Taihu Yuantouzhu Scenic

Introducing Taihu Yuantouzhu Scenic (from CGTN & Wikipedia)
Taihu Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in China. It has over 2,000 square kilometers, like a bright pearl sitting in the south of Yangtze River Delta. There are over 40 islets of different sizes and about 70 peaks and peninsulas on the lake, which form a magnificent view of great natural beauty. And one of the best is the Yuantouzhu Island. It was established as a park in 1916 and celebrates its centennial in 2016. Yuantouzhu, also called Turtle Head Isle, gained its name for its huge rocks stretching into the lake – like a turtle with its head held high. However, this natural landscape is more famous for its cherry blossom.

Taihu Yuantouzhu Scenic Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Yuan Tou Zhu 鼋头渚
• Best Time to Visit: March to May
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 1-2 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Cherry blossom, Boating
• Opening Hours: 08:00-17:30 from Apr to Nov; 08:30-17:00 from Dec to Mar
• Entrance Fee: CNY 90 including tourist bus and ferry boat inside the scenic area
• Address: No.1 Yuanzhu Road, Binhu District, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province

What to expect at Taihu Yuantouzhu Scenic

The Yuantouzhu park is famous for its tourism especially during the spring season when hundreds of cherry blossom trees start to bloom. Two gates are open for tourists which are Chongshan gate and Dushan main gate. During the season, there are also at least eight ancient fishing sailboats in the lake. Tourist ferries leave from Yuantouzhu to the Sanshan Islands, which were opened to tourists in the mid-1980s. Seagulls follow the boat and like to be fed by tourists on boat.

Until today, more than 30,000 trees of over 100 different species have been planted here. Yuantouzhu Island has become one of the best places in the world to enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms. The clusters of flowers on the trees look like pink clouds, embellished with rippling waters and ancient buildings. The best time to enjoy the flowers is between the middle of March to the middle of April. Every year during flowering season, the Yuantouzhu Island holds a cherry blossom festival.

 

How to get to Taihu Yuantouzhu Scenic
• Take bus K1 or K87 to Yuantouzhu.
• Rent a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle free private transfer from hotels in Wuxi to Yuantouzhu Scenic.

Additional travel advice on Taihu Yuantouzhu Scenic
• It will be a good experience to take a sightseeing boat tour at the Turtle Head Isle Dock to enjoy the scenery of Taihu Lake.
• It is not recommended to visit the park during public holidays as there are too many tourists.