Located in Binhu District, Wuxi City, Jiangsu Province, Taihu Yuantouzhu Scenic Area is a national 5A-level tourist attraction covering 539 hectares, with water area accounting for 60%. Renowned as "the finest spot of Taihu Lake", it offers perfect views of the lake's scenery with its unique landscape of "graceful low hills and vast shallow waters". As one of the world's top three cherry blossom viewing destinations, it attracts millions of visitors each spring.
History and Culture
The name "Yuantouzhu" (Turtle Head Isle) comes from a huge rock protruding into the lake, resembling a turtle raising its head. As early as the Spring and Autumn Period, this was where Wu and Yue cultures intersected. Before the Ming Dynasty, it was just a deserted island until 1918 when industrialist Rong Desheng built "Hengyun Villa", marking the beginning of its tourism development.
The 1930s saw its first peak with attractions like Changchun Bridge and Wanlang Juanxue (Rolling Snow Waves). Guo Moruo's inscription "The finest spot of Taihu Lake is undoubtedly Yuantouzhu" made it famous nationwide. In 1982, it was listed among China's first batch of national key scenic spots.
Main Attractions
Yuantouzhu (Turtle Head Isle)
The core area named for its turtle-head shape. Surrounded by water on three sides, it offers views of Taihu Fairy Island and lake scenery. Main sites include Yuantouzhu Stone Tablet, Chenglan Hall, and Feiyun Pavilion. From the isle, visitors can admire the magnificent "Sails on Taihu" view.
During spring cherry blossom season, this is a prime viewing spot. Autumn offers "Taihu Autumn Colors", while winter presents unique "Taihu Snow Scenes".
Cherry Valley
Covering 20 hectares with over 30,000 cherry trees of 100+ varieties, it ranks among the world's top three cherry blossom destinations alongside Hirosaki Park in Japan and Washington D.C.'s cherry blossoms. Best viewing period is mid-March to early April.
The valley features China-Japan Cherry Blossom Friendship Forest and Cherry Viewing Tower. During night-viewing events, illuminated blossoms create magical atmospheres.
Taihu Fairy Island
Located 2.6km southwest in the lake (12 hectares), accessible by boat. Rich in Taoist culture, it has Lingxiao Palace, Yue Lao Temple (Matchmaker God), and Heavenly Street. The highest point, Tiandu Immortal Mansion (36m altitude), offers 360-degree Taihu views. Annual Taoist cultural festivals are held on the 3rd day of the 3rd lunar month.
Cuisine
Taihu "Three Whites"
Taihu's signature delicacies: white fish, white shrimp, and silver fish. Lakeside restaurants serve steamed white fish, salted white shrimp, and scrambled eggs with silver fish using daily fresh catches.
Wuxi Soup Dumplings
Traditional Wuxi delicacy famous for thin wrappers, generous fillings, and rich broth. "Yi Qin Yuan" in the food street, awarded "China Famous Snack", is recommended for crab roe dumplings.
Taihu Boat Cuisine
Originating from local fishermen, emphasizing original flavors. Boat meal sets include Taihu water shield soup and steamed mandarin fish.
Tickets
Peak season (Mar-Nov): 90 yuan; Off-season (Dec-Feb): 70 yuan (includes shuttle bus and round-trip ferry to Fairy Island). Cherry Blossom Festival (mid-Mar to early Apr): 105 yuan. Seniors 60-69: half price; seniors over 70 & children under 1.4m: free. Night blossom viewing: 50 yuan (after 17:00).
Recommended Itinerary
One-day tour: Morning at Yuantouzhu core area (2hrs) → Ferry to Fairy Island (1.5hrs) → Taihu boat cuisine lunch → Afternoon at Cherry Valley (2hrs) → Sunset viewing. During blossom season, arrive before 7am to avoid crowds.
Transportation
- Bus: Routes 1, 87 to Chongshan Gate
- Metro: Line 4 to Xiajiabian Station, then transfer to shuttle
- Driving: From Shanghai-Nanjing Expressway Wuxi East Exit, about 20mins via Taihu Avenue
- Water bus: Direct from Wuxi Canal Park Pier
Must-Visit Spots
- Yuantouzhu Stone Tablet: Landmark with Guo Moruo's inscription
- Changchun Bridge: Top photography spot during blossom season
- Wanlang Juanxue: Best viewpoint for Taihu waves
- Cherry Viewing Tower: Panoramic valley views
- Tiandu Immortal Mansion: Fairy Island's highest point
Travel Tips
- Best seasons: March-May (blossoms) & September-November (autumn colors)
- Visit on weekdays during blossom season to avoid crowds
- Bring sun protection - strong UV reflection from lake
- Dress warmly for boat rides to Fairy Island
- Photographers should bring wide-angle and telephoto lenses
Important Notices
- Do not pick blossoms or plants
- No swimming or fishing in lake areas
- Protect cultural relics - no carving on structures
- Drone use requires prior approval during blossom season
- Pets not allowed in scenic area
- Remain seated while boats are moving