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Explore Taihu Fairy Island by taking a boat tour of Taihu Lake. Visit the iconic Fairy Hill and enjoy scenic views of the lake. You can also experience the local folklore, try the local cuisine, or relax at the tea gardens.
Taihu Fairy Island, formerly known as Sanshan, is located 2.6 kilometers southwest of Yuantouzhu, atop the Three Mountains. Shaped like a divine turtle, it's commonly known as "Turtle Mountain." Covering a total area of 12 hectares, it comprises four small islands: Dongya, Xiya, Daji, and Xiaoji, totaling approximately 2 square kilometers and a circumference of approximately 2.5 kilometers.
The island is lushly forested, dotted with magnificent buildings and the Yaochi Cave. Attractions include the Fairy Island Archway, Huixian Bridge, Yuelao Cave, Tiandu Immortal Mansion, Tianjie, Taiyi Temple of Heaven, Lingxiao Palace, Dajue Bay, and Xianfo Cave. Add to that the playful monkey scene, and the island is a unique landscape that blends traditional Chinese history and culture with beautiful scenery. Visitors on the island, listening to ancient music and admiring the breathtaking scenery, feel as if they have ascended to the "Penglai Fairyland," floating in the air.
Climate: Subtropical monsoon climate
Travel time: All seasons are suitable for travel
Sightseeing spots: Fairy Island Archway, Huixian Bridge, Yuelao Cave, Tiandu Fairy Palace, Tianjie, Taiyi Temple of Heaven, Lingxiao Palace, Dajue Bay, Xianfo Cave
Play time: 3-4 hours
Tickets for Taihu Fairy Island: Adult ticket 36 yuan/person
Tickets can also be included in the Yuantouzhu Scenic Area ticket:
Adult retail price is 105 yuan, and the official website price is 99 yuan.
It includes Yuantouzhu entrance fee, transportation within the scenic area, Taihu Fairy Island entrance fee, and round-trip boat tickets to Taihu Fairy Island.
Children under 1.4 meters are free of charge; those over 1.4 meters (6-18 years old) are charged 50 yuan.
8:00-17:30 (non-winter);
8:30-17:00 (winter).
Taihu Fairy Island, located on the scenic Taihu Lake, has long been a place of legend and natural beauty. Known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, it is often associated with ancient myths about fairies and gods.
The island is located on the southwestern part of Taihu Lake in Wuxi, Jiangsu. It can be reached by boat from the Taihu Lake dock. Taxis and private transport are also available from the city center, with a short drive to the lake's shore followed by a boat ride.
The island is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and the views are particularly stunning. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.
The entrance fee for Taihu Fairy Island is approximately 100-150 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online via the official website or travel platforms.
It’s not necessary to book tickets in advance for regular visits, but it is recommended for peak seasons or if you're joining a special event. Booking 1-2 days in advance is sufficient.
You will need around 3-4 hours to fully explore Taihu Fairy Island, including a boat tour and time to visit the main attractions like Fairy Hill and local temples.
The must-see spots include the Fairy Hill, the Fairy Island Temple, scenic spots along the lakeside, and the traditional tea gardens. The boat ride across the lake is also a highlight.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides in English are available for rent at the entrance to enhance your experience of the island’s history and legends.
The best viewpoints include the top of Fairy Hill, where you can capture panoramic views of the lake. The lakeside paths also offer great opportunities for photography, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Start with a boat ride from the dock, followed by a visit to Fairy Hill for the best views. Then, explore the temple and tea gardens before walking along the lakeside paths for a relaxed experience.
Currently, night visits or light shows are not offered, but there are occasional special events or festivals held during peak seasons. It's worth checking the schedule before your visit.
The island can be crowded on weekends and public holidays. The best times to visit are on weekdays, especially during the off-peak seasons in spring and autumn.
There are clean restrooms, several rest areas with benches, a few small shops selling local products, and a couple of tea houses offering refreshments.
The island is generally accessible to elderly and disabled visitors, with ramps and some areas designed for ease of access. However, some parts, especially on Fairy Hill, may be difficult to navigate for those with mobility issues.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely accepted. Cash is not commonly needed, but small vendors may prefer it in some cases.
Inside the island, there are small tea houses serving local snacks and beverages. Nearby, you can find several restaurants in the Wuxi city center offering local delicacies, especially freshwater fish from Taihu Lake.
Vegetarian options are available at the tea houses on the island, and vegan options can be found at nearby restaurants. Halal food options are limited but can be found in Wuxi’s city center.
There are several hotels near the island, including the Grand Park Wuxi, Taihu International Hotel, and budget-friendly options in the city center.
Nearby attractions include the Wuxi Museum, Taihu Lake, and Nanchan Temple. You can easily combine these landmarks into a day trip from Taihu Fairy Island.
Yes, there are small souvenir shops selling items like Taihu Lake-themed crafts, local tea, and traditional Chinese souvenirs such as silk and calligraphy.
From the island, you can take a taxi or public transport to nearby attractions like Taihu Lake or head back to Wuxi city center for further exploration. The Wuxi Railway Station is about 30 minutes away by car.
