Dongshan, also known as Dongting Dongshan, is a peninsula extending into Taihu Lake, approximately a 2-hour bus ride from downtown Suzhou. It governs several small islands within Taihu Lake. A visit here is incomplete without enjoying the misty lake views and tasting the fresh lake delicacies. The island’s attractions primarily consist of ancient buildings, making it an easy and leisurely destination, ideal for elderly visitors.
Among the main attractions of Dongshan, except for San Shan Island, which requires a boat ride to reach, the others are all located on the Dongshan Peninsula. The western side of the peninsula features peaks dominated by Moli Peak, with various attractions surrounding the mountain and connected by a scenic road, forming a circular tour route. From the ‘Dongshan Post Office’ bus stop in the center of Dongshan Town, you can take bus 629 to circle the northern half or bus 627 for the southern half. White-walled and black-tiled residences and extensive fruit trees are visible on both sides of the road, with bus 629 running along the Taihu Lake, offering a scenic journey.
The nights in Dongshan are tranquil, with the scenic road resembling a jade belt on Taihu Lake, lined with street lamps and the scattered lights from residences at the foot of the green hills, casting reflections into the lake, presenting a different scene. For visiting more attractions, it is recommended to purchase the Dongshan combined ticket, which is quite cost-effective and valid for 2 days. If not visiting San Shan Island, Dongshan can be explored in one day, albeit rushed; it is advisable to plan for two days. If including San Shan Island, plan for three days, with one night on the Dongshan Peninsula and another on San Shan Island. Both locations offer numerous farmhouses with similar conditions. It is recommended to stay within the ancient village of LUXiang on the Dongshan Peninsula, as it is the midpoint of the loop and where buses 627 and 629 meet. On San Shan Island, choose your preferred accommodation.
Don’t forget to taste the local specialty dishes at the farmhouses, such as the ‘Taihu Three Whites’—whitefish, whitebait, and white shrimp, known for their delicious taste, and Taihu hairy crabs available in autumn. Dongshan offers different green products each season, with April’s Biluochun tea, May’s loquats, and autumn’s oranges being particularly famous. Vendors selling these products can often be found by the roadside and at the entrances of attractions.
Upon arrival at Dongshan, start with Qiyuan (Xi’s Garden), a typical Suzhou-style garden featuring the ‘Three Treasures’: Liu Yi Well, Kangxi’s personally planted waxberry tree, and the Imperial Dock. Its unique feature is the incorporation of Taihu Lake views, with the Imperial Dock extending into the lake. Then, head north along the scenic road to Luxiang Ancient Village, marked by three archways built to celebrate the Ming Dynasty scholar Wang Ao’s successive achievements in the imperial examinations. Almost every residential house in the village, which serves as an attraction, has a beautiful small garden. In the evening, visit Taihu Fishing Village opposite the ancient village to see the port’s fishing boats and the sunset over Taihu Lake. For the southern half, head to Zijin Temple, passing by Xuanyuan Palace, Mingshan Hall, and Yangwan Ancient Village along the way; if time permits, these are worth visiting. Zijin Temple is known for its vivid and historic painted clay sculptures in the Arhat Hall, and you can have a vegetarian lunch at the temple’s Su Shi Zhai.
Next, visit the ubiquitously carved Dongshan Carved Building, and remember to pay attention to the hidden walls, treasure pavilions, and child lotus. For tourists with children who may not be interested in cultural attractions, it is recommended to climb the Yuhua Scenic Spot, which is not far from the Carved Building. It takes at least one hour to walk from here to the top of Moli Peak, where you can overlook Taihu Lake. In the Changqi Dock of Dongshan Town, Suzhou (reachable by bus route 629), there are ferries to Xianqi Dock on San Shan Island, costing 20 yuan for a one-way trip.
Renting a bicycle at the nearby bike rental point near Xianqi Dock is a good way to explore, with a reference price of 10 yuan per time. From Xianqi Dock on the east coast of the island to Sister Bridge, there are wetland landscapes to see. On the mountain in the center of the island (near the wetland, there is a path to the mountain from the Niangniang Temple) and on the southwest corner by Taihu Lake, there are Taihu stones to view. The island is open all year round, 24 hours a day.
Must-see tips: 1. Do not pick fruits from fruit trees indiscriminately, cherish the fruits of local people’s labor, and purchase if you wish to eat. 2. If renting a bicycle on San Shan Island, remember to choose carefully, as some bicycles are old and not very smooth to ride. 3. When staying in a farmhouse within Luxiang Ancient Village, it is advisable to consult the owner in advance to see if there are any ticket discounts. Generally, entering the village with the owner can be free of charge, but tickets are still required to visit the various small attractions within the village. If the owner accompanies you to buy tickets, you can get a half-price discount. Of course, if you have already purchased the Dongshan joint ticket, the discount is irrelevant.
Dongting Dongshan – A Peninsula of Serenity and History
Dongshan, also known as Dongting Dongshan, is a peninsula extending into Taihu Lake, approximately a[...]
