How to Enjoy the Year of the Tiger Spring Festival with Fun for the Whole Family! A Super-Detailed 3-Day 2-Night Itinerary for Dongtaihu, a New Paradise on Earth
The Spring Festival is here once again. After all the difficulties, reunions after long separations are all the more precious. Have you thought about how to make the most of this wonderful family time?
Will it be a joyful big family gathering? Or a small get-together with a couple of besties over coffee and bookstores? Or inviting friends to catch up, exchange information, and rekindle connections to gear up for the year ahead?
As an experienced traveler and a veteran independent travel consumer, after an in-depth pre-festival exploration of Dongtaihu, I've put together this '3 days 2 nights' itinerary covering sights, fun, food, and photo ops—accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, and shopping—hoping to save you as much research time as possible.
Day 1: Wangongdi + cycling in Dongtaihu Ecological Park + Taihu Oasis + Hepburn Time Restaurant + Suzhou Bay Sports Park / Suzhou Bay Sports Center + LIM CAFÉ + Dongtaihu yacht ride + Carnival Hotel + Dongtaihu Hotel / HUALUXE Hotel·Wangyan Hot Spring (both offer hot spring baths).
Day 2: Shengjiaku + Shangshuzhou + Lan Cuisine + OCC Coffee + enjoy music fountain and light show at Yuehu Terrace + watch a performance at Suzhou Bay Cultural Center + Huayan Banquet Restaurant + Le Méridien Hotel.
Day 3: Taihu Oasis + BFM Art Center + Sasseur Outlets + Le Méridien Chinese Restaurant, then head home.
'Above there is heaven, below there are Suzhou and Hangzhou.' The beauty of Suzhou has been praised and celebrated by romantic talents of every dynasty, deeply etched into our cultural genes. Listen to a soft, lilting Wu dialect song, explore the zigzag corridors and the life aesthetics of old Suzhou gardens, indulge in Suzhou-style pastries and tea, and tailor a cheongsam to imagine yourself as a lilac-like maiden, gracefully stepping into ancient mossy streets and alleys—a moment that stands still in time.
All this is Suzhou; but it is not the whole Suzhou.
Thanks to Dongtaihu, Suzhou turns from its glorious history, sets out anew, and charts a different path that embodies the modern vision of a beautiful life.
Taihu Lake is the third largest freshwater lake in China. After the Ming Dynasty, the large gap between Dongting East Mountain and the mountains southwest of Suzhou gradually silted up, forming a long, narrow bay now called Dongtaihu. To facilitate land transportation, the Tang and Song dynasties built the Taihu Embankment and the Chuihong Bridge, which objectively accelerated the silting-up of Dongtaihu into land. Making the best use of the situation, the vast waters gradually turned into fertile fields, planted with rice. By the Southern Song Dynasty, the shores of Dongtaihu became the 'granary of the empire,' giving rise to the saying, 'When Suhu harvests, the whole country is fed.'
Shangshuzhou has a slogan: 'The waters of Dongtaihu must be from the Song Dynasty.' This is surely where it comes from.
Suzhou has flourished for a thousand years, and Dongtaihu has taken up the baton well. On this land rich in history and cultural heritage, with a forward-looking vision, it has scientifically planned the space, creating a brand-new cultural tourism resort area that combines 'sports + vacation.' It has creatively realized a 'host-guest sharing' holiday model. After immersing myself in a tour of Dongtaihu, I even felt as comfortable and at ease as if I were 'strolling in my own living room.'
[New Year, Healthy Travel | Light Outdoor Fun for the Whole Family] Wangongdi + Cycling in Dongtaihu Ecological Park + Suzhou Bay Sports Park / Suzhou Bay Sports Center + Dongtaihu Yacht Ride
Health comes first in everything. During the Spring Festival, as we bid farewell to the old and welcome the new, there is no better way to travel than with health-themed light outdoor activities. In Dongtaihu, I recommend starting with Wangongdi.
[Wangongdi · Time Forest] Located by the dynamic lakeside, parallel to Suzhou Bay Bridge, it is the green lung of the city and an excellent spot for spring and autumn outings. Cherry blossoms like snow in spring, summer shade enveloping all, then suddenly an autumn night, followed by an instant winter—the cycle of four seasons is especially vivid here, and even the weariest heart can easily feel the passing of time.
Though it's winter and everything lies dormant, thanks to its Jiangnan location, Wangongdi is far from bleak. The coexistence of greenery and yellow leaves gives a sense of vibrant vitality as life renews.
Water sports don't stop with the seasons. Sports-loving families paddle small boats through green waters and lush trees, sharing joyful parent-child moments.
There is a green train parked at Wangongdi, brought specially from Xi'an to commemorate the former Suzhou–Jiaxing Railway. Originally a staff service and cleaning carriage, it was abandoned and later converted into a restaurant. Its retro-green exterior and brown-toned interior are full of nostalgia. Old photos on the walls easily take you back to a bygone era.
Thus, this journey seems not only a shift in space but also a journey through time.
Camping enthusiasts will find joy here too. Time Forest has set aside a camping area, fully equipped with glamping-style canopies, tents, tables, and chairs to help you easily fulfill your dream of luxurious camping in a tent.
Address: 200 meters north of the intersection of Qiufeng Street and Liuhong Road, Wujiang District
Public Transport: Take Suzhou Rail Transit Line 4 to Liuhong Road Station, then walk about 200 meters.
Suggested Duration: One day
Suitable for: Family outings, friend gatherings, couple dates, and travel photography
[Taihu Oasis] Return to the countryside, get close to nature, be a carefree soul for a day, and experience the joy of a Tao Yuanming-style life—which city dweller doesn't want that? I recommend Taihu Oasis Scenic Area, one of the key leisure tourism projects developed in Taihu New City. It features the Taihu Oasis Ecological Agriculture Sightseeing Park, the Jiangnan Land of Fish and Rice Expo Garden, Chaofeng Terrace, a fishing center, and Suzhou Bay No. 1 RV Camp, among other facilities.
Visiting this season not only lets you enjoy the fun of strawberry picking but also allows you to buy the legendary frost-kissed fragrant greens! Soft, glutinous, and sweet, they are not to be missed.
[Suzhou Bay Sports Park | Suzhou Bay Sports Center]: Travel isn't just about sightseeing; you can also make full use of the local sports facilities.
With the Winter Olympics approaching, sports enthusiasm is blooming everywhere. How can we better experience the joy of exercise and make it a conscious lifestyle? The answer is probably to make use of all available facilities, whether it's the hotel gym or a city sports center.
Suzhou Bay Sports Park integrates ecological restoration, landscape sightseeing, tourism and vacation, outdoor leisure, and sports and fitness. For health-conscious and sports-loving people, it is undoubtedly a little slice of paradise.
The park covers an area of 1,460 mu (about 97 hectares) and is one of the major ecological civilization projects under Wujiang District's '1058' initiative. It features football fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, and more. A 10-kilometer jogging track runs through the entire park. Running while taking in the ecology of Dongtaihu is probably the most fashionable way to travel this winter.
[LIM CAFÉ] Inside the park, there's a stylish internet-famous café called LIM CAFÉ. It is housed in a standalone white building with extensive floor-to-ceiling windows, which blends the architecture seamlessly with the surroundings and brings the countryside scenery indoors to the fullest.
The interior is almost entirely white, including the wavy ceiling. The space is accented only with brightly colored soft furnishings, creating an elegant yet slightly playful vibe, much like a Jiangnan maiden.
Besides coffee, it also serves light meals of excellent quality. Whether you need to refuel after exercise or want a gathering spot, LIM CAFÉ fits the bill.
[Suzhou Bay Sports Center] Operated by Alibaba Sports, the Suzhou Bay Sports Center consists of three units: a natatorium, a gymnasium, and a commercial service building.
The gymnasium alone covers 29,000 square meters, including training halls, badminton courts, basketball courts, etc. With its complete facilities and affordable fees, it has become an indispensable part of local life.
[Dongtaihu Yacht Ride: Speed and Passion, See Dongtaihu from a Different Angle] Since you're in Dongtaihu, how can you miss the chance to get close to the water? Taking a speedboat to tour Dongtaihu and having an intimate encounter with the 'Song Dynasty water' is an essential experience when traveling here.
You see the scenery from land, but you connect with its spirit on the water. Any city nourished by water gains an extra touch of liveliness. For travelers, it's always worth finding a different perspective to experience the city. The speed and thrill of the speedboat instantly immerse you in the dynamic charm of the new Dongtaihu. Gazing at the lakeside city across the water lets you encounter a different kind of beauty.
[Restaurant Recommendation] Hepburn Time
Ranked No. 1 in Wujiang District, this internet-famous restaurant even has locals queuing up. It's said to be fully booked every night.
The chef hails from the culinary capital of Chaozhou. When Cantonese meets Jiangnan, the resulting fusion dishes boast both local character and personal creativity, with great presentation and taste. No wonder it has such a strong reputation. If you can secure a table, it's a great choice for a New Year's Eve dinner.
Yes, if you want to dine at Hepburn Time, be sure to book in advance!
[Restaurant Recommendation] Carnival Hotel
Suzhou cuisine is famous worldwide. For authentic Suzhou dishes, Carnival Hotel, located in the Suzhou Bay Food New World commercial area, is a great choice.
[Hotel Recommendation] Dongtaihu Hotel
The best way to end an action-packed day is to check into a hotel with hot springs, such as Dongtaihu Hotel or HUALUXE Hotel.
Dongtaihu Hotel consists of the Wanghu Building, VIP Building, and villas, with a total of 242 rooms, including lake-view terrace rooms, family villas, pet-friendly rooms (yes, that thoughtful), and hot spring suites, catering to various needs.
The hotel has its own natural carbonated hot spring, effective for health and beauty. In addition to 12 open-air pools, it also features geothermal steam baths, salt stone rooms, etc. To meet the needs of family travelers, the hotel has specially set up a children's playground and a small animal park—truly a blessing for Spring Festival trips where the whole family travels together.
[Hotel Recommendation] HUALUXE Hotel + Wangyan Hot Spring
Located on the shore of Dongtaihu, HUALUXE Hotel is the first HUALUXE in Suzhou and the first international luxury hotel under the InterContinental Hotels Group to enter Suzhou. It's also a hotel with private hot spring tubs on balconies!
The hotel has 165 rooms and 4 villas, integrating vacation, conferences, family activities, and wellness. Staying here allows you to enjoy views of both Suzhou Bay and Dongtaihu.
An added perk of staying at HUALUXE is free access to Wangyan Hot Spring.
In the depths of winter, soaking in the hot spring, letting the warmth from the earth's core nourish your cold body—family members bathing together for health—just thinking about it is delightful.
Wangyan Hot Spring also offers hot spring afternoon tea. While soaking in the infinity pool until your whole body feels at ease, you can also enjoy fresh fruits and hot drinks. At a moment like this, how can one not feel utterly fantastic?
[Life is Short, Add Some Art]: Shengjiaku + Shangshuzhou + Lan Cuisine + OCC Coffee + Enjoy the music fountain and light show at Yuehu Terrace + Watch a performance at Suzhou Bay Cultural Center + Le Méridien Hotel
Although Dongtaihu represents a new departure for thousand-year-old Gusu (Suzhou), it still has no shortage of ancient streets and alleys, having been bathed in culture for so long. Jiangnan craftsmanship, Jiangsu Wujiang. Wujiang boasts over 4,000 years of silk weaving history. Shengjiaku was once the most prosperous area in Wujiang, home to the oriental silk coveted by European royalty, and a place Marco Polo once visited.
Shengjiaku is known as the 'Cheongsam Town,' a must-visit for travelers. Experiencing the old-time charm of Gusu amidst the modern vibe of Dongtaihu is a uniquely wonderful feeling. Tucked away in Shengjiaku are several cheongsam shops with highly skilled old tailors. You might take your mother to have one custom-made—a perfect souvenir from Dongtaihu.
Reading has always been like crossing mountains, and drinking tea like traversing rivers. But why Shangshuzhou?
It's because of that line: 'The waters of Dongtaihu must be from the Song Dynasty.' That's why I've been longing to visit.
A city blessed with mountains and waters is a gift from heaven, but life is something we must cultivate ourselves. Borges said, 'I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library.' To get as close to paradise as possible, in the 128 countries I've traveled, I've made it a point to spend time in bookstores in almost every one. Because I've always felt that amidst the fickleness of human relationships and the noise of the city, words are something that can transcend time, and a city with warmth must have warm, humanistic bookstores.
Shangshuzhou is exactly that.
From 'The Starry Sky of Pre-Qin' to 'The Book of Songs,' from 'Looking Back at the Ming and Qing' to 'The Republic of China Garden,' Shangshuzhou uses time as an axis to unfold the wisdom of the ancients. Approaching a shelf of books feels like stepping into a brilliant era; moving to another shelf feels like swimming through cultural streams.
Let the bookstore in your heart pause for a while, leave some time for reading. Setting aside a portion of your travel moments for a bookstore might just become your most unforgettable and most serene memory.
[OCC Coffee]
One way to show love for your hometown is through wholehearted acceptance, praise, and inheritance of its way of life. In a Jiangnan household, white walls and dark tiles conceal the deepest passion and confidence beneath a light and airy charm. Building on this aesthetic, OCC Coffee infuses contemporary features and young people's understanding of life, creating an almost all-white humanistic space.
On a winter afternoon, sunlight streams through large floor-to-ceiling windows, falling on a girl's shoulders. Under the spiral staircase, greenery grows freely, and the sweet aroma of coffee fills the air. To embrace the festive season, the café thoughtfully adds many red cheerful elements, lifting your spirits instantly.
Many beautiful girls come for afternoon tea; they take photos, complementing the surroundings and becoming part of the scenery themselves.
Departing from the boat pier at Dongtaihu Ecological Park (Dongtaihu Hotel also has a speedboat pier) and arriving at Yuehu Terrace in Taihu New City by water is the most anticipated way to travel.
If Dongtaihu is the pearl of Suzhou, then Yuehu Terrace is arguably the pearl of Dongtaihu. Located on the north shore of Dongtaihu, with a total investment of about 820 million yuan, it features a nearly 50,000-square-meter platform and an '8'-shaped viewing bridge that extends 211 meters into Taihu Lake, like a bird spreading its wings or a fish leaping into water.
Yuehu Terrace is hailed as the central green axis of Taihu New City, the future urban core of Wujiang, and a landmark of the area. Riding a speedboat on the lake, at one point you seem to follow its curves, smooth and agile like the curve of a Taihu whitefish—a leap of a carp over the dragon gate, a dragon returning to the sea. Such auspicious symbolism feels especially fitting during the Spring Festival.
In the evening, there is a magnificent music fountain and light show at Yuehu Terrace—definitely not to be missed.
[Suzhou Bay Cultural Center]
Suzhou Bay Cultural Center is China's third-largest theater complex, with the Suzhou Bay Grand Theatre and Yuehu Terrace at its core.
The Grand Theatre was designed by international master architect Christian de Portzamparc, drawing inspiration from the flowing sleeves of thousand-year-old Kunqu opera and the subtle poetry of Suzhou gardens. While rooted in tradition, its presentation is contemporary and international.
It is Asia's first and the world's largest immersive technology performance theater, featuring a 1,600-seat opera hall, a 600-seat drama hall, and over a dozen rehearsal rooms. During the Spring Festival, several classic performances will be staged, such as Bai Xianyong's youth version of 'The Peony Pavilion.' If you visit Dongtaihu during the holiday, do not miss it. The beauty of Kunqu must be savored live to truly appreciate its wonder.
[Restaurant Recommendation] Lan Cuisine
Lan Cuisine is a Japanese restaurant jokingly called the 'ceiling of Dongtaihu Japanese cuisine' by our travel companions, partly because you can enjoy unlimited sashimi for just over 200 yuan per person…
Lan Cuisine perfectly captures the essence of Japanese lifestyle aesthetics. From the spatial layout and small ornaments to the choice of tableware and even the dish designs, everything reveals the owner's deep understanding and longing for a beautiful life.
Dining in a highly immersive Japanese-style space is the best reward after a day of wild fun. Japanese cuisine emphasizes original flavors; the simpler the preparation, the higher the requirement for ingredients. The thick-cut sashimi, sweet shrimp and botan shrimp, sukiyaki, tempura, etc., at Lan Cuisine passed the test of our discerning taste buds.
Address: Building A3, Suzhou Bay Food New World, 539 Hujing Street, Dongtaihu
[Hotel Recommendation] Le Méridien Suzhou Bay
Suzhou's first Le Méridien, a resort brand originating from Paris, promises to 'Explore the World, Uncover the Destination.' Always dedicated to providing extraordinary travel experiences, it's no wonder that singer Jacky Cheung, after inspecting dozens of hotels in Suzhou three times, chose to stay here during his concert tour.
The Dongtaihu Le Méridien draws design inspiration from local Suzhou culture, bringing the Taihu Lake scenery into the rooms. Every thoughtful detail exudes the unique elegance of Jiangnan.
Even before the Spring Festival, the hotel's festive atmosphere is already off the charts. To our delight, the hotel even prepared New Year pastries and Le Méridien's limited-edition Ice White for us. Sipping a glass, losing ourselves in the Dongtaihu night—it was the most tender moment of my first trip in 2022.
[Luxurious Living, Return Home Fully Loaded] BFM Art Center + Sasseur Outlets + Le Méridien Chinese Restaurant
[BFM Art Center]
Encountering a contemporary art gallery in the core area of Jiangnan culture like Dongtaihu is a delightful surprise. The newly opened BFM Art Center launched its first exhibition themed 'Radiance of All Things,' inviting 18 renowned contemporary artists from across the country. The works span painting, installation, sculpture, video, ceramics, and jewelry, with a distinctly avant-garde edge.
Oscar Wilde, the forerunner of aestheticism, said, 'All art is quite useless.' And it is precisely this uselessness that gives art its meaning, as it lifts them above the mundane. Life itself is mundane until art intervenes.
With no particular purpose and preferably no expectations, immerse yourself in an exhibition, feel the creator's emotions. It may not seem to change anything, but after you've seen 100 exhibitions, life will surely be different.
BFM also offers afternoon tea on-site. Gathering in such an artistically rich environment is one of the most Jiangnan ways of living. Highly recommended.
[Sasseur Outlets]
Come with delight and leave fully loaded. The last stop of the trip must be the outlets—buy the whole family's outfits in one go and become the most dazzling family in your relatives' circle!
As Suzhou's first comprehensive outlet, it spans 120,000 square meters and gathers famous domestic and international brands, covering high-end men's and women's wear, outdoor sports, trendy shoes and bags, children's clothing, dining, and more. Among them, the Italian space is offering huge discounts for the year-end and new spring season—this deal is too good to pass up.
[Le Méridien Chinese Restaurant]
The Chinese restaurant at Le Méridien turned out to be a pleasant surprise. Although we decided to dine in the hotel on the spur of the moment, the dishes arrived promptly. We took an unconventional approach and ordered by dish names, ending up with a table full of auspicious Spring Festival dishes. Such a festive Le Méridien reunion dinner is the perfect happy ending for a family Spring Festival trip.
In the adult world, 'easy' isn't a word. That's why it's all the more necessary to hit the pause button, give your body a break after a year of hard work, let your taut nerves relax, and spend a reunion year with family you've been long separated from, and meet friends you haven't seen in a while. Thorough relaxation is the most effective recharge. Rest well, then set off again.
Wishing everyone a happy new year, may you roar with vigor in the Year of the Tiger, and be the winner in your own battlefield of life.
(Aerial photos in this article courtesy of @Sudanqing)
