Nestled in the heart of Yixing, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China, Yunhu Lake Scenic Area (云湖风景区), originally known as Hengshan Reservoir, is a picturesque gem that spans 154 square kilometers. This enchanting haven boasts a delightful climate, with warm and moist conditions that make it an inviting destination for nature enthusiasts and culture seekers alike. The area is embraced by a majestic range of mountains, blanketed in lush greenery, with a forest coverage exceeding 98%. At the heart of the reservoir lies Copper Pot Island, a verdant oasis that seamlessly merges with the serene waters, creating an idyllic centerpiece. The air in this region is pure and invigorating, contributing to a refreshing and humid atmosphere.
Yunhu Lake’s pristine ecological environment offers a sanctuary for an abundance of flora and fauna. Upstream from the reservoir, a wetland area is home to trees that appear to grow directly from the water, forming a unique natural spectacle: a waterborne forest. Downstream, an eco-friendly leisure park awaits, shaded by lush trees, filled with the melodious songs of birds and fragrant blooms, and featuring numerous fitness and recreational facilities.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Yunhu Lake Scenic Area
- Vlog about Yunhu Lake Scenic Area
- Other Attractions in Yixing
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 3 – 4 hours |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours a day throughout the year |
| Telephone Number | 0086-15852684932 0086-13921326356 |
Location and Transportation
Yunhu Lake Scenic Area is situated in the southwestern mountainous region of Yixing, Jiangsu, China. It is renowned as one of the best-preserved regions for natural ecological conservation in the Yangtze River Delta and the Taihu Lake area.
To get there, tourists can take bus Yixing 202, Yixing 351, or Yixing 802 and get off at Yunhu Scenic Area Stop (云湖景区站).
Highlights of Yunhu Lake Scenic Area
Da Jue Temple
Located in Yixing, Da Jue Temple is a Zen Buddhist temple affiliated with the Linji sect. With a history spanning over seven centuries, the temple was established during the Southern Song Dynasty (1265-1274) by Zen Master Zhining. Situated on the eastern side of Yunhu Lake and nestled in the foothills of Jilong Mountain, Da Jue Temple benefits from its scenic surroundings, harmoniously blending modern and ancient cultural elements. The temple exhibits a classic Jiangnan architectural style, reminiscent of bygone eras, and serves as a conduit for the dissemination of Buddhist philosophy.
Yangxian Tea Culture Museum
Located in the picturesque Yunhu Lake Scenic Area, the Yangxian Tea Culture Museum stands at the foot of the hills, offering breathtaking views of the lake and lush surroundings. It is a hub for researching, showcasing, and promoting Yangxian tea culture. The museum consists of seven exhibition halls, each highlighting a different aspect of tea culture, including a hall on the millennia-old history of tea, the Tang Dynasty’s tribute tea, tea poetry, famous mountains and temples associated with tea, clay purple teapots, the millennium-old tea house, and the flourishing tea industry.
Die Shui Feng Qing Yuan Commercial Street
Located within the Yunhu Lake Scenic Area, the Die Shui Feng Qing Yuan Commercial Street is situated in a prime location with the Da Jue Temple to the east, Yunhu Lake to the south, Hengshan’s Xincheng Town to the west, and Tanjiachong to the north. Covering an expansive area of more than 550 acres, with a total building area of around 80,000 square meters, this commercial street is the sole commercial facility in Yunhu Lake. It offers a blend of modern and traditional architecture, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
Yunhu Square
Yunhu Square, situated on the eastern side of Yunhu Lake, serves as the core of the Yunhu Lake Scenic Area. Spanning approximately 170,000 square meters, it is a comprehensive tourist square centered around the Da JueTemple. The square features a fusion of Buddhist cultural squares, a Buddhist cultural commercial area, and an ecological parking lot. Utilizing the rich cultural resource of Yunhu Lake’s Buddhist culture and the exceptional natural setting on the eastern side, it establishes an organic connection with the “Yangxian Tea Culture Museum” located to the north of the Great Enlightenment Temple. Together, they create an ambiance of “Zen and Tea,” interdependent and harmonious.
Jiangsu Yunhu International Conference Center
The Jiangsu Yunhu International Conference Center, adjacent to the Da Jue Temple within the Yunhu Lake Scenic Area, offers luxury and modern accommodations with complimentary wired internet access. This 5-star hotel is equipped with a fitness center, outdoor swimming pool, and a spa center. The rooms are air-conditioned with carpeted floors, flat-screen cable TVs, work desks, and electric kettles. Each private bathroom includes a hot shower and a hairdryer. The hotel is located 25 kilometers from the city center on Renmin Road and approximately 1.5 hours from Wuxi Railway Station. It offers recreational activities like table tennis and billiards.
