A Secret Getaway Blowing Up on Social Media: Two Days as an Islander on a Tiny Taihu Island

🌿[Arrival on the Island] As the motorboat pushed through the reeds, my phone signal disappeared in the fourth ripple. Yinshan Island, deep in Taihu Lake, is only 0.3 square kilometers. The guesthouse owner pointed to the loquat tree in the yard: "That's your neighbor tonight." 🌙[Island Life] An old man rowing a boat in the morning suns his fishing nets on the bow. I squatted by the shore counting water chestnuts, and a water bird snatched my straw hat as it flew by. In the afternoon, the watermelon soaked in well water was as sweet as stolen time. The purring of the guesthouse's old cat mingled with the soft sound of the last bayberry falling at the foot of the mountain. ✨[Island Night] As the sunset dyed the lake water the color of a soft-boiled egg yolk, a fisherman's grandma brought a bowl of whitebait steamed egg. We lay on the century-old pier watching the stars, the water droplets on the fishing nets falling like rain, indistinguishable from dew or starlight. 🚤[Departure] When leaving the island, my backpack was filled with wild loquats, three pebbles, and a breeze full of lake air. Everyone on social media is asking where this is, but I remembered what the islanders said: "Taihu Lake has seventy-two peaks, and this is just the smallest ripple." Perhaps the real secret is to be an ephemera in the ripples for two days. ❤Travel Guide: I. Transportation Self-driving From Suzhou: West section of the Middle Ring Road → Sunwu Road → Zhoushan Road → Taihu Lake Avenue → Taihu Lake Bridge (direct to Xishan Island, about 1 hour) From Shanghai/Nanjing: Shanghai-Nanjing Expressway/Shanghai-Changzhou Expressway → Suzhou Ring Expressway → Taihu Lake Bridge Tip: The lake view along the Taihu Lake Bridge is stunning, so it is recommended to slow down and enjoy the scenery. Public Transportation From Suzhou: Metro Line 5 to "Taihu Xiangshan Station," transfer to Express Line 11 bus to Xishan Island; or take bus No. 69 directly from Suzhou Railway Station. From Shanghai: High-speed train to Suzhou Station, then transfer by bus/taxi. II. Must-Visit Attractions Linyu Cave Features: Taoist "Ninth Grotto Heaven," warm in winter and cool in summer, with fantastic stalactites and surrounded by a sea of plum blossoms (must-visit during the plum blossom season in February–March). Tickets: CNY 50, open 8:00–17:00. Shigong Mountain Features: Taihu stone wonders, a narrow strip of sky, lake and mountain scenery, suitable for climbing to view the lake, especially charming at sunset. Tickets: CNY 50. Mingyuewan Ancient Village Features: Ancient village with a history of thousands of years, stone slab streets, ancient wharf from the Southern Song Dynasty, filming location of "All is Well," excellent for taking photos at the ancient wharf at dusk. Tickets: CNY 40 (free after 17:00). Piao Miao Peak Features: The highest peak of Taihu Lake (336m above sea level), overlooking the panoramic view of the lake and islands from the top, you can hike or take a sightseeing bus. Tickets + Bus: CNY 80 (including sightseeing bus). Other Recommendations Daguan Yin Temple: 8m-high golden statue of Guanyin, Zen and tranquility. Ancient Camphor Garden: Thousand-year-old camphor tree, with lush greenery. Xiaoxia Bay Wetland: Ecological wetland, suitable for cycling or walking. III. Itinerary Suggestions One-Day Tour: Linyu Cave → Shigong Mountain → Mingyuewan Ancient Village (compact, suitable for tourists with limited time). Two-Day Tour: Day 1: Linyu Cave → Mingyuewan Ancient Village (stay in a guesthouse in the ancient village); Day 2: Piao Miao Peak → Shigong Mountain → Cycling around the lake/walking in the wetland. IV. Food Guide Must-Try Foods: Seasonal Lake Food: Hairy crabs in autumn, wild rice stem soup. Local Specialties: Xishan loquat (May–June), bayberry (June), Biluochun tea. Recommended Restaurants: Mingyuewan Farmhouse (in the ancient village, lake view + home-style dishes). Shuiyan Restaurant (near Shigong Mountain, cost-effective). V. Accommodation Recommendations Lake View Guesthouses: Guesthouses around Mingyuewan and Shigong Mountain (such as "Xishan Xiaoyuan"), with lake views from the window and quiet nights. High-End Resorts: Taihu Renaissance/Marriott Hotel (near Xishan Island, with complete facilities). Tip: It is recommended to book in advance during peak seasons (spring, summer, and holidays). VI. Practical Tips Best Season: Spring and autumn (March–May for flower viewing, September–November for crab tasting), pay attention to sun protection in summer to avoid the heat. Cycling around the Island: Rent an electric bike or bicycle (approx. CNY 50/day) and enjoy the scenery along the island ring road. Avoid Pitfalls: Be careful when buying "wild lake food" on the roadside, and choose restaurants with clearly marked prices. Eco-Friendly Travel: Do not litter and protect the ecology of Taihu Lake.