Treasure found deep in Taihu Lake! This hidden island's winter experience is praised even by locals!
If you think the shores of Taihu Lake are all the same, you must drive across the Taihu Bridge and visit Xishan Island in the middle of the lake. The winter here has no crowds of tourists, only warm sunshine, lake breeze, old houses, and steaming farmhouse stoves. We have designed an in-depth route of "seeking ancient traces + natural wild charm" to help you discover a Xishan beyond expectations.
🎨 Themed itinerary: Exploring the time imprints by Taihu Lake
We don’t aim for famous attractions but seek historical traces and life scenes scattered across the island.
Morning: Deep into an uninhabited ancient village
• Destination: Dongcun Ancient Village. More original and quieter than Mingyue Bay, with almost no commercial atmosphere. The Xu Clan Ancestral Hall, Jingxiu Hall, and other old residences are grand in scale, exquisitely carved, and many still have elderly residents.
• Activity: Wander like exploring a secret through the crisscrossing alleys, look at the brick carvings on the door lintels, and listen to the radio sounds coming from the old houses. If lucky, you might meet an elder making traditional pastries.
• Tip: Please keep quiet and respect the local residents' lives.
Afternoon: Tea garden and lakeside hiking
• Location: Around Shuiyuewu at the foot of Piaomiao Peak. There are large tea gardens here; the tea trees remain green in winter, neatly lined, perfect for rhythmic photos.
• Activity: Choose a lakeside road or path for a light hike. Taihu Lake is vast, with waves crashing; you might meet villagers herding sheep along the way, a fresh experience for children.
• Alternative: If children like stones, visit the lakeshore near Shigong Mountain to find Taihu stones smoothed by lake water.
Evening: Book a private sunset
• Best spots: The ancient dock at Mingyue Bay is classic but a bit crowded. Actually, any west-facing, unobstructed lakeside spot on the island is great for watching the sunset, such as the Jing Mountain sunset viewpoint.
• Ritual: Bring some fruit and snacks, sit quietly on a lakeside rock, and watch the sun slowly sink into Taihu Lake as the sky changes from golden to pink-purple. This is the best moment to teach children to appreciate the beauty of nature.
🏠 Warm homestay recommendations (avoid popular trendy ones)
For a more authentic experience, consider these:
Suzhou Xishan Wuxiang Mountain House · Tingbo Homestay: The host is friendly and recommends off-the-beaten-path activities, with an atmosphere like a friend’s home.
Suzhou Flying Fish Resort Homestay: Outstanding design, comfortable public areas, suitable for families wanting to relax inside the homestay.
Suzhou Cu Yi Shi Wu Homestay: True to its name, simple food and life, where you can enjoy picking vegetables and cooking over a fire.
Suzhou Yiwan Courtyard: Close to Linwudong, with a beautiful courtyard, spacious rooms, and great value.
🍖 Delicious food hidden in farmhouse yards
No need for big restaurants; find a clean farmhouse restaurant with local cars parked outside:
Signature: Ask the owner what was freshly caught from the lake today or what home-raised chicken or duck they have.
Must-try: Straw-wrapped pork (braised pork tied with straw, with a unique aroma), native chicken soup, and snow vegetable stir-fried with winter bamboo shoots.
Staple: Be sure to try the vegetable rice cooked in an iron pot on the stove, with crispy crust.
💡 Tips to enhance your experience
Lower expectations: Xishan’s charm lies in its “wildness” and “primal nature.” Facilities may not be perfect, but the scenery and hospitality are genuine.
Engage actively: Chat more with homestay hosts and farmhouse owners; they will share many stories and places not found in guides.
Eco-friendly travel: The island’s ecology is fragile; please take all your trash with you and never throw anything into Taihu Lake.
Leave blank time: Don’t pack your itinerary; leave time for children and yourself to do nothing, daydream, and watch the lake.
On Xishan Island, the most beautiful scenery often lies around unexpected corners. Slow down your car, put down your phone, and with your children, use your most original curiosity to discover a real, vivid, and lively Taihu Lake.
Effervescentwanderlust14