Xishan, located 35 kilometers southwest of the city of Suzhou, is the largest island in China's freshwater lakes, with a total area of 82.36 square kilometers. It is the largest island in Lake Taihu and commonly known as Dongting Xishan. Linked by a bridge to the Suzhou National Tourist Resort, it is often referred to as the "Pearl of Taihu". Suzhou Xishan has unparalleled geographical advantages, being only 120 kilometers away from Shanghai. The island enjoys a pleasant climate, beautiful scenery with mountains and water blending harmoniously, numerous historical sites, lush fruit trees, and abundant natural resources. It has been successively named as a national AAAA-level scenic spot, a national modern agricultural demonstration park, a national forest park, and a pilot town for comprehensive small-town reforms, truly deserving its reputation as a "Flower and Fruit Mountain, Land of Fish and Rice, and a Paradise beyond the World."
The Ming Dynasty litterateur Yuan Hongdao mentioned in his essay "Dongting Mountain Notes" that Xishan has seven wonders: the beauty of the mountains, the beauty of the rocks, the beauty of the dwellings, the beauty of flowers and fruits, the beauty of seclusion, the beauty of traces left by immortals, and the beauty of the harmonious combination of mountains and water.
Xishan is home to many famous historical sites. There is the Fairy Peak, known as the first peak of Taihu; Bingchang Village, the battlefield of the Wu-Yue rivalry; Mingyue Bay Ancient Village, where King Wu of Wu and Xi Shi admired the moon; Gudong Village's "Qixian Alley," where the four hermits of Shang Mountain during the Eastern Han Dynasty resided; Gudong Village's "Jingxiu Hall," where Emperor Qianlong housed his beloved concubine; Shigong Mountain, where the Shaolin monk Haideng once lived; Linwu Cave (Linwu Plum Sea), known as the "Ninth Heaven of the World"; Guzhang Garden, home to the "First Tree of Wu"; Baoshan Zen Temple, a thousand-year-old Buddhist temple; Dayu Temple, built in memory of Yu the Great's flood control efforts; Tangli Carved Flower Building, known as the "First Building of Xishan"; as well as other attractions like Jiezhou Garden and Chunxhi Hall in Dongcai Village, Airitang in Xicai Village. Newly opened attractions include Sanshan Island, Cowboy Country Club, Green Light Leisure Farm, among others, attracting countless domestic and foreign tourists every year.
Xishan boasts "flowers blooming every month, fruits every season, eighteen harvests a year, and fish and shrimp every day." Famous products include Biluochun tea, one of China's top ten teas, Qingzhong Loquat, Wumei R梅, Dafoshou White Ginkgo, Jiujia Chestnut, Xishan Honey Tangerine, as well as Taihu River Crabs, Silver Fish, White Fish, and White Shrimp from Lake Taihu, which are renowned both at home and abroad.
The scenery of the Xishan scenic area changes endlessly with the seasons, showcasing its charming allure. With towering trees, blossoming flowers, fragrant fruits, and forests ablaze with color, each season offers unique views. The tranquility of the mountains, the leisure of the waters, the marvel of the caves, and the wonder of the landscapes leave visitors in awe, refreshed and reluctant to leave.
In recent years, rural tourism in Suzhou's Xishan has flourished, attracting citizens from Suzhou, Shanghai, and surrounding areas through special events such as the Plum Blossom Festival and fruit-picking tours. The Suzhou Xishan Rural Tourism Information Service Platform (www.xsnjlweb.com) provides the most comprehensive information release, the most trustworthy service, and strict service quality standards to offer valuable Suzhou rural tourism information and accommodation reservation services for a wide range of tourists.