Lingyanshan, 15 km southwest in Suzhou’s Mudu Township (Muduzhen), is a great place for a bicycle outing from the city. It has a number of historical ruins and sites dating back to the ancient Wu Kingdom. Lingyanshan stands 182 meters in height, towering over the surrounding low hills, and is easily recognizable from a distance.
According to legend, the platform of Lingyanshan’s peak was once visited by the famous Chinese beauty, Xi Shi, during the spring and Autumn Period (770BC-476BC). There, she played music and danced for royalty of the day.
Lingyan Temple sits majestically on the slopes of Lingyanshan. On Lingyanshan one can also seek out the last resting places of famous people from throughout Chinese history including Han Shizhong, a great general of the Song Dynasty.
Ask at your hotel about bicycle rental.
Open: 7:30am to 5:30pm daily.
Cost: Tickets are RMB1.
