A 1.5-hour drive from Shanghai, I discovered a piece of Oz in Changshu.
by Taste the World
Sep 15, 2024
[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.
- ๐ 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.
- ๐ซ 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.
๐ถโโ๏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.
โก [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.
โข ๐ฅ 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.
๐ 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: ๐ชท Lotus blooms in summer, perfect for viewing and ๐ต tea tasting.
- Shanghu Peony Garden: ๐ต 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.
๐ Special Events
- Peony Festival (Mar-May): Peony viewing, drone shows, Pingtan performances, etc.
- Summer Night Tours (Jul-Aug): Intangible cultural heritage iron flower displays, ๐ sunset concerts, themed parties.
- Dragon Boat Festival Activities: Garden fairs, calligraphy gatherings, water carnivals.
- Lakeside Cycling/Hiking: 16.8 km lakeside trail, ๐ถโโ๏ธ hailed as the "most beautiful marathon route."
๐ Transportation Guide
- By car: Exit at Shajiabang on the Su-Jia-Hang Expressway, ๐ 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.
๐ Dining & Accommodation
- ๐ญ Recommended restaurant: Jiangnan-style eateries at Shanghu Water Street.
- ๐ซ Accommodation options:
- Huajianfu Yanboli
- Baodi Shanghu Garden.
๐ Practical Tips
- Best seasons: Mar-May (Peony Festival), Jul-Aug (night tours).
- โณ Suggested visit duration: 4-6 hours.
- Recommended gear: Sunscreen, ๐ comfortable shoes, ๐งด mosquito repellent in summer.
Post by CHARLES PIERCE | Jul 9, 2025






















