2-Day Trip to Xishan Island: Discovering a Peach Blossom Land Deep in Taihu Lake, Get a First Look at Fairyland Scenery
Discover a Peach Blossom Land Deep in Taihu Lake with a 2-Day, 1-Night Healing Trip to Xishan Island, Perfectly Priced at 1500 RMB!
The three white spans of the Suzhou Taihu Bridge stretch across the lake like strings of a zither, with the distant lake and mountain scenery fully in view. Rolling down the car window, the wind carries the moist lake mist right to your face.
Starting from Suzhou, a one-hour drive brings you to Xishan Island, a pure land favored by time in the heart of Taihu Lake. Here, there is no overdeveloped commercial atmosphere, only lake breezes, ancient villages, mysterious caves, and sunsets you never tire of.
For this two-day, one-night itinerary, I have planned a route that covers the must-see highlights while keeping a relaxed pace, with a strict total budget under 1500 RMB. Take this guide and spend a nature-healing weekend by Taihu Lake.
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Trip Highlights Preview
Day 1: Explore Caves and Ancient Village Sunsets
· Morning: Arrive at Xishan Island and head straight to Linwu Cave, known as the "Ninth Cave of the World," to experience the cool underground world.
· Afternoon: Stroll through Mingyue Bay Ancient Village, visit the thousand-year-old camphor tree and the Southern Song Dynasty dock, and wait for a stunning Taihu sunset.
· Evening: Stay at a lakeside guesthouse and savor authentic Taihu freshwater delicacies.
Day 2: Climb for Views and Cycle Around the Lake
· Morning: Conquer Piaomiao Peak, the "Highest Peak of Taihu," and overlook the scattered islands.
· Afternoon: Visit the rocky Shigong Mountain, then rent an electric bike for a leisurely ride around the lake.
· Evening: Return home with a heart full of peace and beautiful memories.
01 Itinerary Planning and Transportation
How to Get to Xishan Island?
Xishan Island is located in Wuzhong District, Suzhou, with convenient transportation. The most recommended way is self-driving for flexibility and ease of island exploration.
· From Suzhou: Take the West Ring Line → Sunwu Road → Zhoushan Road → Taihu Ring Avenue, cross the Taihu Bridge to reach the island, about 1 hour total. The bridge itself is scenic, so slow down and enjoy the view.
· From Shanghai/Nanjing: Take the Huning Expressway or Huchang Expressway, transfer to Suzhou Ring Expressway, exit at Xishan, and cross Taihu Bridge to the island.
If using public transport, take Suzhou Metro Line 5 to the terminal "Taihu Xiangshan Station," then transfer to Express Bus 11; or take Bus 69 directly from Suzhou Railway Station.
A novel option is to take a cruise from Wuxi. During certain months (e.g., May, October), there is a route from Wuxi Guanshe Villa Pier to Xishan Island Shigong Mountain Pier, about 4 hours, offering beautiful Taihu views. Spring special price is 288 RMB per person, including lunch and some attraction tickets.
Detailed Route Explanation
Based on most visitors’ experience and attraction locations, I optimized this one-way route:
Day 1
· Morning: Arrive at Xishan Island, check in or store luggage, then head to Linwu Cave. This Taoist sacred site is cool in summer and warm in winter, with fantastical stalactites under colorful lights. Plan about 1.5-2 hours here.
· Afternoon: Visit Mingyue Bay Ancient Village. This 2,500-year-old village is named after King Fuchai of Wu and Xi Shi admiring the moon. Walk the granite-paved Chessboard Street, see the thousand-year-old camphor tree at the village entrance, then wait for sunset at the Southern Song Dynasty dock.
· Evening: Enjoy dinner at a farmhouse restaurant near the ancient village or Shigong Mountain, tasting Taihu’s "Three Whites." Return to the guesthouse to rest.
Day 2
· Morning: Head to Piaomiao Peak. Take the sightseeing bus up the mountain, then hike to the summit. As the highest of Taihu’s 72 peaks, the panoramic view of lake and islands like scattered jade is spectacular.
· Afternoon: Explore Shigong Mountain, famous for Taihu stone landscapes and the thrilling "One Line Sky" crevice. Surrounded by water on three sides, it’s perfect for listening to waves and viewing the lake. Afterwards, rent an electric bike or bicycle nearby (about 50 RMB/day) to freely cycle along the lakeside road and feel the breeze.
· Evening: End the trip and return.
Main Attractions Overview
· Linwu Cave
· Highlights: Unique karst cave formations, colorful stalactites in various shapes under lights.
· Ticket: 50 RMB
· Tip: The cave floor is slippery; wear non-slip shoes.
· Mingyue Bay Ancient Village
· Highlights: Thousand-year-old village charm, stone streets, ancient dock, camphor tree; best photography at sunset.
· Ticket: 40 RMB (free after 5 PM)
· Piaomiao Peak
· Highlights: Taihu’s highest peak, panoramic views; sightseeing bus available to save energy.
· Ticket + Bus: about 80 RMB
· Shigong Mountain
· Highlights: Strange stones, lake views, "One Line Sky" crevice; great for photos and walks.
· Ticket: 50 RMB
02 Accommodation and Food
Stay Amid Scenic Beauty
Xishan Island accommodations mainly consist of boutique guesthouses, mostly around Mingyue Bay and Shigong Mountain, with lake views standard.
To control budget, choose well-reviewed guesthouses not directly lakeside, priced around 300-500 RMB/night.
For example, "Shanshuige Guesthouse" in Bingchang Village features a modern style, large courtyard, and swimming pool, ideal for leisure vacations. Similar high-rated, cost-effective guesthouses can be found on major booking platforms.
Dine by Taihu Lake
The culinary highlight of Xishan Island is the "Three Whites of Taihu" (white fish, white shrimp, silverfish) and seasonal freshwater delicacies. Autumn hairy crabs with rich roe are a must-try.
· Recommended Restaurants:
· Mingyue Bay Farmhouse: Dine lakeside with a refreshing breeze and great atmosphere.
· Shigong Mountain Water Banquet Restaurant: Frequently mentioned in guides, good value and authentic taste.
· Dadao Lakeside Restaurant: Nice environment, signature dishes include salt and pepper white shrimp and silverfish scrambled eggs.
· Ordering Tips: Choose places with clear pricing and ask about seasonal dishes. 80-120 RMB per person is enough for a good meal.
· Seasonal Specialties: Loquats and bayberries from Xishan in May-June, and famous Biluochun tea make excellent gifts.
03 Budget Breakdown for 1500 RMB
Example budget for two travelers, per person details:
Transportation (approx. 250-450 RMB per person)
· Self-driving fuel/tolls: about 200 RMB (split between two)
· Public transport: round-trip metro and bus about 20 RMB
· Island vehicle rental: electric bike 50 RMB/day
· Special option: Wuxi-Xishan cruise ticket 288 RMB
Accommodation (approx. 200 RMB per person)
· Comfortable guesthouse 1 night: 400 RMB (split between two)
Meals (approx. 300 RMB per person)
· Day 1 lunch: farmhouse meal, 50 RMB
· Day 1 dinner: freshwater seafood feast, 100 RMB
· Day 2 breakfast: provided by guesthouse or simple, 15 RMB
· Day 2 lunch: light meal or noodles, 50 RMB
· Drinks and snacks: 85 RMB
Attraction Tickets (approx. 180 RMB per person)
· Linwu Cave: 50 RMB
· Mingyue Bay Ancient Village: 40 RMB (or free after 5 PM)
· Piaomiao Peak (including sightseeing bus): 80 RMB
· Shigong Mountain: 50 RMB
· Tip: Buy tickets online in advance for possible small discounts.
Total: about 930 - 1130 RMB
This budget leaves 300-500 RMB flexible for souvenirs, café experiences, or other incidental expenses, keeping total costs comfortably under 1500 RMB.
04 Practical Tips
1. Best Seasons: Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are ideal. Spring features blooming plum and rapeseed flowers; autumn offers fat crabs and chrysanthemums. Summer requires sun protection; winter can be chilly with lake winds.
2. Dress Code: Activities mainly involve walking, so wear comfortable sneakers. Temperature differences between day and night can be large; bring a jacket.
3. Avoid Pitfalls: When buying souvenirs or dining, choose shops with clear pricing. Some ancient villages are free after 5 PM, so plan accordingly.
4. Protect the Environment: Taihu’s beauty needs collective care; please do not litter.
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As the electric bike glides along the island road and the sunset dyes Taihu Lake golden-red, you’ll realize this trip offers more than just a few photos for your social feed. The peace extracted from city noise and the healing embrace of nature are the most precious souvenirs.