Taihu Source is located at the southern foot of Tianmu Mountain in Lin’an. As the name suggests, it is the source of Taihu Lake. Here, there are pure mountain streams and brooks, known for their coolness. In 2007, Yao Ming and his wife took wedding photos here. This attracted competing reports from journalists across the country. Originally not very famous, Taihu Source has thus become a popular scenic spot in the Yangtze River Delta. Overview of Taihu Source scenic area: The scenic area is not large, and the tourist route is also very simple. There is only one route, that is, going up from the scenic area gate to the source of Taihu Lake and then returning the same way. The slope of the footpath is not steep and is very easy to walk. It takes about two to three hours to complete the whole journey. The stream of Taihu Source is actually not too large. After all, it is the source. However, there are several waterfalls worth seeing. In summer, you can follow the stone beach down to the stream to play in the water. This is also the loveliest part of Taihu Source. Tourist route: Entering the scenic area, the first thing you see is a statue of a golden toad in the pool. Many people try to throw coins into its mouth. Not far ahead, on the Dragon Beard Wall, clusters of dragon beard grass grow on the vertical cliff. When the breeze blows, the grass flutters in mid-air, which is very spectacular. The next attraction is a huge stone with the character ‘Source’ by the roadside, indicating that this is the source of Taihu Lake. This stone is often taken as a symbolic landmark of Taihu Source for tourists to take photos. In front of the stone is Yunbi Pool. In summer, you can play by the pool and there are bumper boats for tourists to play on (about 50 yuan). In the Siyuan Corridor nearby, there is a osmanthus tree full of red cloth strips. It is the ‘love tree’ planted by Yao Ming and his wife in person. There are also pictures and texts about them taking wedding photos here. Now it has also become one of the attractions of the scenic spot. Continuing forward to the Monkey Playing Flat, a group of lively monkeys appear in the field of vision. Tourists can buy feed and feed the monkeys and take photos with the monkeys under the guidance of the keeper. Although the monkeys here are very gentle most of the time, there is still a possibility of giving you a ‘gentle blow’. So here, follow the keeper’s instructions. Don’t tease them too much. Don’t tease them while eating. Pay attention to safety. Continuing forward, passing through Fengshen Valley, Zuihua Waterfall, and Shuanglong Pool, you will see an ancient Buddhist temple. Next to the ancient Buddhist temple is a tea room where you can rest for a while or drink local cloud and mist tea, and then continue to walk up. After walking for about 15 minutes behind the Buddhist temple is the source of Taihu Lake. On the way, you will pass the last two scenic spots, Baizhangji and Immortal Cave. The water of Baizhangji flows down against the stone wall with a drop of more than 100 meters. It is one of the waterfalls in Taihu Source that is very worth seeing. At the end of the scenic area is the source of Taihu Lake. There is a special Jiyuan Altar built there to worship the god guarding the source. Inside are enshrined statues of water gods, wealth gods, etc. There are twelve zodiac signs in front of the temple, and the spring of Taihu Source gushes out.
After taking photos and leaving memories here, you can return by the same route. In recent years, the farmhouse inns around the scenic area have developed extremely rapidly. The farmhouse inns in Baisha Village are relatively famous. You can find ordinary farmhouses for a hundred yuan or so and resort hotels for several hundred yuan. You can consider staying here overnight. In addition, Taihu Source is very close to the Shenlongchuan Scenic Area in the south. Tourists often arrange to visit the two together. Opening hours: Open all year round from 08:00 to 16:30. Preferential policies: Children: Under 1.2 meters (excluding), free; 1.2 meters (inclusive) – 1.5 meters (inclusive), half price. Military personnel: Active-duty military personnel (with military officer ID), free. Elderly: Those aged 60 (inclusive) – 70 (excluding) with senior citizen ID or ID card, discounted; those aged 70 (inclusive) or above with senior citizen ID or ID card, half price. Local citizens of Lin’an: Local citizens of Lin’an, discounted. Students: Full-time undergraduate and below students with student ID, half price. Disabled people: With disability certificate, half price. Service facilities: Parking lot: [Parking lot of Taihu Source Scenic Area] Reference price: 20 yuan/time; Address: Inside Taihu Source Scenic Area, Baisha Village, Taihu Source Town, Lin’an City, Hangzhou; Parking spaces: 400. Must-see tips: In summer and after rain, the stream has a large amount of water, and the scenery is relatively spectacular.
