Xishan, also known as Dongting Xishan and Jinteng Town, is the largest island in Taihu Lake. The island offers a variety of attractions, including the misty views of Taihu Lake, the towering peaks led by the ethereal Miaofeng, ancient villages, and caves. The Taihu Bridge, which spans three sections from north to south, connects the mainland, Changsha Island, Yeshan Island, and Xishan Island, resembling a string of pearls and serving as a scenic spot in itself.
Most tourists visit Xishan Island, which is surrounded by mountains, with tour routes forming a loop around them. It is recommended to allocate at least two days for exploration. On the first day, visit the Linwudong Cave in the east and its surrounding attractions, and stay overnight at the north side of Shigong Mountain or in the ancient village of Mingyuewan. On the second day, head to Miaofeng or other attractions in the west.
There are many local restaurants, with Shigong Mountain and Mingyuewan Village being the hubs for lakefront dining. It is essential to taste the special delicacies known as ‘Three Whites of Taihu,’ which include whitefish, whitebait, and white shrimp. The Taihu hairy crabs in autumn are also highly recommended. Xishan Island offers different green products throughout the seasons: Biluochun tea in April, loquats in May, waxberries in June, peaches and pomegranates in August, and oranges in autumn. Tea gardens and abundant fruits can be seen along the roadsides.
At the landward end of Taihu Bridge, there are Yuyang Mountain and Suzhou Ocean Aquarium, but the focus is on Linwudong Cave to the east of Xishan Island. The cave is warm in winter and cool in summer, with Taihu stones replacing stalactites, giving it a unique appearance compared to ordinary caves. From February to March, the plum blossoms in the Mei Garden of Linwudong Cave are in full bloom, rivaling the fragrance and beauty of the snow sea.
The ancient camphor tree garden with a thousand-year-old camphor tree, the newly rebuilt Baoshansi Temple, and the Arhat Temple with ancient wisteria entwined around camphor trees are all around Linwudong Cave, offering a variety of options for visitors to choose from based on personal preferences. Shigong Mountain, located at the southern tip of Xishan Island with an elevation of only over 50 meters, has the geographical advantage of being close to Taihu Lake among the mountains on the island. Climbing the ‘Slit in the Sky’ on the south side of the mountain is fun, and behind Shigong Temple on the north side is the stupa of Master Hai Deng. From the mountaintop, one can overlook Taihu Lake.
Xishan boasts a plethora of hidden attractions tucked away in its corners, such as the Yuwang Temple to the west, the ancient Dongcun village, and Zhili. For those seeking leisure and entertainment, Green Light Happy Farm and Cowboy Country Club offer a variety of recreational activities including horse riding, go-karting, and more. At the farm, visitors can also participate in fruit and vegetable picking, while at the cowboy club, one can enjoy real-life CS games. Opening hours are from 08:30 to 17:00 all year round.
