Yuantouzhu
鼋头渚 · Binhu District, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
A peninsula jutting into Lake Tai from its northwest shore, named for its resemblance to a turtle's head; spring cherry blossom and lake views are what it is best loved for.
Know before you go
- Do not break cherry branches
- do not trample the lawns
- do not throw anything into the lake
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Stories & people
Stories & people
History
Hengyun Villa
In 1916 Yang Hanxi, a Wuxi industrialist, bought land around Chongshan at Yuantouzhu and the following year began building Hengyun Villa, which he developed over more than twenty years. This made Yuantouzhu a scenic spot on the shores of Lake Tai.
Source: Wikipedia (Chinese): Yuantouzhu; Wikipedia: Yuantouzhu
History
The cherry blossom embankment
Changchun Bridge was built in 1936, and cherry trees were planted beside it, forming a cherry embankment. From 1988 on, people from Japan came here to plant cherry trees, gradually creating large cherry groves.
Source: Wikipedia (Chinese): Yuantouzhu
History
"The finest spot on Lake Tai"
The line "The finest spot on Lake Tai is, after all, Yuantou" is widely quoted and generally attributed to Guo Moruo. The garden's plaque reading "The Finest of Lake Tai" was inscribed in 1975 based on Guo Moruo's verse, and in 1979 Li Keran inscribed "The finest spot on Lake Tai".
Source: Wikipedia (Chinese): Yuantouzhu
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Yuantouzhu lies on the northwest shore of Lake Tai in Wuxi. It is a spit of land jutting into the lake, named because its shape resembles the head of a yuan, a giant softshell turtle. A garden was built here from 1916 on, and today it is a national 5A-level scenic area. In spring the scenic area is filled with cherry blossom. From Yuantouzhu you can take a boat to the "Three Hills in the Lake": there are actually four islets, but one is hidden behind another, so from afar only three can be seen, hence the name.
Local customs
Climb Yuantouzhu for views over Lake Tai, take a boat to the Three Hills in the Lake, enjoy the cherry blossom in season, and stroll along the lakeshore.
Etiquette & taboos
Etiquette & taboos
Don’t DON'T
- Do not break cherry branches
- do not trample the lawns
- do not throw anything into the lake
Locals appreciate DO
- Queue in an orderly way when boarding boats
- visit at off-peak times in cherry blossom season if you can
Plan your visit
Practical info
Travel tips
- Cherry blossom season draws large crowds, so visit at off-peak times if you can. Check the official channels for ticket and boat fares. The lakeside is windy, so bring an extra layer.
- Buses from downtown Wuxi reach the scenic area, where you can walk or take a boat
- check the official channels for exact routes and boat schedules. The cherry blossom peaks in March and April, and the autumn colours of Lake Tai are also beautiful
- the lakeshore is cool in summer and quiet in winter.
Photos
Photos
Synyan / 藍風攝影 · CC BY-SA 3.0
螺钉 · CC BY-SA 3.0
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