Taihu Lake

Taihu Lake is located in the boundary of Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces. Most of Taihu Lake Scenic Areas is located in south of Jiangsu Province, in the crossing Suzhou, Wuxi and Changzhou cities. The scenic areas available for tourists are mainly concentrated in the Western Hills Scenic Area and the Eastern Hills Scenic Area in Suzhou, and Tortoise Head Garden in Wuxi. Taihu Lake is the largest lake in the area of eastern coast line of China, as well as the second biggest fresh water lake. Taihu Lake area now has developed into the famous scenic spot in China. Taihu Lake is well-known for its beautiful scenery, which is represented by Tortoise Head Garden in Wuxi.

Taihu Lake is one of the first batches of 12 State-level tourism & resort districts approved by State Department, as well as one of the first batches of the demonstration district of tourism industry of WTO level. Some 90 islets, large or small, plus the presence of many fleets of fishing junk boats add to its landscape, making it a remarkable spectacle. The lake has its credit a thriving fishing industry as well as its ornamental limestone rocks that are native to no other place. These are much favored as accessories used in decorating traditional Chinese gardens in China. Out of all the other islets, Turtle Head Islet is the place which is the most worth visiting.

 

Taihu Lake in Wuxi City

According to many guidebooks, Tai Lake is best seen from the scenic viewpoint in Xihui Park in the west of Wuxi, from the top of Dragon Light Pagoda, from which both Wuxi and Lake Tai are visible. Another well-known panoramic view is from MountLongshan (or Mt. Long), where the famous ancient poet Su Shi (1037-1101) once wrote a poem.

Along the Taihu Lake, Wuxi government built up a Taihu Lake National Tourism Resort. In this resort, there are 57 peaks, 41 streams, and 38 bays. About 46% of this area is covered by forests with about 460 kinds of plants and hundreds of animals. This natural park is the product place of “Three Whites” of Taihu Lake - silver fish, white fish and white shrimp. About 17.5 km to Wuxi city, this resort is easily reached by bus and private coach within about 1.5 hours from downtown Wuxi.

 

What to See of Taihu Lake Scenic Area in Wuxi

Xihui Scenic Area: Huishan Ancient Town

Jichang Garden

Jichang Garden is located at the eastern foot of Huishan Mountain. The trees in the garden are in harmony with the scenery of Huishan Mountain. Looking from Jiashu Hall in the Jichang Garden to the southeast, you can see the Xishan and Longguang Tower in the distance. You will get different scenes on different steps at the Jichang Garden with the nearby winding corridors and pavilions, mountains and lakes.

The ancient trees in the courtyard are towering and desolate. The old camphor tree in Woyun Hall, which was more than 350 years old. It seems that a huge dome has been erected for the courtyard, and the lush garden scenery is intoxicating.

 

Lihu Lake Scenic Area: Li Garden

There are many classical gardens in the south of the Yangtze River. And Li Garden in Wuxi is worth visiting. There is true mountains and true water in the Yuantouzhu in Taihu Lake. There is true mountain in the Huishan Ancient Town. With beautiful Lihu Lake and more than 20 stones of Taihu Lake and the main peak of Guiyun Peak with a height of 12 meters, which constitutes the characteristics of rockery and true water. At the Li Garden, you can see the winding water, stone bridges, rockeries, pavilions and lakes. In spring, you can enjoy the red peach blossoms and green willows. In summer, you can see the lotus blossoms at the Li Garden. In autumn, you can see the osmanthus flowers and enjoy their fragrance. In winter, you can see the plums in the Li Garden. All of the elements compose of a beautiful picture of ink painting south of the Yangtze River.

 

Meiliang Lake Scenic Area: Yuantouzhu Scenic Area

Yuantouzhu is a peninsula in the northern part of Taihu Lake, which is named after floating catfish, and is known as the "first scenic spot in Taihu Lake". At the Yuantouzhu Scenic Area, you can see the Taoist buildings and Buddhist grottoes statues, as well as many historical sites and private gardens built by celebrities and dignitaries in the old days. There are over 30,000 cherry trees at Yuantouzhu Scenic Area. You can enjoy cherry blossoms and take a boat on the Taihu Lake to fully experience the beauty of Yuantouzhu Scenic Area. In autumn and winter, thousands of red-billed gulls from Siberia follow the Taihu Lake cruise ship, forming a smart picture. In addition, Wanlang Bridge is a good place to watch the sunset in Taihu Lake.

 

Best Time to Explore the Taihu Lake

March to May and September to early November is the best time to visit Taihu Lake. May to July is rainy season in Wuxi, but the spring view is quite attractive. September and October (autumn time) is the harvest season of Taihu Lake crabs, which is very famous in China. If you are a fan of having crabs, do not miss it when you visit here. The view in autumn is quite beautiful as well.