REDSTAR Hangzhou October 2019

广 告 • 旅 游 // TRAVEL /
Located to the northeast of Suzhou’s
city centre, Yangcheng Lake spans 120
square kilometres. The lake surrounds
Lotus Island, an ecological peninsula
that is named after its shape, which is also
the residence of over 300 families. On a
clear day, visitors can spot the high-rise
buildings of Suzhou Industrial Park in the
distance while exploring the rustic, fishing
village spread throughout the peninsula.
Lotus Island’s serene and natural wetland is
covered with trees and grass fields, offering
a break from the fast-pace of city life.
From September to December, hairy crabs
are shipped from Yangcheng Lake to
throughout China, but can also be enjoyed
at one of the many farmhouses on Lotus
Island and the hairy crab restaurants nearby
the lake. The crabs’ soft, fuzzy hair on its
legs is a talking point for many first-time
eaters. Surprisingly, female and male crabs
taste best at specific times of the year.
Female crabs are best eaten in September
of the Lunar calendar (October of the
Gregorian calendar) and are characterized
by the orange-yellow, moist roe in the body.
Male crabs are best eaten in October of the
Lunar calendar (November of the Gregorian
calendar) and have white roe inside the
body. It is recommended to eat the crabs at
the end of October (Gregorian calendar) to
taste each crab gender’s flavour during their
peak time. Breaking free the meat from
inside the crab’s legs is absolutely worth
the effort. When eaten at a restaurant, all
crabs are typically served with a bowl of
soy sauce and chopped garlic. Just like
most Chinese restaurants, customers often
order an array of food served familystyle
to accompany the main dish.
In addition to eating hairy crabs and
embracing nature, Lotus Island offers other
points of interest, including such attractions
as the Mansion of the Champion, Xi Tsui
Wetland, Yi Yuan cultural centre, and
Temple of the Pharmacist. Visitors may also
catch a glimpse of the farmers catching
crabs on the lake – an experience worth
observing that truly embodies the saying,
“from farm to table.”
HOW TO GET THERE
Take the train to Suzhou North
Station (Suzhou Bei Zhan, 苏 州 北 站 )
Order a taxi or a Didi, or hop on bus
no. 866 and exit at Yanjiagang. Walk
2.2 kilometres south towards the
pier. If you prefer not to walk, take
bus no. 866 and exit at Tianjing stop.
Then, take bus no. 87 and exit at
Yangcheng Lake Tourism Centre.
Yangcheng Lake Lian Hua Island
boat pier, 1 Chengzhong Lu,
Xiangcheng District, Suzhou
苏 州 阳 澄 湖 澄 中 路 1 号 莲 花 岛 码 头
0512 6544-0288
To head to Lotus Island from
the pier, walk towards the ticket
booth to purchase a boat ticket, or
jump on a small golf cart or tram.
Tickets range from 10 RMB to 50
RMB per person depending on the
transportation type.
Breaking free the meat from inside the
crab’s legs is absolutely worth the effort.
Transportation tip: Ask the taxi
driver if they would be willing to
take you back from Yangcheng
Lake before they drop you off, as
sometimes getting a taxi back
from there can be a little difficult.
Otherwise, the best way to call a taxi
through Didi is by walking to the
closest bus stop.
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