中文

Inside Cherry Blossom Festival


Updated: 2016-04-12

Yuantouzhu Island, or Turtle Head Isle, is a popular tourist area on Taihu Lake. It is located in Wuxi, Jiangsu province and named after its unique topographic features; that of a land mass surrounded by water on three sides, resembling the head of an Asian giant soft-shell turtle, stretching out across the water.

The Yuantouzhu Park, is located at one of the most beautiful corners of Taihu Lake. Its natural endowments provide visitors with a tranquil atmosphere surrounded by green hills and crystal-clear water.

At the park, visitors can enjoy the sheer scale and magnificent beauty of Taihu Lake, the third largest freshwater lake in China. During spring, the cherry blossoms open up in full bloom; in summer, the land is swathed in green; autumn brings with it the amber hues and soft crunch of fallen leaves; and winter casts a landscape transformed by frost and snow.

Surrounded by hills, the lake takes on an ethereal quality in particular when it is covered by mist, or lit under the setting sun with the poetic songs of ancient fisherman ringing in the air.

Dubbed one of the world's three greatest places to enjoy cherry blossoms, Turtle Head Isle is China's largest single area of cherry blossoms, with more than 30,000 of the plants in 67 different varieties. The annual Wuxi Taihu International Cherry Blossom Festival attracts many tourists each year, with domestic and overseas visitors arriving to view the panoramic sightseeing attractions, distinctive night-themed activities and culture demonstration events.

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of Turtle Head Isle, a whole range of cherry blossom-themed events have been organized at the scenic spot throughout year, including an event featuring 10,000 dancers, a catwalk show featuring clothes and fashion from the Han and Tang dynasties, a cultural innovation salon, a bell-hanging prayer ceremony and an interactive and immersive "rain zone".

The park features three designated traveling routes, including walking, riding and by boat. Various historical attractions have been included, combining the park's natural beauty with cultural charm.