White Elephant Bay

White Elephant Bay

　White Elephant Bay is located in the western suburbs of Suzhou, north of the Tibetan Book Mutton Food Street. Nestled against the Tianchi Mountain Range to the north and adjacent to the ancient town of Mudu to the east, the area is embraced by rolling peaks and lush greenery, with a serene lake lying within its embrace. Tranquil and picturesque, it serves as an ecological lung for the bustling city and a joyful “Peach Blossom Spring” by Taihu Lake.

◎ Legendary White Elephant Bay, Rich in Mystical Stories

Legend has it that in ancient times, a mischievous eel spirit from Taihu Lake wreaked havoc and harmed local villagers in the White Elephant Bay area. Tormented but powerless, the people could only offer incense and prayers, beseeching the Bodhisattva to exorcise the demon. Upon hearing their pleas, Bodhisattva Samantabhadra dispatched his mount, the six-tusked white elephant, to descend to earth and bring relief. After three days and nights of fierce battle, the white elephant finally subdued the eel spirit, prompting the grateful locals to kneel in thanks. The Bodhisattva then instructed the divine elephant to transform into a mountain to protect the land forever. Hence, the name White Elephant Bay came into being and has been used to this day.

On the eastern side of the mountain bay lies an ancient well with crystal-clear, sweet-tasting water rich in minerals. Locals have traditionally drawn their drinking water from here. It’s said that long-term consumption of this water promotes longevity, which explains why there are many elderly residents in the area. It’s common to see octogenarians and nonagenarians still vigorous and hard at work. Statistics show that Tianchi Village, where White Elephant Bay is located, has 193 residents aged over 80, including 12 who are over 90, earning it the well-deserved title of a “longevity village.”

Moreover, within the natural hamlet of White Elephant Bay, there is a mysterious strip-shaped stone. Though unremarkable in appearance, it bears an awe-inspiring name—the “Nine Dragons, Eight Winds, Mountain Sea Guardian” Stone. Elders in the village say it is a protective mountain stone that safeguards the area’s peace. In earlier times, some villagers ignored warnings and moved the stone, after which a series of sudden deaths among young and middle-aged villagers occurred. The elders quickly returned the stone to its original place, and tranquility was restored to White Elephant Bay.

◎ Hidden Among Mountains and Waters, Every Corner is a View

Surrounded by mountains on all sides and covered by nearly 80% forest, this hidden “Peach Blossom Spring” is full of enchanting scenery: in spring, a riot of blossoms fills the air with fragrance; in summer, cicadas chirp merrily by the stream; in autumn, the full moon reflects on the heart of the lake; and in winter, snow blankets the woods in silence.

Verdant mountains stand like a shield, guarding its serenity; the lake mirrors like a gaze, reflecting its purity. Flowers bloom along the banks of the streams, while mountain breezes gently scatter petals into the water, whispering White Elephant Bay’s secrets in the falling blossoms. Gazing upward, you’ll find yourself encircled by mountains, with birds singing in the dense forests, wisps of clouds drifting softly, each one seemingly floating in the calm waters of Ningxin Lake.

Savoring a cup of tea and sampling small bites at “One Sit One View” offers a delightful taste of leisurely life. Gazing out the window, the essence of autumn pervades the mountain mist—here, a corner of maple leaves glows crimson, there, green foliage turns golden, reds and yellows intermingling with deep greens across the mountain landscape. A quaint pavilion peeks out from the depths of the woods, while fluttering leaves and flowing water weave the autumn fairy tale of White Elephant Bay. Laughter drifts from clusters of visitors along the lakeside wooden fence, and within the grid-like charm, red ribbons carrying people's hopes and blessings flutter from the green trees. Gather a few friends for a picnic in the woods, letting time linger in White Elephant Bay’s afternoon, immersed together in the tranquil tones of autumn. Holding hands with your loved one, wander into Love Valley to watch two playful little white elephant couples frolic, rest on a “Love” bench sharing heartfelt whispers, and even “hang love locks or plant joy trees,” enjoying a serene romance in this idyllic retreat.

◎ Happy Eco Park, Quirky and Unusual

Amidst natural splendor, White Elephant Bay Happy Eco Park also features many quirky and imaginative facilities.

Stepping through the auspicious “Elephant Mountain Gate,” you’re welcomed by the “Three Lucky Elephants”—Kangkang, Xiangxiang, and Lexing. Various elephant sculptures are scattered throughout the scenic area, such as a mother elephant in the woods playfully curling up with her baby, or two cute little elephants splashing merrily by the stream. Inside the Weird House, stereoscopic images themed around “The Elephant and Its Friends” create magical visual illusions—one moment a little elephant pushes open a window and stretches out its trunk, the next, a mammoth named Manny peeks from the rooftop, showing off its long tusks. Each scene vividly depicts the dynamic lives of the elephant and its companions. Standing on Guanguan Has Dao (Every Step Has a Path), you feel as if you’ve entered the world of Super Mario, racing through levels by mastering speed and rhythm. Accidentally step on a certain plank, and it might let out a strange noise—or a surprise spray of mist rains down from above. The Giant Kingdom is a paradise for children, with towering “mushrooms,” massive “carrots,” and gigantic “corn cobs” creating a wonderland reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland. Kids can bypass the chubby village chief holding a staff and head straight for the elephant slide, climbing up the tail and sliding down the trunk. Tired? Just lounge on an enormous “banana” to soak up the sun. In front of the Giant Kingdom stands a gigantic “beehive,” where you can crawl inside and lie down to experience life as a little bee. Want to know what it feels like to walk on air? Try Cloud Walk—a wooden walkway built level with the treetops, letting you stroll high above the ground and share the joy of flying with the birds. How novel!

White Elephant Bay, a joyful mountain village where you can breathe deeply, awaits you with a peaceful heart and a happy smile!

Tips:

1. Gourmet Hunt

◎ Tibetan Book Mutton is a nationally renowned delicacy and a top choice for autumn and winter nourishment. Made from freshly slaughtered goats using a unique wooden-barrel cooking technique, it is famous in the Jiangnan region for being non-greasy, not fishy, with milky-white broth, tender yet firm meat, delicious taste, and never getting tiresome. Historical records trace Tibetan Book Mutton back to the late Yuan and early Ming dynasties, flourishing in the late Qing Dynasty. Today, the Yangtze River Delta region boasts over 1,600 Tibetan Book Mutton restaurants, consuming 600,000 goats annually.

Recommended: The Tibetan Book Mutton Food Street is located 1 km south of White Elephant Bay, featuring over 50 mutton shops of various sizes, including 2 Chinese Time-Honored Brands, 6 Four-Star Mutton Model Shops, and 6 Three-Star Mutton Model Shops. Choose as you wish.

◎ Taihu Lake Hairy Crabs. When chrysanthemums bloom and crab claws itch, these lake crabs, nurtured in the vast waters of Taihu Lake, offer a uniquely delicious flavor: breast meat as tender as whitefish, claw meat as savory as scallops, leg meat as delicate as whitebait, and especially the incredibly rich and delicious crab roe. Historically, literati have even composed timeless poems and paintings about eating crabs. Tang Dynasty poet Lu Guimeng wrote the famous “Fishing Gear Poem” after enjoying Taihu crabs, which he gifted to his friend Pi Rixiu, then residing in Suzhou. Touched, Pi Rixiu responded with Fifteen Odes on Fishing Gear, creating a celebrated exchange. Talented Su Dongpo of Jiangnan, upon tasting Taihu crabs, was inspired to paint the “Drunk Crab Picture.” A Suzhou restaurant owner turned the image into a dish—drunken crab—which caused a sensation in Gusu City, sending crab prices soaring daily.

◎ A Variety of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: honey oranges, chestnuts, ginkgo nuts, wild greens...

◎ Flower Arrangements and Potted Plants: With its humid climate and rich vegetation, the Tibetan Book area is famed as a land of nursery stock. Covering over 120 acres, the Tibetan Book Flower and Tree Market attracts buyers from Shanghai and other areas. To this day, traditional sidelines in the region still include sericulture, woodturning, floriculture, quarrying, mutton production, and inkstone crafting.

◎ Tibetan Book is also known for its famous Chengni inkstones and Chengni stone teapots.

2. Recommended Premium Routes

Visit the ancient town of Mudu (cultural highlight) — Explore joyful White Elephant Bay (ecological highlight) — Savor Tibetan Book mutton (gastronomic highlight), blending culture and ecology, food and fun.

Address: White Elephant Bay Scenic Area, Zangbei Road, Zangshu, Mudu Town, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province

3. Transportation Guide:

1. Within the Suzhou area, take bus routes such as Tourist 4, 38, 43, 58, 63, 64, 65, 69, 502, 512 to Mudu, then transfer to bus 663 directly to the White Elephant Bay Scenic Area.

2. From the Suzhou Sports Center (Carrefour Supermarket) bus terminal, take bus 312 directly to the White Elephant Bay Scenic Area.

Tourist hotline: 0512——66935172

Ticket: 60 RMB

Opening hours: 8:30–16:30