Here is a one-day itinerary for Yuantouzhu (Turtle Head Isle) Taihu Scenic Area:

Chongshan Main Gate → Sightseeing bus to Cherry Blossom Valley → Cherry Blossom Viewing Tower → Changchun Bridge → Boat to Taihu Fairy Island → Yuantuzhu Spring Tides → Return. This route covers major attractions and is suitable for time-limited visitors.

- In-depth two-day tour: Day 1 explore Cherry Blossom Valley and Taihu Fairy Island, stay overnight at "Cherry Blossom Villa" to experience tranquil night views; Day 2 hike to Luding Mountain for panoramic Taihu views, taste vegetarian noodles at Guangfu Temple, and finally watch waves at Wanlang Bridge.

Must-visit attractions:

- Cherry Blossom Valley: Core sakura viewing area, the Cherry Blossom Viewing Tower offers the best vantage point. Early mornings during cherry blossom season are less crowded for photography.
- Changchun Bridge: Ancient bridge with cherry blossoms and Taihu Lake creates classic scenery, especially at golden-hour sunset for perfect photos.
- Taihu Fairy Island: Watch seagulls during the boat ride, island features Taoist cultural sites like Lingxiao Palace and Yue Lao Temple.
- Yuantuzhu Spring Tides: Giant rock carving of "Yuantouzhu" marks the spot to witness spectacular lake waves crashing ashore.

Transportation guide:

- External transport: Fly to Wuxi Sunan Shuofang Airport, 40-minute taxi ride to scenic area. High-speed rail to Wuxi Station, take Bus 1 or Leyou Line 1 directly. For self-drive, navigate to "Yuantouzhu Chongshan Main Gate" – arrive early during cherry blossom season to avoid traffic.
- Internal transport: Sightseeing bus from Chongshan Main Gate to core area costs ¥20/person one-way. Round-trip boats to Taihu Fairy Island are included in tickets, departing every 20 minutes with last boat around 16:50.

Dining recommendations:

- Hengyun Restaurant: Inside scenic area, recommended for Taihu's "Three Whites" delicacies, must-try fish omelet and steamed fish, ~¥80/person.
- Fisherman's Wharf Lakeside Restaurant: 500m outside scenic area, good drunken shrimp and crab roe tofu, ~¥60/person with sunset views.
- Guangfu Temple Vegetarian Noodles: Hearty bamboo shoot noodles in red broth for only ¥15, best visited in morning as they often sell out by afternoon.

Ticket info & opening hours:

- Admission: ~¥90 including boat ride, online booking one day in advance offers discounts.
- Opening hours: Usually 8:00-17:00, extended to 20:00 during cherry blossom season for night viewing.

Tips:

- Some snacks in scenic area are overpriced, consider bringing your own.
- Weekend boat queues can be long, visit on weekdays or board before 10:00.
- For photography: hydrangea clusters are concentrated at Waterscape Garden and Chongshan Hidden Beauty areas – light-colored outfits photograph best.