A Spring Stroll by Taihu Lake: A Flower Viewing Hike in Yuantouzhu and Lihu

Spring in Wuxi begins with the cherry blossoms of Yuantouzhu and the peach blossoms of Lihu Lake. Every year from March to April, this place transforms into a romantic pink paradise. Check out this flower viewing hiking guide and embark on a spring adventure! 🌳Yuantouzhu Cherry Blossom Hiking Route Chongshan Gate → Water Scenery Garden → Chongshan Hidden Beauty → Cherry Blossom Valley → Changchun Bridge → Taihu Fairy Island 1. Chongshan Gate: Those arriving by car, bus, or subway's special cherry blossom viewing line usually enter here. The gate is a great photo spot, featuring an iconic archway. 2. Water Scenery Garden: Along the way, you'll see gurgling streams and early-blooming cherry blossoms by the water. If you arrive early, you might catch the morning mist over the water, creating a fairyland-like scene. 3. Chongshan Hidden Beauty: Stroll along the path with Lihu Lake on one side and cherry trees on the other. This serene spot, perfect for capturing artistic photos, offers beautiful scenery with fewer crowds. 4. Cherry Blossom Valley: Thirty thousand cherry trees are concentrated here. When the Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms are in full bloom in mid-to-late March, the valley is awash in pink. Ascend the Cherry Blossom Viewing Pavilion for a panoramic view of the sea of flowers. 5. Changchun Bridge: The best spot for cherry blossom viewing. Cherry blossoms bloom on both sides of the lake embankment, complementing the ancient bridge and lake water. The scenery is especially stunning at sunset. 6. Taihu Fairy Island: Take a boat to the island, where you can spot red-billed gulls along the way. The island features ancient architecture and grotto art, and offers another perspective to admire Taihu Lake and the cherry blossoms. 🎫Tickets: 90 CNY (including boat trip), night cherry blossom viewing tickets 120 CNY (5pm - 9pm) ⏰Opening hours: 8am - 4:30pm, extended night viewing hours from late March to early April 🚗Transportation: • By car: Arrive early during the cherry blossom season to avoid traffic jams. Park at the Chongshan parking lot or the Lihu Future City Changqiao parking lot (with shuttle buses to the scenic area). • Public transportation: Take bus No. 1 or Leyou Line 1; or take the subway and transfer to the special cherry blossom viewing line (available from Meiyuan Station on Subway Line 2 and Xiajiabian Station on Subway Line 4). • Water route: From Guansheshan Wharf No. 3 to Yuantouzhu Changchun Bridge Wharf. This route avoids traffic and offers views of Lihu Lake. 🌸Li Garden Peach Blossom Hiking Route Hundred Flowers Study → Legend of Xi Shi Corridor → Four Seasons Pavilion → Willow Embankment Flower Rain → Lotus Boat → Sweet Osmanthus Fragrance → Square Pavilion → Thousand Steps Corridor → Spring and Autumn Pavilion → Red Smoke and Green Pavilion → Ningchun Pagoda 1. Hundred Flowers Study: This ancient-style building, surrounded by blooming peach blossoms, is perfect for taking traditional photos. 2. Willow Embankment Flower Rain: Stroll along the lake embankment, where weeping willows and peach blossoms create a picturesque scene of "peach blossom red, willow leaf green." 3. Thousand Steps Corridor: With Lihu Lake on one side and peach blossoms on the other, the scenery changes with every step. You can also see flower windows and calligraphy inscriptions by famous people on the walls. 4. Spring and Autumn Pavilion: Here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Li Garden, with the distant mountains, lake water, and peach blossoms forming a picturesque scene. 🎫Tickets: 30 CNY ⏰Opening hours: 8am - 5pm 🚗Transportation: • Subway: Take Subway Line 4 to Lihu Bridge Station, Exit 1, and walk about 1 km. • Bus: Take bus No. 20, 211, or 315 to Li Garden and walk about 200m. • By car: Parking is available and convenient. 📌TIPS: 1. Check the blossom forecast in advance to avoid missing the peak blooming season. 2. Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking. Bring snacks and water to stay energized. 3. Yuantouzhu gets very crowded during the cherry blossom season. For better photos, visit on a working day or arrive early. Li Garden is relatively less crowded, but it can get busy on weekends. 4. Protect the flowers, plants, and trees while taking photos. Be a responsible flower viewer. The cherry blossoms of Yuantouzhu and the peach blossoms of Lihu Lake, one grand and magnificent, the other delicate and graceful. Take advantage of the beautiful spring weather and immerse yourself in this romantic sea of flowers!💕