My Favorite Hidden Gem Town So Far

Yixing Yaohu Town Travel Guide | Encounter the Poetic Realm of Jiangnan "I will grow old buying fields in Yangxian, always for the beauty of its streams and mountains." Yaohu Town in Yixing, Jiangsu, a Jiangnan town highly praised by Su Dongpo, is like a hidden pearl, containing endless ink-wash painting essence. Here, you can escape the urban hustle and immerse yourself in the tranquility and beauty of mountains, waters, and countryside. Now, let me present this detailed travel guide to help you discover the unique charm of Yaohu Town! I. Basic Information - Location: Yaohu Town in Yixing, Jiangsu, located in Zhangzhu Town, within the Yangxian Ecological Tourism Resort. - Opening Hours: Open year-round, with slight variations in opening times for different attractions. It's recommended to check official information in advance. - Tickets: The town is free to enter, but some experience activities require separate tickets. II. Transportation Guide 1. Self-driving: Highly recommended. Simply search for "Yixing Yaohu Town" in your navigation system. It's about a 1-hour drive from Hangzhou with seamless highway connections; from Shanghai, it's about a 2.5-hour drive while enjoying the Jiangnan scenery along the way. 2. High-speed Rail: You can take the train to "Yixing Station," then take a direct shuttle bus to the scenic area or a taxi (about 30 minutes). From Nanjing, the high-speed train to Yixing Station takes only about 0.5 hours, followed by a shuttle bus or taxi, which is convenient and quick. 3. By Air: - Nanjing Lukou Airport, Jiangsu -- Yaohu Town (about 108 km, approximately 1 hour 20 minutes by car). You can rent a car at the airport or take an airport bus to Yixing, then transfer to other transportation to reach the town. - Changzhou Benniu Airport, Jiangsu -- Yaohu Town (about 120 km, approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by car). Similarly, you can choose to rent a car or take public transportation. - Wuxi Shuofang Airport, Jiangsu -- Yaohu Town (about 124 km, approximately 1 hour 40 minutes by car). III. Must-Do Activities 1. Huadian Shijian Yangxian Lifestyle Festival: In this Jiangnan paradise praised by Su Dongpo, life slows down. You can make pottery and brew tea in Jingyuan, experiencing the charm of traditional pottery and the flavor of tea; stroll along the lakeside boardwalk to view the Purple Sand Tower, enjoying the harmony between lake scenery and ancient architecture; or immerse yourself in the flower realm, exploring the small valley among the blossoms, as if entering a fairyland. You can also ride the cloud train into spring, turning your days into poetry. 2. Cloud Train: You must experience the Flower Express, blooming along the way surrounded by mountains, waters, tea, and bamboo. With the "woo-woo" and "clank-clank" sounds in your ears, and Yaohu's beautiful bamboo forests, tea fields, and lakes before your eyes, it's like a moving painting that refreshes your spirit. It's recommended to choose the front or rear carriages for better photo opportunities. 3. Longten Water Show Fireworks: A spectacular light and music fountain show accompanied by brilliant fireworks. The dancing water, changing colors, and passionate fire dance are incredibly beautiful, like a palace in heaven! Check the scenic area announcements for performance times and arrive early to secure a good spot. 4. Flower Realm: Beautiful during the day, but the Flower Realm at night has its own unique charm. You can capture three scenic views from one position: the Flower Realm, Longten Water Show Fireworks, and the cyberpunk-style cloud train all at once, creating amazing photos effortlessly. 5. Jingyuan: Features several artistic stalls selling various characteristic handicrafts and cultural creative products. There's also an outdoor movie at 8 PM every night. Sitting on bamboo chairs, you can relax while watching the water show and fireworks, enjoying a pleasant evening. 6. Street Performances: During holidays like May Day, visiting Yaohu Town is incredibly rewarding - 60 yuan for 36 performances! Shows like "Legend of the Kiln Fire," "Kiln Tales," "Zhama Banquet Band," "Thousand Years of Kiln Fire Glory," "Lakeside Aerial Fire Pot Show," "Voices of Flowers," and more. One day is simply not enough to immerse yourself in this rich cultural feast. 7. Lakeside Boardwalk: The scenery is like a painting. Standing here, every casual photo becomes a "New Cover of Jiangsu" masterpiece. Whether it's the thin morning mist or the evening sunset glow, you can capture photos with different flavors. 8. Mingling Street: A relaxed and interesting little red street, full of local flavor, where shopping and eating bring great joy. Here you'll find various specialty snacks, local delicacies, and characteristic shops. Take your time and explore slowly. IV. Food Recommendations 1. Yaohu Three Whites: Steamed eggs with silver fish, white shrimp with green peas, and white fish soup, using fresh local lake produce, preserving the original flavors of the ingredients - nutritious and delicious. 2. Black Rice Balls: Glutinous rice dyed with Nandina leaves, paired with osmanthus sugar, sweet but not greasy, full of Jiangnan flavor. 3. Yixing Clay Pot Rice: Fragrant traditional clay pot rice with soft rice grains and rich ingredients, extremely satisfying with every bite. 4. Purple Sand Tofu: Melt-in-your-mouth tofu with unique spices, distinctively local. 5. Yaohu Tea: Made from Yixing specialty tea leaves with a fresh taste. During breaks from sightseeing, enjoying a cup of fragrant tea is quite pleasant. V. Accommodation Guide 1. Yaohu Grand Hotel: Located in the center of the scenic area with 675 rooms, featuring distinctive pottery cultural design themed around "kilns." Equipped with a gym, card room, yoga room, and other leisure and entertainment facilities. Lake-view rooms offer excellent views with natural scenery right outside your window, truly living in nature. Hotel guests can enter the scenic area unlimited times, which is also convenient for enjoying the night session at Yaohu Water Park. Stay includes complimentary small train and water park tickets for two. 2. Kiln Factory Resort Hotel: Newly opened this year with rooms starting from 70 square meters, offering twin or king beds, easily accommodating a family of three. Includes daily breakfast buffet for two, Yaohu Town tickets, indoor temperature-controlled water world for two, bamboo rat hot wave park tickets, hot spring tickets for two, free shuttle bus, and other benefits - excellent value for money. 3. Surrounding Guesthouses: Such as Jinyuan White Pagoda Guesthouse and Jianxi Lanting Life Luxury Design Guesthouse, each with its own characteristics. Some are close to the lake, offering morning mist and evening tranquility; others feature unique decoration styles full of artistic atmosphere. Choose according to your preferences. VI. Travel Tips 1. Purchase tickets online in advance for discounts on some attractions and to avoid queuing on-site. 2. For summer visits, remember sun protection - bring sunscreen, a sun hat, and sunglasses. If you plan to play in the water, prepare swimwear, water guns, and other equipment in advance. 3. Pay attention to scenic area announcements as some facilities may have adjusted opening hours due to maintenance or special circumstances. 4. The evening performances and activities are spectacular, so plan your time wisely to not miss them. 5. When tasting local food, ask local residents for recommendations to discover hidden delicious eateries.