Jinji Lake

金鸡湖

A city lake in the Industrial Park, with the Oriental Gate (nicknamed the “Long Johns Tower”), a Ferris wheel, a Eslite bookstore and a musical fountain. It shows the modern face of Suzhou.

Jinji Lake lies at the center of the Suzhou Industrial Park. Covering 7.4 square km, it is one of China's largest urban inland lakes. Commercial, cultural and leisure districts have been built around it, providing a sharp contrast with the garden and water-town landscapes of the Old Town. It is also the center of Suzhou's nightlife. Highlights on the west shore include the Oriental Gate (301.8 m, nicknamed the “Long Johns Tower” because of its shape). It is one of Suzhou's tallest buildings and has no public observation deck, but it is iconic at night. Suzhou Center and the Suzhou International Financial Center (450 m) are also here. On the east shore are the Suzhou Culture and Arts Center, the Jinji Lake Ferris Wheel (120 m, reopened in 2022 after reconstruction, about 100 yuan admission) and Li Gong Dyke, a street of bars and restaurants with lakeside dining. On the north bank is the Suzhou branch of Eslite Bookstore, the first mainland China branch of the Taiwan, China-based chain. It includes a bookstore, a market and exhibitions and is free to enter. The musical fountain is on Lakeside Boulevard on the west shore and performs on Friday and Saturday evenings and holidays (check the schedule). There is a lakeside walking and cycling path of about 14 km, and bicycles can be rented. Boats offer night cruises on the lake (about 100 yuan per person). The area is free to enter. Getting there: Metro Line 1 to Oriental Gate Station or Times Square Station, and Metro Line 3 to Suzhou Center Station. From the Old Town it takes about 30 minutes. A good plan is to arrive before sunset, visit Eslite Bookstore first, watch the Oriental Gate skyline at sunset from the east shore, see the fountain and lights in the evening, and have dinner at Li Gong Dyke. The visit takes about 3 hours. Note: fountain times may change with the weather. Restaurants on Li Gong Dyke have long queues on weekends. It can be windy by the lake.

Jinji Lake

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Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby