Turtle Head Islet

Turtle Head Islet (in Chinese known as Yuantouzhu) is a peninsular in the north-western part of Taihu Lake.

 

The area was given its name from a massive rock that reaches into the lake, and looks like a floating turtle raising its head out of the water..

 

Turtle Head Islet has been visited and admired by poets, painters, and tourists for centuries. In almost every dynasty famous poets have left poems praising the area's striking natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere.

 

Although it has been a well known scenic spot for centuries, the area was first made into a garden in the late 19th century, and the narrow bridges and pavilions seen today date from this period. Several successful Wuxi businessmen bought much of peninsula and turned it into their country estates, where they find relief from the stress of their work by admiring the natural landscape.

 

The pavilions, bridges, and small ponds of the lakeside gardens are designed to accentuate the beauty of the natural landscape, not create an artificial landscape as many traditional Chinese gardens try to do, especially those in Suzhou. While this takes advantage of such an exceptional setting, it is also the result of a difference in culture and attitude.

 

Turtle Head Islet was laid out by successful merchants and businessmen with a more optimistic and confident outlook. They came to the shores of Tai Hu Lake for pleasure and relaxation, and to entertain friends, not to escape the demands of the outside world, and the design of the gardens reflects this different motivation.

 

The most beautiful part of Turtle Head Islet is at the tip of the peninsula.

 

Rocky cliffs carved with ancient calligraphy loom near small ponds teeming with lotus flowers and crossed by arching bridges, while balustraded causeways curve out into the lake.

 

One side of the peninsula faces the forested coastline, while on the other side the great lake stretches out into the distance, its other shore far out of sight. This part of the garden is especially beautiful in spring, when the countless cherry trees planted here bloom, their pink and white blossoms contrasting beautifully with the blue water of the lake and the green hillsides behind.

 

The rest of the peninsula is laced with narrow trails leading through the woods and down to the coastline, passing pagodas and pavilions, small shrines and ancient calligraphy carved into weathered stone tablets.