Encounter the Ink Painting of Jiangnan Water Town
[Pushpin] Shanghu Lake Scenic Area is located in Changshu City, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, and is a national AAAAA-level tourist attraction renowned for its picturesque lake and mountain views, wetland ecology, and rich cultural landscapes.
- [RoundNails] Address: No. 1 Taigong Road, Changshu City, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province.
- 🕐 Opening Hours:
- Off-season (Jan-Feb, Jun-Aug, Dec): 8:10 AM - 4:10 PM
- Peak season (Mar-May, Sep-Nov): 8:10 AM - 4:40 PM
- Night tour hours (May Day, Dragon Boat Festival, Jul-Aug, Mid-Autumn Festival, National Day): 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM.
- 🎫 Ticket Prices:
- Off-season: 60 RMB/person
- Peak season: 80 RMB/person
- Night tour ticket: 19.9 RMB (early bird).
- Discounts:
- Half-price for seniors aged 60+, free for those 70+; free for active military personnel and disabled individuals with valid ID.
🚶♀️ Recommended Itineraries
Shanghu Scenic Area is quite large, so we recommend the following routes:
① [Electrocar] Shared electric car route (3 hours, 6 km)
- Attractions: Willow Islet → Fragrant Grove → Moon Embankment → Fushui Villa → Wild Luxury Shanghu Camp → Leisure Tea House → Shanzhengfang Chinese Restaurant.
② [Tricycle] Sightseeing car route (3-4 hours, 4 km)
- Attractions: Willow Islet → Fragrant Grove → Moon Embankment → Fushui Villa → Speedboat Pier → Wild Luxury Shanghu Camp → Leisure Tea House → Flying Bear Shop → Bamboo Raft Pier → Four Scenes Garden → Outer Lake Cruise Pier → Wisteria Corridor → Flying Bear Unmanned Store → Jiangnan Peony Hall → Shanzhengfang Chinese Restaurant.
③ 🛥 Electric boat route (1 hour, 4 km)
- Attractions: Willow Islet Electric Boat Pier → Fushui Villa Electric Boat Pier → Peony Hall Electric Boat Pier.
👍 Top Attractions
- Taigong Island: Showcases the culture of Jiang Shang (Jiang Ziya), including Taigong Pavilion and Fishing Platform.
- Fushui Villa: A Ming-Qing dynasty garden, once the residence of Qian Qianyi and Liu Rushi.
- Lotus Fragrance Islet: 🪷 Lotus blooms in summer, perfect for viewing and 🍵 tea tasting.
- Shanghu Peony Garden: 🏵 The largest peony garden in Jiangnan, hosting the Peony Festival from March to May.
- Water Forest: [Canoe] Take a bamboo raft to birdwatch and experience the unique "trees growing in water" scenery.
- Shanghu Water Street: A food street with Jiangnan water town charm.
🎉 Special Events
- Peony Festival (Mar-May): Peony viewing, drone shows, Pingtan performances, etc.
- Summer Night Tours (Jul-Aug): Intangible cultural heritage iron flower displays, 🌄 sunset concerts, themed parties.
- Dragon Boat Festival Activities: Garden fairs, calligraphy gatherings, water carnivals.
- Lakeside Cycling/Hiking: 16.8 km lakeside trail, 🚶♂️ hailed as the "most beautiful marathon route."
🚗 Transportation Guide
- By car: Exit at Shajiabang on the Su-Jia-Hang Expressway, 🔎 navigate to Shanghu Scenic Area.
- By bus: Take routes 116 or 117 from Changshu city center directly to the scenic area.
- By train: First arrive in Suzhou or Wuxi, then transfer to an intercity bus to Changshu.
🍜 Dining & Accommodation
- 🏭 Recommended restaurant: Jiangnan-style eateries at Shanghu Water Street.
- 🏫 Accommodation options:
- Huajianfu Yanboli
- Baodi Shanghu Garden.
💓 Practical Tips
- Best seasons: Mar-May (Peony Festival), Jul-Aug (night tours).
- ⏳ Suggested visit duration: 4-6 hours.
- Recommended gear: Sunscreen, 👟 comfortable shoes, 🧴 mosquito repellent in summer.