Dongshan, also known as Dongting Dongshan, is approximately a 2-hour bus ride from downtown Suzhou. It is a peninsula extending into Taihu Lake, governing several small islands within the lake. Viewing the misty lake scenery and tasting fresh lake produce are essential activities when visiting. The island’s attractions mainly consist of ancient architecture, making it a leisurely and suitable destination for elderly tourists. Among the main attractions of Dongshan, apart from San Shan Island, which requires a boat to reach, the rest are located on the Dongshan Peninsula. The western side of the peninsula is dominated by Moli Peak, with various attractions surrounding the mountain connected by a circular mountain road, forming a looped tour route. From the ‘Dongshan Post Office’ bus stop in the center of Dongshan Town, taking bus 629 can circle the northern half, while bus 627 circles the southern half. White-walled, black-tiled residences and vast fruit orchards are visible on both sides of the road. Bus 629 runs along the Taihu Lake, offering a scenic journey. At night, Dongshan is tranquil, with the circular mountain road resembling a jade belt over Taihu Lake, rows of streetlights, and the scattered lights from residences at the foot of the green hills, casting a reflection into the lake, presenting a different view. For visiting more attractions, it is recommended to purchase the Dongshan Combination Ticket, which is cost-effective and valid for 2 days. Without visiting San Shan Island, Dongshan can be toured in one day, albeit rushed; it is advisable to plan for two days. If visiting San Shan Island, plan for three days, staying one night on the Dongshan Peninsula and one night on San Shan Island. There are many farmhouse-style accommodations on both the Dongshan Peninsula and San Shan Island, with similar conditions. It is recommended to stay within LUXIANG Ancient Village on the Dongshan Peninsula, as the village is the midpoint of the loop, where bus routes 627 and 629 intersect; on San Shan Island, choose your preferred accommodation. Don’t forget to taste the local specialties at the farmhouses, ‘Taihu San Bai’ – whitefish, whitebait, and white shrimp, which are delicious, and in autumn, Taihu hairy crabs can be enjoyed. Dongshan offers different green products in each season, with April’s Biluochun tea, May’s loquats, and autumn oranges being particularly famous. Vendors selling these products are often seen by the roadside and at the entrance of attractions. After arriving at Dongshan, one can start by visiting Qi Garden (Xi’s Garden), a typical Suzhou garden, known for its ‘Three Treasures’: Liu Yi Well, Kangxi’s personally planted bayberry 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 to LUXIANG Ancient Village along the northern half of the circular mountain road. The three archways built to commemorate the Ming Dynasty’s Wang Ao, who successively won the provincial, metropolitan, and palace examinations, are the village’s landmarks. Almost every residential house that serves as an attraction has a beautiful small garden. In the evening, one can visit Taihu Fishing Village across from the ancient village to watch the harbor’s fishing boats and the sunset over Taihu Lake. Traveling along the southern half circle to Zijin Temple, one will pass by Xuanyuan Palace, Ming Shan Hall, and Yangwan Ancient Village. If time permits, these places are worth visiting. Zijin Temple is notable for its lifelike and historically significant painted clay sculptures in the Arhat Hall, and vegetarian meals can be enjoyed at the temple’s Su Shi Zhai for lunch.
Proceed to the exquisitely carved Diaolou, where every nook and cranny is adorned with intricate designs. Pay attention to the hidden walls, treasure chambers, and the lotus for children. For tourists with children who may not be as interested in cultural sites, consider visiting Yuhua Shengjing, a short hike from Diaolou, to climb the mountain. It takes at least an hour to reach the summit of Moli Peak, where one can enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Tai. In Changqi Wharf of Dongshan Town, Suzhou (accessible by bus route 629), there are ferries to Xianqi Wharf on San Shan Island, with a one-way fare of 20 yuan. Renting a bicycle near Xianqi Wharf for a cycling tour is a recommended activity, with a reference price of 10 yuan per rental.
The eastern shore of the island from Xianqi Wharf to Sisters Bridge offers a view of wetland scenery, while the central mountain (near the Niangniang Temple near the wetland) and the southwest corner by the Tai Lake boast Taihu stones for visitors to admire. The island is open all year round, with full-day access.
Essential Tips: 1. Please do not pick fruits from the trees indiscriminately, respecting the local people’s hard work. If you wish to taste them, consider purchasing them. 2. When renting bicycles on San Shan Island, carefully select one, as some may be old and not ride smoothly. 3. For those staying at the agritourism within LUXiang Ancient Village, it is advisable to inquire with the owner about potential discounts on admission tickets. Generally, entering the village with the owner can waive the ticket fee, but individual small attractions within the village still require tickets. If the owner accompanies you to purchase tickets, a half-price discount may be offered. However, if you have already bought the Dongshan combined ticket, the discount becomes irrelevant.
Dongting Dongshan
Dongshan, also known as Dongting Dongshan, is approximately a 2-hour bus ride from downtown Suzhou. It is a peninsula extending […]
