Tai Hu is the most famous source for 'stones of longevity' for Chinese garden construction. It is a freshwater lake with an area of 2250 sq km, 90 islands and an average depth of no more than 2 m. The limestone is lapped by the waves and the rock was eroded into fantastic shapes. Xihui Gongyuan (West Favoured Park) is a convenient place to see Tai Hu, the Longguang Ta (Dragon Light Pagoda) commands an extensive view. There 18 cultural sights including the Huishan Si (Kind Hill Temple) and the Jichang Yuan (Carefree Garden). The lake can also be seen from Turtle Head Island (shown by the marker on the map).
