He Xiangzhou Park

He Xiangzhou Park

Covering an area of 137,000 square meters, He Xiangzhou Park is the largest island in Shanghu Lake.

Peony Garden: Located in the southern part of He Xiangzhou, it spans over 7,000 square meters and is the largest peony garden in the Jiangnan region. It currently houses over 5,000 peonies of more than 180 varieties across 8 major series, including Luoyang Red, Caozhou Red, Yao Yellow, Wei Purple, Zhao Pink, Night Light, Bean Green, Pouch, Snow Tower, Black Flower King, Green Mountain Through Snow, and Withered Branch Peony. The peonies in the garden rank first in the Jiangnan region in terms of variety, quantity, planting area, and blooming period.

From early April to May each year, with the vast waters of Shanghu Lake rippling, the various peonies in the garden bloom in a dazzling array, forming the famous Shanghu Peony Festival. Changshu has become the third city to host a peony festival, following Luoyang in Henan and Heze in Shandong.

Four Scenes Garden: Located in the northeast of He Xiangzhou. Upon entering the gate and crossing the willow-lined embankment and wisteria arbor, then turning north past the pomegranate garden and the boat dock, you will reach the Four Scenes Garden. Originally a mid-Qing dynasty building from Huachengbang Garden in the southern part of the city, it features five spacious bays with floor-length lattice windows at the front and back. In 1986, it was relocated here as a whole and is the first structure built on He Xiangzhou.

The garden is named “Four Scenes” because to the east there is the “Twin Shadows of the Pagoda Pavilion,” to the west the “Moon Cave for Seeking Seclusion,” to the south the “Sunlit Lotus in Breeze,” and to the north the “Mountain Hues and Wave Sounds.” It is the best spot to enjoy the natural scenery of mountains, water, city, and countryside.

Boya Hall: Situated in the northern part of He Xiangzhou. Originally part of the ancient Ban Ye Garden built by the renowned late Ming and early Qing literary figure Qian Qianyi at the foot of the northern mountain gate in the old city.

In 1988, it was relocated here in its original form. Han Tianheng inscribed the plaque “Boya Hall.” The central beam is carved with the scene “Jiang Taigong Meets King Wen at Eighty,” while the long windows inside feature eight carvings each depicting scenes from Romance of the Three Kingdoms and Journey to the West. The figures are vividly crafted with exquisite detail, leaving viewers in awe. Surrounded by water on all sides and facing the lake bridge, with morning glow and evening mist, weeping willows and swallows flying overhead, sipping tea and enjoying the view here is truly refreshing.

Liuxiang Pavilion: Located on the western inner lake island of He Xiangzhou. Originally the ancestral hall of the Wei family in Weibang, Zhangqiao Town, built by descendants of Wei Jing, a Song dynasty top scholar and Grand Academician of the Zizheng Hall. With a history of 400 years, it was relocated here in its original form in 1987.

Liuxiang Pavilion is surrounded by water on all sides, with bridges on both sides. There is a waterside platform in front where visitors can lean on the railing to admire the “Moon Stringed through the Lake Bridge.” Behind the pavilion, the rustling of bamboo and clusters of reeds accompany birds perching and warblers singing, echoing with gulls and egrets soaring over the vast lake, creating a vibrant and colorful scene.

Hexiang Pavilion: Located at the southwestern end of He Xiangzhou, opposite Peach Blossom Island. This pavilion is built in the center of a lotus pond, connected to a north-south passage via a zigzag bridge. Beneath the pavilion, among the lotuses, sculptures such as the Dragon and Phoenix Playing with a Pearl are displayed, while the pond is encircled with sights such as the twelve zodiac signs, a green maze, and fighter jets. To the east of the pavilion is a waterwheel garden and horse riding area that recreate ancient folk customs, offering views, entertainment, and photo opportunities.

Zhaoshan Tower: Located by the lake in the northwest of He Xiangzhou, it was reconstructed using the name of an ancient building by Shanghu Lake during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The tower faces the Sword Tower of Yushan Mountain across the lake and is one of the main scenic spots in the Shanghu Scenic Area. Climbing to the top offers a clear view of the various scenes of Yushan. Fish leaping in the lake and gulls calling, with green mountains and blue waves blending into one, present an incomparably beautiful sight.

In this tower, you can also sample specialty aquatic delicacies from Shanghu Lake and enjoy a variety of modern recreational facilities. It is a multifunctional attraction that combines sightseeing, gourmet dining, entertainment, and business activities.

Moon Stringed through the Lake Bridge: Located in the northern lake area of He Xiangzhou. Enter the park via the wisteria arbor, turn north, and you will reach the lake bridge. Crossing the bridge leads directly to the camping area and Zhaoshan Tower.

The lake bridge was originally located at the northern entrance of Shanghu Lake. The great Yuan dynasty painter Gongwang often sat alone on the bridge drinking and painting when he lived in seclusion at the western foot of Yushan. Paintings accumulated under the bridge as wine jars piled up. Standing on the bridge and looking around, with water on the left and mountain hues on the right, the scenery is extraordinarily beautiful, making it a prime spot for moon viewing during the Mid-Autumn Festival. When the bright moon rises and its reflection aligns perfectly with the bridge’s arch, it creates a spectacular view. Hence, “Moon Stringed through the Lake Bridge” is one of the Eighteen Scenic Views of Yushan. The original ancient bridge has collapsed, and in 1987, it was rebuilt in He Xiangzhou following the design of the three-arch lake bridge constructed during the Ming Hongzhi era by County Magistrate Yang Ziqi.

Swimming Area: Located in the northwest lake area of Shanghu Lake, to the left of Zhaoshan Tower in He Xiangzhou. Fed by springs from Yushan Mountain, the water in the northern part of Shanghu Lake is crystal clear. Environmental protection efforts have been highly effective, meeting national Class II drinking water standards. In 1993, a natural swimming area covering approximately 100,000 square meters was established here.

The swimming area is divided into shallow and deep sections. The shallow area is paved with yellow sand and pebbles, and on its tropical-style sandy beach planted with lawns and palm trees and other ornamental plants, there are also bamboo pavilions, changing rooms, and facilities for tents, hammocks, lounge chairs, bamboo rafts, sun umbrellas, and even inflatable boats. Safety buoys and warning lines are set between swimming zones, and dedicated patrol boats monitor the area.

In addition, the area also hosts a summer camp base for various swimming-based summer activities. Among the islands and inner lakes, hand-rowed pleasure boats are available for visitors to enjoy the scenery freely. For those seeking thrills, speeding across the vast outer lake in a motorboat sends water droplets flying, providing an exhilarating yet safe experience. Alternatively, gently drifting in a classical painted pleasure boat allows for taking in the full view of green mountains and clear waters, bringing peace to the mind. Traditional dragon boat activities are held annually by villagers by the mountain lake, drawing unprecedented crowds.

Yushan Subdistrict: The Yushan Subdistrict of Changshu City covers an area of 62.7 square kilometers, with a permanent population of 207,000, including 137,000 registered residents. Yushan Subdistrict is positioned as the core area for all-for-one tourism integrating landscapes, water, and the city.

The Jiangsu Provincial Government (Document No. Su Zheng Fu [2017] No. 103) and the Suzhou Municipal Government (Document No. Su Fu Fu [2017] No. 62) have recently issued approvals regarding the adjustment of the administrative divisions of Yushan Town, Changshu City.

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