Heading to Taihu Lake for an Encounter with an Autumn Romantic Feast

The temperature is dropping, and the wind finally carries a genuine autumn chill. Late autumn at Taihu Lake is quietly brewing a grand and romantic rendezvous. Every year from November to March, red-billed gulls from Siberia travel thousands of kilometers, flying south to Suzhou’s Taihu Lake to begin a warm and romantic winter journey. At this time, Taihu Lake not only hosts lively red-billed gulls but also features swaying osmanthus blossoms by the shore, golden ginkgo leaves, fiery red maples, and branches laden with oranges, persimmons, and pomegranates. This unique autumn memory is waiting for you to “pack” and take home! The Red-Billed Gull Rendezvous: A Winter Romance Across Thousands of Miles Every year in mid to late November, the red-billed gulls arrive like distant guests, setting off from Siberia, crossing mountains and waters, to spend the entire winter at the mild Taihu Lake in Suzhou. Want to have an intimate encounter with these adorable creatures? Then visit these recommended birdwatching spots! Along Taihu No.1 Highway, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Taihu Lake while keeping an eye on the red-billed gulls in the sky; Taihu Lakeside National Wetland and Fishing Port Village are havens for the gulls, where you can see them playing on the water or soaring in the sky; the New Fourth Army Taihu Guerrilla Detachment Memorial Hall, Chongshanyu Lighthouse, Muke Bookstore, and Shibi Yonghui Zen Temple, places rich in history and culture, also allow you to appreciate Taihu’s profound heritage while birdwatching; Sanshan Island, Manshan Island, and Hengshan Island, like pearls in Taihu Lake, are where the red-billed gulls live freely, letting you fully enjoy this tranquility and beauty. Collecting Autumn at Taihu: Lakeside Scenery and Countryside “Treasures” Flower Viewing Feast: A Colorful Autumn Painting Autumn at Taihu Lake is a floral feast. Zijin Temple, Qiyuan Garden, Tong Guanyin Temple, Yuhua Scenic Area, Yuyang Mountain, Yaoshang Village, and Xishan Ancient Village are osmanthus paradises. Strolling through these places, the air is filled with the rich fragrance of osmanthus, as if immersed in a sweet dream. At Zijin Temple, Diaohualou, Yuwang Temple, and Tong Guanyin Temple, golden ginkgo leaves carpet the ground, each step treading on autumn’s poetry. Shigong Mountain, Qiyuan Garden, Yuwang Temple, and Diaohualou are ablaze with fiery red maples, igniting the passion of autumn. Taihu No.1 Highway and Taihu Lakeside National Wetland feature swaying reeds, dreamy and ethereal, like a natural ink painting. Sanshan Island and Xiangshan Botanical Garden are covered with pink muhly grass, cloud-like and misty, extremely romantic. Taihu Lakeside National Wetland and Taihu New World boast towering dawn redwoods that shimmer golden under the sunlight. Picking Fun: Autumn Sweetness on the Tongue Besides flower viewing, autumn at Taihu also offers the joy of picking fruit. At Happy Farm, fresh cucumbers are juicy and waiting for you to pick. At Yuhua Scenic Area, Zijin Temple, Luxiang Ancient Village, and Sanshan Island, oranges hang heavily on branches like little lanterns, emitting an enticing fragrance. At Sanshan Island, Yushan Island, and Jinmanting Agricultural Park, persimmons are ripe, soft, and sweet, leaving a lasting taste. At Hengshan Island and Dongcun Ancient Village, pomegranates are plump and juicy, sweet and sour, a delicious autumn treat. Practical Tips: Make Your Taihu Trip Perfect If you plan to birdwatch, enjoy flowers, and pick fruit at Taihu, remember to prepare your itinerary in advance. Bring binoculars and a camera for better observation and recording of the charming red-billed gulls. Wear comfortable shoes for flower viewing and stroll freely through the sea of blossoms. When picking fruit, pay attention to safety and follow staff instructions. Also, don’t miss the local cuisine around Taihu—specialties like Taihu’s “Three Whites” and Squirrel Mandarin Fish will surely satisfy your taste buds. The red-billed gulls have already sent their invitation, autumn colors are on the way, and the fragrance of melons and fruits continues to drift. This autumn, let’s head to Taihu Lake together and start a romantic autumn journey!