West Taihu Xishan Island Autumn Island Tour Guide: Pitfall Avoidance + Stunning Photo Spots

Route Planning
Self-driving is recommended. Enter the island via Taihu Bridge, where you can stop at six free viewing platforms along the way to capture lake views and black-headed gulls. For a one-day trip, the suggested route is: Taihu Bridge → Xuwan Ancient Village (ruins with cinematic vibes) → Linwu Cave (magical light and shadow in the karst cave) → Jingshan Sunset Viewing Platform (lighthouse + reed marsh sunset). For a two-day trip, add Miaomiao Peak (sea of clouds sunrise) and Tianwangwu Reservoir (kayaking).

Food, Drink & Entertainment
We recommend the lakeside dining table at Mingyue Bay Farmhouse. The autumn-exclusive hairy crabs are rich with roe and fat, perfectly paired with chilled yangmei juice to cut the richness. For accommodation, the top choice is "Shuilu Homestay" next to Mingyue Bay Ancient Village, featuring a 28-meter infinity pool facing Taihu Lake. Soaking in the pool at dusk while watching the sunset paint the lake red creates an unforgettable atmosphere.

Photo Tips

1. Mingyue Bay Ancient Pier: Free admission after 5 PM. At low tide, shoot low-angle reflections on the stone slab road, frame the sunset with the covered bridge, and capture side silhouettes that instantly turn into ink wash paintings.

2. Xuwan Ancient Village: The abandoned old houses contrast with the shimmering Taihu waves. At 4 PM, warm light bathes the pink walls, and the reeds sway in the wind, making it easy to capture dark, moody shots.

3. Jingshan Sunset Viewing Platform: The white lighthouse extends into the lake. Use a telephoto lens to shoot the "Little Kamakura" dam. When the evening clouds turn orange-pink, backlit portrait silhouettes are stunning.

4. Hengshan Island Dam: Feed the seagulls between 4-5 PM. Compose shots from the middle of the dam with blue sky, white gulls, and emerald waves interwoven like a movie scene.

Outfit Suggestions
Wear a light, flowing long dress paired with a straw hat or shawl. Shoot with a vacation vibe in the reed marshes and cafes like Lake & Coffee.

Pitfall Avoidance

1. Taihu Bridge is prone to traffic jams on weekends. It’s best to enter the island before 7 AM or return after 8 PM.

2. Scenic area boat rides are expensive. Kayaking at Tianwangwu Reservoir (120 RMB/hour) offers better value.

3. Mingyue Bay Ancient Village is free after 5 PM. Avoid crowds and capture better sunset shots.

4. When buying local specialties, choose local farmers and be cautious of mobile vendors at the scenic area entrance.

Autumn on Xishan Island is a romantic blend of orange sea sunsets and osmanthus fragrance, a fantasy of ancient village stone paths and karst stalactites, and a healing escape from the hustle and bustle. Take this guide and capture the poetry of Taihu through your lens! 🌄