Ligong Dike, Jinji Lake, Suzhou, with a historical charm amidst the beautiful scenery of lakes and mountains

Suzhou Jinji Lake is 1.8 square kilometers larger than Hangzhou West Lake. Some say it is currently the largest urban lake in China. There will surely be controversy over this statement. Jinji Lake was originally just a branch of Taihu Lake and could be said to be unknown. With the rise of Suzhou Industrial Park, Jinji Lake began to shine like a jadeite with its outer skin worn off. The city’s landmark buildings such as the Oriental Gate, Suzhou Center, and Wharf Holdings on the lakeside fully demonstrate the modern urban style of Suzhou. Ligong Dike is the only long dike in Jinji Lake. It was built by Li Chaoqiong, the magistrate of Yuanhe County during the Guangxu period, at a cost of 14,500 taels of silver. At that time, the dike was about five miles long, with thousands of willow trees planted in it. Before the construction of Li Gong Dike, the water level of Jinji Lake was vast and the waves were treacherous, and fishermen often encountered accidents when traveling back and forth. After its completion, the wind is blocked, the water waves are calm, the roads are safe, and travel is convenient. The people praised Li's virtue and called him "Li Gong Dike". The overall appearance of Ligong Dike is elegant and exquisite. The prosperous scene of merchants gathering there in the past can still be seen from the ancient inscriptions on the dike. The current Ligong Dike is 1,400 meters long. It opened in December 2006 and is an international commercial water street that integrates high-end specialty catering, entertainment, sightseeing, leisure, and culture. It brings together well-known brands from all over the world, as well as well-known catering businesses including Chinese time-honored brands. Ligong Dike is one of the ten scenic spots of Jinji Lake, and it is like a colorful ribbon spanning the shore of Jinji Lake. It retains the traditional architectural form of Suzhou folk houses, with multiple small bridges connecting the islands, slowly unfolding like an ink painting, fully displaying the charm of the Jiangnan water village. Unlike the Bai Causeway and Su Causeway in West Lake, Hangzhou, you can drive up the Ligong Causeway. Therefore, tourists who drive themselves can drive and stop as they please. 📍Detailed address: Ligong Dike, Jinji Lake, Suzhou Industrial Park, Jiangsu [MapleLeaf] Ticket price: Free