Located in Suzhou Industrial Park, Jiangsu Province, Jinji Lake Scenic Area is a national 5A-level tourist attraction and a national business tourism demonstration zone. Covering 11.5 square kilometers with a water area of 7.4 square kilometers and a 14km lakeshore, it's one of China's largest urban lake parks. Jinji Lake perfectly blends modern urban style with Jiangnan water town characteristics, creating a unique "business tourism + cultural leisure" development model.
History and Culture
Jinji Lake has a long history dating back to the Spring and Autumn Period, originally a remnant of ancient Taihu Lake. Its name comes from a beautiful legend: a golden chicken once landed in the lake. During Ming and Qing dynasties, it served as an important water conservancy hub and fishing ground east of Suzhou.
After the establishment of Suzhou Industrial Park in 1994, Jinji Lake underwent modernization. Over 20 years of development transformed it from farmland and fishing villages into a modern international business district, showcasing Suzhou's reform and opening achievements.
Main Attractions
The Gate to the East
This 301.8-meter landmark, nicknamed "Big Pants" for its unique shape, is Suzhou's tallest building. Its lower part forms a huge doorway framing Jinji Lake and distant Suzhou ancient city, symbolizing the connection between past and present.
The Gate houses upscale shopping centers and an observation deck. The 58th-floor sky bar offers 360-degree panoramic views of Suzhou, making it the best urban photography spot.
Moonlight Wharf
Located on the west shore, Moonlight Wharf is the center of Jinji Lake's nightlife. Designed by internationally renowned architects, it blends modern architecture with Jiangnan water town elements, featuring boat docks and waterfront platforms.
Nightly musical fountain and water screen shows attract crowds, with weekend drone light shows. Surrounded by high-end restaurants and bars, it's a benchmark for Suzhou's nighttime economy.
Li Gong Causeway
This 2.2km lakeside causeway was built in 1891 by Li Chaoqiong, then magistrate of Yuanhe County. Now renovated, it's become a characteristic district integrating culture, commerce and leisure.
The causeway features art galleries and boutiques, most notably Yao Jianping Embroidery Art Museum and Jinji Lake Art Museum. Lit up at night, it resembles a glittering jade belt floating on the lake.
Cuisine
Suzhou Cuisine
High-end Suzhou restaurants like Songhelou and Deyuelou cluster around Jinji Lake. Must-try classics include squirrel-shaped mandarin fish, stir-fried shrimp, and sizzling eel. "Jinji Lake Vinegar Fish" is an innovative local specialty.
International Cuisine
As an international business district, Jinji Lake offers many Michelin-starred and ethnic restaurants. The Eslite Spectrum Suzhou food court serves authentic Taiwanese snacks, while Times Square gathers global flavors.
Lake Delicacies
Jinji Lake produces premium whitebait and white fish. "Lake Delicacy House" on Li Gong Causeway is famous for creative lake cuisine, its signature "Golden Whitebait Soup" winning Suzhou culinary competition gold.
Tickets
Jinji Lake is an open urban park with free admission. Some attractions charge separately: The Gate observation deck 80 yuan, boat rides 60 yuan (80 yuan for night cruises), musical fountain VIP area 50 yuan. Suzhou Leisure Annual Card offers unlimited boat rides.
Recommended Itinerary
One-day tour: Morning at Suzhou Center Mall and The Gate → Lunch at Li Gong Causeway → Afternoon at Eslite Spectrum Suzhou → Evening boat ride from Moonlight Wharf → Night musical fountain. Business visitors can add Industrial Park Planning Exhibition Hall and Modern Media Plaza.
Transportation
- Metro: Line 1 to Culture Expo Center or The Gate station
- Bus: Multiple routes available, Loop Line 108 most convenient
- Driving: Large underground parking west side, 6 yuan first hour
- Bike-sharing: Multiple docks around lake, ideal for cycling
Must-Visit Attractions
- The Gate observation deck: Panoramic city views
- Musical fountain: Nightly 19:30-20:00
- Eslite Spectrum Suzhou: First mainland flagship store
- Li Gong Causeway night view: Light show until 22:00
- Times Square Sky Screen: World's largest LED canopy
Travel Tips
- Best seasons are spring and autumn, avoid rainy season
- Start visits in evening for best night views
- Lakeside walk takes 3 hours, bike rentals available
- Book upscale restaurants 1-2 days ahead
- Avoid weekends/holidays for smaller crowds
Important Notices
- No swimming outside designated areas
- Drone flying requires prior application
- Pets prohibited in fountain areas
- Cycling speed limit 15km/h, watch for pedestrians
- Commercial photography needs permit
- No commercial activities without authorization