Yuantouzhu, named after a massive rock in the lake that resembles a tortoise stretching its head, is located on the northwest shore of Lake Taihu in the southwest of Wuxi. It is a renowned 5A-level scenic area in China. Here, you can find both the grand natural landscape of mountains and vast waters with dotted sails and the idyllic countryside scenery of small bridges, flowing streams, green trees, and village homes.
The Cherry Blossom Valley in Yuantouzhu is one of the most famous places for cherry blossom viewing in Wuxi. Every spring, especially from March to April, the cherry blossoms burst into bloom, covering the hills and fields with pink flowers that look like clouds and rosy clouds, creating a breathtaking sight. The valley is home to thousands of cherry blossom trees, with a rich variety of species, including early and late blooming cherries, extending the flowering period to over a month. Strolling under the cherry blossom trees, petals drift down with the wind, making you feel as if you are in a romantic pink world.
In addition to the cherry blossoms, Yuantouzhu offers another beautiful spectacle in winter—the Red-billed Gulls. From November to March of the following year, tens of thousands of Red-billed Gulls fly in from Siberia and the northeastern regions to spend the winter on Lake Taihu. These lovely “water pigeons,” known for their white feathers, red beaks, and feet, play and fly over the lake, interacting closely with visitors.
Visitors can take a ferry from the Yuantouzhu dock to Turtle Head Island in Lake Taihu, where they can get up close and personal with the Red-billed Gulls. As the ferry moves, its propellers churn the water, bringing small fish and shrimp to the surface, which the gulls chase and feed on at the stern, creating a spectacular scene. Additionally, visitors can purchase gull feed to interact with these birds.
