Taihu Lake Tourism Area of Wuzhong

Taihu Lake Tourism Area of Wuzhong

The Taihu Lake Tourism Area of Wuzhong is a national AAAAA-level tourist attraction.

Taihu Lake Tourism Area of Wuzhong (Wangshan–Qionglongshan–Dongshan)

Bordered by Taihu Lake, the Taihu Lake Tourism Area of Wuzhong encompasses the Dongshan Scenic Area, Qionglongshan Scenic Area, Wangshan, and other sites. In four phrases: the scenery is picturesque and the resources abundant; the history is long-standing and the culture rich; the environment is pristine and the produce plentiful; the location is superior with comprehensive facilities. It became a national 5A-level tourist attraction in 2013.

The beauty of Taihu Lake is best seen in Wuzhong. The Taihu Lake Tourism Area of Suzhou Wuzhong is located on the shores of Taihu Lake in the southwest corner of the "Paradise on Earth"—Suzhou. It includes the Dongshan Scenic Area, known as the “Hometown of Biluochun Tea,” along with Qionglongshan and Wangshan. The shimmering waters, verdant mountains, misty islets, and sailing boats form a stunning contrast with the historic relics scattered across the landscape, presenting a beautiful scroll painting of Jiangnan’s scenery. Taihu Lake is the birthplace of Wu culture and a living museum of historical heritage. Historic sites such as ancient towns, villages, and islands dot the landscape like precious gems, notable both in quantity and quality. Renowned historical figures such as Sun Wu (“Military Sage”), Yang Huizhi (“Sculpture Sage”), Zhang Xu (“Cursive Sage”), Shen Shou (“Embroidery Sage”), Kuai Xiang and Wang Ao (designers of Tiananmen and the Forbidden City), all left their marks here.

Loquats, bayberries, oranges, whitebait, white shrimp, hairy crabs, and Biluochun tea are famous far and wide. Exquisite arts and crafts such as embroidery, carving, kesi silk weaving, architectural design, bronze casting, guqin crafting, and calligraphy mounting have been cherished by emperors and commoners alike throughout dynasties, becoming representatives of Suzhou-style art. Here, the lake is vast though not deep, and the hills are graceful though not towering. Peaks peek through the waves, and scenic spots are spread across the landscape. The views are perfect at any distance—near, middle, or far—and the moods shift with every weather—sunny, cloudy, or rainy. The seasons are distinct: spring is tranquil yet vibrant, summer is passionate and cheerful, autumn is lively and beautiful, and winter is sacred and adorable. Take a sip of Biluochun, scoop up a spoonful of water shield, pop a bayberry in your mouth, or peel a loquat... Experience all four seasons around Taihu Lake. The branches are laden with the nourishment bestowed by Mother Taihu. Whether under clear skies or stormy weather, Taihu remains a beautiful and beloved home for its people.

Dongshan, also known as Dongting Dongshan, is located to the southwest of Suzhou and is a peninsula extending into Taihu Lake. Surrounded by water on three sides, it features vast lakes merging with the horizon and dotted fishing sails and seagulls. The area boasts beautiful natural scenery and abundant produce. In spring, flowers bloom in profusion with fresh green tea buds; during the Dragon Boat Festival, the loquat orchards turn golden and the bayberry trees grow lush; in autumn, the hillsides are covered with citrus groves, appearing as red dots amidst endless green from afar, and heavy fruit-laden trees bending low up close. This renowned natural scenic area is filled with dense forests and majestic green hills. Boating on the lake offers endless delight. Dongshan combines the beauty of landscapes, stones, culture, flowers and fruits, hidden hermitages, fairyland charm, and mountain-water vistas. Ancient people praised it for its mountainous excellence, stone wonders, dwelling charm, floral and fruit abundance, hidden peaks, ethereal beauty, and landscape splendor. The beauty of Dongting lies in its mountains, and the “Moli Panorama” offers the finest view of Dongshan. Watching the sunrise from Moli Peak, as dawn breaks through the lingering morning mist, is an awe-inspiring and moving spectacle. The verdant peak, with its enchanting scenery, makes you feel as if you’ve entered a fairyland as the peaks drift in the clouds and villages emerge and disappear below.

In addition, Dongshan’s famous specialties—Biluochun tea, white sand loquats, bayberries, ginkgo, and water shield—have histories spanning hundreds or even thousands of years, enriched by numerous local legends that enhance the cultural depth of the area. Truly: indulge in leisurely elegance, explore breathtaking scenery; wander through ancient gardens, towns, and villages, and savor their authentic charm.

Qionglongshan Scenic Area features Qionglong Mountain, which resembles a hairpin and stands 341.7 meters above sea level. The Sanmao Peak looks like a floating straw hat, commonly known as Lidai Peak. The mountain has two ridges, eastern and western Copper Ridges, where elites gather and the atmosphere is serene. There are four springs on the mountain: Shuangxi Spring flows ceaselessly, Guazhang Spring reflects clear stillness, Fayu Spring rushes toward farmlands, and Baiyang Spring tastes sweet and pure. After heavy rain, the streams in Maopeng Valley rush down with a thunderous splash against rocks.

Qionglongshan Scenic Area boasts rich natural resources. As you climb the steps, the scenery constantly changes—sometimes with lush pines and bamboos, sometimes with murmuring springs—creating an extremely tranquil and peaceful environment. The 612-acre provincial nature reserve—Maopeng Valley—is a natural botanical museum, home to rare tree species such as Niubishuan, Duansui Bamboo, and Zinan, as well as medicinal plants like Qiongshu, Sanqi, Dangshen, Lingzhi, and Heshouwu. There are 151 identified medicinal plant species. The vast sea of trees, with their height and depth, creates a richly layered, serene, and elegant environment. The fragrant scents of the trees are refreshing, and their unique shapes are a joy to behold. Qionglongshan is also the largest “natural forest oxygen bar” in the Suzhou area, with abundant oxygen and 20,000 negative oxygen ions per cubic meter—400 to 500 times the normal concentration.

Qionglongshan Scenic Area has a long history, integrating politics, military affairs, religion, and culture. Its rich cultural heritage is another key asset. The Maopeng Valley, where “the empty cliff reaches halfway to ten thousand ren,” is said to be the former residence of Zhu Maichen from the Western Han Dynasty. A stone slab remains, inscribed with ten large characters by Du Mu in 1509 (the 14th year of the Zhengde era in the Ming Dynasty): “The place where Zhu Gong, Governor of Kuaiji in the Han Dynasty, studied.” The scholar Li Genyuan also left an inscription here. Academic research confirms that Qionglongshan was the hermitage of Sun Wu, where he wrote his timeless masterpiece—The Art of War. In recent years, sites such as the Sun Wu Memorial, the full-text stele of The Art of War, the Hall of the Military Sage, the Stele Corridor, and the Sino-Japanese Friendship Cherry Blossom Grove Monument have been built here.

Suzhou Qionglongshan is the perfect place to reflect on ancient and modern times, trace millennia of historical legacy, relax and enjoy the sounds of nature.

The Qionglongshan Scenic Area is a key project under Wuzhong District’s initiative to “showcase the most beautiful Taihu landscapes and build a new Wuzhong city.” Future development will focus not only on enhancing basic infrastructure but also on optimizing the balance of food, accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, shopping, and entertainment. Greater emphasis will be placed on expanding and deepening the cultural significance of the area. With further planning, Qionglongshan will surely become a renowned mountain on Taihu, rooted in natural ecological resources, themed around Sunzi culture, and complemented by religious, imperial, and leisure cultures.

“Wangshan Eco-Farmstead—A Pastoral Dreamland” is located 8 kilometers southwest of Suzhou, authentically showcasing the pastoral idyll of “Wuzhong’s Eco-Green Garden and Wangshan’s Poetic Dreamland.” The eco-park includes the Qianjiawu Farmhouse Fun area, Gengdao Agricultural Participation Zone, Agricultural Sightseeing Park, and Yaofeng Mountain hiking spot. Qianjiawu is an original natural village with strong rural charm, neat and orderly houses, and a peaceful, beautiful environment. Aligned with the leisure concept of modern urbanites, Qianjiawu is designed as a farmhouse tourism destination, mainly offering authentic rural cuisine and accommodation, providing simple and rustic services. At the Gengdao Agricultural Participation Zone, you can learn about farming basics and labor, understand harmony with nature through outdoor activities, get up close with water by wading in a clear, blue stream, enjoy fishing, or join countryside barbecues for total relaxation.

The Ginkgo Demonstration Base, a science education and sightseeing area surrounded by green hills, offers fresh air and beautiful scenery. The 300-acre ginkgo base intercrops with Biluochun tea trees, making it a great spot for forest exploration and agricultural tourism.

The Biluochun Tea Garden spans over 300 acres and produces the renowned Biluochun tea, a green and pollution-free product. It serves as both an agricultural science sightseeing destination and a place to admire the pastoral beauty of endless tea fields.

As early as over 2,500 years ago, the Xishi Pond Scenic Area became a strategic stronghold southwest of the Wu Kingdom capital due to its location “by the lake controlling Yue.” At that time, the southern part of Helü City was mostly water and marshland. Transportation between Yue and Wu mainly relied on Taihu waterways, and this spot was the landing point from Taihu before crossing the mountains to reach the Wu capital. Thus, it was somewhat like what we now call a “port.”

Baohua Temple, also known as Baohua Chan Temple, is located in Baohua Valley, Xuejiawan, Wangshan Village. Originally built in the second year of the Tianjian era of the Liang Dynasty in the Southern Dynasties (503 AD), it has a history of 1,500 years.

Su Zimei wrote: “Climbing Yaofeng from the southwest, they say it’s where Yao once stood. Great rivers cannot submerge it, and myriads make their home atop.” Yaofeng Mountain has always been a great place for hiking. From its summit, you can gaze over the vast Taihu scenery and even see the misty vistas of Wujiang. It truly gives you the feeling of “looking down on all the other peaks.” “Thousands of green bamboo shadows reach the sky, with the wind’s melody and birdsong adding to the mountain’s serenity.” The natural beauty of Yaofeng Valley allows you to immerse yourself in nature, relax your mood, and enjoy the pure green tranquility.

The area is also known for its local snacks. This place is the starting point of an ancient route, symbolizing its historical significance. Ancient people remarked: “Climbing up to A, the clouds are just a few zhang away,” and “Mist rises from the treetops like smoke.” The valley is often shrouded in mist, with only a few clearings. It’s a great place to unwind, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy the natural green serenity. The local cuisine is also distinctive. In ancient times, there was a saying: “After eating this, you won’t want to leave for several days.” The area is rich in local flavors. During the dynastic period, it was said that “after eating this dish, you’ll dream of it again after seven days.” The region’s unique culinary offerings are memorable. The waterways are not rough either. In a certain year of the imperial era, a flood submerged the entire area, but the locals near the waterway remained unharmed. The nearby residents say the waterway is “not too deep.” The terrain here is quite varied, with shapes constantly shifting. There’s also the issue of the nearby mountain being not very steep. During a certain dynasty, a flood occurred, submerging the homes of many villagers, but the people nearby were unscathed. The area near the waterway is particularly dangerous. There are many boats, and the water is quite deep. The area is full of charm.

Suzhou Taihu Lakeside National Wetland Park is a complementary park to the Taihu Tourist Center, located in the central area of the Taihu Lakeside Scenic Boulevard. It stretches 2 kilometers from the Shuifengche entrance on the east to Taihu Xintiandi on the west. The park features eight main attractions: “Stacked Bridge Exploration,” “Reed Marsh Labyrinth,” “Leisurely Twin Pavilions,” “Windmill Embankment Shadows,” “Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea,” “Gulls and Egrets Returning Home,” “Fishing Boats at Dusk,” and “Sunset Waves.” It’s a place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, immerse yourself in Taihu’s landscapes, experience nature’s wild charm, and enjoy the local Wu culture.

Taihu Lakeside National Wetland Park is an important component of the Taihu Tourist Center. It is divided into seven zones: the Entrance Area, Golden Fir and Silver Reed Area, Meihua Valley Service Area, Waterside Courtyard Fragrance Scenic Area, “Xintiandi” Leisure Service Area, Lakeside Strolling and Recreation Area, and Taihu Water Dining Area. Along the lakeshore, trees, lawns, landscape features, and restored historic sites have been added. It’s an ecological theme park focusing on aquatic plant viewing, ecological education, migratory bird habitats, walking trails, and wetland landscapes centered around reed marshes. Through continuous improvement and development, the park has become not only an urban “green lung” but also a place where visitors can closely experience the beauty of Taihu.

Further Reading:

· First Batch of National Scenic Areas