Encounter the Ink Painting of Jiangnan Water Town

[Pushpin] Shanghu Lake Scenic Area is located in Changshu City, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, and is a national AAAAA-level tourist attraction renowned for its picturesque lake and mountain views, wetland ecology, and rich cultural landscapes.

- [RoundNails] Address: No. 1 Taigong Road, Changshu City, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province.
- ๐Ÿ• Opening Hours:
- Off-season (Jan-Feb, Jun-Aug, Dec): 8:10 AM - 4:10 PM
- Peak season (Mar-May, Sep-Nov): 8:10 AM - 4:40 PM
- Night tour hours (May Day, Dragon Boat Festival, Jul-Aug, Mid-Autumn Festival, National Day): 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM.
- ๐ŸŽซ Ticket Prices:
- Off-season: 60 RMB/person
- Peak season: 80 RMB/person
- Night tour ticket: 19.9 RMB (early bird).
- Discounts:
- Half-price for seniors aged 60+, free for those 70+; free for active military personnel and disabled individuals with valid ID.

๐Ÿšถโ€โ™€๏ธ Recommended Itineraries
Shanghu Scenic Area is quite large, so we recommend the following routes:
โ‘  [Electrocar] Shared electric car route (3 hours, 6 km)
- Attractions: Willow Islet โ†’ Fragrant Grove โ†’ Moon Embankment โ†’ Fushui Villa โ†’ Wild Luxury Shanghu Camp โ†’ Leisure Tea House โ†’ Shanzhengfang Chinese Restaurant.
โ‘ก [Tricycle] Sightseeing car route (3-4 hours, 4 km)
- Attractions: Willow Islet โ†’ Fragrant Grove โ†’ Moon Embankment โ†’ Fushui Villa โ†’ Speedboat Pier โ†’ Wild Luxury Shanghu Camp โ†’ Leisure Tea House โ†’ Flying Bear Shop โ†’ Bamboo Raft Pier โ†’ Four Scenes Garden โ†’ Outer Lake Cruise Pier โ†’ Wisteria Corridor โ†’ Flying Bear Unmanned Store โ†’ Jiangnan Peony Hall โ†’ Shanzhengfang Chinese Restaurant.
โ‘ข ๐Ÿ›ฅ Electric boat route (1 hour, 4 km)
- Attractions: Willow Islet Electric Boat Pier โ†’ Fushui Villa Electric Boat Pier โ†’ Peony Hall Electric Boat Pier.

๐Ÿ‘ Top Attractions
- Taigong Island: Showcases the culture of Jiang Shang (Jiang Ziya), including Taigong Pavilion and Fishing Platform.
- Fushui Villa: A Ming-Qing dynasty garden, once the residence of Qian Qianyi and Liu Rushi.
- Lotus Fragrance Islet: ๐Ÿชท Lotus blooms in summer, perfect for viewing and ๐Ÿต tea tasting.
- Shanghu Peony Garden: ๐Ÿต The largest peony garden in Jiangnan, hosting the Peony Festival from March to May.
- Water Forest: [Canoe] Take a bamboo raft to birdwatch and experience the unique "trees growing in water" scenery.
- Shanghu Water Street: A food street with Jiangnan water town charm.

๐ŸŽ‰ Special Events
- Peony Festival (Mar-May): Peony viewing, drone shows, Pingtan performances, etc.
- Summer Night Tours (Jul-Aug): Intangible cultural heritage iron flower displays, ๐ŸŒ„ sunset concerts, themed parties.
- Dragon Boat Festival Activities: Garden fairs, calligraphy gatherings, water carnivals.
- Lakeside Cycling/Hiking: 16.8 km lakeside trail, ๐Ÿšถโ€โ™‚๏ธ hailed as the "most beautiful marathon route."

๐Ÿš— Transportation Guide
- By car: Exit at Shajiabang on the Su-Jia-Hang Expressway, ๐Ÿ”Ž navigate to Shanghu Scenic Area.
- By bus: Take routes 116 or 117 from Changshu city center directly to the scenic area.
- By train: First arrive in Suzhou or Wuxi, then transfer to an intercity bus to Changshu.

๐Ÿœ Dining & Accommodation
- ๐Ÿญ Recommended restaurant: Jiangnan-style eateries at Shanghu Water Street.
- ๐Ÿซ Accommodation options:
- Huajianfu Yanboli
- Baodi Shanghu Garden.

๐Ÿ’“ Practical Tips
- Best seasons: Mar-May (Peony Festival), Jul-Aug (night tours).
- โณ Suggested visit duration: 4-6 hours.
- Recommended gear: Sunscreen, ๐Ÿ‘Ÿ comfortable shoes, ๐Ÿงด mosquito repellent in summer.

Post by CHARLES PIERCE | Jul 9, 2025

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