When visiting Xishan Island in Suzhou, you absolutely must watch the sunset!!

✨️ Preparation

- Documents: Bring your ID card or other valid identification for tickets, accommodation, etc.

- Clothing: Pack appropriate clothes for the season—light, breathable clothing and sun protection for summer, and warm clothes for winter.

- Items: Prepare sunscreen, sun hats, sunglasses, and umbrellas or raincoats. If you plan to camp, bring tents, sleeping bags, and other camping gear.

🚗 Transportation Guide

- Driving: From downtown Suzhou, cross the Lake Tai Bridge to reach Xishan Island. It takes about 2 hours from Shanghai and about 1 hour from Suzhou.

- Public Transportation: Take Metro Line 5 to Taihu Xiangshan Station, then transfer to Express Bus Line 11 to reach various attractions on the island.

✨️ Attractions

- Natural Scenery: Piaomiao Peak is the most prominent of Lake Tai's 72 peaks, offering panoramic views of the lake; Jingshan Sunset Viewing Platform is the perfect spot to watch the sunset and camp.

- Historical Sites: Dongcun Ancient Village is one of Suzhou's best-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty villages; Mingyue Bay Ancient Village features a 1,200-year-old camphor tree, and its ancient dock has been a filming location for many TV dramas.

- Leisure Activities: Happy Farm has a petting zoo and non-motorized game areas, perfect for children; Hengshan Island is known as "Suzhou's Little Kamakura," and the road connecting the two islands is a popular photo spot.

😍 Food Recommendations

- Special Dishes: Pan-fried fish cakes are delicious with a crispy exterior and tender interior; Wild Mountain Stewed Chicken has flavorful broth and chicken with a countryside taste.

- Traditional Snacks: Traditional pastries like osmanthus cake and peach crisp cookies are sweet, fragrant, and deliciously crispy.

🏭 Accommodation Options

- Guesthouses: Qianshe Island-style Holiday Inn offers a "Little Sanya" vacation atmosphere; Deer House features an Instagram-worthy Santorini style.

- Hotels: Consider lakeside hotels, such as certain Lake View Hotels on Xishan Island, where you can enjoy beautiful views of Lake Tai.