Driving around Xishan Island to enjoy the endless Taihu Lake breeze

Finally found the best weekend getaway destination from Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai! Suzhou Xishan Island, this secret spot of Taihu Lake, is stunningly beautiful beyond words. A healing little island just 1.5 hours’ drive away. Just save this post👇 🚗【Recommended Lakeside Driving Route】 Jinting Road → Piaomiao Peak Road → Hengshan Island Road Roll down the windows and feel the lake breeze all the way. Every turn brings a surprise! Stop immediately when you encounter a wild flower sea to take photos. (Navigate to "Lake and Coffee" for many stunning photo spots along the way) 🍑【Summer Exclusive Yellow Plum Picking】 June to July is the ripe season for yellow plums on Xishan Island! We recommend the orchards on Xishan Island. Golden plums hang heavily on the branches. The fruit you pick yourself tastes especially sweet and fresh. (Remember to wear light-colored clothes; orchard photos look super vibrant) ☕【Must-Visit Lakeside Cafés】 ❶ Lake and Coffee: 270° lakeside terrace + popular swing ❷ Banshan Art Café: Japanese wabi-sabi style + perfect for watching sunsets Order an iced latte and daydream by Taihu Lake. The sound of the waves is more healing than white noise~ 🌊【Hidden Windy Spots】 ✔ Mingyue Bay Ancient Wharf (free admission after 5 PM) ✔ Jingshan Sunset Viewing Spot (few people, beautiful scenery) ✔ Entrance of Yinshan Island Village (listen to the waves under century-old trees) 📸【Photo Tips】 ▫ Light-colored dress + straw bag = natural reflector ▫ The light is softest from 4 to 6 PM ▫ Use the lakeside reeds as foreground ⚠ Notes: ✅ Recommended to stay overnight. We chose the "Suxinyouju Homestay" with an amazing lake view room. ✅ Sunscreen! Sunscreen! UV rays by the lake are strong# ✅ You can bargain for plums by the roadside. "Tell your worries to Taihu Lake, The waves will wash away all troubles." This weekend, let’s be islanders together~