Taihu Lake Source Ticket

Situated at the southern foot of Tianmu Mountain in Lin'an, Taihu Yuan (Taihu Source), as its name suggests, is the origin of Taihu Lake. This pristine land hidden among the mountains is renowned for its crystal‑clear mountain streams and cool creek waters. With a forest coverage rate exceeding 98% and negative oxygen ion levels consistently above 10,000 per cubic centimetre, it is a natural oxygen bar far from the hustle and bustle of city life. In 2007, Yao Ming and his wife chose this spot for their wedding photoshoot. After media coverage, the once low‑key Taihu Yuan gained widespread fame, transforming into a sought‑after eco‑tourism destination in the Yangtze River Delta.

The scenic area of Taihu Yuan is compact in scale, with a clear and straightforward tour route. There is only one main path: ascend step by step from the main entrance to the source of Taihu Lake, then return along the same route. The footpath is built along the mountains and rivers, with gentle slopes, making it easy for families with children and elderly visitors alike. The entire tour takes about two to three hours. As the origin of Taihu Lake, the streams here may not surge like great rivers, but they are crystal clear and refreshingly cool. In summer, stepping into the stream along the rocky banks to play in the water offers a delightful way to beat the heat—one of the most popular experiences in the scenic area. Along the way, several waterfalls, though not large in scale, each have their unique charm, adding vitality and movement to the mountain path.

Upon entering the scenic area, the first thing that catches the eye is a golden toad statue in the pond. Many visitors try to toss coins into its mouth to pray for good luck. A short walk ahead brings you to the majestic Longxu Wall (Dragon's Beard Wall), a vertical cliff covered with slender dragon's beard grass. As the breeze blows, the grass blades gently sway in the air like dragon whiskers dancing, creating a poetic scene.

In front of the "Yuan" (Source) character stone lies Yunbi Tan (Cloudy Jade Pool), an ideal spot for playing in the water during summer. Besides cooling off by the pool, visitors can also enjoy bumper boats. Continuing up the footpath, you reach Xihou Ping (Monkey Play Area), where a group of lively and adorable monkeys appears. Visitors can buy feed under the guidance of the keepers to feed the monkeys and take photos with them. However, it is important to follow the rules—avoid over‑teasing or interacting while eating to prevent being attacked by the monkeys.

Climbing up from Gufo Yuan (Ancient Buddha Courtyard) for about 15 minutes, you arrive at the core scenic area of Taihu Yuan, passing Baizhang Ji (Hundred‑Zhang Waterfall) and Xianren Dong (Immortal's Cave) along the way. The water of Baizhang Ji cascades down the rock face from a height of over a hundred metres, creating a spectacular spray of pearls and jade—the most impressive waterfall in Taihu Yuan. At the end of the scenic area lies the source of Taihu Lake, where a Jiyuan Tan (Source Worship Altar) has been built, enshrining statues of the Water God, the God of Wealth, and others. Clear spring water gushes from the mouths of the twelve zodiac animal heads in front of the altar, representing the living water of Taihu Lake's source. Visitors can take photos here and appreciate the poetic sentiment of "How can the water be so clear? It is because there is a living source from which it flows."

The surrounding facilities of the scenic area are well‑developed, with the farmhouse stays in Baisha Village being particularly famous. From budget‑friendly farmhouse rooms costing just over a hundred yuan to resort hotels priced at several hundred yuan, accommodation options of all levels are available. Most rooms offer views of the mountains and streams, allowing you to fall asleep to the soothing sound of the creek at night—a truly unique experience. In terms of dining, the local farmhouse cuisine is quite distinctive, featuring fresh ingredients such as stir‑fried bamboo shoots, chicken clay pot, and creek fish. Moreover, Taihu Yuan is only a 10‑minute drive from the Shenlongchuan Scenic Area to the south. Visitors often combine the two into a single trip: cooling off in the water at Taihu Yuan in the morning and hiking for fresh air at Shenlongchuan in the afternoon, enjoying two kinds of eco‑experiences in one day.