Suzhou Shahu Ecological Park

Suzhou Shahu Ecological Park

Shahu Ecological Park is currently the largest park in Suzhou Industrial Park, covering an area of 1.21 million square meters, including 670,000 square meters of land and 540,000 square meters of water. It is situated to the east of the second and third phases of the industrial park development zone, bordered by Fengli Street to the east, Xinghua Street to the west, Suhong East Road to the north, and directly adjacent to Modern Avenue to the south. The park consists of three small islands in the lake: Cherry Blossom Island (approximately 48,000 square meters), Crabapple Island (approximately 5,000 square meters), and Reed Island (approximately 6,000 square meters).

The overall planning of the park was carried out by the Australian JWP Design Company, with specific design executed by Hezhan Design Company. The site was originally a water-land passage area at the junction of Weiting Town and Xietang Town, featuring a natural wetland ecological environment. Building an ecological park that integrates leisure, entertainment, and landscape was the optimal choice. The area was originally a low-lying section where rivers intersected. Tackling the existing conditions was one of the biggest engineering challenges. To avoid extensive excavation and transportation, the approach involved largely preserving the original terrain while undertaking appropriate dredging, and constructing the landforms without disrupting the natural water system’s connectivity. Starting in 2002, a comprehensive dredging project was carried out on East Shahu, lasting over a year, which largely met the topographic design requirements, resulting in a landscape with hills (mounds), islands, rivers, and shoals. The highest point reaches 7 meters, while the lowest riverbed is 3 meters. Among them, Cherry Blossom Island is the largest island in the park, stretching approximately 1,500 meters in length with an area of 48,000 square meters.

The park features 2.5 kilometers of main vehicle roads, about 10 kilometers of pedestrian secondary roads, and 9 parking lots. To complement the ecological environment, 15,000 square meters of scenic wooden boardwalks and 15 different landscape bridges have been designed, ensuring all sections are interconnected.

Related Attractions

Jiajie Garden: This garden is composed of modules made up of various colorful shrubs that change with the seasons. Here you can find the vibrant beauty of dwarf crape myrtle and the elegance of red osmanthus, forming a traditional Chinese "Jiajie" dyeing technique that produces a uniquely colorful silk capital.

Meiyin Stream: Comprising dozens of varieties of plum blossoms, this plum blossom landscape evokes the poetic line “Sparse shadows slant across clear shallow water; subtle fragrance floats in the moonlight of dusk,” bringing a refreshing sense of joy to visitors.

Qianyan Canal: Along the wide canal, brightly colored flowers bloom vibrantly on both sides, creating an overwhelmingly beautiful spectacle.

Crabapple Island: Over 30 varieties of crabapple trees are planted on this island, including drooping crabapples with fiery red hues, vibrant pink-rooted crabapples, and densely blooming dwarf crabapples.

Fenlun Sea: The most spectacular among the nine scenic areas is "Fenlun Sea." In spring, peach and plum blossoms compete in brilliance, while apricot and pear blossoms vie for attention, presenting a dazzling array of colors.

Bowang Slope: Located on the northern bank, when you look southward, the entire surface of Shahu Lake unfolds before your eyes. Across the water, the blooming cherry blossoms resemble white clouds or mist, offering a uniquely serene ambiance.

Cherry Blossom Isle: This is a sea of flowers formed by over a thousand cherry blossom trees.

Shawutong: Shawutong is a naturally formed 10-acre reed island where birds soar through the reeds, making it a rare urban landscape and also a unique feature of East Shahu.

Yushasha: At the southeastern corner of Shahu Lake lies a sandy beach covered with gravel, resembling sheer silk in appearance with a jade-like luster. Beautiful stones dot the area, and bamboo groves stand tall, making it an excellent spot for enjoying Shahu’s natural ecology.

Transportation Guide

Park Address: Intersection of Modern Avenue and Xinghua Street, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province

Public Transport: Take bus routes 111, 117 (air-conditioned), 148, 148 (air-conditioned), 205, 215, or others within Suzhou City, and get off at Dongshahu Park South Station.