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Located within the Zhangjiagang Free Trade Zone (Jingang Town), the Xiangshan Scenic Area covers 4.37 square kilometers and boasts an elevation of 136.6 meters, the highest in the city. Known as a renowned Jiangnan mountain, Xiangshan has long been renowned for its enchanting scenery and numerous historical sites. Its rugged yet beautiful, majestic yet elegant character is reflected in its rich natural resources and profound historical and cultural heritage.
There has always been a saying that there are "Eighteen Scenic Spots" in Xiangshan. Today, there are still historical sites such as the Saint (Shun) Crossing the Pond, Jiang Taigong's Fishing Platform, Deer Girl Lake, Shengqing Pool, Fairy Ox Back, Chessboard Stone, Three Lives Stone, as well as many popular folk legends.
Subtropical monsoon climate;
Best time to visit in summer and autumn
Eighteen Scenic Spots of Xiangshan
There has always been a saying about the "Eighteen Scenic Spots of Xiangshan", which are: Diaoyutai, Incense Picking Path, Plum Blossom Hall, Inkstone Washing Pool, Stone Tiger Gate, Shengguo Pond, Guanyin Hall, Lotus Tea House, Yuanji Pagoda, Listening to the Song of Pine Trees, Peach Blossom Stream, Shengqing Pool, Piling Well, Night Rain at the Gate, Tiantai Stone, Guigong Cave, Beacon Tower, and Cangjun Cave.
Dongshan Village Cultural Site
The Zhangjiagang Dongshan Village Ruins are located in Dongshan Village, Jingang Town, Zhangjiagang, 3 kilometers north of the Yangtze River. They sit on the eastern slopes of Xiangshan Mountain, 10-12 meters above the Wusong elevation, and 4-6 meters above the surrounding farmland. The site is surrounded by ditches or rivers on three sides and backed by a mountain on one side, covering a total area of approximately 60,000 square meters.
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours
80 yuan
08:00-17:00;
Free admission before 8:00 and after 17:00, closing time: 21:00
Xiangshan Scenic Area, located in Suzhou, is known for its rich historical and cultural significance. The area is home to various temples and pagodas, many of which date back to the Tang and Song dynasties. The hill is also historically important for its connection to Buddhism and its use as a place of meditation and retreat by scholars and monks.
Xiangshan Scenic Area is located in the eastern part of Suzhou. It can be reached by taxi, bus, or car from the city center. For those using public transport, buses to Xiangshan can be taken from major locations in Suzhou. If you prefer walking, it's a short distance from the downtown area, though a taxi is recommended for the most direct access.
The Xiangshan Scenic Area is typically open from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are early mornings for the peaceful atmosphere and late afternoons for the sunset views. Avoid weekends or national holidays, as it tends to get crowded during peak tourist seasons.
The entrance fee for Xiangshan Scenic Area is generally around ¥40-¥60. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or in advance through online platforms such as Trip.com or other local travel websites.
Booking tickets in advance is not mandatory but is recommended during peak seasons or holidays to avoid long lines. Booking a day or two ahead is typically sufficient.
To fully explore Xiangshan Scenic Area, you will need about 2-4 hours. This includes hiking up the hill, visiting temples, and taking in the views. If you plan to relax or take photographs, you might want to allocate extra time.
Guided tours are available, and some may offer audio guides in Mandarin and occasionally in English. It is advisable to check in advance or request an English-speaking guide at the entrance.
Start by entering from the main entrance and follow the paved path that leads to Xiangshan Temple. From there, you can hike up the hill, visiting different pagodas along the way. Once at the top, enjoy the views before returning via a different path down the hill. This route takes you through the most scenic and culturally significant areas of the park.
Night visits and light shows are not commonly offered at Xiangshan Scenic Area. However, the area is occasionally lit up for special events or festivals, so it’s worth checking ahead if planning a visit around a holiday.
Xiangshan Scenic Area can get quite crowded on weekends, holidays, and during the peak tourist season. For a more peaceful visit, try to visit early in the morning or during weekdays. The least crowded times are usually in the off-season (late autumn or early spring).
The main hiking trails may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors, but there are paved paths around the temple areas that are more accessible. Children can enjoy the park, but parents should keep an eye on them near the hiking areas. Accessible services should be confirmed at the entrance in advance.
Mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted at Xiangshan Scenic Area, as well as at nearby restaurants and shops. Cash is still accepted, but digital payments are more common in the area.
There are a few local restaurants around the base of the hill offering traditional Suzhou cuisine. Nearby cafes offer a quiet atmosphere for relaxing after your visit.
Vegetarian and vegan food options are available at some of the local restaurants, especially in the Suzhou city center. Halal food options are available at designated halal restaurants in Suzhou.
Yes, there are souvenir shops near the entrance of the scenic area. Typical souvenirs include traditional Chinese crafts, silk products, tea, and other local Suzhou specialties.
