Little Shihu Lake in Suzhou

Little Shihu Lake in Suzhou

Little Shihu Lake in Suzhou is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

The tour guide is located in the southwestern suburban area of Suzhou, seven kilometers from the ancient city. It consists of the Shihu Resort, Scenic Sightseeing Area, Film and Television Culture Area, and Local Cuisine Area. History: Legend has it that during the Spring and Autumn Period, the Yue State dug a canal to attack the Wu State, cutting through the mountainside and chiseling a waterway to reach Suzhou, hence the name Shihu (Stone Lake). After defeating the Wu State, Fan Li, a famous minister of Yue, took Xi Shi and retired to Taihu Lake from here, which is why there is a nearby town named Lishu (Li’s Villa).

The Shihu scenic area is known for its Wu and Yue historical relics and the pastoral scenery of the Jiangnan water towns. It features numerous ancient temples, pagodas, tombs, as well as villas belonging to Fan Chengda, a renowned pastoral poet of the Song Dynasty. The “Moon String over Stone Lake” at Xingchun Bridge is located east of Chamo Islet on the northern shore of Shihu Lake, also known as the Long Bridge or the Nine-Arch Bridge. It earned the name Nine-Arch Bridge because, instead of a single stream, several brooks flow through its different arches. The bridge is equipped with multi-tiered stone railings where visitors can rest. The bridge deck is built of smooth, flat stones, and the nine arches are interconnected, allowing clear lake water to flow through, reflecting the surroundings beautifully. On the night of the 18th day of the eighth lunar month, when the autumn moon shines bright as silk, the nine arches of Xingchun Bridge each cradle a reflection of the moon, creating the spectacular sight of “moon strings.” Shihu Jingshe: At the end of the Southern Song Dynasty, the famous pastoral poet Fan Chengda retired to Shihu Lake for his later years and called himself the “Old Man of Shihu.” He built a villa at Shihu Lake, also known as Shihu Jingshe, which included various scenic spots such as Beishan Hall, Nongpu Hall, Shoule Hall, Tianjing Pavilion, Qianyan Observatory, Yuxue Slope, Jinxiu Slope, Mengyu Pavilion, Shuohu Pavilion, Yiyun Pavilion, and Mengou Pavilion. Yu Zhuang: In the 21st year of the Republic of China (1932), calligrapher Yu Jue built a villa on the former site of Tianjing Pavilion, commonly known as “Yu Zhuang.” Its main hall, “Fushou Hall,” was bestowed by Empress Dowager Cixi. To the south of the hall, a new lakeside pavilion called Wanghu Pavilion was constructed, offering a panoramic view of Shihu Lake and Shangfang Mountain. A new tea room and fishpond have been added for visitors to enjoy tea, fishing, and relaxation. Yue Di Barbecue Base: This is currently the largest outdoor barbecue base in Suzhou, equipped with all necessary barbecue tools, as well as more than ten small boats and bamboo rafts for recreation. On sunny days, visitors can sit surrounded by green trees or cruise the lake, enjoying the rippling water, lush grass, and the enticing aroma of barbecued food. South China Tiger Breeding Base: The South China tiger is an endangered and rare animal. Here, visitors can learn more about the living habits of the South China tiger and observe its majestic presence. Transportation: Take bus 415 to Xingchun Bridge or bus 33 (which only runs three times a day) to Shihu.

Address: Right turn under Wuzhong Avenue on the Youxin Elevated Road, Wuzhong District, Suzhou (south of Moshe Bridge)

Type: Lake

Recommended visiting time: 1–2 hours

Ticket information:

Free admission.