Jinji (Golden rooster) Lake, which was once a part of vast Taihu Lake, has become China’s largest urban lake and park and a symbol of a “new paradise on earth” in the city of Suzhou. It is 1.8 square kilometers larger than West Lake in the city of Hangzhou.

Design work on the lake area was done by EDAW, a United States architectural firm that has worked with Disney theme parks, with eight scenic spots, each with its own unique characteristics on a 7.4-square-kilometer area.

The eight scenic spots include: a large lakeside area; Linglong Bay, which integrates the park and residences; Wanghujiao Park, for ecological education; a water corridor with art and culture facilities; a lakeside boulevard with Qinshui Park, green belts and residences; an area connected with the Grand Canal, with Suzhou waterside features; the Jinjidun villas, with green roads and canals; and a central islet for ecological and wildlife protection, and for bird watching, with environmentally friendly vacation houses.

Getting there: Take buses No 68, 28, 178, 100 or 307.