As the third-largest freshwater lake in China, nearly three-quarters of Taihu Lake is withinSuzhou.With its rolling hills and clear lake water, it is the best place to experience life around the lake.What a free and leisurely day visiting historic sites, climbing the mountains, cycling and hiking along thetrials. When sunset is touching the sky with golden and red,why not taste the dishes made with fish and shrimp freshly produced by the lake?
The Charming Lake Views
Like a mother nursing herbaby,Taihu has nurtured the land of rice and fish of Suzhou with its beauty and vitality.When you come to Taihu Lake, don't miss the gorgeous lake views. You can go boating above the rippling waves orexplore ancient civilization along the shore.
Guangfu Scenic Area 光福景区
With over 20 mountains big and small and its many lakes, Guangfu Scenic Area is located on a peninsula embedded in Taihu Lake. Every February, the plum blossoms in Dengwei Mountain bloom like snow, attracting hundreds and thousands of visitors from all over the world. Besides, it is also the home of Taihu Fishing Port, China's first fishing port for an inland lake. When you are here, why not go and explore the fascinating nut-carving, jade carving and Buddha carving created by ingenious craftsmen and artists?
West of Situ Temple,Xiangxue Village,Guangfu Town,Wuzhong District
Dongshan Scenic Area 东山景区
The peninsula of Dongshan extending over Taihu Lake is home to many popular destinations, such as the ancient village of Luxiang,Fengshan Temple,Wende Hall,Diaohualou and Zijin Temple. Dongshan is also the fount of Dongting Biluochun tea,one of the 10 major teas in China.Baisha loquatsare also indigenous in this region.
10 Yuhua Road,Dongshan Town,Taihu Lake,Wuzhong District
Xishan Scenic Area 西山景区
Xishan is Taihu Lake's largestisle and is mostly made up of mountainous terrain. If you want a commanding,breathtaking view on the lake,hike up to its peak,Piaomiao Peak. Linwu Cave—the 9th Taoist Cave, Shigong Mountain—birthplace of Taihu rock,the millennial village of Mingyuewan with its beautiful pier at sunset (see P47)and the constellation of surrounding isles are among the highlights of this place.
23 Daqiao Road,Jinting Town,WuzhongDistrict
Suzhou Taihu National Wetland Park 苏州太湖国家湿地公园
As the lungs of the city,the Taihu Lake National Wetland Park is the ideal location to have fun in nature.Enjoy a walk by the lakeside at sunset,reeds swishing sofly in the wind,while gulls glide to their resting place and fishermen turn their boats,reading to call it a day. Taoyuan Inn and Sangzi Inn,the seven-mast junk and the Yuji Jetty are sights you do not want to miss.
1 Xiupin Street,Zhenhu,Suzhou New District
Artistic Delights
The serene, soothing view of Taihu Lake has inspired countless artists and spawned a vibrant local cultural scene.Pace the banks of Taihu Lake and explore Suzhou's museums and art galleries to be part of this wonderful picture.
Museum of Wu Culture 吴文化博物馆
Museum of Wu Culture is a local characteristic Museum in Suzhou that comprehensively displays the localculture of Wu.
No.9,Tantai Street,Wuzhong District
Hanshan Art Museum 寒山美术馆
Here you'll find meticulously curated collections,graceful artist performances,and thought-provoking art salons.After you've exhausted your desire for art,enjoy a good book with some tea at the nearby Hefang bookshop.
999 Taihu Avenue,Technology City,Suzhou New District
True Color Museum 本色美术馆
This unique museum displays selected works of art that are a window on the rich universe of typical Asian art. It also hosts occasional art fairs that attract a wealth of artistic creations and crowds of enthusiasts.
219 Tongda Road,WuzhongDistrict
Ni Art Museum 霓美术馆
The Ni Art Museum,a shining gem on the bank of Taihu Lake,holds a collection of resplendent contemporary works of art. If you like contemporary art or appreciate sober architectural designs, this vibrant place is for you
Building 7,Mushroom Future Camp,Area B,3003 Sunwu Road,WuzhongDistrict
Hiking and Cycling around Taihu Lake
If you want to have the full immersive experience of Taihu Lake,bike along the lakeside or on other suggested paths to discover another side of this natural beauty.
The Taihu Lake Dongshan Circle Route (about 52 km) 太湖东山环线
Wuzhong Avenue-Hubin Road on Taihu Dike-Dongshan Qiyuan Garden-Mountain Highway
Best timeto visit:Anytime;best in spring and autumn
The circle route provides a stunning view of the Taihu Lake and places of interest around it, including the Taihu Dike,Qiyuan Garden,Zijin Temple,and Luxiang Village.
The Taihu Lake Xishan Circle Route (about 66 km) 太湖西山环线
Suzhou Amusement Park-Mudu-Xukou-Yuyangshan-Taihu Three Bridges-Xishan Huandao Road
Best time to visit:From May to October,when thehigher temperature and longer day can provide a more comfortable cycling experience
It is morethan pleasant to enjoy the cool breeze from the lake when crossing the Taihu Lake Bridge.There are classic tourist atractions sprinkled along the route,including Suzhou Amusement Park,Mudu Ancient Town,Piaomiao Peak,and Xukou.Along the Sufu Road, you can take a break for a taste of the delicious Suzhou Cangshu mutton.If time allows,you can also add Taihu New Town,Wuli Lake and other sightseeing places to your plan.
Dongshan Circle Route (about 18 km) 东山大环线
Dongshan Bus Starting Terminal (DongshanPostOffice)-Qiyuan Road-DongshanHuanzhen Road-Dongshan Hotel-Sanguantang(Ganlu Temple)-Hanshan Village-Luxiang Village- Hanshan Village-Sanguantang (Ganlu Temple)-Dongshan Twenty-four Bay-Cao Wu-Xiangshui Jian)-Diao Hua Lou-Dongshan Village-Dongshan Bus StartingTerminal
With the vibrant Moli Mountain and the vast and sparkling Taihu Lake on either side,the trail provides pure pleasure and freshness.On the footpath lined with fruit trees,the air itself issweet and crisp under the fluffy clouds beneath the vast blue sky.You can also climb Moli Peak, fromwhich you can overlook the island.
The Lingbai Hiking Trail (about 8 km) 灵白线
Entrance of Lingyan Mountain Park-Lingyan Temple- Dajiao Mountain-Yangchang Ridge -The Ancient Road- Baimajian Longchi Park
The 8-kilometer journey climbs for about 430 meters, which issuitable for new hikers.The jourmey provides a stunning view of the Lingyan Mountain,with dozens of historical and natural sites, such as the Ancient King Wu's Palace Ruins and the Mountain Top Garden, dotting the paths.
Hiking on Tianping Mountain 天平山徒步
Best time to visit:Autumn
Tianping Mountain takes pride in its titles of "the First Mountain of the Ancient Wu" and "the MostBeautiful Scenic Spot South of the Yangtze River". Hiking in autumn,you can enjoy the three wonders of "red maple trees,fantastic stones, and clear springs"and the 18 scenic spots,including Yuquan Qingyin.
The Qionglong Mountain Hiking Trail (about 10 km) 穹窿山健身步道
Sunwu Cultural Park South Gate-Songhai Road Jinji Mountain section-Qionglong Mountain North Gate Bingsheng Road section.
Qionglong Mountain Park is known for its natural forest.Shaded by the greenery, its 10-kilome- ter footpath is therapeutic for both body and mind.
The Shihu Lake Hiking Trail (about 4 km) 石湖步道
East Entrance-Yang Dike-Shi Dike-Wu Dike-Wu and Yue in Springand Autumn-Xingchun Bridge-East Entrance
Shihu Lake is famous for its ancient historical relics and idyllic scenery of the southern Yangtze River.The terrain is gentle throughout the trail,with pleasant fresh air and trees on both sides. In addition,the Legend of Fan Liand Xi Shiand the poems of the mysterious Old Man of Shihu have added a touch of mystery to the historic landmark.
The Wangshan SmallCircle Hiking Trail (about 10 km) 旺山小环线
Jiulong Pond-Qianyuan Temple-Qizi Mountain -Yaofeng Mountain-Jiulong Pond
The trail meanders through a rustling bamboo forest, shading the surroundings with peace and coolness.The journey provides a good view of sweet mountain springs sparkling into crystal clear pools.On the way, there are alsohistorical sites,such as Qianyuan Taoist Temple and ancient cliff carvings.
Recommended Routes
Route 1
Taihu Visitor Center-Mingyuewan Village-Linwu Cave-Shigong Mountain-Qi Garden-Diao
Hua Lou-Biluo Mountain Villa-Zijin Nunnery-Luxiang Village
Route 2
Taihu Lake Cruise -Yuyang Mountain-Qionglong Mountain Scenic Spot-Guangfu Ancient
Town-Taihu Fishing Village -Dongcun Village -Mingyue Bay-Sanshan Islands
