A peninsula jutting into Lake Taihu, famed for cherry blossom in spring, lake views, and boat rides to Taihu Fairy Island.
Yuantouzhu, whose name means Turtle Head Isle, is a rock promontory on the northwest shore of Lake Taihu in Wuxi's Binhu District. The headland is shaped like a turtle's head, and the scenic area spreads across hills, gardens and shoreline pavilions with Taihu's open water as the backdrop. It is the city's most visited nature spot.
The cherry blossom season from late March to early April is the busiest period, when the lakeside promenades are in full bloom. Other highlights include the Guangfu Temple area, boat trips to Taihu Fairy Island, and several piers with views of the lake. A sightseeing bus links the main stops.
Allow at least three to four hours, longer in blossom season when queues for the boats and buses can be long. Tickets are sold through the official WeChat account and Trip.com; foreign visitors present a passport at the gate.
| Admission | Adult CNY 90 (~$13.50) base ticket; with sightseeing bus Line 1 about CNY 130 (~$19) · Child Children 6 and under free; about half price for ages 7-18 and students (about CNY 45 / ~$6.70) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily about 08:00-17:00 (last entry about 17:00; seasonal changes) |
| Typical visit | 3-4 hours |
| Best time | Late March to early April for cherry blossom; weekdays year-round |
| Getting there | Metro Line 1 to Taihu Square then bus or Didi about 30-40 minutes; Didi from Wuxi Station about CNY 60 (~$9) |
| Address | 1 Yuanzhu Road, Binhu District, Wuxi / 无锡市滨湖区鼋渚路1号 |
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- Best for
- couples, photographers, nature lovers
Location
1 Yuanzhu Road, Binhu District, Wuxi / 无锡市滨湖区鼋渚路1号
31.5233, 120.2336 View on map
Highlights
- Lake Taihu views from the Turtle Head rocks
- Cherry blossom in late March and early April
- Boat trips to Taihu Fairy Island
- Garden and temple pavilions along the shoreline
Tips for visiting
- Book tickets online in blossom season; weekend queues can exceed an hour
- Visit on a weekday and start at opening
- Choose the ticket with the sightseeing bus if walking is a concern
- Bring sun protection; much of the route is exposed
When to visit
Late March to early April; autumn for clear lake views
Accessibility
Mostly paved paths with some slopes and steps; the sightseeing bus makes the main stops accessible for visitors with limited mobility.
Frequently asked questions
When is the cherry blossom season at Yuantouzhu?
Typically late March to early April, varying with the weather.
Do I need to book in advance?
Booking online is advisable during blossom season and holidays; off-season tickets are normally available at the gate.
How much time is needed?
Three to four hours covers the main viewpoints and a boat trip.