Based on the data measured in situ by an automatic sun tracking photometer (CE-318), the aerosol optical thickness (AOT) and the corresponding Angström coefficient alpha of the atmospheric aerosol over Taihu Lake from November 2005 to October 2010 were collected. The results showed that high values of AOT over Taihu Lake were measured in summer (June to July) whereas low values were detected in autumn and winter (October to January). However, the low and high values of a appeared in spring (March to April) and in autumn (September to November), respectively. The variations of AOT and a over Taihu Lake may be related to weather patterns in this region. Based on the frequency distribution, AOT (500 nm) had only one peak value, with a maximum frequency of 0.4-0.6 and a yearly average value of 0.80, accounting for 26% of the total sample. Calculated from the mean AOT (500 nm), the solar radiation reduction was reduced by at least 50% by the atmospheric aerosol, resulting in more turbid atmosphere in this region and consequently heavy fog and haze. There were two peak values of the Angström coefficient alpha, with the maximum frequency ranging from 1.1-1.3 and 1.3-1.5 and a yearly average value of 1.17, accounting for 30% of the total sample. Significant variations were also observed in the daily average values of AOT (500 nm) and a, indicating the coexistence of different types of aerosols over Taihu Lake. The mean value of AOT (500 nm) declined when a increased. To sum up, values of AOT (500 nm) over Taihu Lake changed greatly with time, and the aerosol should be classified as an urban-industrial aerosol.