Suzhou - Stone Lake Travel Diary, Let's Go Now

📅 Stone Lake Adventure Diary｜24 Hours Healed by Jiangnan Ink Paintings, Osmanthus Lotus Root So Fragrant It’s Soul-Stirring!

⏰ Tuesday, November 5, 2024, Sunny
📍Location: Stone Lake, Suzhou, Jiangsu (A Hidden Jiangnan Gem by Taihu Lake)

✨ Soul-Stirring Moment! By the Lake Where Fan Li and Xi Shi Fell in Love, I Cried

As morning light spilled over Yuecheng Bridge, a thin mist rose from the lake, the ancient bridge and its reflection forming a perfect circle. Sitting on a bamboo raft, listening to the boatman’s tale of "Fan Li and Xi Shi’s retreat," the oars breaking the mirror-like surface, even my breath carried the sweet scent of osmanthus—this is the true essence of Jiangnan.

🏞️ Immersive Stroll｜Every Step a Painting

1. **Stone Lake Moon Chains (Mid-Autumn Exclusive Wonder!)**
- How to enjoy:
1. Rent a traditional boat (¥80/hour), use a 0.5x wide-angle lens to capture "Nine-Arch Bridge + Moon Reflection."
2. Claim the best spot at Yuecheng Bridge to witness moonlight passing through the arches, creating the "Moon Chains" phenomenon.
- Fun fact: Every Mid-Autumn night, the bridge reflects 10 moons (including reflections)!

2. **Shangfang Mountain National Forest Park (Feels Like a Wildlife Zoo!)**
- Must-capture:
1. Lengjia Pagoda: Drone shots of the "seven-story pagoda amidst autumn foliage."
2. Stone Lake Giant Buddha: Wide-angle shots of the "millennium-old Maitreya Buddha framed by ginkgo trees."
- Bonus: Encounter wild macaques! Feeding them biscuits (¥10/bag at the park) while being stared down by the alpha male is thrilling!

3. **Fan Chengda Memorial Hall (A Scholar’s Spiritual Homeland!)**
- Highlights:
1. The retreat of Southern Song poet Fan Chengda, perfect for capturing "pastoral poetry vibes."
2. Listen to stories of Fan’s friendships with poets Lu You and Yang Wanli.

🍜 Suzhou Food Delights (Carb Alert!)
- Must-try:
1. Osmanthus Lotus Root (¥18): Sticky rice soaked in brown sugar, topped with dried osmanthus—sweet to the soul!
2. Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish (¥88): Crispy outside, tender inside, drizzled with sweet-and-sour tomato sauce.
3. Fermented Glutinous Rice Balls (¥10): Warm, sweet wine with soft rice balls—comfort in a bowl.
- Avoid: Skip the "handmade ginger candy" at the park—supermarkets sell better ones for ¥10/bag.

🛏️ Lakeside Homestay｜Living Amidst Scenery
- Recommendation: "Fisherman’s Retreat" (¥380/night), lakeside room with a private dock, served fresh Biluochun tea by the host.
- Hidden gem: Stargaze from the balcony at night, watching fishermen’s lights dotting the lake like fallen stars.

💡 Pro Tips (Learned the Hard Way!)
1. Transport: Take a taxi from Suzhou Station (¥20, 15 mins)—avoid unlicensed cabs!
2. Essentials: Mosquito patches (lakeside bugs are fierce), water shoes (for wading), cash (some shops only accept it).
3. Hidden activities:
- Wu-Yue Ruins: Photograph "bronze sword sculptures + reeds," drone shots are epic!
- Stone Lake Art Museum (Free): Admire Wu Guanzhong’s original works and snap "Jiangnan ink paintings."

📸 Iconic Shots
- Nine-Arch Bridge Moon Chains (straight-out-of-camera! Slow shutter for moon trails).
- Shangfang Mountain’s Ginkgo and Giant Buddha, blurred background with portrait mode.

💰 Total Cost: Transport ¥40 + Stay ¥380 + Food ¥150 = ¥570 (for 2)

✨ Final Thoughts:
Stone Lake is truly "Suzhou’s last hidden gem!" Though macaques stole my biscuits, osmanthus lotus root and the lakeside views healed everything. Next time, I’ll wear Hanfu for a "time-travel to the Song Dynasty" photoshoot—and yes, the Squirrel Fish is absolutely divine!

#StoneLakeTravel #JiangnanHiddenGem #OsmanthusLotusRoot #MoonChainsWonder