Located in southwest Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, Suzhou Taihu Lake Tourist Area is a national 5A-level scenic spot covering approximately 1,851 square kilometers (including 2,425 sq km water area of Taihu Lake). Centering on Taihu Lake and spanning Wuzhong, Xiangcheng, and High-Tech districts, it boasts 58 of the "72 Peaks of Taihu", forming a unique landscape of "mountains beyond mountains, lakes within lakes".
History and Culture
As one origin of Wu culture, Taihu area hosted ancient inhabitants since Neolithic times. During the Spring and Autumn Period, Wu and Yue kingdoms contended here, leaving historical relics. Since Song Dynasty, it became a retreat for literati, visited by figures like Fan Zhongyan and Tang Bohu.
Ming-Qing periods saw distinctive fishing-farming culture develop along Taihu's shores. The fishing techniques for "Taihu Three Whites" (white fish, white shrimp, silver fish) are listed as Jiangsu intangible cultural heritage.
Main Attractions
West Hill Scenic Area
Taihu's largest island (79.8 sq km), known as "Taihu's Penglai". Highlights include Linwu Cave (9th Taoist Grotto-Heaven), Shigong Hill, and Mingyue Bay ancient village. Famous for Biluochun tea and Taihu stones, it's especially lively during spring tea-picking season.
Mingyue Bay's well-preserved Ming-Qing architecture showcases typical Taihu fishing village charm. Its millennium-old pier offers perfect sunset views.
East Hill Scenic Area
Renowned as "Flower-Fruit Mountain" and China's top loquat producer. Attractions include Qiyuan Garden (Xi Family Garden), Zijin Nunnery, and Luxiang ancient village. Qiyuan uniquely incorporates Taihu views into its lakeside-mountainfoot design.
Zijin Nunnery houses famous Song Dynasty clay arhat statues - 16 vivid figures considered among China's top three arhat sculpture collections.
Guangfu Scenic Area
Famed as "Sea of Fragrant Snow", one of China's four premier plum blossom destinations. Sitou Temple features four 1,000-year-old cypresses supposedly planted by Eastern Han minister Deng Yu, named "Qing, Qi, Gu, Guai" by Emperor Qianlong.
Guangfu is also birthplace of "Suzhou-style" mahogany furniture craftsmanship, where visitors can observe this intangible heritage in workshops.
Cuisine
Taihu Boat Cuisine
Originating from fishermen, emphasizing freshness and seasonality. Specialties include Taihu water shield soup with silver fish, steamed white fish, and salted white shrimp. "Taihu Boat Cuisine Restaurant" on West Hill offers most authentic experiences.
Dongting Biluochun Tea
One of China's top ten teas, grown around Taihu. Its spiral-shaped leaves brew into fragrant liquor. Around Qingming Festival, visitors can participate in tea-picking and processing.
East Hill Loquats
Geographical indication product, with "White Sand" variety being most prized. May-June harvest yields juicy, sweet fruits. East Hill Town hosts annual Loquat Culture Tourism Festival.
Tickets
Separate tickets: West Hill 80 yuan (includes Linwu Cave, Shigong Hill), East Hill 60 yuan (includes Qiyuan, Zijin Nunnery), Guangfu 50 yuan. Combo ticket 150 yuan (valid 3 days). Seniors 60-69: half price; over 70 & children under 1.4m: free. Sightseeing cruises extra 80 yuan/person.
Recommended Itinerary
Two-day tour: Day 1 - West Hill (Linwu Cave → Shigong Hill → Mingyue Bay), stay at lakeside inn; Day 2 - East Hill (Qiyuan → Zijin Nunnery), afternoon plum viewing or mahogany craft in Guangfu. Extended tours can add Taihu Wetland Park and Yuyang Hill.
Transportation
- Driving: From Shanghai via Huchang Expressway Taihu Exit; from Nanjing via Changshen Expressway East Hill Exit
- Bus: From Suzhou Station, take Route 69 to West Hill, 502 to East Hill
- High-speed rail: Transfer to buses/taxis at Suzhou or North Station
- Water transport: Sightseeing ferries connect attractions from Taihu Pier
Must-Visit Spots
- Linwu Cave: Taoism's "9th Grotto-Heaven"
- Mingyue Bay Pier: Best sunset viewpoint
- Qiyuan Garden: Only lakeside-mountainfoot Jiangnan garden
- Zijin Nunnery: Song Dynasty arhat sculpture treasure
- Sea of Fragrant Snow: Top plum blossom destination
Travel Tips
- Best seasons: spring-autumn; March-April for plums, May-June for loquats
- Allocate minimum 2 days for full Taihu experience
- Rent vehicles/e-bikes for exploring spacious West Hill
- For fresher lake cuisine, try small village restaurants
- Photographers should visit Mingyue Bay at dawn
Important Notices
- Swim only in designated safe areas of vast Taihu
- Protect ancient villages - no touching historic structures
- Follow guidance during tea/fruit-picking activities
- Remain seated while boats are moving
- No unauthorized drone flights in scenic area
- Rain gear recommended during plum rain season