When Shihu Lake is as beautiful as a Tang poem

Walking through the plum grove path, when fallen petals cover the bluestone slabs, I know that spring at Shihu Lake is a meticulously crafted seven-character quatrain. Pink and white flower branches lean out from beside the Taihu rocks, framing a pool of clear water like a picture frame. In the distance, a boat slowly glides across the lake’s center, the sound of oars stirring the reflection of the pagoda, startling a few water birds before quietly disappearing into the reed marsh—this scene resembles the leisure described by Wei Yingwu in “At the wild ferry, no one is around, the boat lies idle.”

If spring at Shihu Lake is a delicate quatrain, then the summer lotus pond is a rich and vivid Yuefu poem. At dusk, I lean against the wooden archway by the lake and gaze afar: the setting sun slowly sinks behind the ridge, dyeing the entire lake surface into flowing golden silk. Layers of lotus leaves stretch to the horizon, meeting the green hills of Qingdai Mountain. Occasionally, a white egret flies by, breaking the glow of the lake’s rosy light. At this moment, renting a small boat and drifting into the depths of the lotus flowers allows one to appreciate the charm of “where the duckweed parts, the mountain’s shadow appears.”

In late autumn, the best place for a stroll is Xingchun Bridge. This single-arch stone bridge reflects in the water like a half moon, forming a full circle with its reflection. The old willow at the bridgehead has lost its green, its gnarled branches silhouetted against the gray-white sky. Occasionally, travelers dressed in plain clothes lean on the railing, like shadows from the Tang poem “Moon sets, crows cry, frost fills the sky.” If there is a fine drizzle, it’s nice to take shelter in the lakeside teahouse, order a pot of Biluochun tea, watch the raindrops embroider ripples on the lake, while the flying eaves of Tianjing Pavilion appear faintly in the mist, evoking the lingering charm of Du Mu’s “Four hundred and eighty temples of the Southern Dynasties.”

You don’t need to experience all four seasons; one day is enough to appreciate the charm of Shihu Lake. Especially at dusk, when I climb onto the small island in the lake and look back: the red lanterns on the boats light up one after another, falling into the water along with the silhouette of the ancient pagoda on the mountain peak, spreading fragments of golden light. Suddenly, I understand why Fan Chengda chose to retire here—Shihu Lake’s beauty has never been worn away by time; instead, it has brewed into a rich wine like a Tang poem over a thousand years, intoxicating every dream-seeking traveler.

Travel Guide

- Must-visit attractions: Shangfang Mountain National Forest Park (spring plum blossoms and autumn maples), Xingchun Bridge (viewing the bridge’s double moon reflection), Tianjing Pavilion (climb high to overlook the lake), Fan Chengda Memorial Hall (feel the poetic ambiance)
- Food recommendations: “Taihu Three Whites” at the farmhouses along Shihu Lake; in spring, try the seasonal cress soup; in autumn, be sure to order osmanthus sugar lotus root.
- Transportation: Take Suzhou Metro Line 3 to Shihu North Station, or take a bus to “Shihu Scenic Area East Gate.” Renting a bicycle to tour around the lake is recommended, which takes about 2 hours.
- Best seasons: March for plum blossoms, June for lotus viewing, October for reed flowers, and after winter snow for an ink-wash painting atmosphere.

Post by CONNOR COLLINS | Oct 25, 2025