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Yangcheng Lake, located northeast of Suzhou City, is one of Jiangsu Province's major freshwater lakes. It borders Suzhou City to the south and Changshu Mountain to the north, with the majority of its surface area within Wuxian City. True to its name, Yangcheng Lake's waters are crystal clear, with sunlight filtering through them. From afar, they resemble a shimmering emerald. Boating on the lake, surrounded by rippling waters, creates a feeling of being transported to a painting.
Yangcheng Lake is rich in aquatic resources. It produces 70 kinds of freshwater products. Mandarin fish, soft-shelled turtle, whitefish, eel, freshwater shrimp and hairy crab are known as the "Six Treasures of the Lake". Among them, the Yangcheng Lake freshwater hairy crab, known as the "King of Crabs", is famous both at home and abroad.
In the golden autumn, Yangcheng Lake is filled with blooming chrysanthemums, fragrant osmanthus, and various aquatic products. This is especially the time to eat crabs. The crab roe is fat and delicious, which will surely make your trip worthwhile!
Cycling around the island, farm stays, etc.
Recommended play time: half a day
free
All day
Yangcheng Lake is famous for its hairy crabs, a prized delicacy in Chinese cuisine. The lake has long been an important freshwater resource and holds cultural and culinary significance in Jiangsu province, celebrated in local festivals and traditional dishes.
Yangcheng Lake is located in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province. Visitors can reach the lake by taxi, private car, or local buses from Suzhou city center. Some tour operators provide organized trips including lake tours and crab tasting.
The lake area is accessible year-round. The best time to visit is autumn (September to November) for hairy crab season and pleasant weather. Spring also offers scenic views and mild temperatures.
Access to the lake itself is generally free. Fees may apply for boat rides, crab farms, and certain parks. Tickets can be bought on-site or via local travel platforms.
Booking in advance is recommended for boat tours and popular crab farms, especially on weekends or during peak crab season.
A half-day to a full day is sufficient for a boat ride, crab tasting, and visiting nearby villages.
Guided tours are available, mainly in Mandarin. English-speaking guides can be arranged through private tour operators or travel agencies.
Start at a main dock, take a scenic boat ride, visit a crab farm for tasting, walk along lakeside paths, and explore nearby villages before returning to the city.
Night visits are limited; some restaurants and resorts offer evening dining by the lake. Special tours may include crab tasting experiences or cultural demonstrations.
Weekdays are less crowded than weekends and holidays. Peak crab season in autumn attracts more visitors.
Facilities include restrooms near docks and crab farms, restaurants serving local cuisine, small shops selling souvenirs and local products, and seating areas along lakeside paths.
Main docks and restaurants are accessible. Some lakeside paths and farms may have uneven terrain, making them less suitable for wheelchairs or elderly visitors with mobility issues.
Mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are widely accepted. Cash may be useful at smaller stalls or traditional markets.
Restaurants near the lake specialize in fresh hairy crab and local freshwater dishes. Some small cafes are available in nearby villages and resorts.
Vegetarian options are available in local restaurants. Halal options are limited and may require planning in advance.
There are lakeside resorts, guesthouses, and small hotels near Yangcheng Lake. Larger hotels are available in Suzhou city, 30–40 minutes away by car.
Souvenir shops sell local specialties, including packaged hairy crabs, freshwater products, traditional handicrafts, and postcards.
Taxis, private cars, or local buses can take visitors back to Suzhou city center or to other nearby scenic spots and historic districts.
