Suzhou | Just took a hike by Taihu Lake, and everyone’s asking where I went

This time, I ventured deep into the Dongshan Scenic Area of Suzhou to experience a leisurely cultural route. With mountains ⛰️, water 🌊, ancient villages, and temples, the entire trail is about 12km long, featuring stone steps 🪨, roads 🛣️, concrete paths, and dirt trails, with a total elevation gain of 530m. It’s very beginner-friendly, and with stops for photos, it takes about 5 hours. If you’re in good shape, you can finish it in under 3 hours. Recommended Route: Yuhua Scenic Area — Yuhua Chan Temple — Ciyun Nunnery — Moli Peak — Biluo Village (Caowu) — Twenty-Four Bends — Luxiang Ancient Village Route Highlights: ✔️ Yuhua Scenic Area As soon as you enter, you’re greeted by a lush green lawn. Key attractions include the ancient Dongting Xuan residence, Ming Dynasty Twin Springs, Yinxin Stone House, Yuhua Chan Temple, and Zuimo Tower. Legend has it that there’s a peach grove here where petals 🌸 fall like rain in late spring, giving the area its name "Yuhua" (Rain of Flowers). ✔️ Moli Peak The highest peak ⛰️ in Dongshan, Suzhou’s Taihu Lake area, and the main summit of Dongshan. From the top, you can gaze over Taihu Lake, where the stunning blend of lake and mountain scenery resembles an exquisite ink painting, utterly mesmerizing. ✔️ Twenty-Four Bends Named for its steep, winding path with 24 bends, this is the main route from Luxiang Ancient Village to Dongshan Town. The descent offers breathtaking views of Taihu Lake—truly awe-inspiring. ✔️ Luxiang Ancient Village The best-preserved, highest-quality, and most numerous collection of Jiangnan-style architectural complexes 🏡, known as the "No. 1 Ancient Village by Taihu Lake." Strolling through its narrow alleys and ancient stone steps, you’ll find each old house exudes unique charm and historical depth, embodying a return to simplicity. Don’t miss the three memorial archways (Jieyuan, Huiyuan, and Tanhua) and the local white jade square cakes. Tips: 🔘 This route has different start and end points, both within the scenic area. Yuhua Scenic Area tickets cost ¥27 (¥18 for groups). The endpoint, Luxiang Ancient Village, is free if accessed via the trail (normally ¥55). 🔘 After descending Moli Peak, you’ll walk along Fahai Road to Biluo Village (Caowu). This section can be sunny, so if you’re fit, consider hiking up quickly and jogging down to reach Biluo Village by 11 AM. 🔘 The endpoint is the main gate of Luxiang Ancient Village. Explore the village before exiting, as re-entry requires a ticket—or take the Moli Peak ring road back in. 🔘 Near the village gate, there’s a restroom on one side and a charming teahouse on the other. Their milk tea is just tea with milk—healthy and perfect for relaxing with a book. Location: Dongshan Scenic Area, Wuzhong District, Suzhou, Jiangsu Opening Hours: 8:30 AM–4:00 PM (for the starting point, Yuhua Scenic Area)