Ancient Canal, become the cultural backyard of Wuxi citizens, which also serves as the window for Chinese and foreign tourists to know Wuxi and experience the culture south of Yangtze River.