Shoutao Lake, Suzhou's Little Guilin

Here's an introduction to Shoutao Lake, known as Suzhou's Little Guilin: - Overview - Location: Situated on Shoutao Lake Road in Wuzhong District, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, Shoutao Lake lies at the foot of Tianping Mountain in Mudu Town. It is bordered by Jilong Mountain to the west and the Film and Television City to the east. - Origin of the Name: The lake derives its name from the peach-shaped mountain beside it. The ancient book *Tiangang Renyan* records sightings of a small green dragon playing in the water here, leading to its alternative name, Muchun Lake. - Formation: From the Ming and Qing dynasties to the 1950s-1980s, the foot of Tianping Mountain and the shores of Muchun Lake were rich in granite. Shoutao Lake was formed by quarrying and deep excavation. - Natural Scenery - Crystal-clear Water: The lake stretches approximately 800 meters north to south and 300-500 meters east to west, covering an area of about 400 mu (approximately 26.7 hectares). Its deepest point reaches 70 meters. The water is clear, green, and resembles jade. - Picturesque Landscape: A small, peach-shaped hill sits in the center of the lake, surrounded by water on three sides. The harmonious blend of mountain and water creates a scene of a fairy lake holding a peach. The surrounding area also features Tianping Mountain, Lingyan Mountain, and others, with a mountainous terrain similar to that of Guilin. - Cultural Attractions and Activities - Filming Location: Shoutao Lake served as one of the filming locations for the large-scale fantasy costume drama *Shuiyuedongtian*. The altar of the Tong family was filmed here. - Leisure Destination: Shoutao Lake Park offers a tranquil escape within the bustling city. It has fitness trails suitable for walking, jogging, and cycling. Visitors can also camp and picnic on the lakeside lawn. - Visitor Information - Opening Hours: Open year-round, 24 hours a day. - Admission: Free. - Transportation: Take Exit 5 of Mudu Subway Station on Metro Line 1 and walk a little over 1 kilometer. For those driving, navigate to Shoutao Lake Park East Bus Stop. Free parking is available nearby.