Spring Date | A Complete Guide to Liyuan & Yuantouzhu Cherry Blossom Valley

| A Complete Guide to Liyuan & Yuantouzhu Cherry Blossom Valley Wuxi in spring is like a pink poem and a perfect place for spring outings. The classical charm of Liyuan and the romantic flower sea of Yuantouzhu Cherry Blossom Valley shine brightly in spring. Here's your guide to exploring these spring wonders! Liyuan 📍Address: 18 Huanhu Road, Binhu District, Wuxi 🎫Admission: Peak season: RMB 45/person, Off-peak season: RMB 30/person 🕙Opening hours: 7:00 - 17:30 🌟Highlights Built by Lake Li, Liyuan is said to be where Fan Li and Xi Shi retired to live in seclusion. As a famous garden in the Jiangnan region, it's known for its waterscapes, which cover about 40% of the total area. - Four Seasons Pavilion: Built in 1954, four identical pavilions are decorated with paintings of seasonal flowers. Plum, peach, osmanthus, and wintersweet bloom around them according to the seasons. - Thousand-Step Corridor: Built along the lake, this 289-meter corridor is semi-enclosed on one side with a red railing. Take a stroll to enjoy the views of Lake Li. The pavilion-style water pavilion at the east end features upturned eaves, offering a panoramic view of the lake. - South Dyke Spring Dawn: In March, over 300 weeping willows and 400 peach trees bloom along the dyke, creating a beautiful scene with the clear lake and green mountains. 🚗Transportation 🚇Subway: Exit 1 of Lihu Bridge Station on Line 4, about 1 km walk. 🚌Bus: Take bus 1, 9, 20, 82, 211, 315, 513, Lihu Lake Sightseeing Line, or Joy Tour Line 1 to Liyuan Station. 🚗Drive: Navigate to Liyuan Park. Parking available but limited on weekends and holidays. 📸Photo Spots 1. Thousand-Step Corridor: Use the corridor and Lake Li as backdrop. Stand in the corridor or lean against the railing for artistic shots. 2. Four Seasons Pavilion: Capture plum blossoms by the Spring Pavilion, oleanders by the Summer Pavilion, with the pavilion's upturned eaves and paintings adding beauty to your photos. 3. South Dyke Spring Dawn: Stand under peach blossoms and willows with Lake Li in the background for stunning portraits and landscapes. 🌸Travel Tips 1. Recommended Routes: - Quick Tour (40 minutes): Main Gate → Hundred Flowers House → Xi Shi Legend Gallery → Four Seasons Pavilion → Willow Dyke Flower Rain → Thousand-Step Corridor → Spring and Autumn Pavilion → Xi Shi Moon Reflection → Green Hills → Main Gate. - Complete Tour (120 minutes): Main Gate → Hundred Flowers House → Xi Shi Legend Gallery → Four Seasons Pavilion → Willow Dyke Flower Rain → Ancient-style Boat Tour of Xi Shi Village → Back to Willow Dyke Flower Rain → Thousand-Step Corridor → Spring and Autumn Pavilion → Xi Shi Moon Reflection → Green Hills → Main Gate. 2. Food Recommendations: Snacks available inside the park. Try Wuxi spareribs and Lake Tai's Three Whites at nearby restaurants after your visit. Yuantouzhu Cherry Blossom Valley 📍Address: 1 Yuanzhu Road, Binhu District, Wuxi 🎫Admission: RMB 90 (discounts may be available for online booking), different prices during night viewing 🕙Opening hours: 08:00 - 16:30, 17:00 - 21:00 during night viewing season 🌟Highlights Yuantouzhu Cherry Blossom Valley is one of the "World's Three Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Sites." Over 30,000 cherry trees of more than 100 varieties bloom along the lakeshore and valley. From Cherry Blossom Viewing Pavilion, enjoy a panoramic view of the valley and Lake Tai. 🚗Transportation 🚌Bus: Take Bus 1 or Joy Tour Line 1 directly to the scenic area. 🚇Subway: Take Line 4 to Xiajibian Station Exit 4, then take a shuttle bus; or transfer to bus/shared bike. 🚗Drive: Arrive early during cherry blossom season to avoid traffic. Before 8:00, park at Chongshan parking lot; after 9:00, try Changqiao parking lot. Shuttle buses available from parking lots. 🚤Water route: 5-minute speedboat from Guansheshan to Changchun Bridge core area; multiple water bus routes offering Lake Tai views. 📸Photo Spots 1. Cherry Blossom Valley: Pink tunnel formed by dense cherry trees. Shoot upward with the sky as background to highlight the flowers. 2. Changchun Bridge: Classic viewing spot where bridge, cherry blossoms, and lake reflections create perfect compositions. 3. Cherry Blossom Viewing Pavilion: Capture breathtaking panoramas of cherry blossoms and Lake Tai from above. 🌸Travel Tips 1. Viewing Times: Early cherry blossoms: late February - early March; mid-season: mid-to-late March; late blooms: late March - early April; night viewing: March 20-31, 17:00 - 21:00. 2. Routes: - Early Bird Power Walk (6:30 - 9:00): Dushan Gate → Cherry Blossom Valley → Cherry Blossom Viewing Pavilion → Renjie Garden → Cherry Fate Bridge. Fewer people and better lighting in early morning. - Relaxed Highlights Route (15:00 - closing): Chongshan Gate → sightseeing car to Cherry Blossom Valley → night viewing → Changchun Bridge light show. Avoid peak hours. 3. Other Activities: Take a boat to Xiandao Island for lake and mountain views; try cherry blossom ice cream and Guangfu Temple noodles. ⚠️Notes 1. Plan ahead for weekends and holidays when both Liyuan and Yuantouzhu are crowded. 2. Use public transportation during cherry blossom season to avoid traffic congestion. 3. Protect the environment, do not pick flowers.