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There is a place that is very familiar to everyone but very low-key. It is very suitable to visit in autumn. There are countless beautiful and quiet ancient villages in the south of the Yangtze River, scattered all over the place.
There are quiet islands of various sizes scattered here, with shimmering water and beautiful distant mountains.
Here you can find the poetic feeling of returning to the countryside and the life of singing fishermen's songs in the evening.
Here is a famous land of fish and rice in ancient and modern times, and a place known as the "Peach Blossom Spring on Earth". This is Taihu Lake, where "when Suzhou and Lake Tai are prosperous, the world is prosperous."
"Taihu Lake, covering 36,000 hectares, is teeming with bright moonlight and gentle breezes." The vast, misty Taihu Lake, formerly known as Zhenze, is one of the Nine Lakes of Antiquity, alongside Pengli Lake (Poyang Lake) and Yunmeng Lake. Located in the Yangtze River Delta plain, renowned for its beautiful scenery and abundant resources, it is my country's third-largest freshwater lake.
Just how big is it? The lake covers an area of 2,427.8 square kilometers and has a shoreline of 393.2 kilometers. Hangzhou has West Lake and Nanjing has Xuanwu Lake, but Taihu Lake is about the size of 400 West Lakes!
There are many theories about the formation of Taihu Lake. If the "meteorite impact theory" is true, then Taihu Lake has a history of 50 million years.
Taihu Lake is located in the subtropics with a mild and humid climate. It has numerous rivers and ports and estuaries. It spans the two provinces of Jiangsu and Zhejiang, bordering Wuxi to the north, Huzhou to the south, Yixing to the west, and Suzhou to the east. The west and southwest sides are hilly and mountainous, while the east side is mainly plains and water networks.
There are 48 islands of various sizes in the lake, which, together with the peaks along the shore, are known as the 72 Peaks. Looking down at Taihu Lake, the vast expanse of blue water lies quietly on the green fields of Jiangnan, and the peaks dotted here look like pearls and gems on a piece of brocade.
There is a lake outside the mountain and a mountain in the lake, forming a beautiful scenery of the Jiangnan water town.
The Taihu Lake Scenic Area covers a very large area. The Taihu Lake area under the jurisdiction of Suzhou and Wuxi accounts for more than 90% of the water area of Taihu Lake. It was developed early and has the highest popularity. Therefore, when talking about Taihu Lake, we usually refer to the North Taihu Lake area.
Thirteen scenic spots, including Mudu, Shihu, Guangfu, Dongshan, Xishan, Luzhi and Tongli scenic spots in Suzhou, Meiliang Lake, Lihu, Xihui and Mashan scenic spots in Wuxi, Yushan Scenic Spot in Changshu and Yangxian Scenic Spot in Yixing, cover 35 towns or streets in two cities and three counties.
Starting from Hangzhou, it takes 1.5 hours to reach Huzhou's Taihu Tourist Resort and 2 hours to Suzhou's Wuzhong Taihu Tourist Area. Starting from Shanghai, more people will choose Suzhou Taihu Tourist Area.
This weekend, the highly anticipated 5th Taihu Mountaineering Festival is coming. It is a mountaineering event that combines Suzhou's natural scenery with outdoor hiking and is full of Gusu characteristics. We are waiting for you at Taihu!
There are many islands in Taihu Lake, with more than 50 large and small islands, 18 of which are inhabited. Due to siltation and artificial reclamation, some islands are connected to the East and West Ting Mountains respectively, while those near the shore are connected to the lakeshore to form peninsulas. There are currently 48 islands of various sizes, with the largest area being to the west of Dongting Mountain.
There are 72 peaks and 48 islands in Taihu Lake. The two largest islands are Xishan Island and Dongshan Island. Moli Peak is the highest peak of Dongshan Island, and Piaomiao Peak is the highest peak of Xishan Island.
Dongshan, a peninsula jutting out of the lake, boasts rolling hills and abundant flowers and fruits. The famous Baiyu loquat is grown here, along with bayberries, oranges, and the renowned Biluochun tea. It's known as the "Flower and Fruit Mountain of Taihu Lake."
The highest peak, Moli Peak, is named in memory of the famous Sui Dynasty general Moli. It is one of the best places to view the scenery of Taihu Lake.
Xishan is the abbreviation of Dongting Mountain. Xishan Island is the largest island in Taihu Lake and also the largest island in my country's freshwater lakes.
The main peak, Piaomiao Peak, stands at 336 meters tall and is often shrouded in mist. The view from atop this peak resembles a legendary fairyland. Choose a clear day to hike to the summit and witness the stunning sunrise over Taihu Lake.
The 72 peaks of Taihu Lake, with mountains and waters complementing each other, peaks and caves leaning against each other, plus gardens, temples, cultural relics and historical sites, will surely make you linger and even think about retiring early and settling down here for retirement.
Departing from Shanghai 👇Taihu Lake, East and West Mountains
This weekend, the fifth Taihu Mountaineering Festival returns with a grand ceremony. It is a mountaineering event that combines Suzhou's natural scenery with outdoor hiking and is full of Gusu characteristics.
This event is divided into parent-child group, leisure group and challenge group, with multiple time periods and difficulty levels suitable for different groups of people. At the end of this autumn, come to Taihu Lake to climb mountains and enjoy the autumn!
Cross Lingyan Mountain and Tianping Mountain, visit one of the four major maple viewing spots in China and the most scenic spot in Wuzhong. The scenery is extraordinary, the hiking experience is rich, and there are specially customized medals for the Mountain Climbing Festival. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet you in the mountains of Taihu Lake!
Taihu Lake boasts numerous ancient villages, some of which retain their original appearance to this day. Autumn and winter are perfect for wandering these towns, experiencing the passage of time and enjoying a few authentic restaurants.
Mingyuewan Ancient Village is the largest ancient village on Xishan Island in Taihu Lake. Its terrain is like a crescent moon. According to legend, the village was formed as early as the Spring and Autumn Period. It was named because King Fuchai of Wu and the beautiful Xi Shi watched the moon here.
Mingyue Bay lacks the bustling streets of an ancient market town, nor the pavilions and towers of an ancient city. Yet, it is a place of tranquility and simplicity, nestled deep within the mountains and lakes, embodying the tranquility and elegance of a Jiangnan water town.
The village is famous for its "Four Ancients": a thousand-year-old camphor tree, a thousand-meter-long stone street, a hundred-meter-long wharf, and numerous ancient buildings. The camphor tree at the entrance of the village is over 20 meters tall, requiring four adults to close its height. It is over 1,200 years old.
This is also one of the filming locations for the TV series "All Is Well." Crossing ancient bridges and entering ancient villages, you'll encounter mottled old walls and secluded courtyards. Opening a wooden door might reveal a life that has flown by.
The ancient pier extending into the lake with towering ancient trees and the couple under the sunset, this scene seems as if time has frozen.
Luxiang Ancient Village, located on the shores of Taihu Lake west of Dongshan Town, is a relatively well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty village. Nestled against the mountains and facing the lake, it boasts beautiful scenery and is named for the six alleys in the village that lead directly to Taihu Lake.
This peaceful and beautiful ancient village has bluestone alleys, three simple and magnificent archways, and various halls lined up one after another. It has been rich in products and flourishing in culture since ancient times.
During the Ming Dynasty, Luxiang nurtured the talented Wang Ao, who won the first place in the provincial and metropolitan examinations and the third place in the palace examinations, and was known as the best writer in the country.
Walking deeper into the alley, you can see Huihe Hall, the former residence of Wang Ao. After he resigned from his position as prime minister and retired, he taught Tang Bohu, Zhu Zhishan, Wen Zhengming and other talented people from the south of the Yangtze River here, and was known as "the unparalleled prime minister in the mountains."
Mudu Ancient Town, located in the west of Suzhou Ancient City, is a Jiangnan water town of the same age as Suzhou Ancient City. It has a history of more than 2,500 years and is known as "the first town in Wuzhong and the most beautiful in Jiangnan".
Mudu is the sacred ground for the graceful Suzhou Pingtan, and the much-loved Wu dialect is most authentic in Mudu. The renowned Suzhou embroidery also originated in Mudu, demonstrating its profound cultural heritage.
There is a Shantang Street in the ancient town, where the street and the river run parallel to each other. Many families live on both sides of the Shantang Street. The river bank is lined with green trees and the streets are deep and secluded. One end of the street is backed by a secluded and ancient mountain valley, while the other end is connected to a prosperous and bustling commercial market.
From northwest to southeast, from Yan's Garden to Bangkan Mansion, the setting sun shines gently on the flowing water. The Xiangxi River, which has been flowing for thousands of years, has witnessed the prosperous past of the ancient town. It is said that Emperor Qianlong went to the south of the Yangtze River six times and stayed in Mudu all six times.
Guangfu Ancient Town in Wuzhong District, Suzhou is located on a peninsula embedded in Taihu Lake. It is surrounded by lush forests, and the water of Taihu Lake makes the ancient town particularly peaceful and beautiful.
The ancient town has a long history. As early as after Qin Shihuang unified the six kingdoms, he implemented the county system and established the capital of Wu State as Wu County. Guangfu was located in the jurisdiction of Wu County and was inhabited by ancestors.
The ancient town has a profound cultural heritage and beautiful and picturesque scenery. Precisely because of its obscurity, it has preserved its original appearance and the quaint atmosphere of the ancient town to the greatest extent, and is known as the "Paradise on Earth".
The Tongguanyin Temple in the ancient town has a perfect appearance of a Jiangnan temple, with bright yellow walls, surrounded by mountains and towers, which has a unique charm.
Xiangxuehai is known as the first of the "four major places for plum blossom viewing in the country". The plum blossoms here spread for more than ten miles. Emperor Kangxi and Emperor Qianlong both came here several times to appreciate the plum blossoms, and Xiangxuehai enjoys the reputation of "Xiangxue plum blossoms are the best in the world".
Zhenze Ancient Town is located in the southwest of Wujiang District, Suzhou City, bordering Zhejiang Province to the south and Taihu Lake to the north. It was called "the head of Wu and the tail of Yue" in ancient times and is the "western gate" of Wujiang.
Zhenze Ancient Town is the only ancient town with the same name as the ancient name of Taihu Lake, and is also a famous silk town in China.
The Grand Canal passes through the city. Here you can find the Ciyu Temple Pagoda built in the Three Kingdoms period and the Shijian Hall, known as the "No. 1 Hall in Jiangnan". It is a thousand-year-old town that cannot be missed by the Taihu Lake.
What's a trip to Taihu Lake without a bike ride? Walking is too tiring, driving is too fast, a bike ride is just the thing. Tucked away along the lakeside, the villages are like a living paradise, breathtakingly beautiful.
Looking out, you can see the vast expanse of Taihu Lake. It is not difficult, the intensity is moderate, and it is suitable for public participation. It is a cycling trail that is so beautiful that it has no friends!
The annual Tour of Taihu Lake International Cycling Race attracts a lot of attention. As China's leading cycling destination, Taihu Lake is definitely a great place to ride!
You can choose the 4+2 method, combining cycling and driving, to explore niche ancient villages and find filming locations of popular TV series. It is novel and interesting.
Stop along the way to taste the seafood from Taihu Lake and watch the sunset on the lakeside boardwalk. The food in the cities along the lake is also delicious.
Wuxi's fresh meat dumplings, Huzhou's thousand-piece buns, Suzhou's various dim sum, Changzhou's delicious hemp cakes... After your ride, reward your stomach!
Depart from Shanghai👇
Depart from Suzhou👇
Wuzhong Taihu Lake, where mountains and waters coexist, has the unique grace and beauty of the Jiangnan Mountains. You can choose one of the classic hiking routes for hiking.
From the famous Piaomiao Peak Loop, to the Dongshan Grand Loop, and from Yuyang Mountain to Guangfu Xiaoqijian, the mountains are within sight and you are heading towards them.
You can also bring your children and your family to participate in a parent-child mountain patrol program.
Or take a fishing boat out on the lake and experience authentic fisherman's life—a relaxing, relaxing experience. The gentle waters of Taihu Lake are captivating. In the evening, watching the twilight color the lake, all in a state of tranquility—who wouldn't love such a life?
Among Taihu delicacies, the most famous are the "Three Whites" of Taihu Lake: whitefish, white shrimp, and silverfish. Because these three whites are characterized by their extreme freshness, this dish is all about freshness. Therefore, they are usually cooked immediately after being caught, either by the waterside or on a boat. They are so delicious that they will make your eyebrows drop!
Taihu Lake is surrounded by several cities. Suzhou and Wuxi have always had the custom of eating Taihu Lake's three white delicacies, but in fact there are many delicious foods around Taihu Lake, and they are eaten from time to time. Basically, there are corresponding foods for every month.
As soon as autumn comes, Taihu prawns, "Taihu Three Whites", Taihu crabs, and lake mutton... white fish, white shrimp and silver fish, three different kinds of smooth and crystal clear food, will make your mouth water!
In autumn, the fishing season in Taihu Lake in the south of the Yangtze River is fierce. If the hairy crabs are the magnificent climax, then the three white crabs of Taihu Lake that appear in early autumn are a delicious and graceful prelude.
White shrimps are very tenacious and can survive until the moment they are eaten. The most delicious dish by the Taihu Lake is the live shrimps.
First, quickly wash the shrimp with white wine, then pour the shrimp into the prepared sauce. It is really delicious! If you only have dried fish delivered to you at home, come to Taihu Lake to eat it yourself!
A long scroll of Taihu Lake, covering 36,000 hectares from beginning to end, with the Spring and Autumn Period of Wu and Yue, the romance of the times, the romance of flowers, snow and moon. Take a sip of fragrant tea, hold a Su fan, gently row a boat, climb up and look into the distance. Don’t you want to take a look?
