2025 Wuxi Yuantouzhu Travel Guide

— A Poetic Journey of Cherry Blossoms Dancing in the Best Scenery of Taihu Lake I. Transportation Guide 1. Main Transportation: How to Get to Yuantouzhu - By Plane: Direct flights are available to Wuxi Sunan Shuofang International Airport from many cities nationwide. Transfer to subway Line 3 to Wuxi Railway Station, then take bus Leyou Line 1 or K1 to Chongshan Gate of the scenic area (about 1.5 hours). - By High-Speed Train: After arriving at Wuxi Station, take Leyou Line 1 or K1 bus directly to the scenic area; or take a taxi from Wuxi East Station for about 40 minutes (costing about CNY 60). - By Car: - Shanghai-Nanjing Expressway: Wuxi East Exit → Taihu Avenue → Huanhu Road → Yuanzhu Road → Chongshan Gate (20 km, about 30 minutes). - Xiyi Expressway: Wuxi West Exit → Bogong Island → Dushan Gate (12 km, about 15 minutes). - Water Shuttle: Two new routes in 2025, Guanshe Villa to Jiangnan Pier (CNY 135 per person, including speedboat), and Shui Shang Ming Hao to Chongshan Gate (CNY 20–30), the preferred choice to avoid congestion. 2. Transportation within the Scenic Area - Sightseeing Bus: Included in the ticket, connecting core attractions such as Chongshan Gate, Cherry Blossom Valley, and Taihu Fairy Island. - Cruise Ship: Take a boat from Yuantouzhu Pier to Taihu Fairy Island (round trip included in the ticket). Along the way, you can see the Three Kingdoms City Water Village and experience the misty Taihu Lake. 3. Parking Suggestions - Smart Parking: Follow the "Wuxi Parking" official account to check the real-time availability of parking spaces in the parking lot at the mountain gate and the Lianghu Future City Changqiao parking lot, supporting seamless departure. - Emergency Lane: Temporarily open the mountain forest fire lane during peak hours for quick departure via Shanshui East Road. II. Must-Visit Attractions 1. Core Attractions - Cherry Blossom Valley: One of the world's three major cherry blossom viewing spots. The peak blooming period is from the end of March to the beginning of April. Changchun Huayi and Shangying Pavilion are the best spots for taking pictures. The night cherry blossom light show (18:30–21:00) adds to the dreamlike atmosphere. - Taihu Fairy Island: Take a boat to the island, explore Taoist culture, and don't miss the Lingxiao Palace and Dajue Bay Grotto statues. - Yuantouzhu Spring Waves: The giant stone "Yuantou" stands in the lake. Climb the lighthouse to overlook the panoramic view of Taihu Lake, which is especially magnificent at sunrise. - Luding Yinghui: The highest point in the scenic area, the 360° viewing platform offers views of Taihu Lake and Wuxi city. Enjoy cherry blossoms in spring and red leaves in fall. 2. Featured Experiences - Red-billed Gull Interaction: In winter (November to February), flocks of red-billed gulls hover over the lake. It is fun to feed them bread. - "Million Photographer" Service: During the cherry blossom season, special police officers assist in taking panoramic photos on the rising platform of Jiming Temple Road, providing free access to aerial view blockbusters. III. Classic Tour Routes One-Day Essential Tour: 1. Morning: Chongshan Gate → Cherry Blossom Valley → Shangying Pavilion → Changchun Huayi → Taihu Lake Cruise (to Fairy Island). 2. Afternoon: Yuantouzhu Spring Waves → Guangfu Ancient Temple → Luding Yinghui → Night Cherry Blossom Light Show. Two-Day In-Depth Tour: - Day 1: Cherry Blossom Valley + Taihu Fairy Island → Stay overnight at Taigong Sanatorium in the scenic area (lake view room). - Day 2: Ludingshan Hiking → Jiangnan Orchid Garden (orchid exhibition) → Joint tour of Liyuan Garden or Huishan Ancient Town. IV. Tickets and Discounts - Ticket Price: CNY 90 per person (including cruise ship and sightseeing bus). Half price for students/seniors over 60 years old. Free for children under 1.4 meters. - Trip.com Discounts: Enjoy a 10% discount for advance ticket purchases. Joint tickets including night cherry blossoms and water shuttle are more cost-effective. - Opening Hours: 8:00–17:30 (extended to 21:00 during peak season). V. Food Recommendations 1. Dining in the Scenic Area: - Hengyun Restaurant: Taihu Three Whites - Cherry Blossom Valley Snack Street: Wuxi Xiaolongbao, Yulan Cake, Cherry Blossom Ice Cream (limited edition). 2. Surrounding Time-Honored Brands: - Sanfengqiao Spareribs: Wuxi braised spareribs, sweet and savory (Zhongshan Road store in the city center). VI. Precautions 1. Travel during off-peak hours: Enter the park before 8:00 on working days. On weekends, it is recommended to take subway Line 4 to connect to the bus (Xiajiabian Station to Chongshan Gate, CNY 5 per person). 2. Clothing Recommendations: There are many stone roads in Cherry Blossom Valley, so wear non-slip shoes; prepare a light jacket as the temperature varies greatly in spring. 3. Environmental Protection Tips: Drone flying is prohibited in certain areas and requires advance reporting.