Hello, World! This is Yuantouzhu, China’s Premier Cherry Blossom Viewing Resort!

Established in 1916, Yuantouzhu Scenic Area was originally a private garden situated on a peninsula along the northwest shore of Taihu Lake in Wuxi. Over time, the area has been expanded and divided into ten major viewing spots, transforming it into a world-renowned destination for tourism, holidays, and leisure.

The name "Yuantouzhu" is derived from its shape: "Yuan" refers to a turtle-like form, and "Zhu" means a small piece of land surrounded by water on three sides, resembling the head of a turtle. The scenic area is also known as the Taihu Lake Botanical Garden, where visitors can not only enjoy the natural beauty of Taihu Lake but also appreciate unique floral displays. Each year, the area hosts festivals such as the Cherry Blossom Festival, the Orchid Festival, and the Iris Festival.

To promote friendship and cultural exchange between China and Japan, Yuantouzhu Scenic Area, in collaboration with Japanese civic friendship groups, established the "Sino-Japanese Cherry Blossom Friendship Forest" at the foot of Luding Hill within the scenic area. Extensive planting has been carried out, and today, Yuantouzhu boasts a world-class collection of cherry blossoms in terms of both scale and variety, with the famous Japanese Yoshino cherry being the dominant species.

The prime spot to view cherry blossoms in Yuantouzhu is the Changchun Bridge. Against the backdrop of classical Jiangnan-style pavilions and arched bridges, the cherry blossoms take on a unique charm, creating a harmonious blend of landscape and floral beauty.

As a result, Yuantouzhu Scenic Area has earned the reputation of being one of the "Top Cherry Blossom Viewing Destinations in China." It is ranked alongside Japan's Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Garden and the Washington, D.C.'s Cherry Blossom Garden in the United States as one of the "World’s Three Great Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots."

Image source: Wuxi Taihu Yuantouzhu Scenic Area