The Taihu Lake is a famous tourist attraction in China. Located in the northwest shore of the Taihu Lake, the Turtle-Head Peninsula (Yuan Tou Zhu) gets its name for its huge rocks extending into the lake, looking like a turtle raising its head. It is endowed by nature with green hills and clear water. Tourists call it the best part on the Taihu Lake and the best place to enjoy the natural beauty of the Taihu Lake. Mr. Guo Moruo, a well-known poet wrote a poem in praise: The superb view of the Taihu Lake, after all, lies in the Turtle-Head Peninsula.
The Turtle-Head Peninsula Park was first built in 1918 and at present it covers an area of 500 hectares. There are plenty of attractions here, such as the Chongshan Hill, the Turtle-Head Spot, Hengyun Villa, Taihu Fairy Islands, Jiangnan Orchid Garden and Sino-Japanese Friendship Oriental Cherry Plantation.
Chongshan Hill:
With woods, grass, lotus pond and quiet paths with singing birds and fragrant flowers everywhere, there are four sections respectively featuring flowers in spring, shade in summer, color of autumn and view of winter where the Taihu Lake ornamental plants generally grow.
Greeting Sunrise at the top of the Luding Hill:
The Luding Hill is the highest point of the whole scenic spot where you can overlook the scenery of the lake and the general view of the city.
Admission fee:
105 rmb. (70 rmb for the citizens of Wuxi during 4/5/2011 to 4/7/2011) Free for the aged > 70. No discount for students.
Opening hours:
8:00 – 17:00.
Traffic:
(1). From Wuxi Railway Station to YuanTouzhu: Take the city bus line K1 (5:30-18:20, cost 2 rmb) or city bus line K87 (7:20-17:00, cost 2 rmb).
(2). From Shanghai to Yuan Tou Zhu: Highway Huning – Taihudadao street – Zhiyuxilu street – Baojieqiao – Yuan Tou Zhu.
(3). From Wuxi Airport to Yuan Tou Zhu: Jichanglu street – 312 Guodao – Gaolanglu street – Baojieqiao – Yuan Tou Zhu. This trip is about 28 km and takes 30 minutes.
What to eat:
Hengyunfandian restaurant is the most famous restaurant in Yuan Tou Zhu. It is close to the Sanshandao wharf and you can find the real Wuxi food here. You can try the Taihuyunkuai Fish and Tangcuhuoliyu Fish if you like the Wuxi food.
Tips:
(1). Because Yuan Tou Zhu park is closed on 18:20 and the park boat will take 1 hours, you’d better get here before 14:00. You can have enough time to visit Yuan Tou Zhu in this case.
(2). If you visit Yuan Tou Zhu in April , you will be able to see the beautiful cherry trees.
(3). The roads to the Yuan Tou Zhu park are not in very good conditions. You will meet the big traffic jam if you come here during holidays. If you hate the traffic jam, you will need to avoid these big Chinese holidays, especially the May 1st and Oct 1st.
(4). You can get a 10%-15% off if you book your tickets online. This will also help you to save the time waiting in the line to get your admission tickets when you arrive.
(5). In April, the tourists can see the free sumo and geisha shows in Yuan Tou Zhu Park.