Accidentally Entered Peach Blossom Land! Two Days and One Night Fun Guide to Suzhou Xishan Island

Still wondering where to go this weekend? Why not come to Xishan Island and experience a healing journey away from the hustle and bustle 🌳 Here’s a super detailed guide, quickly save it! 1. Transportation Guide 🚗 Self-driving: Depart from Suzhou, follow the Zhonghuan West Line → Sunwu Road → Zhoushan Road → Huan Taihu Avenue, directly to Taihu Bridge, about 1 hour in total. The lakeside scenery along the way is picturesque, and Taihu Bridge is a perfect photo spot! For friends coming from Shanghai/Nanjing, take the Huning Expressway/Huchang Expressway → Suzhou Ring Expressway → Taihu Bridge for an easy arrival. 🚌 Public Transportation: Local Suzhou friends can take Metro Line 5 to "Taihu Xiangshan Station," then transfer to Express Bus No. 11; or take Bus No. 69 directly from Suzhou Railway Station. Visitors from other places can take the high-speed train to Suzhou Station, then transfer to a bus or taxi, which is also very convenient. 2. Must-Visit Attractions 1. Linwu Cave: Taoism’s "Ninth Cave of the World," with stalactites of various shapes inside, warm in winter and cool in summer, like entering a mysterious otherworld. During the plum blossom season in February to March, the plum sea outside blooms, fragrant snow like a sea, perfect for photos. (Ticket 50 RMB, open 8:00 - 17:00) 2. Shigong Mountain: A gathering place of Taihu stone wonders, the "One Line Sky" is thrilling and exciting. Standing on the mountain, you can take in the lake and mountain scenery. At sunset, the golden glow on the lake is breathtaking. (Ticket 50 RMB) 3. Mingyue Bay Ancient Village: A thousand-year-old village with long-lasting charm. Walking on the Southern Song Dynasty ancient dock and stone slab streets feels like traveling back in time. This is also a filming location for "All Is Well." Taking silhouette photos at the ancient dock at dusk will dominate your social circle. (Ticket 40 RMB, free after 5 PM) 4. Piaomiao Peak: The highest peak of Taihu, 336 meters above sea level. From the top, you can see a panoramic view of Taihu’s islands, an overwhelming experience! If you don’t want to get too tired, you can take the sightseeing bus, and the scenery along the way is also great. (Ticket + sightseeing bus 80 RMB) 3. Itinerary Planning 1. One-day tour: Linwu Cave → Shigong Mountain → Mingyue Bay Ancient Village, compact and fulfilling, suitable for friends with limited time. 2. Two-day tour: Day 1: Linwu Cave → Mingyue Bay Ancient Village (stay at an ancient village guesthouse to experience the tranquility of the village at night) Day 2: Piaomiao Peak → Shigong Mountain → Lakeside cycling / Summer Bay Wetland stroll, slowly enjoy the leisurely time on Xishan Island. 4. Food Recommendations 🥘 Must-try lake delicacies: Autumn hairy crabs are full of rich roe, incredibly fresh; water shield soup is smooth and full of Taihu flavor. 🍓 Local specialties: Xishan loquats in May-June are large and sweet; June bayberries are sweet and sour; and don’t miss the fragrant Biluochun tea. 🍽️ Restaurant recommendations: Mingyue Bay farmhouse restaurant, sit by the lake, enjoy farmhouse dishes with the lake breeze, very cozy; Shuiyan Restaurant near Shigong Mountain offers great value and authentic taste. 5. Accommodation Choices 🏡 Lakeview guesthouses: Recommended around Mingyue Bay and Shigong Mountain, such as "Xishan Courtyard," where opening the window reveals Taihu Lake, and you can fall asleep to the sound of the lake at night, very healing. 🏨 High-end resorts: Taihu Renaissance/Marriott Hotel, with complete facilities and attentive service, perfect for those who demand high-quality accommodation. 6. Helpful Tips 1. The best seasons to visit are spring and autumn—enjoy flowers in spring and crabs in autumn. If you come in summer, remember to apply sunscreen~ 2. Cycling around the island is very atmospheric. You can rent an electric bike or bicycle (about 50 RMB/day), ride along the island road, feel the breeze, and enjoy the beautiful scenery. 3. When buying specialties and dining, choose shops with clear prices to avoid being overcharged and protect your wallet 👛 4. Protect the environment, don’t litter, and let’s all guard the beauty of Taihu together~ Xishan Island is full of surprises everywhere. Take this guide and set off to encounter the beauty by Taihu Lake! 💕