20 Joyful Things to Do in Suzhou East Taihu for the Chinese New Year
My last trip in the Year of the Ox took me to the stylish and charming Suzhou East Taihu, where I spent five days and four nights.
This trip was my gift to myself to welcome the New Year, and this detailed guide is also my gift to you.
After reading this travelogue, you'll know what's fun to do in East Taihu in winter~
No.1 Watch the Musical Fountain at Yuehu Terrace
I put Yuehu Terrace's musical fountain first because it's truly stunning.
Head to Yuehu Terrace in the evening. Winter sunsets are brief but romantic. Sit quietly on the steps facing East Taihu and wait for the show to begin. When the lights come on and the music starts, my heart is full of anticipation. The stirring melody of "Ode to the Red Flag," paired with dazzling lights and fireworks, creates a spectacular audio-visual feast. This open-air water show, lasting over ten minutes, fills you with surging emotion. Grateful for the prosperity of our great nation, for the beauty of life, and for having you by my side.
Address: Yuehu Terrace, Suzhou Bay, Wujiang District, Suzhou (Renmin Road, Wujiang District, Suzhou)
Yuehu Terrace at dusk
The musical fountain at Yuehu Terrace
No.2 Enjoy a Performance at Suzhou Bay Cultural Center
Turn around after the musical fountain, and you're facing the flowing "ribbon" of Suzhou Bay Cultural Center. This ribbon evokes Suzhou's flying bridges and the dancing water sleeves of Kunqu opera, unfolding in curves and counter-curves within the overall cityscape.
This East Taihu landmark is the nation's third-largest theater complex, master-planned by Pritzker Prize laureate architect Christian de Portzamparc. His ribbon design serves as a link, connecting the city, sky, lake, and people.
Inside Suzhou Bay Cultural Center are Suzhou Grand Theatre, Wujiang Expo Center, a museum, and a conference center. The grand theatre has a packed performance schedule—check the times in advance. Catching a concert here would be a wonderful experience.
Address: 12000 East Taihu Avenue, Wujiang District, Suzhou
Suzhou Bay Cultural Center, a new landmark in East Taihu
No.3 Ride a Speedboat for a Fresh Perspective on East Taihu
Speedboats on the sea are thrilling—what would it feel like on a calm lake?
The excitement level is entirely in the skipper's hands. I experienced "riding the wind and waves" on East Taihu. The speed and passion of the boat instantly immerse you in the dynamic charm of this new East Taihu. Gazing across the water at the lakeside city brings a refreshing sense of novelty.
Speedboat dock: Located within East Taihu Hotel; reserve your ride there.
No.4 Discover the Taste of True Affection at Nanshe Baixiangli
I made a special trip to Baixiangli. Meeting the founder Mr. Zhang again after two months, we had a short but delightful chat. He took us into Nanshe Ancient Village, past a Ming Dynasty stone bridge, to taste steaming hot glutinous rice dumplings and freshly made puffed rice candy—childhood flavors of the New Year.
Baixiangli is brimming with festive spirit, hosting a "Sun-Drying Festival." Air-dried meats, dried radish, salted fish, soy-cured meats, sunning comforters, sharing happiness, red envelopes, kids, and soaking up the sun—anything goes. When it comes to Baixiangli, you must mention the concept of "visiting relatives in the countryside." Baixiangli is a homestay, a restaurant, a travel destination, and a retreat, but above all, it aims to revive the traditional pleasure of visiting loved ones.
Nanshe Baixiangli · Green Waterside is nestled next to villagers’ homes. Staying here means enjoying tranquil country life, breathing fresh, free countryside air, and experiencing the locals' farming and joys. While immersing yourself in rural relaxation, the comfort is top-notch: renovated and newly built villa-style lodgings offer underfloor heating, air conditioning, and all shower amenities. Recreational facilities are abundant: an outdoor barbecue grill, KTV, tea room, billiard room, wood-fired kitchen, party house, lawns, campfire area, tents, and a small farm—perfect for team-building or family getaways.
Address: Zone A, Nanshe Village, Wujiang District, Suzhou
People basking in the sun and sipping tea in Baixiangli's courtyard in winter
Baixiangli's open kitchen, KTV, tea room, guest rooms
Nanshe Village, a protected ancient village in Suzhou
Village life
No.5 Wander Through the Time Forest at Wangong Dyke
This long causeway by Taihu lakeside is named after Wan Qingxuan, the maternal grandfather of Premier Zhou Enlai and a late-Qing water management expert. While serving as magistrate in Wujiang, he used his own salary to build the embankment from Sanli Bridge in Songling to Dapu Bridge in Bache.
Today, Wangong Dyke is an urban forest slow-living destination, offering a temporary escape from the city's bustle. Here, towering skyscrapers on one side, an endless forest on the other, and a sun-sparkling lake in between.
I visited on a weekend, and it was filled with families. You can paddle transparent kayaks, jog along the rainbow path, cycle around East Taihu, stroll through the woods, ride the forest train, or read a good book at the Fandeng Book Club...
The "Time Forest" gathers many fun, tasty, and interesting spots. Exquisite Japanese cuisine hides in a shipping container, the Forest Zone offers tent barbecues, delicate dessert cafés, various snacks, and hands-on joy.
At a shop called "Xiaoxiaoqian Handcrafts," I bought a bunch of wool hand-knitted flowers. The 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic bouquets also used handmade wool flowers, symbolizing warmth and harmony while promoting sustainability and permanence—I had to follow this trend.
The 1936 Time Train Restaurant is a highlight of the Time Forest. In 1936, the Suzhou–Jiaxing Railway began operation from Wujiang. It was the only railroad in Wujiang, leaving a deep impression on a generation. To commemorate it, the park specially transported a green train carriage from Xi'an, adorned with old photos of Wujiang. On this vintage train, you can freely take photos and enjoy delicious food.
Address: 200 meters north of the intersection of Qiufeng Street and Liuhong Road, Wujiang District, Suzhou. Take Suzhou Metro Line 4 to Liuhong Road Station and walk about 200 meters.
The flower I bought at Wangong Dyke, which looks more and more charming at home.
No.6 Experience "All Things Radiant" at BFM Art Center
Art unfolds differently in everyone's eyes. At the BFM Art Center on East Taihu's shore, the graceful white spaces house a range of art forms—painting, installation, sculpture, video, ceramics, jewelry—as well as new media shows and interactive live art projects.
The center's opening exhibition, "All Things Radiant," features works by over a dozen Chinese contemporary artists. Standing on the shared ground of modern life, they express their attitudes toward contemporary living. Through these works, visitors can draw their own insights.
In Beijing, such venues usually charge admission, but here it's free! Just make a reservation. The coffee is good; buy a cup, sit a while, and reflect.
Address: South Square, Pingkai Business Center, 11666 East Taihu Avenue, Songling Town, Wujiang District, Suzhou
Contemporary artworks
No.7 Find a Book to Stir Your Soul at Shangshuzhou
Drawn by the phrase "a bookstore in the heart, pause for a while" written on the exterior wall, I stepped into Shangshuzhou. Like a returning boat moored by East Taihu, this refined yet simple Jiangnan-style space glows under warm light, lost in the serene scent of ink.
From "Pre-Qin Starry Sky" to "Elegant Song," from "Looking Back at Ming and Qing" to "Republic of China Collection," the books here are neatly arranged by era. Shelves brim with all kinds of books and quaint vintage bric-a-brac. In this tranquil realm, on the left, assorted books and treasures; on the right, a cup of Zen tea. Wherever your gaze wanders, it meets quiet, soaring souls.
Address: Intersection of Gaoxin Road and Hujing Street, Songling Town, Wujiang District, Suzhou
Assorted books and treasures on the left; Zen tea on the right.
No.8 Stroll Shengjiaku and Buy a Chinese-style Garment
If, like me, you love wearing Chinese-style clothes, don't miss Shengjiaku Old Street. Jiangsu's Wujiang has over 4,000 years of silk textile history. Shengjiaku was once the most prosperous part of Wujiang, a neighborhood Marco Polo might have visited, and its silk was sold far and wide.
Today's Shengjiaku blends antiquity with elegance and fashion. Many fashion designers have set up shop here—there are cafés, bookstores, ready-to-wear boutiques, and bespoke tailoring. You can buy silk or garments made of Xiangyunsha (a traditional silk fabric). I'll have a long Xiangyunsha skirt made someday, but I couldn't commit this time. I bought an autumn/winter gray-blue modified qipao. Its stretchy fabric is comfortable, and it pairs well with heels or sneakers.
Address: Intersection of Zhongshan South Road and Lize Road, Taihu New City, Wujiang
No.9 Leisure Treasure Hunting at Sasseur Outlets
Sasseur (Suzhou Bay) Outlets boasts several halls covering 120,000 square meters and gathering over 600 domestic and international brands, including international designers, apparel, footwear, bags, outdoor sports, specialty dining, leisure entertainment, and children's areas... In the Italian Space, you might just uncover a gem.
Address: Northwest corner, intersection of Kaiping Road and Fengqing Street, Wujiang District, Suzhou
No.10 Stay at HUALUXE Hotel, Soak in Wangyan Hot Spring
When in Suzhou East Taihu, how can you skip the hot springs?
Wangyan Hot Spring is a rare neutral, purely natural carbonate hot spring in the Taihu basin, rich in strontium, radon, and other minerals. Its open-air hot spring park stretches along the lake, with moist, fresh air and lush greenery. Lake views and garden scenes set each other off charmingly. There are dozens of outdoor pools with various themes and benefits, plus geothermal steam rooms. Suzhou folk know how to have fun—little yellow ducks, floating chess, and afternoon tea on the water let you soak, play, and enjoy treats at the same time. After the hot spring, treat yourself to an essential oil spa; the therapist's gentle hands will wash away all your fatigue.
Address: East Taihu Ecological Tourism Resort, Wujiang District, Suzhou
HUALUXE Hotel is IHG's premium brand tailored for Chinese travelers. The name "HUALUXE" is rich in cultural meaning—"Hua" symbolizes the splendid land of China, "Luxe" denotes a gathering place for the elite. The guest room balconies also have soaking tubs, allowing you to fully enjoy private hot spring moments.
I especially recommend the noodle station at HUALUXE's breakfast buffet: authentic Su-style noodles—springy, fine strands, a delicious broth, and generous, seasonal toppings.
No.11 Don't Miss Cai Feng Lou's Fragrant Glutinous Rice Cake
Cai Feng Lou is the Chinese restaurant within HUALUXE Hotel. Every Cai Feng Lou has its local character. The one by Suzhou East Taihu is decorated in a low-key, exquisite Eastern aesthetic. The private rooms are elegant, with attentive service throughout the meal. The menu features local Suzhou dishes, Cantonese flavors, and fusion cuisine. Our group of nine, hailing from all over, gathered at East Taihu and mostly ordered local specialties, tasting the regional flavors on our tongues.
That meal: sweet-and-sour osmanthus cherry tomatoes and Sichuan pepper lotus root cubes awakened our palates; Su-style steamed white fish, crab roe river shrimp, and steamed crab with fragrant pork cake steadily amped up satisfaction; the signature crispy beef shengxue (snowflake beef) brought an eyebrow-raising smile—crispy outside, tender inside, richly savory, all lingering in memory; finally, the fragrant glutinous rice cake and Auzhou noodles drew a perfect full stop under the meal.
Address: Cai Feng Lou is inside HUALUXE Hotel
No.12 Immerse in the Artistic Flair of Le Méridien
I absolutely love Le Méridien Suzhou Bay, East Taihu. Its art-infused atmosphere is so pleasurable and enjoyable. Every corner of the hotel reflects a fusion of local culture, modern art, and life aesthetics. Upon entering, you're greeted by the New Wave rhythms of a Parisian band, the signature LM01 fragrance, and a sense of romantic French flair.
Situated on the beautiful East Taihu lakeside, this is Suzhou's first Le Méridien. It commands a hundred miles of breathtaking scenery and enjoys an exceptional eco-environment. Inspired by local Suzhou culture, the design brings Taihu views into the rooms through thoughtful details, crafting a uniquely Jiangnan-style modern elegance.
Every Le Méridien has a "Le Méridien Princess" doll; Suzhou's Princess doll wears a dress painted with "Jiangnan water towns." The giant goldfish displayed in the lobby is made from recycled metal, shimmering with rainbow hues under different lights—a reminder to cherish the earth and conserve resources.
A Le Méridien Princess doll at Suzhou Bay
As Chinese New Year approached, the hotel radiated festivity. The lobby lounge launched a "New Year Greetings" afternoon tea, locally sourced festive gift boxes, and seasonal dishes. Even the welcome desserts in the rooms featured a God of Wealth delivering gold ingots—a wish for good luck.
Rooms start at 53 square meters, elegantly appointed, spacious and bright, with lake-view rooms overlooking beautiful East Taihu. The bathroom has double doors, separating wet and dry zones, plus a freestanding bathtub. Toiletries deserve a mention: MALIN+GOETZ's star products—sage body wash, peppermint shampoo, coriander conditioner, lime soap, and vitamin B5 body lotion—the botanical scents bring a lovely mood.
Indoor heated pool, fitness center, table tennis, spa, and other leisure facilities are all available. The hotel offers one free hour of bicycle rental, so you can cycle along Suzhou Bay lakeside, or explore nearby characteristic ancient towns.
The kids’ club has introduced two famous IPs: LEGO and POLI, with activities for all ages. Outside, there's an outdoor playground with climbing nets, slides, hammocks, and a basketball court... The breakfast buffet has a rich variety, and the hotel features three distinct restaurants.
No.13 A Surprising Fusion Suzhou Meal at Le Méridien's Chinese Restaurant
I met the Chinese restaurant's chef at breakfast and chatted a bit. For lunch, I took his suggestions, and the dishes were well-balanced with local character. Eight of us dined in a private room, gathering as the New Year approached.
Our meal: a Jiangnan six-cold-dish platter, crab roe and potato velouté, crystal shrimp alongside flash-fried river shrimp, small beef chunks with tangerine peel sauce, braised old goose casserole, stir-fried collybia mushroom with crisp pork, asparagus and yellow fungus with Australian scallops, pepper-fragrant marble goby, raw-baked Lanzhou lily bulb, and baby bok choy with pork cracklings and taro, plus a dim sum platter. Every dish was exquisite and pleasing. The crab roe and potato velouté had a tomato hint—very creative, the first time in many days in Suzhou I tasted such crab roe cuisine, a Western twist on Chinese food. I loved it.
The final dim sum was the biggest surprise: traditional Dingsheng cake, alongside lifelike persimmon cakes, ingot cakes, mahjong cakes, matcha ruyi cakes. Two big white geese on the plate highlighted the water town character. Translucent koi swam in an orange-hued pumpkin tangyuan soup, the base being fermented glutinous rice lotus root starch colored with butterfly pea flowers. Elegant, poetic, and auspicious.
Address: 518 Yingbin Avenue, Wujiang District, Suzhou. Take the train to Suzhou Station, then Metro Line 4 to Suzhou Bay.
No.14 Soak in Hot Springs and Enjoy Pingtan at East Taihu Hotel
East Taihu Hotel comprises Wanghu Building, Guibin Building, and villas, with 242 rooms, including lake-view terrace rooms, family villas, thoughtfully designed pet-friendly rooms, and hot spring suites—catering to all kinds of guests.
The hotel's natural hot springs include 12 outdoor pools, geothermal stone baths, and salt-stone saunas. Children have an indoor playroom and an outdoor petting zoo, and the hotel schedules opera performances during holidays.
The breakfast buffet, both Chinese and Western, is sumptuous. How blissful it is to enjoy a leisurely, cozy brunch with your loved one~
Address: 588 Yingbin Avenue, Taihu New City, Wujiang District, Suzhou
Suites with private hot spring tubs and family rooms
Children's play facilities
No.15 Indulge in a Japanese All-You-Can-Eat Feast at Ran Cuisine
Ran Cuisine's 268 RMB/person all-you-can-eat Japanese meal, with quality ingredients, attentive service, and a private setting, offers superb value!
Over 130 dishes to choose from, à la carte or buffet-style. Except for the palm-sized botan shrimp (limited to two per person), everything else is unlimited. Private rooms, dedicated service, made-to-order dishes ensure warmth and freshness.
Sashimi is all about freshness: thick-cut salmon, lean tuna, surf clam, scallops, abalone, octopus tentacles, sweet shrimp, botan shrimp, whelks—all top-quality. Sushi variety is rich too: nigiri, maki, hand rolls, gunkan maki, inari—something for every Japanese food lover. Other Japanese dishes abound: from grilled fish fins and salt-baked ginkgo nuts to tempura, braised oxtail, teppanyaki, sukiyaki, earthenware pot soup, ramen, and udon. Foie gras fans shouldn't miss the teppan-grilled version. Desserts like matcha ice cream and almond tofu are passable; the almond tofu is a rich version with added cream and a caramel touch, very luscious.
Address: 539 Hujing Street, Suzhou Bay Gourmet New World, Gaoxin Road, Wujiang District, Suzhou.
Special note: Remember to book in advance—they only accept reservations.
No.16 Savor Authentic Suzhou Cuisine at Carnival Grand Hotel
Nourished by the Grand Canal and Taihu Lake, Wujiang has enjoyed abundant livestock, fish, and rice since ancient times, giving rise to a rich culinary culture. East Taihu, near Zhejiang, presents dishes less sweet than other Suzhou areas, suiting our palates better.
To taste genuine Subang cuisine, Carnival Grand Hotel is a great choice. For a pre-Spring Festival gathering, don't miss local specialties like red-braised lamb, braised pork knuckle, steamed white fish, fragrant greens, gluten-stuffed pork, winter bamboo shoots, and crystal river shrimp.
Address: Shop A1, Suzhou Bay Gourmet New World, Gaoxin Road, Wujiang District, Suzhou
No.17 Relish Petite Fusion Dishes at Angel's Hepburn Time
Angel's Hepburn Time Restaurant oozes modern chic in its ambience, offering creative Sino-Western fusion dishes. Suzhou's foodies flock here. The restaurant is large, yet still packed every night—we booked our private room a week in advance. Live music fills the hall each evening.
The head chef hails from Chaoshan, emphasizing both taste and presentation with a keen sense of form.
Address: Intersection of Kaiping Road and Shuixiu Street, Wujiang District, Suzhou
No.18 Enjoy Western Delights at the Pure-White Lim Café
Among the cafés I sought out, Lim Café was my favorite—not just for its beauty, but for its delicious food and coffee. The two-story space embraces deliberate blankness, with white as its keynote. The ground floor has three zones: a private room for 20, a standing area, and a lounge accented with pink and green sofas. A spiral staircase leads upstairs, where red sofas adorn half the space, while the restrooms are green—a color-coded layout. Everything about the layout and decor felt just right.
Lim Café roasts its own coffee beans. The coffee menu is extensive, with many creative specialties. Other drinks are equally varied. The pastry chef, once with a Michelin-starred restaurant, selects fine ingredients and constantly innovates, making food delicious and fun.
Recommended dishes: the 2022 limited-edition "Get Rich" cake, bursting with New Year vibes—a 4-inch sponge cake with a blueberry filling, just sweet enough for sharing without guilt. Also worth trying: the pale blue sea salt mille crepe, colorful mist rainbow rolls, low-temperature Australian steak, and pineapple coffee.
Address: 65m south of the badminton court in Suzhou Bay Sports Park, Yingbin Avenue, Wujiang District, Suzhou. Lim is inside the sports park; it must be gorgeous when flowers bloom in spring! There are basketball and football courts and lawns—a great spot for outdoor activities.
No.19 Take Photos Under the Guise of Coffee at OCC Coffee & Western Cuisine Aesthetics Space
OCC Coffee & Western Cuisine Aesthetics Space masterfully captures that Instagram-worthy essence. The space includes three areas: a coffee shop, a Western restaurant, and a boutique on the second floor. It has carefully set up multiple photo backdrops—a spiral staircase, a sunset lamp, a white wooden-framed full-length mirror—creating a playful, layered space. As Chinese New Year drew near, red elements were everywhere, very festive. I spotted quite a few stylish ladies who had come to take photos under the pretext of drinking coffee.
I had lunch here with a friend, ordering pasta, salad, snacks, desserts, and drinks. Every dish looked pretty and tasted good. The café periodically offers sets; ask the staff before ordering. We chose a set meal and saved 60 yuan.
Address: Building C, Meizhuang, East Taihu Ecological Park, Suzhou East Taihu Ecological Tourism Resort, Suzhentao Highway (near Taihu New City)
No.20 Break a Sweat at Suzhou Bay Sports Center
After sharing all this food and drink, we must burn off some calories. In life, health is the greatest happiness.
Suzhou Bay Sports Center, operated by Alibaba Sports, includes a natatorium, a gymnasium, and a commercial building. Currently, there are 28 badminton courts, one competition hall with two full-size and two half-size basketball training courts, and an outdoor basketball court free to the public on weekdays from 10:00 to 18:00. The natatorium has one standard competition pool, a training pool, and a children's splash pool. Additionally, an 11-a-side outdoor soccer pitch is in the planning stage.
With complete facilities and affordable fees, Suzhou Bay Sports Center has become an indispensable part of local life. I'm envious of those who live nearby.
Address: 1288 Longhe Road, Taihu New City, Wujiang District, Suzhou
Thank you for reading to the very end—6,468 words in total.
As this post goes live right as we joyfully welcome the Spring Festival, I, Panpan Mao, wish all readers a lucky Tiger Year and a very happy New Year.
