A Must-Visit Destination: The Hometown of Shi Nai'an! It's Truly Stunning!

Here's the ultimate Xinghua travel guide: Recommended Attractions • Qianduo Scenic Area: One of the world's four largest flower seas. From mid-March to the end of April, over 4,600 acres of rapeseed flowers bloom in vibrant splendor. Take a boat trip through the sea of flowers or climb the observation tower for a panoramic view. In 2025, a new nighttime bamboo raft tour will be added, offering a dreamy perspective of the flower fields at dusk. Capture the morning mist over the flowers with a drone at 6:30 am. The second-floor terrace of the "Fusheng Tea House" on the east side of the scenic area is the best spot for capturing the golden sunset. • Lizhong Water Forest Park: The largest artificial wetland ecological forest in East China, known as the "Jiuzhaigou of Central Jiangsu" and a "bird paradise of East China." In 2025, the ecological trail will be extended to 8 km, and a misting system will be added, operating daily at 10:00 am and 3:00 pm. Take a wooden raft down the waterways. A 70-200mm telephoto lens is recommended for capturing photos of egrets among the trees. • Jindongmen Ancient Street: Known as the "No. 1 Ming and Qing Dynasty Ancient Street in Central Jiangsu," this street boasts over a thousand years of history. It retains the architectural style of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Visit the former residence of Zheng Banqiao, Zhao Haixian's Western-style house, the Cheng Family Mansion, and Zhuangyuan Square. • Shijiaqiao Scenic Area: The birthplace of Shi Nai'an, author of *Water Margin*. Visit Shi Nai'an's former residence and the Shi family ancestral hall, and immerse yourself in the culture of *Water Margin*. Recommended Food • Xinghua Morning Tea: Specialties include shredded dried tofu, crab roe buns, and pine nut shumai. • Shagou Fish Balls: Fresh, tender, and bouncy, with an excellent taste. • Shagou Lotus Root Sandwiches: Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, a perfect blend of lotus root and meat flavors. • Smoked and Roasted Delights: Pig's head, goose wings, spiced dried tofu, and tea eggs—fragrant but not greasy. Accommodation Recommendations • Budget: Duotian Manju Youth Hostel, renovated from an old granary, with a rooftop terrace overlooking the flower fields. • Mid-range: Yunduo Guesthouse, a glass house suspended over the river, equipped with a smart lighting system. • High-end: Shuiyuetang Boat House Hotel, each room with a private hot spring pool and fishing gear. Transportation Guide • By car: Take the "Xinghua South" exit of the Shanghai-Shaanxi Expressway. Parking lot P4 at Qianduo Scenic Area is only 300m from the viewing platform. • By high-speed rail: Take the train to Taizhou Station and transfer to a bus directly to Xinghua Qianduo Scenic Area. Alternatively, arrive at Xinghua Station and take the "Flower Field Express" tourist bus. Itinerary • Two days, one night: Visit the Qianduo rapeseed flower sea in the morning of the first day, go to Wu Jindang Park (Waterway No. 1) in the afternoon, and stroll through Jindongmen Ancient Street in the evening. Visit Lizhong Water Forest Park on the second day. • Three days, two nights: After arriving in Xinghua on the first day, explore Jindongmen Ancient Street and visit Zheng Banqiao's former residence. In the afternoon, visit the Xinghua Museum. On the second day, explore Qianduo Scenic Area, experience the intangible cultural heritage of bamboo weaving, and take a night tour of Bazijiao Bridge. On the third day, go birdwatching at Lizhong Water Forest Park, then go cycling in the Wu Jindang wetland, and savor the Zhongzhuang Drunken Crab feast. Travel Tips • The queues for the boat tour at Qianduo Scenic Area are long on weekends. It is recommended to purchase fast-track tickets in advance on the "Xinghua Tourism" mini-program. • Drones are prohibited in Lizhong Water Forest Park. • If traveling in spring, take sun protection and mosquito repellent measures. If traveling in winter, dress warmly.