Introducing Taihu Lake
Taihu Lake is located on the southern edge of the Yangtze River Delta. It was called Zhenze, Juqu, Wuhu and Lizhe in ancient times. It is one of the five largest freshwater lakes in China and a large shallow lake in the plain water network area. The lake area is said to have 48 islands and 72 peaks. The lake and mountains complement each other and are known as "Taihu Lake, the most beautiful in the world".
Taihu Lake nurtures an excellent ecological environment with fresh air and abundant natural resources. It also boasts an 88-meter-tall Giant Buddha, a scenic highway with 98 bends, the Pearl Embankment with ten-mile lake views, the Hundred Flowers Garden (Longtouzhu), the Thousand Waves Bridge, and the Ten Thousand Waves Dike. The resort also boasts bridges connecting Taihu Lake with Yuantouzhu and Lingshan Scenic Areas.
The famous Chinese writer Guo Moruo praised the scenery of Yuantouzhu in his poem "The most beautiful place in Taihu Lake is Yuantouzhu after all".
Climate and best time to travel
Spring and autumn are good seasons for travel, but May and June, the transition between spring and summer, are rainy. September and October are the best months for travel, with warm, sunny weather. Taihu Lake's scenery changes with each season, attracting a constant stream of tourists from both China and abroad year-round.
Recommended number of days and locations for visiting
Yuantouzhu
A visit to Wuxi is a must for those who want to visit Taihu Lake, and a visit to Yuantouzhu is a must. Yuantouzhu, with its picturesque scenery of clear water and picturesque mountains, is a natural wonder and is considered the essence of Taihu Lake scenery, earning it the title of "the most scenic spot in Taihu Lake."
Recommended play time: half a day
Tickets
free
Attraction opening hours
All day
Most Popular FAQs for Taihu Lake
What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?
Taihu Lake is one of China’s largest freshwater lakes, located in the Yangtze River Delta. It has been historically significant for trade, fishing, and irrigation. The lake is renowned for its scenic beauty, islands, and cultural heritage, inspiring poets, painters, and scholars for centuries.
Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?
- Location: Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China.
- By train: Take a high-speed train to Wuxi Railway Station, then taxi or bus to Taihu Lake scenic areas.
- By bus: Local buses connect Wuxi city center to key lake areas like Yuantouzhu (Turtle Head Isle).
- By taxi or car: Convenient for reaching different islands and scenic spots.
- Walking: Some scenic spots are best explored on foot after arriving by car or boat.
What are the opening hours and best times to visit?
- Opening hours: Generally 7:30–17:00; individual attractions like Yuantouzhu may have slightly extended hours.
- Best times: Spring (March–April) for cherry blossoms, and autumn (September–October) for mild weather and clear skies.
What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?
- Typical scenic area tickets range from ¥80–¥150 depending on the spot.
- Tickets can be purchased online via official portals or at entrance ticket counters.
- Some areas like hiking trails may be free, while special exhibitions may have small fees.
Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?
Advance booking is recommended during peak season (spring cherry blossom and national holidays). Booking 1–3 days in advance is usually sufficient.
How much time is needed to fully explore it?
Half a day for a short visit to one or two scenic spots; a full day or more to explore multiple islands, hiking trails, and lakeside areas.
What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?
- Yuantouzhu (Turtle Head Isle) for cherry blossoms and lake views.
- Turtle Head Isle’s hiking paths and observation points.
- Scenic islands and fishing villages around the lake.
- Wuxi Taihu Lake Scenic Park and surrounding gardens.
- Lakeside temples and cultural heritage sites.
Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?
Guided tours are available, mostly in Chinese; English-language guides or audio guides can be arranged in advance or via tourist apps.
What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?
- From the hills and observation decks on Yuantouzhu.
- Along lakeside piers at sunrise and sunset.
- Cherry blossom areas in spring.
- Traditional fishing villages and ancient bridges around the lake.
What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?
- Start at Yuantouzhu entrance, explore the cherry blossom park, hike to observation points, take a boat cruise around the lake, visit fishing villages, then return to the lakeside park area for local snacks.
Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?
Night tours are limited, but some lakeside resorts and bridges are illuminated in the evening. Seasonal festivals or boat performances may offer special evening experiences.
Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?
- Peak: Spring cherry blossom season, national holidays, and weekends.
- Least crowded: Weekdays outside major festivals, early mornings.
What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?
- Public toilets, benches, and rest areas along the lakeside and scenic spots.
- Restaurants, cafes, and snack stalls near main entrances and piers.
- Shops selling souvenirs, local produce, and lake specialties.
Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?
Main park areas and piers are generally accessible; some hilly or island paths may be challenging for the elderly or wheelchair users.
Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and cards are widely accepted; carrying some cash is useful for small vendors.
What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?
- Lake-view restaurants serving freshwater fish, Taihu whitebait, and crab dishes.
- Cafes along scenic spots offering tea and light meals.
- Street-side snack vendors selling local specialties.
Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?
Vegetarian options are available in some restaurants and temple areas; halal options are limited and should be checked in advance.
What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?
- Resorts and hotels near Yuantouzhu or lakeside parks.
- City hotels in Wuxi with easy transfer to Taihu Lake by bus or taxi.
What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?
- Lingshan Grand Buddha and Brahma Palace in Wuxi.
- Nanchan Temple and Huishan Ancient Town.
- Boat tours connecting other Taihu Lake scenic spots.
Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?
- Local Taihu Lake freshwater products like preserved fish and crabs.
- Handicrafts, tea, silk, and miniature lake models.
- Postcards and traditional Chinese arts related to the lake.
What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?
- Taxi or private car to other Taihu Lake scenic areas or Wuxi city center.
- Public buses connecting to Wuxi Railway Station for trips to Shanghai, Suzhou, or Nanjing.
- Boat transfers between islands for extended lake exploration.
