Dongshan (Qiyuan & Diaohua Building)
东山镇
The Dongshan Peninsula, which juts into Lake Tai, where the Diaohua Building, the Qiyuan Garden, lakeside teahouses, and orchards are all connected, with Biluochun tea, bayberries, and white sand loquats produced through the seasons.
Dongshan lies in the southwest of Wuzhong District and is a peninsula extending into Lake Tai. It is a national historic and cultural town. The Diaohua Building (Chunzai Building) is famous for its walls full of brick, wood, and gold carvings and is known as 'the finest building in Jiangnan.' Qiyuan Garden (Xi Family Garden) overlooks the lake and is said to be where Emperor Kangxi came ashore during his southern tours. Nearby is the Zijin Nunnery's sculpture of the Arhats. Dongshan is the original home of Biluochun tea, and visitors can pick tea in spring, enjoy Yangmei bayberries in June, and see oranges in autumn. The lakeside roads around Lake Tai offer broad views, and there are many lakeside seafood restaurants and farmhouse eateries. Individual sights charge separate admission (about 60 yuan for the Diaohua Building and about 40 yuan for Qiyuan Garden). It is about 40 km from downtown, best reached by car or chartered vehicle. Ring-road traffic often jams on holidays. Lucun Ancient Village has its own separate entry.
Opening hours
Open all day (attractions approx. 08:00–17:00)
Nearby sights
- Chunzai Lou (Carved Building)
- Zijin Nunnery
- Qiyuan Garden
- Luxiang Ancient Village
- Linwu Cave
- Taihu Bridge
- Shigongshan
- Xishan Island (Jinting)