Yuantouzhu

Nature · 江苏省 · 鼋头渚

Yuantouzhu

Wuxi

Yuantouzhu · ChinaMazing

Discover

Core Sights

The essential sights — what they are, and when to go.

Yuantouzhu

Sight 1

Yuantouzhu

鼋头渚

Yuantouzhu (Turtle Head Isle). Located on the shores of Taihu Lake in Wuxi, Yuantouzhu derives its name from the peninsula's resemblance to a divine turtle stretching its head into the lake. Here, the lake and mountains present captivating scenery in every season, with the spring cherry blossoms being especially renowned, earning it the title of China's premier cherry blossom viewing destination. Ascending Luding Hill offers a panoramic view of the misty expanse of Taihu Lake, while a boat ride across the lake reveals the breathtaking sight where water and sky merge into one. The park also features classical Jiangnan garden architecture and cliff inscriptions, blending natural and cultural beauty, making it an ideal place to experience the charm of Taihu Lake.

Sakura Valley

Sight 2

Sakura Valley

樱花谷

Sakura Valley. Located within the Yuantouzhu Scenic Area, Sakura Valley is a renowned cherry blossom viewing spot along the shores of Taihu Lake. Every spring, thousands of cherry trees in the valley burst into bloom, creating a picturesque scene that complements the lake and surrounding mountains. Strolling beneath the cherry trees, you'll find petals drifting down like snow, as if stepping into a pink dream. The valley features not only classic varieties such as Somei Yoshino and Kan-Zakura, but also rare green cherry blossoms, offering a rich tapestry of colors. Visitors can follow the trails to higher ground for panoramic views that encompass the sea of cherry blossoms and the sailing boats on Taihu Lake. Blending natural scenery with cultural charm, Sakura Valley is a must-visit destination for photography enthusiasts and romantics alike.

Taihu Fairy Island

Sight 3

Taihu Fairy Island

太湖仙岛

Taihu Fairy Island. Located within the Yuantouzhu Scenic Area, Taihu Fairy Island is a cluster of islets in the middle of Lake Taihu, accessible only by boat. The island blends classical Chinese garden design with Taoist culture, featuring replica ancient architecture, archways, grottoes, and sculptures, including attractions such as "Meeting Immortals Bridge," "Heavenly Street," and "Lingxiao Palace," all conjuring an ethereal, mystical atmosphere. From the island, visitors can gaze across the misty expanse of Lake Taihu, admire unique rockeries and lush greenery up close, and experience the distinctive scenery of "islands within the lake, and lakes within the islands." The island is worth visiting in all seasons, but it is most enchanting in spring when cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

Changchun Bridge

Sight 4

Changchun Bridge

长春桥

Changchun Bridge. Located in the heart of Yuantouzhu, Changchun Bridge is a classical stone arch bridge reclining by the shores of Lake Taihu. Cherry trees line both sides of the bridge, and every spring, the soft pink petals set off the time-worn bridge structure and the shimmering lake waters in delightful harmony, earning it renown as a premier cherry-blossom viewing spot in what is hailed as "the finest scenery of Lake Taihu." Beneath the bridge, the lake water is crystal clear, while distant mountains appear as faint ink washes — the view is captivating in every season, and especially at dawn and dusk, when shifting light lends the scene an extra layer of poetic charm. Visitors may stroll across the bridge and take in the misty expanse of Lake Taihu perfectly blended with the artistry of a Jiangnan garden.

Juqu Shengjing

Sight 5

Juqu Shengjing

具区胜境

Juqu Scenic Spot. Standing within the Yuantouzhu Scenic Area, this antique memorial archway marks a perfect starting point for admiring the beauty of Taihu Lake. The characters "具区" carved on the archway are the ancient name for Taihu Lake. As you step through, a breathtaking vista unfolds before your eyes: distant hills brushed in ink-blue hues, scattered sails dotting the waters, and glistening lake reflections that harmonize beautifully with the surrounding garden architecture. The scenery here captivates in every season—cherry blossoms in full bloom come spring, and reeds dancing in the breeze come autumn, making it an idyllic spot for photography and leisurely strolls. Visitors can also board a boat from here to glide across Taihu Lake, immersing themselves in its vast tranquility and experiencing the distinctive charm of Jiangnan's waterways.

Wanlang Juanxue

Sight 6

Wanlang Juanxue

万浪卷雪

Waves Rolling Like Snow. Located on the shores of Taihu Lake at Yuantouzhu, this is a spectacular spot for admiring lake waves. When the wind rises, the waters of Taihu surge and churn, with layer upon layer of waves crashing against the rocky shore, sending up white spray like snow—a magnificent sight that gives the spot its name, "Waves Rolling Like Snow." With its expansive views, where distant hills and nearby waters complement each other beautifully, it is especially captivating in autumn and winter when the winds and waves are at their most dramatic. Visitors can stroll along the lakeshore, experiencing the wondrous blend of nature's raw power and tranquil lake scenery.

Luding Yinghui

Sight 7

Luding Yinghui

鹿顶迎晖

Luding Yinghui (Sunrise at Luding Peak). Located at the highest point of the Yuantouzhu Scenic Area, Luding Yinghui is the best spot to watch the sunrise over Taihu Lake. Ascending Luding Hill, visitors can overlook the vast expanse of Taihu Lake, gaze at the Seventy-Two Peaks in the distance, and take in the full splendor of the lake and mountains. At dawn, the sun leaps above the lake surface, casting a myriad of radiant beams—hence the name "Yinghui," meaning to welcome the morning glow. The view here is expansive, and the scenery changes with the seasons: cherry blossoms in full bloom in spring, and reeds swaying in the breeze in autumn. Visitors can hike along the trail to the summit, surrounded by lush trees, birdsong, and floral fragrances—a perfect place to immerse oneself in nature and enjoy the breathtaking lake-and-mountain vistas.

Ouhua Shenchu

Sight 8

Ouhua Shenchu

藕花深处

Deep in the Lotus Flowers. Nestled within the Yuantouzhu Scenic Area, Deep in the Lotus Flowers is a Jiangnan-style garden landscape centered around the lotus theme. When summer arrives and the lotuses are in full bloom, red and white blossoms interweave across the pond, curved bridges meander through the scenery, and pavilions peek out from amidst the greenery, evoking the poetic imagery of "Lotus leaves stretching to the horizon in an endless green." Visitors can stroll along the winding corridors and waterside pavilions, savoring the refreshing breeze rustling through the lotus leaves, or board a small boat to glide through the clusters of blossoms, experiencing the refined delight of "wandering into the depths of lotus flowers by accident." This spot is not only a prime destination for lotus appreciation but also an exquisite setting for capturing classical-style photographs, offering distinct charm across all four seasons.

Eat

Local Eats

The local dishes worth crossing town for.

Wuxi Spare Ribs
Eat 1

Wuxi Spare Ribs

无锡排骨

Wuxi Spare Ribs. A traditional delicacy from Wuxi, Jiangsu, this dish features pork spare ribs prepared through a multi-step process of marinating, frying, and braising. The finished ribs boast a glossy dark red hue, tender meat that practically falls off the bone, and a rich flavor balancing savory and sweet notes. Renowned for its distinctive cooking technique and harmonious blend of sweet and salty tastes, it has won over diners both at home and abroad. For anyone looking to experience Wuxi's culinary culture, this is a must-try dish.

Wuxi Xiaolongbao
Eat 2

Wuxi Xiaolongbao

无锡小笼包

Wuxi Steamed Buns (Wuxiaolongbao). Wuxi steamed buns are a classic Jiangnan snack, celebrated for their thin wrappers, generous fillings, and savory soup. Unlike the saltier Shanghai-style xiaolongbao, the Wuxi version incorporates a touch of sugar into the meat filling, creating a distinctive sweet-and-savory interplay. When steamed, the buns turn translucent and glistening. To enjoy them, gently bite open the wrapper, sip the piping-hot broth first, then dip the bun in vinegar—each bite unfolds layers of flavor. Available at snack shops around the Yuantouzhu scenic area, this delicacy is a must-try for experiencing Wuxi's culinary culture.

Fried Gluten
Eat 3

Fried Gluten

油面筋

Fried gluten puff (You mian jin) is a traditional delicacy of Wuxi, commonly found near the Yuantouzhu scenic area. Made from high-quality wheat flour, it is created through a process of washing and deep-frying, resulting in a golden, round shape with a soft yet chewy texture. Locals often stuff it with minced meat to make "gluten puff stuffed with meat," or cook it with vegetables, where it absorbs the broth and becomes even more flavorful. As a signature snack of the Taihu Lake region, fried gluten puff embodies the essence of Jiangnan culinary culture, making it an ideal choice for visitors to savor the authentic taste of Wuxi.

Taihu Three Whites
Eat 4

Taihu Three Whites

太湖三白

The Three Whites of Taihu Lake refer to whitefish, white shrimp, and silverfish—classic freshwater delicacies from the Taihu Lake basin. They are named for their naturally silvery-white appearance and are best enjoyed fresh, cooked on the spot. Whitefish is steamed or braised, with tender, delicate flesh; white shrimp, with its thin, translucent shell, is often blanched in salted water; silverfish, entirely translucent, can be scrambled with eggs or made into a soup. In restaurants near Yuantouzhu, a feast of lake delicacies is often built around these "Three Whites," offering a light, fresh flavor that highlights the natural taste of the ingredients. Pairing them with local yellow rice wine enhances the subtle elegance of Taihu Lake's cuisine. This is an ideal choice for visitors trying the water-town dishes of Jiangnan for the first time.