Not abroad, but in Jiangsu! A severely underrated coastal city

Lianyungang, located in northeastern Jiangsu Province, is a coastal city embraced by mountains and sea, famous for its "Huaguo Mountain" and "Lian Island." Here’s a detailed travel guide covering attractions, food, transportation, and itinerary suggestions: --- ### **1. Must-Visit Attractions** 1. **Huaguo Mountain** (5A-level scenic area) - **Highlights**: The origin of *Journey to the West*, featuring Water Curtain Cave, Yunu Peak (the highest peak in Jiangsu), and monkey groups. - **Tips**: Take the scenic bus to Yunu Peak first, then walk downhill to save energy. - **Ticket**: Peak season (March-November) 90 RMB, off-season 60 RMB. 2. **Lian Island Scenic Area** (4A-level) - **Dashawan Beach**: Main beach, ideal for swimming and sand play. - **Suma Bay**: More secluded with clear water, connected by wooden boardwalks. - **Ticket**: 50 RMB (includes Dashawan and Suma Bay), sightseeing bus extra. 3. **Sea Cloud Terrace Mountain** - **Features**: Overlooks Lianyungang Port and panoramic mountain-sea views. Try the "Walking on Air" glass bridge. - **Transport**: Take the scenic bus directly to the summit. 4. **Yuwan Scenic Area** - **Highlights**: Stunning waterfalls in the rainy season, great for family water play, dubbed "Jiangsu's Jiuzhaigou." - **Tips**: Wear anti-slip shoes; it’s more beautiful after rain. 5. **Yanhe Lane Historical-Cultural Block** - **Recommendation**: Best for night visits, featuring ancient-style architecture, food night markets, light shows, and boat rides. --- ### **2. Hidden Gems** - **Yangshan Island**: Free island, perfect for sunrise watching and beachcombing, with colorful reefs and boardwalks. - **Lianyungang Old Street**: Republic-era architecture, great for photos, quiet and uncrowded. - **Qin Mountain Island**: Requires a boat ride, famous for the "Sacred Path" natural wonder (formed by tides). --- ### **3. Food Recommendations** 1. **Seafood** - **Where to go**: Xugou Seafood Food Street, Gaogong Island Fishing Port (choose and process your own seafood). - **Must-try**: Blue crabs, prawns, mantis shrimp, yellow croaker. 2. **Local Snacks** - **Yellow Croaker Noodles**: Delicious broth, try at "Zhong's Cross-Bridge Rice Noodles." - **Small Fish Pancake**: Crispy fish with pancakes, common street food. - **Banpu Cold Jelly**: Sour and spicy, available at Yanhe Lane. --- ### **4. Transportation Guide** - **Train/High-speed Rail**: Lianyungang Station (downtown), Lianyungang East Station (near attractions). - **Airport**: Huaguoshan International Airport, about 30 km from downtown. - **Local Transport**: - Bus: BRT rapid transit covers major attractions (e.g., Bus Y1 to Huaguo Mountain). - Taxi: Around 30 RMB from downtown to Huaguo Mountain, 50 RMB to Lian Island. --- ### **5. Itinerary Suggestions** - **2-Day Trip**: - **Day 1**: Huaguo Mountain (morning) → Yuwan (afternoon) → Yanhe Lane (night). - **Day 2**: Lian Island (Dashawan + Suma Bay) → Sea Cloud Terrace Mountain (sunset views). - **3-Day Trip**: Add Yangshan Island or Lianyungang Old Street for a more relaxed pace. --- ### **6. Tips** - **Sun Protection**: Strong UV at beaches and mountains; bring sunscreen and hats. - **Tides**: Check tide tables before beachcombing; safety first. - **Accommodation**: Stay in Lianyun District (near Lian Island) or downtown (convenient for dining and transport).