Hotels with Horseback Riding Near Chunxi Hall

Stay at Xishan Yunyin Homestay, a secluded boutique retreat nestled among bamboo groves just a 5-minute walk from Chunxitang. Featuring wooden-style rooms and a tranquil private courtyard, guests enjoy serene mornings with bird songs and views of Lake Tai. The homestay offers an authentic tea ceremony workshop, where visitors can learn to brew premium Suzhou Biluochun tea, immersing themselves in traditional Jiangnan culture. Accessible via Bus 87 from Suzhou Railway Station, followed by an electric shuttle, it’s a seamless journey for nature lovers.

Families can enjoy hands-on Taihu Fisherman Experience, including net casting, drying fish, and sampling fresh Taihu Three Whites (silver fish, white shrimp, white eel). The Xishan Eco-Trail Guided Tour offers children-friendly educational booklets that combine plant identification with historical insights, making it both fun and informative. Led by certified guides, these activities ensure safety and engagement, perfect for intergenerational bonding in a scenic natural setting.

Take Metro Line 4 from downtown Suzhou to "Shihu Moshé" Station, then transfer to a free electric shuttle directly to Xishan Scenic Area entrance—approximately 1 hour total. For greater flexibility, rent a shared e-bike and ride along the Taihu Avenue, stopping at scenic overlooks for panoramic shots of Chunxitang. This eco-friendly route offers immersive views of the Jiangnan countryside, ideal for travelers seeking tranquility and authenticity.

Xishan Wanghu Pavilion, located 500 meters east of Chunxitang, is a prime vantage point for photographers. Perched atop a ridge, it offers sweeping views of Lake Tai at sunrise, with the rooftops and overhanging eaves of Chunxitang framed perfectly in the foreground. At dawn, mist curls over the lake, creating dreamlike contrasts. Use a wide-angle lens and tripod for sharp, layered compositions capturing light filtering through trees. A small rest area nearby provides comfort for extended shooting sessions.

Chunxitang is a Qing-dynasty Suzhou-style garden building showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. Its carved gatehouse features plum blossom motifs symbolizing good fortune, while the roof employs a hip-roof design adorned with dragon-shaped ceramic finials. Inside, latticed windows and painted beams display intricate detailing. Notably, the front mirror pond reflects sky and clouds, embodying the classical Chinese concept of harmony between heaven and humanity—a hallmark of traditional garden architecture.

After dark, join the Taihu Night Lantern Festival held near Chunxitang, featuring intangible cultural heritage-level Suzhou lantern art displayed along the lakeside, illuminating folk tales in vibrant hues. Some homestays also offer stargazing camping experiences with professional telescopes, allowing guests to observe the Milky Way and meteor showers. These events require advance HopeGoo—arrive by 6 PM to fully enjoy the atmosphere and avoid crowds.