1. Overview
Turtle Head Isle (Yuantouzhu, 鼋头渚), located in Wuxi, Jiangsu, is a 5A-rated scenic area covering 5.39 km². Named for its turtle-shaped boulder jutting into Taihu Lake, it’s celebrated as the "No. 1 Scenic Spot of Taihu" by poet Guo Moruo.
2. Key Attractions
- Cherry Blossom Valley (樱花谷): Home to 30,000 cherry trees (68 varieties), it’s one of China’s top 3 sakura spots. The Spring Cherry Blossom Festival (March–April) draws millions.
- Taihu Fairy Island (太湖仙岛): A mythical-themed islet with Taoist temples, 18m-tall Jade Emperor statue, and boat tours.
- Chungchun Bridge (长春桥): A Ming-style arched bridge mirrored in cherry-blossom-lined waters, inspired by Kyoto.
- "Bao Yun Wu Yue" Cliff Inscription: A Qing-dynasty engraving ("Taihu Nurtures Wu-Yue") symbolizing the lake’s cultural legacy.
3. Historical & Cultural Significance
- Origins: Developed in 1916 by industrialist Yang Hanxi as a private garden, later expanded into a public park.
- Literary Legacy: Praised by Tang-Song poets and Guo Moruo ("After all, the finest scenery is Turtle Head Isle").
- Global Recognition: UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List (2024) for its harmony of nature and human artistry.
4. Seasonal Highlights
- Spring: Cherry blossoms, peonies, and Kunqu opera performances.
- Summer: Lotus blooms at Lotus Depth (藕花深处) and lake breezes.
- Autumn: Red maple forests and moon-viewing at Tianyuan Tower.
- Winter: Snow-dusted pavilions and migratory birds.
5. Visitor Tips
- Best Time: Early morning (avoid crowds) or sunset for golden lake views.
- Tickets: ¥85 (includes ferry to Fairy Island); ¥20 for electric carts.
- Transport: Bus K1/K87 from Wuxi Station; 1-hour drive from Shanghai.
