Wangshan Scenic Area in Suzhou: A Fairyland Beside the City

Wangshan Scenic Area in Suzhou: A Fairyland Beside the City Beyond the hustle and bustle of Suzhou lies a tranquil landscape of mountains, rivers, and pastoral scenery: Wangshan Scenic Area. As a national 5A-level tourist attraction and the first national agricultural tourism demonstration site in the province, it is an excellent place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city with its stunning natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, and colorful leisure experiences. Pre-trip Preparation 1. Documents: Bring your ID card. If you have a student ID, senior citizen card, military officer card, etc., you may be able to enjoy discounts on some paid activities or when purchasing a joint ticket. 2. Clothing: In spring and fall, the temperature difference between morning and evening is large, so bring a light jacket. In summer, protect yourself from the sun and wear light, breathable clothing. Winter is cold, so down jackets, scarves, gloves, and other warm gear are essential. 3. Other items: Comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes are a good helper for hiking; prepare sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat to protect yourself from the sun; bring an umbrella or raincoat; and bring an appropriate amount of snacks and water to replenish your energy in time. Transportation Guide 1. Public Transportation: - Take Metro Line 4 to Hongzhuang Station, transfer to Metro Line 4 branch line to Shihu Moshe Station, and then take Bus 552 to Wangshan Tea Expo Garden. - You can take Bus 552 directly from Suzhou South Bus Station to Wangshan Scenic Area. 2. Self-driving: - Shanghai-Nanjing Expressway: Transfer to the western section of Suzhou Ring Expressway via Dongqiao Hub, and exit at Shihuzhou Exit or Dongshan Interchange, and then take Wuzhong Avenue to Wangshan Scenic Area. - Sujiahang Expressway: Transfer to Suzhou Ring Expressway via Pingshan Hub, go west on the southwest section to Shihuzhou Exit or Dongshan Interchange, and then take Wuzhong Avenue to Wangshan Scenic Area. - Suzhou Ring Expressway: Exit at Shihuzhou Exit or Dongshan Interchange, and then take Wuzhong Avenue to Wangshan Scenic Area. - Suhu Expressway: Transfer to the southwest section of Suzhou Ring Expressway, go to Shihuzhou Exit or Dongshan Interchange, and then take Wuzhong Avenue to Wangshan Scenic Area. There is a parking lot in the scenic area, which is convenient for parking. Tickets and Opening Hours 1. Tickets: Most areas of Wangshan Scenic Area are open for free, and some areas of the Ai Dai Ling Scenic Area charge separate fees. 2. Opening hours: Theoretically open 24 hours a day, but some attractions and amusement facilities have their own operating hours, such as Jiulongtan and Tianyi Tangquan, so it is recommended to check in advance to avoid making an empty trip. Accommodation Recommendations 1. Suzhou Huanxiu Xiaozhu Health Resort: Located in Wangshan Ecological Park, surrounded by bamboo forests, with excellent greenery and fresh air. The resort has its own Tianyi Tangquan in the valley. After soaking in the hot spring, you can go to the bamboo forest tea house to enjoy tea and relax. It is the first choice for tourists seeking a high-quality vacation experience, with a rating of 4.7. 2. Suzhou Wangshan Wisteria Homestay: A cost-effective choice with facilities such as a chess room and hot spring bath. The family room is only CNY 298, and refunds are available if you don't stay. Here, you can enjoy a warm and comfortable accommodation environment and experience the freedom of home. 3. Shili Yaoji Homestay: With a beautiful environment and attentive service, it is not only suitable for leisure vacations, but also for company team building activities, bringing you a comfortable and unforgettable stay. Food Recommendations 1. Wangshan Jinyutang: The dishes are mainly local specialties, following the principle of "preparing as much as you order." The ingredients are prepared and cooked on the same day to ensure freshness and safety, allowing you to taste the original Wangshan flavor. 2. Wangshan Yijiangnan Restaurant: Located in Wangshan Scenic Area, the location is excellent. The restaurant specializes in local farmhouse dishes, which are fresh and have a unique taste, and are well received by diners. Enjoy a delicious farmhouse meal surrounded by green mountains and dense bamboo forests, which is very pleasant. 3. Long Xian Ling: A hidden gem rice noodle restaurant at the foot of Wangshan Mountain. The chicken soup base is visible to the naked eye, and there are various braised toppings. The set meal is super cost-effective. In addition to a large bowl of rice noodles, there are also Baiji buns, braised eggs, and unlimited side dishes. It has a Xuzhou flavor and is very filling. Tour Route 1. Leisure Day Trip: - Morning: Arrive at Wangshan Tourist Center and stroll to Xishi Pool to experience the quiet environment. Then go to Jiulongtan to admire the emerald green pool water and take photos. - Noon: Taste authentic farmhouse delicacies at Qianjiawu Farmhouse. Don't miss the signature dishes such as Shaoding Chicken and Xiangyang Meat. - Afternoon: Walk into Wangshan Tea Expo Garden, admire the neatly arranged tea trees, and learn about tea planting and production. Then go to Ai Dai Ling and stroll through the mountains and forests to breathe fresh air. 2. Hiking and Adventure Day Trip: - Morning: Start climbing from Jiulongtan, climbing up the steep but challenging stone steps. Along the way, you can enjoy the rolling mountains and dense forests. Arrive at Qianyuan Temple on the top of the mountain, feel the solemnity of the temple, and taste a bowl of vegetarian noodles for CNY 20. - Noon: Take a break at Qianyuan Temple to replenish your energy. - Afternoon: Starting from Qianyuan Temple, choose a rustic dirt road to go down the mountain, and pay attention to the colored ribbons on the branches to mark the direction. Pass by Meet the Louvre (outdoor market) and admire the white statues. Finally, return to the scenic area entrance and end your fulfilling hiking trip. 3. Parent-child Two-Day Tour: - Day 1: Enter the scenic area in the morning, pass through the bamboo forest, and play by the Huamei Spring to feel the fun of nature. Have lunch near the scenic area. In the afternoon, follow the parent-child hiking route to Qianyuan Temple, visit the temple, and learn about Buddhist culture. Stay in a warm parent-child homestay in the evening. - Day 2: Go to Jiangnan Farming Island, where children can experience traditional waterwheels and windmill arrays, shuttle through the melon and fruit corridors, and catch fish and shrimp in the Fish Fun Participation Area to fully enjoy the joy of rural life. Then pack your luggage and return home happily. Travel Tips 1. Best time to visit: March–May, when everything is recovering and Wangshan Scenic Area is full of flowers, suitable for strolling and admiring flowers; September–November, when the autumn is crisp and the mountains and forests are colorful, it is a good time for hiking and climbing. 2. Scenic area facilities: There are multiple rest pavilions and restrooms in the scenic area, and some areas have vending machines. There are many farmhouses and shops near Qianjiawu and Ai Dai Ling, which is convenient for replenishing food and water. 3. Safety precautions: When hiking and climbing, follow the signs and do not leave the designated route, especially when walking on wild roads; when traveling with children, always pay attention to their whereabouts to avoid accidents.