Summer "Lotus Breeze to Cool Off" Enjoy Crab and Lake Tour, Isn't It Delightful?
Yangcheng Lake, also known as Yangchenghu, is located in the Suzhou Industrial Park of Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, about five kilometers northeast of Suzhou city center, spanning Xiangcheng District and Kunshan City. It borders Shanghai to the east and Suzhou to the west. The Beijing-Shanghai Railway, Shanghai-Nanjing Expressway, and National Highway 312 run nearby, and it is only a half-hour drive from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, making transportation extremely convenient. As one of the downstream lakes of Taihu Lake, Yangcheng Lake is a remnant of ancient Taihu and the third largest lake on the Taihu Plain. The lake stretches about 17 kilometers north to south and 11 kilometers east to west, covering a total area of 118.68 square kilometers. It has an average depth of 2.84 meters and a maximum depth of 9.5 meters, with a total volume of up to 320 million cubic meters. The shoreline is winding and tortuous, with a total length of 202.066 kilometers. Two ribbon-shaped islands in the lake—Lotus Island and Meiren Leg Peninsula—divide the lake into eastern, central, and western parts, each with its own unique features.
Yangcheng Lake is not only known for its beautiful natural scenery but also famous for its abundant aquatic products. It produces seventy kinds of freshwater products, among which whitefish, silver carp, clear water shrimp, and hairy crabs are known as the "Six Treasures of the Lake." Especially the Yangcheng Lake clear water hairy crab, with sharp claws, golden crab leg hairs, and a blue back, is renowned for its delicious meat and is famously called the "King of Crabs," well-known both at home and abroad.
🕘【Opening Hours】
Yangcheng Lake Scenic Area is open all year round, allowing visitors to explore anytime. However, during holidays such as May Day, the park extends its hours to 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:30 PM) and implements a visitor limit policy, capping daily visitors at 30,000 with time-slot reservations. It is recommended that visitors book their spots three days in advance, especially for the peak hours from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, to avoid delays.
💴【Ticket Prices】
Yangcheng Lake Scenic Area is free to enter, and visitors do not need to purchase tickets to enter. However, some special attractions or activities within the park may require additional fees, such as boat rides and sightseeing buses. There have been no recent changes in ticket prices, so visitors can feel confident to visit.
⛺【Activities】
Core experiences:
1. Lotus Island and Meiren Leg Peninsula: Free to enter, visitors can explore by bike or on foot. Lotus Island features a super soothing rapeseed flower field, while Meiren Leg Peninsula offers stunning lakeside greenways, perfect for photo opportunities.
2. Chongyuan Temple: Admission 20 RMB, a thousand-year-old ancient temple for blessings. The temple’s architecture is simple and elegant, with bustling incense offerings, making it a great place to experience Buddhist culture.
3. Boat tours: Visitors can take a boat to tour Yangcheng Lake and enjoy the lake and mountain scenery. Boat docks tend to have longer wait times during holidays, so it is recommended to buy tickets in advance or rent an electric boat for self-driving (4 people per boat, deposit required).
4. Ecological wetland boardwalk: Quiet and scenic all day, ideal for photography and family outings. The boardwalk winds through wetlands, allowing close observation of various aquatic plants and birds.
Suggested itinerary and tips:
• In the morning, visit Lotus Island or Meiren Leg Peninsula for cycling and enjoying nature.
• Have lunch at the scenic area or nearby farmhouses, tasting specialties like Yangcheng Lake hairy crab.
• In the afternoon, visit Chongyuan Temple for blessings or take a boat tour of Yangcheng Lake.
• Remember to wear sun protection and stay hydrated, especially in summer. Also, follow park rules, do not litter, and protect the environment.
🚌【Transportation Guide】
Long-distance transport:
• Airplane: Choose Hongqiao or Pudong Airport, then take Metro Line 2 to Suzhou.
• High-speed rail: Take the high-speed train to Yangcheng Lake Station or Kunshan High-speed Rail Station, then a taxi for about 50 minutes to the scenic area. Suzhou Station is also a good option with many trains and convenient access via Metro Line 11 directly to Yangcheng Lake East Station.
Local transport:
• Bus: Take bus routes 126, 127, or 169 directly to the scenic area.
• Metro: From Suzhou Station, take Line 3 and transfer to Line 5 for quick access near the scenic area.
• Self-driving: Navigate to "Yangcheng Lake East Shore Parking Lot" or "Yangcheng Lake Tourism Distribution Center Parking Lot," but parking is limited, so it is recommended to arrive before 9 AM. Also, pay attention to traffic guidance around the scenic area and avoid illegal parking.
• Cycling: Tandem bikes are available for rent around the scenic area (30 RMB/hour), suitable for couples or friends exploring together.
👉【Itinerary Suggestions】
3 days 2 nights perfect trip:
Day 1: Cultural and Retro Route
• Morning: Visit Yangcheng Lake Distribution Center and check in at the popular seaside bus station.
• Afternoon: Explore Bacheng Old Street, admire Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, and take photos.
• Evening: Watch Kunqu Opera at Bajie Garden and enjoy local cuisine.
Day 2: Lake and Mountain Scenery Route
• Morning: Visit Lotus Island and enjoy the soothing rapeseed flower fields.
• Afternoon: Cycle around Meiren Leg Peninsula and admire the stunning lakeside greenway.
• Evening: Visit Chongyuan Temple for blessings and experience the tranquility and solemnity of this ancient temple.
Day 3: Fun Experience Route
• Morning: Visit Huayi Brothers Movie World and enjoy the movie-themed park.
• Afternoon: Explore the 1971 Warehouse, a trendy old granary perfect for Instagram photos.
• Evening: Depending on your return schedule, dine inside the scenic area or nearby before heading back.
Nearby attractions recommended:
• Humble Administrator’s Garden: A 5A-level scenic spot and a representative classical garden of Suzhou, worth a visit.
• Hanshan Temple: A 4A-level scenic spot, famous for the legend "Outside Gusu City, Hanshan Temple, the midnight bell reaches the traveler’s boat."
Accommodation recommendations:
• Lotus Island Homestay: Lake views right outside the window, full of fishing village atmosphere, perfect for visitors wanting to experience rural life.
• Zen-style hotels near Chongyuan Temple: Super soothing accommodations with vegetarian meal experiences, ideal for those wanting to feel Buddhist culture.
• Suzhou Yangcheng Lake Lanting Hotel: A family-friendly hotel with lakeside cycling, outdoor children’s playground, and indoor swimming pool, suitable for family trips.
🧡【Preparation Before Travel】
Essentials:
• Documents: ID card, children’s household registration book (for free admission), etc.
• Gear: Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, lightweight backpack, hiking or cycling shoes, etc.
• Photography: Camera, phone, power bank, etc., to capture beautiful moments.
• Others: Bring your own snacks and water (mineral water costs 5 RMB/bottle inside the park), and any other personal necessities.
Tips:
• Book accommodation at least one month in advance during peak season to avoid delays.
• Be cautious when buying crabs roadside; choose official channels.
• The last boat from Lotus Island departs at 3:30 PM, so plan your return accordingly.
• Download offline maps in advance, as signal near the lake may be weak.