Taihu East Mountain Scenic Area

Taihu East Mountain Scenic Area

Dongshan, also known as Dongting East Mountain, is located southwest of Suzhou City. It is a peninsula extending into Taihu Lake, surrounded by water on three sides, with vast lake views stretching to the horizon and dotted with fishing boats and seabirds. The area boasts beautiful natural scenery and abundant local produce. In spring, flowers of all colors bloom and tea buds appear fresh and green; during the Dragon Boat Festival, loquat orchards turn golden-green and bayberry branches grow strong and lush; in autumn, citrus orchards cover the mountainsides, with red fruits dotting the green landscape from afar and heavy fruit-laden branches bowing down up close. Within this famous natural scenic area, verdant mountains stand like walls, forests are dense, and boating on the lake is an experience that makes one linger and forget to return.

Dongshan offers not only the beauty of mountains, rivers, forests, and rocks but also a rich collection of cultural and scenic highlights. Ancient visitors praised it for its mountain charm, rock formations, residential elegance, floral and fruit abundance, secluded mountain charm, fairyland beauty, and landscape splendor. The beauty of Dongting lies in its mountains, with the “Moli Panorama” being the foremost view of the entire East Mountain area. At dawn, when the morning glow begins and the mist has not yet cleared, climbing Moli Peak to watch the sun rise in all its glory is even more magnificent and breathtaking. Moli Peak is lush and picturesque, and standing at its summit, surrounded by drifting clouds, with fields and villages below appearing and disappearing, feels like stepping into a fairyland.

Additionally, Dongshan’s famous and high-quality specialties such as Biluochun tea, Baisha loquats, bayberries, ginkgo, and water shield have histories of several hundred or even a thousand years, along with many folk legends that enrich the historical and cultural significance of the area.

Suggested Tour Route

Qiyuan Garden — Mountain Loop Road — Luxiang Ancient Village — Zijin Nunnery — Carved Flower Mansion

In the morning, visit the “Chinese Lakeside Royal Garden — Qiyuan Garden” to appreciate the refined charm of a royal garden by Taihu Lake; enjoy the scenery along the Mountain Loop Road and arrive at the “No.1 Ancient Village of Jiangnan — Luxiang Ancient Village” to explore the Ming Dynasty village layout of “one street and six lanes” and the No.1 Scholar Memorial Archway of Prime Minister Wang Ao.

After lunch, head to the “Southern Song Masterpiece, Unparalleled in the World — Zijin Nunnery” to admire the world-renowned painted clay arhat statues; finally, visit the “No.1 Mansion of Jiangnan — Carved Flower Mansion” to experience the exquisite artistry of traditional Chinese “brick, wood, stone, and gold” carvings.

Scenic Area Address: Located within Dongshan Town, Taihu East Mountain, Wuzhong District, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province

Transportation: Take bus routes 502, 621, 624, etc., in Suzhou City and get off at Dongshan Station.

Dongshan Town: Dongshan Town is located southwest of Suzhou, 37 kilometers from the ancient city of Suzhou, and is a dazzling pearl by Taihu Lake. The town covers a total area of 96.55 square kilometers, governs 13 villages (communities), and has a current resident population of 54,000. Surrounded by water on three sides with a pleasant climate and rich natural resources, Dongshan Town is a renowned land of flowers, fruits, fish, and rice, enjoying the reputations of “China’s Hometown of Biluochun Tea” and “China’s Hometown of Taihu Crabs.” Biluochun tea, Baisha loquats, dark purple bayberries, Taihu hairy crabs, various premium vegetables, and precious Taihu aquatic products are available year-round. “Every season has fruit, every month has flowers, ... Dongshan Town detailed information++”

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