China Travel

Incorporating both Xishan and Huishan, this park is the hilly area west of town. The highest point is Xishan peak, which is punctuated by Longguang Pagoda—a Ming Dynasty tower (rebuilt) with great views (weather permitting) of Wuxi and Tai Hu. The peak can be reached by foot or by cable car. Atop Huishan is Hui Temple, one of the oldest structures around, which is surrounded by an impressive azalea garden among other lovely botanicals. Many other structures and natural features—bridges, springs, caves, gardens—make this a very pleasant place to spend a day exploring.   more »

Situated between the hills and the lake, the Plum Garden occupies prime scenic real estate. Most of the over 5,000 plum trees in the park were planted in the early 20th century, but a few rogue peach trees date back to the Qing Dynasty. While it's a nice park any time of year, it is a showcase in the spring when those thousands of trees produce millions of pink blossoms. The view from the Plum Pagoda of the blooming sea with the great lake beyond might be one of eastern China's finest sights.   more »

It's becoming popular in China to build giant Buddha statues to attract not religious pilgrims, but tourist dollars. Located 25 kilometers away from Wuxi on the site of what may at one time have been somewhat sacred ground, the Lingshan Buddha stands "taller than the Statue of Liberty," which seems to be the requisite height for these religiously insignificant statues. It's nevertheless tall and shiny, so if you feel like taking a side-trip, there is many a tour bus ready to whisk you away to see Wuxi's newest "star attraction," which dates all the way back to the mid-1990s.   more »

Turtle Head Isle is really a thin peninsula jutting into Tai Hu, which if you use your imagination looks like the long craning neck of a turtle. It's primarily a park with close-up views of the lake. Walking paths, viewpoints, teahouses and some theme parks make up the bulk of the attractions. Brightness Pavilion, with a little elevation, has the best views on the "isle." Some hotels and restaurants exist in the park if you don't feel like leaving and a monorail (more like a toy train) circles the park if you don't feel like walking. The entrance fee is a bit pricy, but includes a ferry trip to Sanshan, where the best low-level views of the lake can be had.   more »

Sanshan is an island accessed by ferry from Turtle Head Isle. Each of Sanshan's three peaks is dotted with a tall Buddha. Temples, pavilions, gardens and scenic lookouts (of some of the best views of Tai Hu) should occupy the better part of an afternoon.   more »

CCTV Wuxi Movie/TV Base operates three separate theme parks on the shores of Tai Hu: Tang Town, Three Kingdoms Town and Water Margin Town. Much like Universal Studios in Hollywood, the Towns are both actual movie sets and tourist attractions. Most of China's period dramas are filmed here, so the sets are very exciting for Chinese devoted fans, who will recognize every palace, temple and fortress from their soaps. For those unfamiliar with Chinese television and movies, the parks are a kitschy glimpse into the Middle Kingdom's showbiz. Each theme park has a separate entry fee, so unless you are a true fanatic, one should suffice.   more »