Yuantouzhu Scenic Area
Wuxi, Eastern China
Ambling along the shore of Tai Hu Lake, one of China’s largest freshwater lakes, the Yuantouzhu Scenic Area offers classically beautiful landscapes that epitomize China’s Jiangnan (south of the Yangtze) style. Come cherry-blossom season, the scent of the flowers fills the air and petals dress bridges in carpets of pale pink. It’s one of China’s most impressive displays.
The basics
The Yuantouzhu Scenic Area lies just outside Wuxi and most travelers visit from there, though it’s also easy to reach from other Yangtze River Delta cities: You can hop on a tour from Nanjing, Shanghai, or neighboring Suzhou. Note that tickets are expensive by Chinese standards.
Once inside, the main things to do are walk and take photos of bridges, pagodas, landscapes, reflections, and cherry blossoms in season. But you can also cruise Tai Hu Lake—some boats stop at nearby islands.
Things to know before you go
- The Yuantouzhu Scenic Area is a great choice for photographers and nature lovers.
- There are plenty of bathrooms and food options.
- Tickets for nighttime cherry-blossom viewing can sell out far in advance, so book ahead.
- The park is low-lying and the paths are smooth and well made, making them suitable for both wheelchairs and strollers.
How to get there
The Yuantouzhu Scenic Area sits just outside Wuxi, about a 10-mile (15-kilometer) drive southwest of the city center. It’s not on the subway, but you can catch the 87 bus from Wuxi Railway Station to the Chongshan gate, rideshare with China’s DiDi app, or join a tour.
When to get there
Yuantouzhu Scenic Area can be charming in the summer and when the leaves change in the fall, but cherry-blossom season is the time to visit. Thanks to the planting of early- and late-flowering varieties, the season can start as early as late February and run into May. The Wuxi Yuantouzhu International Cherry Blossom Festival generally begins in mid-March; plan your visit for the middle of the work week if you can, to avoid the most crowded times.
Photographing the blooms in Cherry Blossom Valley
Part of the Yuantouzhu Scenic Area, Cherry Blossom Valley is home to around 30,000 cherry trees in some 70 different varieties, and spans about 50 acres (20 hectares). In season, it’s known for one of China’s finest displays of cherry blossoms, with postcard-perfect settings featuring arched bridges, soaring pagodas, and more. However, you’ll need dedication to get the perfect shot. It’s not uncommon for people to show up at lunchtime to save their space for a night shoot.
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