Poetic Jiangnan Amidst Lakes and Mountains:

A Super Detailed Travel Guide to Yuantouzhu, Wuxi

I. Pre-trip Preparation

1. Documents: Bring your valid ID, such as an ID card, for easy ticket purchase and park entry.
2. Clothing: For cherry blossom viewing in spring (March–May), prepare a light jacket. In summer (June–August), protect yourself from the sun and bring short sleeves and shorts. In autumn (September–November), the temperature varies greatly between morning and evening, so bring long sleeves. In winter (December–February), you will need a thick cotton coat.
3. Other items: Camera, power bank, comfortable walking shoes, and download a map app in advance.

II. Tickets and Transportation

1. Ticket information: You can purchase tickets in advance on major travel platforms or the official Yuantouzhu WeChat account. Ticket prices vary depending on the season and activities.
2. External transportation:
- By plane: After arriving at Sunan Shuofang International Airport, take Airport Line 1 to Wuxi Central Station, then transfer to subway Line 1 and then Line 4 to Yuantouzhu Station.
- By train: From Wuxi Station and Wuxi East Station, you can take a bus or subway directly or transfer to Yuantouzhu.
- By car: Navigate to Yuantouzhu Scenic Area. There is a parking lot in the scenic area.
3. Internal transportation:
- Sightseeing bus: Saves physical effort and stops at stations.
- Cruise ship: Take a cruise to enjoy the scenery of Taihu Lake and go to Taihu Fairy Island.

III. Attractions

1. Chongshan Gate: Check in at the iconic gatehouse and start your Yuantouzhu trip.
2. Cherry Blossom Valley: The cherry blossoms bloom from mid-March to early April, like clouds and rosy clouds. Walking through it is like being in a dream world.
3. Changchun Bridge: The cherry blossoms by the bridge are gorgeous. It is an excellent spot for viewing cherry blossoms and taking pictures. You can capture the beautiful scene of falling petals.
4. Yuantouzhu Lighthouse: Standing next to the lighthouse, you can overlook the stunning lake view of Taihu Lake with a broad view.
5. Taihu Fairy Island: Take a boat to the island to experience the tranquility of a "paradise" and admire Taoist architecture and natural scenery.

IV. Itinerary Planning

1. One-day tour: Chongshan Gate → Cherry Blossom Valley → Changchun Bridge → Yuantouzhu Lighthouse → Taihu Fairy Island → Cruise Ship Terminal → Du Mountain Gate.
2. Two-day tour:
- Day 1: Chongshan Gate → Cherry Blossom Viewing Building → China-Japan Friendship Cherry Blossom Forest → Cherry Blossom Valley → Lakeside Bathing Beach → Shili Fangjing. In the evening, taste the food near the scenic area.
- Day 2: Taihu Fairy Island → Yuantouzhu Lighthouse → Guangfu Ancient Temple → Taozhu Pavilion → Du Mountain Gate.

V. Food Recommendations

👉Wuxi Braised Spareribs: The meat is tender, sweet but not greasy, and has a bright red color.
👉Wuxi Xiaolongbao: Thin skin and large filling, rich soup, a bite of fresh juice overflowing.

VI. Accommodation Suggestions

1. Hotels in the scenic area: Convenient for enjoying the scenery early in the morning and evening, such as Taihu Hotel, with a beautiful environment but higher prices.
2. B&Bs around the scenic area: The prices are relatively affordable, and you can experience the local customs. You can choose from major B&B booking platforms.