Taihu West Mountain National Geopark

Taihu West Mountain National Geopark

Taihu West Mountain National Geopark is a national geopark and a science education base.

Taihu West Mountain National Geopark is located in the southeastern part of Taihu Lake and includes West Mountain Island itself as well as over twenty smaller islands such as Taohua Island, Sanshan Island, and Hengshan Archipelago. Among them, West Mountain Island is the largest island in Taihu Lake and also the largest freshwater lake island in China. The main peak of West Mountain Island, Piaomiao Peak, stands at an elevation of 336.6 meters and is the highest of the seventy-two peaks of Taihu Lake.

The park features well-developed vegetation and is now a national forest park. Common tree species include Masson pine, white oak, holly, camphor, and Chinese chestnut, along with distinctive plum orchards, citrus orchards, and tea plantations. Around Piaomiao Peak, springs are abundant, often forming streams, natural reservoirs, and waterfalls. The water quality is excellent and can be consumed without any treatment. Truly, it is a paradise of green mountains and clear waters.

The geological heritage of the West Mountain area is rich and diverse, integrating mountains, water, caves, and rocks. It also encompasses strata, structures, paleontological sites, and other scientifically valuable formations. Coupled with long-standing cultural landscapes renowned both domestically and abroad, the park is imbued with captivating charm. Based on the combination of natural and cultural features, the park is divided into nine scenic areas: 1. Bridge and Islands Scenic Area; 2. West Mountain Town Scenic Area; 3. Piaomiao Peak Scenic Area; 4. Lüli Scenic Area; 5. Yuanshan Scenic Area; 6. Linwu Mountain Scenic Area; 7. Xiaoxia Bay Scenic Area; 8. Shigong Mountain Scenic Area; 9. Sanshan Island Scenic Area.