[2024 Suzhou Attraction] Travel Guide for Xishan Island in the Taihu Lake (Updated Dec)
Address:
江蘇省蘇州市吳中區金庭鎮Y551（石公路）
It's not really abroad, it's Xishan Island in Taihu Lake
The tranquil homestay experience on Xishan Island in Taihu Lake: A luxurious vacation away from the city, with mountains and sea in harmony.
The Taihu homestay standing on the top of the mountain—Huakai Homestay in the countryside
Exploring the beauty of Taihu: The homestay is located on Xishan Island, quietly enjoying the greenery and tranquility
Embrace nature, a beautiful vacation life between mountains and sea
1️⃣ Homestay Guide: A view from every window, immersed in the blue sky and clear sea
Unique facilities, experience an unparalleled vacation life
Enjoy the stunning lake view and taste delicious seafood feasts
Huakai Homestay, a romantic atmosphere-rich Xishan Island homestay experience
Homestays on Xishan Island, where comfortable rooms coexist with stunning scenery
Taste a new island vacation experience, Xishan Island homestays await your exploration
2️⃣ Homestay Highlights: The perfect blend of smart rooms and island style
Between mountains and sea, enjoy a new island vacation life
Jameson Brennan28
Suzhou Xishan Island! I was so satisfied with the lake view room I booked that I couldn't sleep
Suzhou Xishan Island! I was so satisfied with the lake view room I booked that I couldn't sleep
The environment of this lake view homestay is really beautiful,
You can see the sunset from the homestay,
Taihu Lake is just a few steps away across the road
The rooms are very well designed, I love it!
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✅ Amazing lake view room
A real lake view room with a view of Taihu Lake,
You can see the sunrise and sunset from the bed,
Watch a movie in bed at night,
The atmosphere of the whole room is instantly enhanced✨.
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✅ Convenient location
Taihu Lake is just downstairs,
It's easy to find food and rent a car nearby,
You can also try some local food.
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✅ Nice service and facilities!
The front desk lady gave me fruit and tea🍹,
I also received some small gifts🎁,
The bathroom is separated from the toilet,
Even people with OCD will find it OK.
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📍Location: Xishan Island, Taihu Lake, Suzhou
20Reed~Matthew
Suzhou in early winter is a place you won't want to leave.
Bored on the weekend, I decided to take a short trip nearby. I slept in on Saturday and didn't leave Shanghai until almost 2 pm. I wanted to take a stroll around Dianshan Lake, but I left too late, so I went straight to Xishan Island Scenic Area on Taihu Lake. I planned to stay on the island for a night. Admission to the island is free, but there are many paid attractions and farms on the island. I didn't visit any of them. I just drove aimlessly along the road to the island. There are many ginkgo trees around the houses on both sides of the main road. The white walls, black tiles, yellow leaves, and old trees create a poetic scene. When I reached the Shigong Mountain Scenic Area, it was already dark, so I checked into Suzhou Jiangnan Lishan Boutique B&B nearby. Our group stayed in a family suite on the top floor. I didn't expect the B&B to face Dongshan Island. The lakeside room has a large floor-to-ceiling window, so you can watch the sunrise from the bed. You can also go to the balcony to listen to the birds singing in the morning and welcome the sunrise. After watching the sunrise, you can go back to sleep. Then, you can go downstairs to the lobby to enjoy the warm winter sun and have a warm breakfast. If you're not in a hurry to leave, you can sing karaoke or read a book. If I were alone, I might not leave. I would want to stay here for a while.
After packing up, we checked out and left slowly. After leaving the island, we saw several scenic spots nearby. We finally chose the most popular Tianping Mountain Scenic Area. We drove to a parking lot near Linyan Mountain, about 3 km from Tianping Mountain, and parked the car. Then, we each rented a shared bike and rode to the entrance of Tianping Mountain. We saw the cars stuck in traffic and couldn't help but admire our own wisdom. There are also beautiful maple trees along the road. I have to emphasize that the most beautiful scenery of Tianping Mountain is the large maple forest at the entrance. People with limited mobility don't have to worry about missing the beautiful scenery. I recommend everyone to visit. Although there are many people, the scenery is really intoxicating. People who have the energy and want to see the panoramic view can also climb the mountain. The good thing about this mountain is that there are downhill paths every so often, so you don't have to worry about not having enough energy to go back. This seasonal beauty is breathtaking.
GERALD COOK
I can't believe it! This is really Xishan Island! A must-visit destination.
Vocal❗It feels like you're not in Suzhou
"Let's go on a weekend trip together" 🏝️～
The weather in Suzhou is like a Hayao Miyazaki anime, so beautiful it doesn't feel real
🌿Not a coastal city🏙, but it has the romance of the sea🌹
Suzhou's "island" 📍Taihu Xishan Island
💙Clouds float in the wind, the scenery changes every second
🎐Islands🏝, lakes, birds, blooming flowers...
Flowers bloom every month💐, fruits ripen every season🍊, surrounded by mountains and water🏞️
📸Photo spots: Lake and Cafe, Mingyue Bay Ancient Village Scenic Area, Jingshan Sunset Viewing Point
🚗Transportation: Self-driving
1️⃣☕️Lake and Cafe: A great place to check in, but there's a minimum spend of 30 to take photos inside💰
2️⃣💎Jingshan Sunset Viewing Point: A free platform to watch the sunset, the small lighthouse at the ancient pier is also a great photo spot🌇
3️⃣🎀Mingyue Bay Ancient Village: Also a great place to watch the sunset, the ancient pier is also a great photo spot, tickets are required from 8:00-18:30, other times are free
Staying at a B&B by Taihu Lake makes it easy to get around
The one I stayed at has a modern minimalist style, but also has the classical charm of Jiangnan water towns. The bed is soft, and I slept well😴
The hostess is very enthusiastic❤️🔥 and provides local travel advice to make your trip more colorful.
Jackson_Taylor~Lucas
October: See the water caltrop from the Book of Songs at Taihu Lake.
October: See the water caltrop from the Book of Songs at Taihu Lake|||Read thousands of books, travel thousands of miles
"Scattered water caltrop, picked from left and right"
The water caltrop described in the book
Is so beautiful
Location: No. 3 Bridge, Xishan Island, Taihu Lake
Aerial photography or distant view
Liam71 Simmons_
Taihu Lake Xishan Island, Suzhou's little Erhai Lake.
I'm in love with this treasure island in Suzhou‼️
You can see the buildings on both sides when you drive onto the island from Taihu Bridge🏰
You won't be able to stop taking photos along the way📷
There are many attractions, homestays, cafes, and food on the island🥘
Attractions🏖
🍜 Longxingji: Su-style noodle soup, great value, noodle soup with various toppings, can be eaten for breakfast
🍃 Shigong Mountain Scenic Area: Paid, we didn't go in, but took photos at a small dam nearby📷
🌃 Mingyue Bay Ancient Village: Paid, ancient village and buildings, quiet and simple
🏝 Biyuxie: Free, you can see Taihu Lake from afar, worth a visit if you're passing by, take photos
☕ Lake and Coffee: Highly recommended, literary and fresh, order a cup of coffee and sit under the outdoor tent
🏡 Dongcun Ancient Village: Free, take a stroll around the small village
🏜 Hengshan Island: A small island connected by a dam, the road is narrow, park at the entrance of Xishan Island, take photos at the dam📸, don't drive over, otherwise you'll have to go to Hengshan Island to turn around
💡Tips:
✅Travel: Self-driving is recommended, tour around the island, go to the next attraction after visiting one, convenient
✅Luggage: It's cold at night, bring a thick coat, if you plan to watch the sunrise, remember to book a homestay in advance
✅Order of play: One-day tour, go to the island in the morning to watch the sunset, clockwise tour is recommended, two-day tour, watch the sunrise on the second day, no order, there is a road in the center of the island that goes straight through
ACC. Pat 3817
Live I declare!! This is the most worthwhile homestay in Suzhou!!
The weather in Suzhou has been good recently
I found this lakeside homestay on Xishan Island. The long swimming pool looks like it is connected to Taihu Lake. The lawn next to the swimming pool is really beautiful for taking photos. The dog tail grass in the garden is very healing when the wind blows. Every point can be seen very carefully designed
Suzhou Taihu Xishan Island
Wake up from the room in the morning, open the curtains and you can see the sunrise on the lake. It is especially suitable for lazy people like me. You can see the sunrise without going out. The homestay leads directly to Taihu Lake
Join the fan group to customize the travel guide for free, plan the route!
Planning and layout|Company team building|Birthday party|Outdoor proposal|Party dinner|Family outing|Holiday travel|Suzhou Xiaerhai|Jiangzhehu surrounding tour|Suzhou Taihu Xishan Scenic Area|Lakeside homestay|Villa package|Suzhou Xiaolian Warehouse|Infinity pool open-air movie|Dongshan Homestay|Xishan Homestay|Dongshan Homestay|Suzhou Homestay|Internet celebrity homestay|Villa vacation|Homestay party|Suzhou Xiaolian Warehouse|Suzhou Xiaerhai|Lakeside homestay|Taihu Homestay|Parent-child tour|Company team building|Suzhou travel|
EerikaKokko
Suzhou Travel | Watch a stunning sunset on Xishan Island.
| Watch a stunning sunset on Xishan Island. Recommended reasons:
Want to enjoy the beautiful scenery of lakes, seas and islands in one day? Xishan Island, a small island not far from Shanghai, is definitely your best choice!
Attraction address:
📍Xishan Island, Suzhou, a treasure island hidden in Taihu Lake, waiting for you to explore.
Attraction transportation:
🚗Self-driving: From Shanghai, it only takes 2.5 hours by car to easily reach Xishan Island and start your island tour.
Must-see attractions:
🍜Xinglongji Noodle Restaurant: When you arrive at Xishan Island, have a delicious lunch first. You can choose from stir-fried noodles or soup noodles, and the toppings are so dazzling that you will be dazzled.
⛰Shigong Mountain: Surrounded by the sea on three sides and mountains on one side, the unique scenery is waiting for you to take pictures. The scenic area is not large and can be visited in 1 hour, which is very comfortable.
🛖Mingyuewan Ancient Village: Coming for the网红古码头(Internet celebrity ancient wharf)? In fact, the original ancient village is more attractive. Walk on the stone slab road and feel the charm of the ancient village.
⛺Biyu Pavilion: Start climbing the mountain from the ring road, and overlook the magnificent scenery of Taihu Lake from a high place. It is a treasure niche suitable for camping.
🌅"Sunset Avenue": From Jingshan Sunset Viewing Point to Lake & Cafe, this section of the ring road is unobstructed by water and is the best place to watch the sunset.
⚓Hengshan Island: The road from Xishan Island to Hengshan Island is surrounded by lakes on both sides, where you can enjoy the sunset and take emotional photos.
Ticket related:
🎫Shigong Mountain 50 yuan (I think it's a bit expensive but worth seeing), Mingyuewan Ancient Village 80 yuan (half price 40 yuan after 4 pm), other attractions are free.
Other tips:
🕙It is recommended to set off at 10 am, and the lunch time will be just right when you arrive at Xishan Island.
🚗The island is about 40km long, and it is recommended to drive by yourself and stop and go as you please. You can also choose to ride a bike.
🌅Remember to find a good location at sunset and enjoy the sunset scenery that belongs only to you.
📷Pay attention to safety when taking photos, and don't ignore the surrounding environment for the sake of taking beautiful photos.
🍴The island is rich in food. In addition to Xinglongji Noodle Restaurant, you can also try local特色小吃(special snacks) and农家菜(farmhouse dishes).
ERICA MCDANIEL
Suzhou's own sea - Xishan Island day tour.
Suzhou Xishan Island, also known as Dongting Xishan, is the largest island in Taihu Lake, located in Jinting Town, Wuzhong District, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province (formerly known as Xishan Town). This island is famous for its unique natural scenery and rich cultural history.
Geographical location and overview
Location: Xishan Island is located in the southeast of Taihu Lake, about 45 kilometers away from Suzhou Ancient City, and is an important part of Taihu Lake Scenic Area.
Area: The island has a total area of about 79.8 square kilometers, 11 kilometers wide from north to south, and 15 kilometers long from east to west. It is the largest island in China's inland lake.
Natural environment
Climate: Xishan Island has a subtropical humid monsoon climate, with distinct seasons, warm and humid, abundant precipitation, sufficient sunshine, and a long frost-free period.
Ecology: The island is rich in Biluochun tea, as well as loquat, bayberry, ginkgo, chestnut, green plum, citrus and other flowers and fruits, with superior ecological environment.
Scenic spots
Xishan Island has many scenic spots, including but not limited to:
Piaomiao Peak: The highest peak of Taihu Lake, with an altitude of about 300 meters, is named for its frequent cloud cover, and is an excellent place to watch the scenery of Taihu Lake.
Shigong Mountain: Located in the southeast corner of Xishan, it is named after a giant Taihu stone in front of the mountain, which is one of the 72 peaks of Taihu Lake, with beautiful scenery and profound cultural heritage.
Mingyue Bay Ancient Village: It preserves a large number of Qing Dynasty buildings, such as ancient camphor trees, Huang's ancestral hall, Lihe Hall, etc., with ancient charm and full of quiet and simplicity of Jiangnan Water Town.
Shuiyuewu: It is famous for Shuiyue Zen Temple. The temple was built in the fourth year of Datong in the Southern Dynasty. It has a long history and a quiet environment.
Tianwangwu: Known as the "Little Jiuzhaigou" on Xishan Island, it is surrounded by green mountains, blue-green water, and beautiful natural scenery.
Travel suggestions
Time: Open all year round, but the best seasons for travel are spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is most charming.
Tickets: The scenic spot implements a free ticket policy, and tourists can enter and exit freely, but some scenic spots may require additional tickets.
Transportation: Tourists can take public transportation to Jinting Town, and then transfer to the island transportation to visit; they can also drive by themselves, but pay attention to the traffic conditions on the island.
In summary, Suzhou Xishan Island attracts many tourists with its unique natural scenery, rich cultural history and delicious special food. Whether you want to stay away from the hustle and bustle and get close to nature, or want to explore history and taste culture, Xishan Island is a rare good place.
MartinAndersson
In Suzhou!! A stunning lakeside villa that I couldn't bear to leave after staying for three nights
Simply breathtaking 😭 The lakeside villa on Xishan Island is incredibly photogenic.
Ancient Greek-style decor ✔️ Sparkling floor-to-ceiling windows ✔️ 270-degree panoramic lake view ✔️ Private pool ✔️ Step out to Taihu Lake ✔️
The atmosphere is so beautiful it touches the heart 😍!!
✨ Villa Highlights
✅ Prime Lakeside View
The best spot to watch the sunrise and sunset over Taihu Lake. You can see the layers of waves on the lake and listen to the sounds of Taihu up close. It's breathtaking 😭
✅ Infinity Pool
Perfect for pool parties with great privacy. The photos you take here will have an amazing vibe and artistic sense.
✅ Lakeview Rooms
You can see the lake unobstructed from the bed. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer a full view, and you can feel the cool breeze and stunning scenery when you open the window.
🏠 Villa Amenities
Prime Lakeside View｜Charcoal BBQ Grill｜Automatic Mahjong
Lakeview Bathtub｜Infinity Pool｜Lakeview Terrace
American Pool Table｜Private KTV｜Foosball
marcellathornfield85
So romantic! Suzhou also has its own Jeju Island
Spent two days playing on Xishan Island in Suzhou, driving all the way along the coastal road. It's really beautiful, truly deserving of being called Suzhou's little Jeju Island 🏝️
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🚗 It takes just over two hours to drive from Hangzhou. Book a homestay on the island in advance. There aren't many buses on the island, so it's recommended to drive yourself. There are many electric scooters available for rent.
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💕 Jing Mountain Sunset Viewing Platform
It's very beautiful to come here to watch the sunset. The sunset is at 7 PM, and by 5 PM, there are already many people. There are many snack carts along the road. Many people bring folding chairs to watch the sunset, and there are speedboats you can take. It's really romantic.
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💕 Hengshan Dam
You can also come here to watch the sunset! The rocky paths on both sides are very photogenic, and you can park along the roadside. This place is closer to the sunset, and you can see the entire Taihu Lake from both sides of the path. It's very relaxing.
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There are also many coffee shops on the island that are great for taking photos. You can choose one in advance to visit. The weather is quite hot, so it's better to go out in the late afternoon or evening.
Mitchell-~Sophie-70
Per capita 200! Suzhou! Taihu Lake! A healing new Chinese-style luxury resort hotel!
Jinglong·Luxury Resort Villa Hotel
Opened in 2021/New Chinese-style design/Mountain view rooms/Parking lot
No. 67, Shenjiachang, Wuli Village, Donghe Community, Taihu Lake Scenic Area
7.4 kilometers away from Taihu Xishan Island by car, about 12 minutes
Reed_62 Harper
Embark on a dreamy journey through the poetic plum scenery of Jiangnan with a visit to Suzhou!
Nestled in the 5A-rated Taihu area of Suzhou, covering an area of about 3 acres, our homestay is the ideal choice for experiencing the poetic dwelling of Jiangnan. Hidden in the tranquil Huili Village, surrounded by the spiritual beauty of Taihu's mountains and waters, it inherits the refinement of ancient Wu culture and the elegance of Jiangnan.
A variety of room types to meet different needs, ensuring your comfort and convenience during the journey. Spacious rooms with excellent natural light allow you to feel the transparency and tranquility of nature. The Chinese courtyard and Japanese Zen elements are cleverly integrated, allowing you to feel the profound cultural heritage in every detail.
Surprise new product Mountain Breeze Coffee:
☕ Vienna Coffee
🍀 Spring Dusk (Roasted Brown Sugar Butter Latte)
🌿 Spring Lychee (Lychee Sparkling Water)
☘️ Spring Berry (Strawberry Sparkling Water)
🌿 Bilu Cocoa (Bilu Black Tea Ice Cocoa)
🌸 Xishan Island Plum Viewing Tips:
The plum blossom season peaks in late winter and early spring, with specific timing varying by geography and climate. The plum blossoms on Suzhou's Xishan Island usually bloom from mid-February to March.
The 'Linwu Plum Sea' on Taihu's Xishan Island is one of the largest plum viewing spots in the country, known for its ten thousand mu of plum sea. The surrounding plum groves cover more than 1,500 mu, offering a spectacular view that captivates the heart. Climbing Linwu Mountain, you can gaze upon the thousand mu of plum sea, with white waves rolling like snow, a magnificent sight.🔥
We look forward to bringing you a dreamy Jiangnan journey, sharing this passionate and beautiful scenery with family and friends, and experiencing the perfect blend of classical and modern!
AuroraDreamweaver52
You really can't be lazy when you go to Xishan Island in Suzhou, otherwise you'll collapse
You must not be lazy‼️ Do more research if you can😐
Research can solve many problems
Spend the weekend with your family driving to Taihu Xishan Island~ Remember to
check the weather in advance
Name: Taihu Xishan Island
Navigation: Mingyue Bay Ancient Village Scenic Area, Jinting Town, Wuzhong District, Suzhou City
Transportation: Self-driving
Travel Guide:
1 Mingyue Bay Ancient Village
A thousand-year-old village with a similar feel to an ancient town, but not commercialized, so it's not very lively. There are some residents living there, very quiet. Inside the village, there is a thousand-year-old camphor tree, very spectacular!! Connected to the ancient village is also an ancient pier, where watching the sunset is very beautiful
2 Shigong Mountain
Not a very high mountain, with the scenery of an island in a lake, and a lake on an island, very suitable for relaxing, climbing is very good
3 Linwu Cave
Warm in winter and cool in summer, constant temperature of 25°C, suitable for visiting all year round, a natural cave with unique lighting design, making the cave a special place!
Food Guide:
1 Dadao Lake View Restaurant·Farmhouse Fun
Facing Taihu Lake, with a broad view, the restaurant serves farmhouse dishes, local specialties, and the ingredients are very fresh
2 Delicious Home: Lake view restaurant, farmhouse dishes, very tasty
3 Ji Noodle House: Suzzhou people love noodles, chose the three shrimp noodles, very flavorful
4 Taihu Sanbai (must-order farmhouse dishes)
Accommodation Recommendation:
Suzhou Manxin Island Homestay:
Turns the entire island into a homestay, with buildings around the lake. Looking out from the room, Taihu Lake is right outside the window, cream style, very photogenic, the homestay is also particularly cozy, essential for watching sunrise and sunset on Xishan Island, the homestay also has a camping site and coffee house, many people come for coffee in the evening, the island is very lively.
AGR. Zac 3302
Suzhou Travel → The stunning Xishan Island is a must-visit
🔔 Suzhou Xishan Island, the pearl of Taihu Lake, attracts countless self-driving enthusiasts with its beautiful lakeside scenery and rich cultural heritage. There are natural landscapes of lakes and mountains, as well as many ancient villages with a long history
📍 Location: Suzhou·Taihu Lake·Xishan Island 🚗
🏕️ Suzhou Taihu Lake Xishan Island
【Bus】Express Line 11, the island loop bus.
【Bus】(City to island) + electric car (around the island)
【Self-driving】40 minutes from Suzhou city center, 2 hours from Shanghai.
【Shuttle Bus】Shanghai recommended shuttle bus 100/round trip (direct to the guesthouse door)
🧵【Travel Route】:
✌️️Short travel route: Get on the island→Jinduo Ridge→Yinshan Island→Hengshan Island→Jingshan Sunset→Biyu Pavilion→Daruoyi Holy Land→Mingyue Bay→Xiegushan Road→Wufeng Peak→Leave the island
⛩️Must-visit spots
✅ The bridge on Hengshan Island is a must-visit! The entrance dam of Hengshan Island (for sunset viewing) is truly a Suzhou version of little Kamakura, so photogenic, and the sunset view is very healing.
✅ Watching the sunset at the ancient pier in Mingyue Bay is absolutely fantastic. It's the filming location for 'All Is Well' and 'Silent Separation'.
✅ For mountain climbing, you can choose Piaomiao Peak and Shigong Mountain, and the One-Line Sky on Shigong Mountain is quite challenging!
✅ JingshanタSosho Viewing Platform This is the place on the island that most resembles the seaside, with docks and lighthouses. Both close and distant views are photogenic. You can choose to watch the sunset here or at the Hengshan Island dam.
✅ Biyu Pavilion, at the very tip of Taihu Lake's Xishan Island, is known as 'Biyu Pavilion'. 'Little family jade', a niche and surprising delight, with few people and beautiful scenery, it's great for taking photos
📝Note tips:
⭕ It's loquat season now, it's recommended to get on the island before 9:30 am to avoid congestion. Stalls selling loquats can be seen everywhere on the island, it's advised to buy from local residents for better quality.
⭕ Mingyue Bay ancient village ticket is 40 yuan, half price after 4:30 pm, and free after 6:30 pm!