Taihu (original) (raw)
Taihu (太湖 Tai4 hu2) is a large lake in the Yangzi Delta plain. With an area of 2250 square kilometres and an average depth of 2 metres, it is the third largest freshwater lake in China.
Taihu surrounding region is one of China's largest grain-producing base. The lake takes its credit for a thriving fishing industry as well as the ornamental limestone rocks that is native to no other place. These stones are unique as a decorating material for the traditional Chinese gardens in the area (such as Suzhou) .
Some 90 islands, some as tiny as few feet long, some as large as several miles, are scattered within the boundary of the lake area. The presence of many fleets of fishing junk boats, in adding to its landscape, makes the lake an attractive place to visit.
The best place to see Taihu is from the Xihui Park (錫惠公園) in the west of Wuxi (無錫). From the top of Dragon Light Pagoda (龍光塔 Long2 Guang1 Ta3), there is a display of a panoramic view of Wuxi and Taihu. The park ended in Ming Dynasty styled Jichang Garden.
Taihushui (太湖水, lit. "Taihu water") is a local beer that uses water from the lake as a liquor in brewing.
See also: Suzhou, lakes in China, Geography of China