Taihu Lake Ring Highway No. 1

Introducing Taihu Lake Ring Highway No. 1

The No. 1 Ring Taihu Lake Highway is one of the most representative cycling routes in the Yangtze River Delta region. It is approximately 186.7 kilometers long (146 kilometers of the main line). It starts from Guangfu Town, Suzhou in the north, and winds along Taihu Lake, connecting natural and cultural landscapes such as Dongshan, Xishan, and Wuzhong Resort. It is known as "China's most beautiful ring lake highway."

Whether you're a photography enthusiast chasing light and shadows or a cultural traveler exploring ancient villages, you'll find your dream destination here. Plan your time and itinerary wisely, and bring your adventurous spirit with you. Let your wheels not only convey the scenery, but also the marks of freedom and passion!

Climate and best time to travel

Recommended season for Highway 1 around Taihu Lake:

Spring and Autumn (April-May, September-November): The temperature is pleasant (15-25°C), and cherry blossoms, rape blossoms, and red leaves are in full bloom on East and West Hills. The lake breeze is refreshing, making for a comfortable ride.
Winter (December-February): Tourists are sparse, and the lake is clear, perfect for capturing cool-toned "ink-wash" images of Taihu Lake.
Recommended times to avoid: Summer (June-August) is prone to heavy rain and typhoons, with strong UV rays and some unshaded sections, which can be exhausting.
Best time to ride: Start early in the morning or afternoon, and capture the sunset in the evening, avoiding the midday sun.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Cycling routes:

Route 1: Dongshan Island Ring Line (about 20 kilometers)

Route: Dongshan Visitor Center → Daixinwan Bridge → Qiyuan Garden → Yuhua Scenic Spot → Luxiang Ancient Village → Yangwan Ancient Village.
Highlights: Combining popular check-in spots with garden culture, perfect for a half-day ride. At the end, enjoy a taste of Taihu's "Three Whites" (whitebait, white shrimp, and whitefish).

Route 2: Xishan Depth Line (about 40 kilometers)

Route: Yuyang Mountain → Taihu Bridge → Yinshan Island → Hengshan Island → Piaomiao Peak → Mingyuewan Ancient Village.
Highlights: Primarily natural scenery, climb Piaomiao Peak to overlook Taihu Lake, and visit Mingyuewan Ancient Village at dusk to photograph the sunset over the ancient pier.

Route 3: Intercity Serial Line (2-3 days)

Route: Suzhou Dongshan → Wuxi Yuantouzhu → Huzhou Binhu Avenue → Yixing Zisha Museum.
Highlights: This tour combines cycling, cultural heritage experiences, and culinary explorations, perfect for those seeking in-depth travel.

Tickets

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Most Popular FAQs for Taihu Lake Ring Highway No. 1

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

The highway loops the shore of Taihu Lake, which is one of China’s largest freshwater lakes and a major scenic and historic region in Jiangsu. The lake and its rim were developed for tourism and scenic drives as part of the Suzhou Taihu Lake National Tourist Resort policy.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

The highway lies along Taihu Lake in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province.

• From Suzhou city centre: taxi or rental car to the lake-shore section of the ring highway.
• If you’re on a cycling tour you may start at a convenient parking or bike-rental point near the lake.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

As a public highway, it is accessible 24 hours a day. The best times to visit are early morning or late afternoon for good lighting and fewer vehicles. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

There is no specific entrance fee for the highway itself—it is a public ring road. Costs may apply for parking, bike rental or any associated visitor service at lookout points.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

No advance booking is required for the drive/cycle route along the highway. If you plan a guided cycling tour or scenic stop service, booking ahead might help but is optional.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

If you are driving the ring highway and stopping at a couple of viewpoints, allocate 2-4 hours. If you are cycling or exploring lakeside villages in depth, plan a half-day or more.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

Highlights include:

• The lake-shore viewpoint platforms where you see wide water and islands.
• Lakeside villages or parks along the highway where you can pause and enjoy local atmosphere.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided cycling or driving tours are available through local tour operators; language support may vary, mostly in Chinese, some in English for international tourists.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

Excellent spots include:

• Sunset over Taihu Lake when the highway curves along the shore, giving water-reflection shots.
• High spots or platforms above the highway where you can frame the lake and islands.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

A recommended itinerary:

• Start from a convenient parking point near the lake (e.g., in Suzhou’s Taihu lake resort area).
• Drive or cycle along the Ring Highway, stopping at one or two lookout points.
• Pause at a lakeside café or small park for refreshment.
• Return via the highway in daylight or catch the sunset on the shore.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night drives along the highway are possible and atmospheric, but there are no formal light-shows specific to the highway. Some lakeside resorts may have lighting or events after dusk.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The highway can be busier at weekends and major holidays. For fewer vehicles and crowds, visit on a weekday morning or late afternoon.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Along the lakeshore there are cafés, rest areas and viewpoints; however on stretches of the highway there may be fewer facilities—plan accordingly.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Yes—for the sections with viewpoint stops and rest areas. Driving provides best accessibility; cycling routes may be more challenging for young children or those with mobility issues.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

At rest-stops or cafés, mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and cards are commonly accepted; having some cash is still advisable.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Yes—many lakeside cafés and restaurants in the Taihu Lake resort area serve local freshwater fish, crabs and lakeside snacks.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian options available in modern cafés; halal may be limited in this region—ask ahead at restaurants.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

There are lakeside resorts and hotels in Suzhou’s Taihu Lake area, making it easy to stay overnight and explore the highway at dawn or dusk.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

You can combine with:

• A visit to Taihu Lake itself (boat tour, lakeside park).
• Nearby cultural towns in Suzhou or the lake-resort zones in Wuxi.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Yes—souvenir shops in the resort area sell local lake-products (like Taihu crabs, freshwater fish snacks), tea, local arts & crafts.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After the drive/cycle, you can return to Suzhou city centre by taxi or car. Alternatively you can head to other nearby attractions around Taihu Lake or transfer to Wuxi or Shanghai regions via high-speed train.