Tucked away in Suzhou's Xishan Scenic Area, Zhili Ancient Village is like an ink-wash painting frozen in time. Its well-preserved Ming & Qing architecture features cobblestone paths flanked by whitewashed walls and black-tiled roofs, with millennium-old trees whispering village lore. Stumble upon elders basking on doorsteps amidst the scent of Biluochun tea, while snippets of soft Wu dialect drift through the air. The hidden gem? A pristine wetland behind the village—spring transforms it into a golden rapeseed flower sea against white walls, while autumn turns reeds into silver waves, perfect for photography secrets! Visit at dawn when mist drapes the village in classic 'Jiangnan' poetry.

Nestled on a lakeside island with pristine mountain views, this resort is your gateway to serenity. Perfect for families with kids’ pool, playground, and farm activities, it also delights foodies with Chinese dining, café, and BBQ spots. Unwind at the tea house library or go fishing by the lake; for adventurers, hiking trails and bike rentals await! With 24/7 butler service, pet-friendly policies, and sleek facilities like banquet halls, it’s ideal for weddings or business retreats. Experience a stay that blends culture, nature, and unmatched comfort!

This lakeside retreat blends wabi-sabi aesthetics with natural elegance. Each piece of furniture is carefully curated, with warm wood tones and linen textures creating a cozy atmosphere. Rooms feature HCK retro fridges, Dyson hairdryers, and Bvlgari toiletries, plus a soaking tub with lake views. Outside, the palm-fringed pool complements the Taihu Lake scenery—perfect for sunbathing or admiring the Jiuyanqiao night views. Ideal for family trips or romantic getaways, with perks like picnic areas and a home theater. You won’t want to leave!

This is a hidden gem loved by mountains and lakes, where you can enjoy unobstructed lake views right from your window. At sunset, the lake turns golden, creating a perfect natural backdrop for photos. The 16 uniquely designed rooms offer great privacy, some even feature deep-soaking tubs or private hot springs, allowing you to relax while admiring the lake. The public areas are well-equipped with a cozy café, game room, outdoor camping zone, huge swimming pool, and multi-functional meeting hall, perfect for couples, families, or team gatherings. You can also enjoy BBQ, fishing, and fruit picking, making the most of nature's bounty!

Looking for a peaceful lakeside getaway? This lake-view homestay offers an unforgettable experience with 360° panoramic views of the lake, especially breathtaking at sunset. Perfect for couples, families, or friends gathering, it features cozy and modern rooms to make you feel at home. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy fishing, camping, or cycling along the lake. Don’t miss their customized breakfast served with stunning views. Pet-friendly policies ensure your furry friends can join the vacation too! A perfect blend of relaxation and adventure awaits you.

Dreaming of a family getaway surrounded by nature? This lakeside retreat offers the perfect blend of serenity and adventure! Let the kids go wild at the playground and children's pool, while you unwind with farm picking or fishing by the lake. The pet-friendly policy means even your furry friends can join the fun. Enjoy BBQ nights under the stars or explore scenic hiking trails. With modern amenities like 24-hour front desk, charging stations, and laundry services, every detail is covered. Newly opened with a 4.8/5 rating, it’s a hidden gem for creating unforgettable memories!

Nestled by Taihu Lake, this hidden gem blends nature with luxury. Unwind in the lakeside retreat, or enjoy a cozy picnic at the picnic area. With valet parking and free parking, convenience is guaranteed. Adventure seekers can try BBQ, hiking, or a dip in the pool. The multi-function hall and meeting rooms are perfect for business or weddings. Whether you crave relaxation or excitement, this spot has it all!

Tucked away in Taihu Xishan Island, this Suzhou-style garden homestay is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle. The classic courtyard design with pavilions, bridges, and ponds makes every step feel like walking into a painting. Ideal for families, it features a kids' pool and playroom to keep the little ones entertained. You can even try fruit picking and enjoy the stunning Jiuyan Bridge night view. With 24-hour front desk, free parking, and airport transfers, convenience is guaranteed. Their strict pandemic measures ensure a safe stay. Whether you're looking for a mountain retreat or a party venue, this place has it all!

This is a perfect getaway blending lake views, family fun, and luxury! Nestled in the Taihu West Mountain scenic area, it features an infinity pool and kids' playground, ensuring endless joy for children while adults relax in custom mahogany furniture or enjoy the home theater. With airport transfers, BBQ areas, and picnic spots, it’s ideal for family trips or friend gatherings. The delicious breakfast and thoughtful service will make your stay unforgettable. Plus, amenities like game rooms and fitness centers keep you energized. Don’t miss out!

Nestled in a poetic corner on the north shore of Taihu's Xishan Island, this homestay offers an unforgettable getaway. The post-modern luxury decor, paired with high-end furnishings and bright, fresh colors, creates a cozy and stylish atmosphere. Floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows let you enjoy the stunning views, while amenities like the outdoor pool, kids' club, KTV, and barbecue area make it perfect for families or friends. Enjoy activities like fruit picking to unwind in nature. The pet-friendly policy means your furry friends can join the fun too. Whether for family, couples, or friends, this homestay has it all—book your stay today!

This is a perfect blend of Jiangnan culture and natural scenery! The white walls and black tiles of the Chinese-style buildings, paired with Hanfu-themed rooms, are full of poetic charm. Located in the core area of Taihu Xishan National Forest Park, surrounded by tea mountains, the environment is tranquil. You can take your kids to the children's playground or enjoy a barbecue picnic with the family. Love adventure? Try stream trekking and hiking! At night, you can also admire the Jiuyan Bridge night view—so romantic! Whether it's a family trip or a couples' getaway, this place has it all!

This is a paradise for relaxation with stunning Taihu Lake views! Enjoy the huge swimming pool and barbecue area, perfect for family gatherings or parties. The rooms feature wabi-sabi style with wooden furniture and linen fabrics, creating a natural vibe. Modern amenities like XGIMI projector and Bvlgari toiletries elevate your stay. Outdoor activities include fishing, camping, and a kids' playground for endless fun. Escape the city, unwind with a book and coffee, and embrace the serene beauty of nature.

This is a hidden lakeside paradise, nestled between mountains and Taihu Lake, offering breathtaking views. The rooms feature organic cotton bedding, 100% formaldehyde-free, ensuring a comfortable and healthy stay. Most rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, framing the stunning lake scenery—summer blooms with lotuses, winter serenity like a gem. Enjoy the infinity pool, BBQ area, fishing, and fruit-picking activities, or explore the nearby ancient village with well-preserved Ming and Qing architecture. Stroll through bamboo paths with your loved one under twinkling lights—pure romance!

Nestled by Taihu Lake with mountains on three sides, this resort is a hidden gem surrounded by 30,000 native trees and 1,600 century-old fruit trees, offering flowers every month and fruits every season—a dream for nature lovers! Traveling with kids? They’ll love the playground,亲子活动, and animal encounters. Couples? The lakeside romantic草坪婚礼 and stunning lake views are Insta-worthy. Business trips? The well-equipped meeting rooms and free parking have you covered. Plus, it’s just a 5-minute drive to Xishan Scenic Area, with easy access to attractions like Shigong Mountain and Linwu Cave. A perfect blend of eco-retreat and convenience!

Escape the city hustle to this lakeside haven by Taihu Lake, where you can enjoy fruit picking, picnics by the water, and even bring your pets along. Perfect for families, with kids’ play areas and a cozy home theater. Unwind at the café or tea house, or stay productive with meeting facilities. Whether you’re here to snap Instagram-worthy shots, hike scenic trails, or simply relax, the thoughtful service and serene nature will make every moment memorable.

Nestled by the breathtaking Taihu Lake, this homestay is a perfect blend of modern design and natural beauty. Featuring a lakeside pool, kids' playground, and pet-friendly lawn, it’s ideal for family vacations, corporate retreats, or romantic getaways. The spacious rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning lake views every morning. Unwind at night under willow trees, or enjoy KTV, billiards, and more. With a professional meeting room and BBQ area, it caters to all your needs. Come and experience this serene luxury!

Escape the city hustle? This is your perfect hideaway! Surrounded by mountains and lakes, with lush ancient trees, and even private bubble baths—imagine soaking while watching snowfall in winter, utterly romantic! The B&B boasts luxurious yet intimate designs, plus abundant amenities: camping tents, kids' playground, BBQ areas, and local delicacies like Taihu whitebait and hairy crab. Two spacious lawns are ideal for team-building, where you can grill and bond with friends. A thoughtful shuttle service ensures a warm welcome upon arrival. Come experience this serene mountain retreat today!

This is a lakeside retreat with an 80-acre rose garden and a prime spot for sunset views over the lake. The whole house is equipped with underfloor heating and a fresh air system, meeting star-rated standards. The stunning spiral staircase is a must for photos! Facilities include a pool, meeting room, game room, café, and Western restaurant, perfect for families or friends. Kids can have fun in the children's playground and kids' pool, while adults can relax in the hot spring or go fishing. Whether you're looking for a mountain escape or eco-tourism, this is the ideal choice!

Tucked away on Hengshan Island, this Santorini-style homestay is a dreamy escape! With infinity pools, BBQ pits, and bonfire camping, it's Instagram gold. Perfect for team building or family gatherings—KTV, board games, and karaoke keep everyone entertained. Kids love the play area, while adults enjoy farming tours and kayaking. Pet-friendly with 2024 award-winning service, don’t miss their National Day deals!

Discover a pet-friendly lakeside sanctuary nestled in Suzhou! Each room boasts floor-to-ceiling windows with breathtaking Tai Lake views, rivaling coastal scenery. Unwind in luxurious bathtubs with premium amenities, or dive into endless fun with KTV, gaming consoles, and lakeside BBQs. Adventure seekers can try horseback riding or fishing, while families love the kids' playground. With 24/7 concierge service and thoughtful touches for pets, this is your ultimate escape from the urban hustle. Pack your bags for serenity!

Tucked away in the scenic Taihu area, this hidden gem is perfect for family getaways, BBQ parties with friends, or even a pet-friendly vacation! Enjoy the infinity pool and lush gardens, or try your hand at fruit picking for a fun and relaxing experience. The instagram-worthy surroundings and attentive service make it a standout, while amenities like the home theater and game room ensure everyone stays entertained. Don’t miss out on this unique retreat!
Everything you need to know about Zhili Ancient Village
Stay at Zhili Mountain Residence, a design-focused retreat nestled within the ancient village’s quiet alleys, blending traditional Suzhou architecture with minimalist modernity. Its bamboo roof structure and central courtyard offer serene views of Taihu Lake and rolling hills. Each room features floor-to-ceiling windows framing sunrise over the water, creating an immersive experience of Wu culture’s tranquility. Just a 5-minute walk from the village’s cobblestone paths, it's ideal for those seeking authentic local charm and peaceful solitude.
Rent an electric bicycle or take the village shuttle bus—both reach the summit viewing platform in just 10–15 minutes. The electric bike route leads directly to Shigong Mountain Trailhead, passing through century-old plum orchards and tea fields. For hikers, the eastern stone stairway path offers a scenic 20-minute climb to the Halfway Pavilion, where you’ll encounter wild deer and ancient pine trees—perfect for photography and quiet reflection along this authentic mountain trail.
Beyond tasting local Taihu Three Whites cuisine, join a hands-on handmade tea workshop led by villagers learning the traditional method of pan-frying Dongting Biluochun green tea. Every Saturday evening, participate in Village Night Tales, where elders share stories of the village’s architectural craftsmanship, including mortise-and-tenon techniques, while also enjoying paper umbrella painting and Suzhou-style paper cutting—a rare chance to engage with living intangible cultural heritage.
Explore the Ginkgo Grove + Children’s Stream Valley trail—a perfect mix of adventure and education. Start at the village entrance, stroll beneath towering ginkgo trees, then descend to a natural stream with interactive observation stations offering magnifying glasses and wildlife guides for kids to identify insects and aquatic life. The valley features floating bridges and safe shallow pools for splashing, with rest shelters and free herbal tea stops along the way. This 1.5-hour journey is a delightful family-friendly ecological discovery.
Yes—book a personalized sunset photography tour with a local professional photographer. A private vehicle will transport you to the western cliffside viewpoint of Xishan Island, arriving 30 minutes before dusk to capture the golden sky reflecting on the lake’s surface. The guide provides tripods and ND filters to enhance long-exposure shots of reflections and silhouetted mountains. Afterward, enjoy a post-tour treat of crab roe dumplings and osmanthus glutinous rice balls, turning your photos into lasting memories of a poetic moment.
Absolutely. Zhili Stillness House is a Zen-inspired retreat designed for deep relaxation and mindfulness. Constructed entirely with natural bamboo and rammed earth walls, the rooms have no electronic devices—only curated books on philosophy and meditation. Daily guided lakeside meditation sessions begin at 6:30 AM, accompanied by duck calls and morning mist. At night, join a stargazing talk using telescopes to view the Big Dipper and Milky Way—creating a truly restorative, soul-nourishing escape.
Highly recommended is Yunxi Residence at Zhili Ancient Village, a boutique inn nestled within the 1,000-year-old village, blending traditional Suzhou courtyard architecture with modern comforts. Each room features floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of West Hill’s lakeside vistas and misty mountain ranges. Located just a 5-minute walk from the ancient stone alleys, guests can enjoy nearby tea plantation tours and workshops on intangible cultural heritage crafts—perfect for an immersive, slow-travel experience.
Take Suzhou Metro Line 4 to "Mudu Station," then transfer to Bus Tour 1 or book a private car for direct access to Xishan Scenic Area—about 70 minutes total. For self-drive travelers, the SuZhen Expressway takes only 45 minutes, passing through scenic Lake Tai ecological corridors and loquat orchards. On arrival, dedicated parking and guided shuttle services are available. Electric trolleys connect key attractions within the village, ensuring seamless mobility.
Beyond strolling through Ming-Qing dynasty homes and ancient cobblestone lanes, visitors can join Biluo Spring tea workshops, harvesting and learning to pan-fry this renowned regional green tea. You can also participate in Suzhou embroidery classes led by a master artisan. Every Saturday features the "Ancient Village Night Talk" event, combining folk music, lantern processions, and a Taihu fish banquet, offering deep immersion into Jiangnan’s cultural soul.
Xishan Listening to Waves Villa is ideal for families, offering independent courtyard-style villas with 3 to 6 bedrooms, equipped with children’s play areas and outdoor barbecue platforms. All rooms feature smart air conditioning and soundproofing for peaceful stays. The property also provides free bicycle rentals and Lake Tai loop trail maps, allowing families to explore nature together. Complimentary concierge service ensures a stress-free, enjoyable vacation.
Yes! The Eastern Gate Lake View Platform is the prime spot for capturing sunrise over Lake Tai and the reflected mountains. Early mornings bring drifting mist, creating a classic ink-painting landscape with white-walled, black-tiled rooftops. At dusk, set up your tripod by the Lotus Pond to photograph illuminated lights dancing on the water. Some inns even offer professional photography tours to help you plan optimal timing and framing.
Must-try dishes include Three White Fish of Lake Tai (white fish, white shrimp, silver carp), freshly caught daily and prepared in traditional style. Also sample red bean glutinous rice balls and mei gan cai braised pork, staples from century-old village eateries. Several inns offer private chef dinners curated around seasonal ingredients—eight courses with a signature Suzhou yellow wine pairing—served in a tranquil courtyard setting for an authentic taste of Jiangnan cuisine.
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