Yixing Xiaoqijian · Jiangnan Little Great Wall | Zen temples, bamboo forests, and mountains and rivers

Day 1 Suzhou → Yixing → Suzhou

07:00

Meeting Point 1 07:00-07:10 (10 minutes to sign in, please do not be late), intersection of Jintang Street and Zongguantang Road (near Exit 6 of Pinghe Road Station on Metro Line 2. Cars can park at Yaosheng Building, capped at 20 yuan/day)

Meeting Point 2 07:30-07:35 (5 minutes to get on the bus, don't be late), Suzhou City Toll Station (G1522 Changtai Expressway Entrance), 200 meters south, waiting under the elevated road (if you drive, you can park at Huadong Decoration City, the maximum fee is about 25 yuan/day)

After signing in, we set off on the highway. The team leader led the interaction, introduced himself and explained the itinerary, and we laughed and laughed all the way to our destination.

10:00

Around 10:00 AM, we arrived at Fuyuan Temple, the starting point of the Little Great Wall, and began our journey through the Little Great Wall, one of the "Ten Scenic Spots of Jingxi." We ascended the Little Great Wall, which winds its way around the mountain for approximately 3 kilometers, encircling Fuyuan Temple. From the wall, we gazed out over the vast Taihu Lake, even glimpsing its center on clear days. We stepped onto three provinces (Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui) and gazed upon three prefectures (Suzhou, Changzhou, and Huzhou).

You can bring your own lunch or enjoy the vegetarian meal at the temple (reservation is required in advance, and you must scan the QR code to pay the temple. After eating, put the plate away and do not waste it. The specific dining situation is subject to the temple time on the day!)

12:30

Arriving at Yixing Xiaoqijian around 12:30 PM, we took a circular hike. Surrounded by dozens of peaks, the scenery resembles lotus petals nestled tightly together, while the misty clouds cast a magical and elegant veil over the mountains. Clear waters and blue skies, surrounded by auspicious clouds, lush forests, and fresh air, the scenery was breathtaking. Everywhere we looked, we were filled with vibrant colors.

The tea garden deep in the mountains is a popular check-in spot here. It is really refreshing to overlook the tea garden from the top of the mountain.

4:30 PM

At around 16:30, everyone boarded the bus that had been waiting for a long time and started their return journey.

Around 18:30, we returned to the starting point. Everyone was reluctant to leave, kissed goodbye with tears in their eyes, and made plans for the next trip.

Driving time: about 2.5 hours

Hiking: The Little Great Wall is about 3 km, and the Little Seven Peaks is about 7 km. It takes about 3.5 hours.

Note: The Xiaoqijian trail is divided into: mostly hardened roads + off-road roads, with clear roads and no refueling points along the way, totaling 7 kilometers;
the Little Great Wall, a mature avenue in the scenic area, and a leisurely hike, totaling 3 kilometers;
(The mileage is for reference only, the actual hiking mileage will be based on the day's activities)

Climb the Yixing Little Great Wall: The Yixing Little Great Wall winds its way up the mountainside. Built around a Zen temple, it's surrounded by lush vegetation, encompassing Dachao Temple. Strolling along the wall offers panoramic views of Dachao Temple, nestled among lush trees. From the observation pavilion, take in the vast expanse of Taihu Lake to the east, the rolling mountains to the west, and Yixing City to the north, taking in the stunning beauty of Jiangnan.

[Yixing Xiaoqijian] The Xiaoqijian Peak loop begins with a flat cement road, winding like a giant python deep in the mountains. It's sometimes shaded by deep woods, sometimes by verdant tea fields and bamboo forests. Moss-covered stones along the path, and occasionally, you'll see a mountain home, like a paradise, with smoke curling in the air, creating a beautiful and harmonious scene. This route is relatively easy to follow, safe, and offers a pleasant hike. It's a classic entry-level hiking route for outdoor enthusiasts.