[2025 Yixing Attraction] Travel Guide for Zhang Gong Cave (Updated Jul)

📅 Hiking Diary of Yaohu Town 📍Location: Yixing, Jiangsu · Yaohu Town ("Hometown of Zisha Teapots," a millennium-old ceramic epic amidst lakes and mountains) ✨ Soul-stirring moment! When the blue smoke from the ancient dragon kiln drifted over the emerald Yaohu Lake, I forgot to breathe At 6 a.m., I stepped into the ancient dragon kiln ruins with dew underfoot. In the mist, the Ming Dynasty kiln suddenly revealed itself, with sparks glowing between its gray bricks and smoke intertwining with the morning fog over the lake. I fumbled for my phone to capture a time-lapse, only to have it snatched by a sudden sparrow and dropped into the kiln. But I laughed—this time, I remembered to bring my waterproof camera! 🏺 Immersive Pottery Carnival | Every lump of clay tells the legend of Zisha 1. Ancient Dragon Kiln (A living ceramic epic) ✅ Must-do: - Arrive before 6:30! Capture "kiln fire and morning fog" with a 0.5x wide-angle for maximum depth. - Learn pottery throwing from master craftsmen (¥50/hour) and make your own mini Zisha teapot. 🚗 Transport: Take the high-speed train from Wuxi to Yixing Station (¥15, 20 mins) → Taxi to the scenic area (¥30). 2. Yaohu Lake (A gentle yet stunning ink-wash painting) ✅ Hidden gems: - Rent a traditional boat (¥80/boat) and photograph "oars slicing through jade-green waters"—a ready-made Jiangnan ink painting. - Forage for wild gorgon fruit after rain (don’t eat it raw! Ask locals to identify safe varieties). 3. Ceramic Art Center (Eastern aesthetics at your fingertips) ✅ Legendary experiences: - Try "Zisha carving" (¥100/person), etching the Heart Sutra onto teapot blanks with bamboo knives. - Join the "kiln transformation blind box" (¥80) for a heart-pounding surprise when the kiln opens! 4. Tea Fragrance Trail (A healing escape where time stands still) ✅ Must-capture: - Wear a white dress and photograph the Yangxian Snow Bud tea fields, using slow shutter on your phone for swaying leaves. - Stumble upon tea farmers roasting leaves (bring a telephoto lens! But don’t disturb). 5. Stargazing Campsite (Where the Milky Way descends) ✅ Ultimate thrills: - Pitch a tent (¥80/tent) and photograph "Vega + Yaohu’s silhouette"—see the Milky Way with naked eyes! - At night, listen to "crickets and streams," recording nature’s white noise with your phone’s noise reduction. 🍜 Yixing Food Frenzy | The culprit behind my 5-pound weight gain in 3 days - Must-eat list: 1. Steamed black rice (¥25): Liyang black rice with salted pork, sweet and savory. 2. Braised pork with bamboo shoots (¥80): Yixing thunder bamboo shoots with free-range pork, rich and flavorful. 3. Tea tofu with wild greens (¥15): Yangxian Snow Bud tea tofu tossed with foraged vegetables, fresh and crisp. - Avoid: Overpriced "Zisha teapots" in tourist shops—custom orders at workshops are cheaper! 🛏️ Stay Recommendations | Sleep inside the scenery - Yaohu Homestay: Taoran Yunqi (¥680/night), floor-to-ceiling windows facing the lake, with complimentary freshly picked Yangxian tea. - Tea Culture Hotel: Chayin Retreat (¥480/night), tea fields outside your window, breakfast included. 💡 Pitfall Guide (Learned the hard way!) 1. Transport: - Taxi from Yixing Station to the scenic area should cost under ¥30—avoid unlicensed cars! - No signal in the scenic area! Download offline maps in advance. 2. Essentials: - ID, sunglasses (anti-glare), cash (some shops only accept cash). - Sports shoes! Expect 20,000+ steps daily. 3. Hidden gems: - Zhanggong Cave: Free photos of "karst formations + light play," even more stunning with a drone! - Hufu Old Street: Hike through ancient villages and stumble upon century-old persimmon trees (bring a telephoto lens!). 📸 Legendary Shots - Blue smoke from the ancient kiln (straight-out-of-camera! ISO100 + wide aperture for bokeh). - Reflections of traditional boats on Yaohu Lake, using your phone’s pro mode: ISO100, shutter speed 0.5s. 💰 3-day budget: Transport ¥100 + Accommodation ¥1,160 + Food ¥400 = ¥1,660 ✨ Ramblings Yaohu Town is truly "a ceramic utopia for city dwellers!" Though I lost my phone, the steamed black rice and starry skies healed everything～Next time, I’ll bring my parents for a week—pottery lessons, tea tasting, and sunrise views, living lazily spoiled by clay! (Also, I could eat tea tofu with wild greens forever!)

As soon as summer arrives, people in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai always want to find a place to escape the sun—Yixing is like a cool jade held by bamboo forests and caves, with an average temperature of 25°C, ten times more comfortable than an air-conditioned room. Here, there’s more than just purple clay teapots; the vast bamboo sea lets you hear the wind whisper, the 18°C caves hide underground rivers, and even the creek water is cool enough to soak watermelons. Locals say, “In summer, just head into the mountains, no need to turn on the air conditioner.” 🌿 Deep in the Bamboo Sea: When the wind blows, the heat runs away Nanshan Bamboo Sea in Yixing is a green ocean that filters sunlight into fragments. Walking along the wooden plank road, thick bamboo leaves cover the ground, and the bamboo canopy above blocks the sky. When the wind passes through the bamboo tips, it rustles like a fan, even cooler than a fan, making you want to take off your jacket after just 10 minutes. - Cable car to the top to see the green waves: Take the cable car (80 yuan round trip) to Wuyue Di No.1 Peak. Looking down, the vast bamboo sea looks like green silk wrinkled by the wind, with distant mountain peaks hidden in the clouds. Even the air carries the sweet scent of green bamboo when taking photos. - Step into the creek water under the bamboo shade: At the foot of the mountain, Mirror Lake lets you wade barefoot in the water. The creek flows through bamboo roots, as cold as if just taken out of the fridge. Put a chilled soda on the stone, and after 10 minutes, water droplets will form. - Eat a bowl of bamboo shoot noodles in the bamboo forest: A farmhouse halfway up the mountain hides a surprise—freshly dug bamboo shoots stir-fried with meat served with Yangchun noodles (25 yuan). The shoots are so tender they drip water. Sitting under the bamboo shed, the breeze cools the noodles. 🌫️ Cave adventure: 18°C natural air-conditioned rooms Yixing’s caves are nature’s “summer coolers”—Shanjuan Cave, Zhanggong Cave, Linggu Cave. Enter any one, and the temperature instantly drops from 30°C to 18°C. Bring a light jacket when visiting in summer. - Shanjuan Cave underground river boat ride: First, be amazed by the stalactites—upside-down “stone waterfalls” and lotus-shaped stalagmites. Then take a small wooden boat on the underground river. The boatman poles along with a bamboo pole, and the stalactites brush your nose. The cool mist hits your face, making you shiver. - Zhanggong Cave rafting: The underground rafting in the cave is thrilling! Sit in an inflatable raft twisting and turning through the underground river. The occasional splash of water is chilling. Afterward, bask in the sun at the cave entrance; the hot and cold alternation feels like a natural spa. - Linggu Cave to see the “crystal chandeliers”: The “Linggu Flowing Light” scene inside the cave is stunning. Lights shine on the stalactites, sparkling like countless crystal chandeliers. Find a stone to sit on and listen to water droplets “ding-dong” into the stone pool, more relaxing than any white noise. 🏺 Slow down: Shape clay in Taocun, drink a cup of tea Yixing’s slow pace is hidden in the pottery art of Dingshu Town. This is the hometown of purple clay teapots. Walking the streets, every household has clay at their door, and master craftsmen sit on bamboo chairs turning pottery wheels. The air carries the warmth of clay. - Hand-make a small teacup: Pick any pottery workshop (experience price 50 yuan). The master will teach you to knead clay and throw on the wheel. Make a crooked little cup as a souvenir. After drying, it can be shipped home, giving a huge sense of accomplishment. - Drink a cup of Yangxian tea in a teahouse: The old teahouses in the ancient town (tea fee 15 yuan) hide century-old wisteria. Sitting under the vine trellis, drink local Yangxian Xueya tea. The tea soup is as clear as mountain spring water, paired with a black rice ball (8 yuan). You can sit all afternoon watching pottery farmers carrying clay pass by. - Evening stroll in the ceramic city: Shops along the street display various purple clay teapots and ceramic bowls. For 50 yuan, you can find a handmade small plate. The shop owner will smile and say, “This clay will change color after a few years.” Even if you’re not an expert, you can take your time choosing with no rush. 📍 Lazy traveler tips - Transportation: 1.5 hours driving from Shanghai/Hangzhou. After taking the high-speed train to Yixing Station, take a 20-minute taxi into the mountains. Renting an electric scooter (30 yuan/day) in the city is very convenient for exploring Taocun. - Accommodation: Homestays near the bamboo sea cost 100 yuan/night, with a small courtyard where you can hear the bamboo sounds at night. Homestays converted from old teahouses in Dingshu Town are more atmospheric, 80 yuan/night, and you’ll be woken up by the “dong dong” sound of kneading clay in the morning. - Avoid pitfalls: The cave paths are slippery, wear non-slip shoes. Don’t be greedy for cheap purple clay teapots; those costing just tens of yuan are mostly crafts suitable as decorations. The longer you stay in Yixing, the more you realize the right way to enjoy summer is the wind in the bamboo sea, the coolness of the caves, and the slow time hidden in the clay. No need to rush your itinerary—just find a bamboo shade to sit under and watch clouds drift past the bamboo tips, and that’s enough comfort.

--- 📅 Day 1: First Glimpse of the Pottery Capital · Ancient Streets & Light Shows - Morning: Arrive in Yixing and head straight to Shushan Ancient South Street (free). Stroll through the Ming and Qing Dynasty purple clay workshop street, try pottery-making or watch artisans craft teapots (Gu Jingzhou’s former residence is highly recommended). - Lunch: Try "Zhou Zhen Wontons" (¥15/small bowl) at Yada Town or "Lequn Restaurant" for black sticky rice. - Afternoon: Drive to Longshan Village (30 mins from downtown) for kids to play in the creek (bring non-slip shoes and water guns). - Evening: Stay at a Longshan Village homestay (~¥300/night, family rooms available). - Night: Enjoy the light show at Yaohu Town (starts at 19:00), featuring dragon-shaped water displays and fireworks, then explore the Mingling Street night market. --- 📅 Day 2: Bamboo Sea Exploration · Karst Cave Wonders - Morning: Visit Yixing Bamboo Sea (book tickets in advance for ¥70). Take the cable car to Yunu Peak for a panoramic bamboo forest view, snap photos at Mirror Lake, and try bamboo rice or bamboo fungus chicken soup. - Lunch: Dine at a Bamboo Sea farmhouse—must-try dishes include braised pork with dried bamboo shoots and free-range chicken. - Afternoon: Explore Zhanggong Cave (combo ticket ¥98 includes rafting). Try underground river kayaking or bamboo forest rafting (kid-friendly) and DIY pottery at the ceramic workshop. - Night: Stay at Yaohu Grand Hotel (lake-view rooms ~¥500/night) or return to Bamboo Sea Homestay before departure. --- 📅 Day 3: Cultural Delights · Tea & Pottery Fusion - Morning: Deep dive into Yaohu Town: Ride the "Cloud Train" (¥30) through bamboo forests, visit the Purple Clay Hall and Dragon Kiln, and take photos on the lakeside boardwalk. - Experience: For kids, check out the Bamboo Rat Hot Wave Park (indoor water activities). - Lunch: Savor Yaohu’s "Three Treasures" (purple clay cake, bamboo shoot soup, honey-glazed pork trotters) at Wuse Yibang Restaurant. - Afternoon: Pick tea leaves at Yangxian Tea Plantation (spring season) or visit the China Ceramics Museum (¥5 entry), and buy a purple clay teapot as a souvenir. - Before departure: Stock up on Xushe crispy candy and Heqiao dried tofu. --- ⚠️ Key Tips: 1. Ticket discounts: Book Zhanggong Cave/Bamboo Sea tickets online 1 day in advance to save ¥10–20. 2. Packing list: Mosquito repellent (essential for bamboo forests), quick-dry clothes (for rafting), and creek play gear for kids. 3. Off-peak advice: Cave rafting gets crowded on weekends—try weekdays. 4. Driving tips: All attractions are ≤30 mins apart; parking fees are ¥10–20/day. 💎 Highlights: Nature + culture combo! Family-friendly creek play, cave rafting, purple clay crafting, and bamboo forest hikes—all with <1.5 hours of daily driving for a relaxed trip!

Looking to escape the heat and find some fun in July and August? The bamboo forests of Yixing🌳, the rafting in Anji🌊, the scenic landscapes of Zhaoqing🏞, and the magical museum nights in Changzhou📿 are all fantastic options—pick one and set off now! **Yixing✅** 🎈 First stop: Yixing Bamboo Sea Scenic Area. Stroll through the bamboo forest and enjoy the cool breeze. Take the cable car to the top for a panoramic view of the three-province border, as if stepping into a green fairyland🌳. 🎈 Next, head to Zhanggong Cave to explore the bizarre stalactites and experience the thrilling underground river adventure and bamboo forest rafting🚣. 🎈 Then visit Longbei Mountain Forest Park, a free urban oasis perfect for walking, picnicking, and climbing the Wenfeng Pagoda for a bird's-eye view of the city🗼. 🎈 Finally, stop by Dajue Temple, a grand and serene Buddhist sanctuary. Meditate here and soak in the tranquility🧘. A trip to Yixing will refresh your mind and body—don’t miss it! **Anji✅** 🚌 First stop: Hello Kitty Theme Park in Anji. The pink castle is a dreamy wonderland🎀, with adorable themed attractions perfect for photos—pure girlhood bliss! 🏄‍♂️ Next, rush to Xianlongxia Rafting. Navigate through the canyon, feel the splash of thrilling rapids, and let the adrenaline chase away the summer heat💦. 🌳 Then explore the China Bamboo Expo Garden, home to thousands of bamboo species and adorable pandas🐼—a must-visit for families! 🌌 End your day in Yu Village, strolling through lush greenery. As night falls, the soft lights create a serene and romantic atmosphere, perfect for slow rural living🌙. **Zhaoqing✅** 🌄 First stop: Yanzhou Island! Take a ferry to the island, bike through ancient villages, and soak in the pastoral scenery. Visit Baogong Tower to uncover historical charm👣. ⛰️ Next, head to Ziyun Valley. Walk along the clear streams, scoop up refreshing mountain spring water, and marvel at the majestic waterfalls💧. 🏯 Then step into Mei’an Temple, a serene 1,000-year-old Song Dynasty monastery. Admire its elegant architecture and the unique Buddhist culture of Lingnan🏛️. 🌆 Finally, stroll along Zhaoqing’s riverside embankment at night. The glittering lights reflecting on Star Lake and the city skyline create a magical ambiance✨! **Changzhou✅** 🚩 First stop: China Dinosaur Park🦖! Thrilling roller coasters, immersive 4D theaters, and adorable dinosaur interactions will keep your adrenaline pumping—nonstop screams and laughter! 🚩 Next, dash to Nanshan Bamboo Sea🎋. Ride a mini-train through the bamboo forest, then take a cable car to the summit for a breathtaking view of endless green waves and fresh oxygen-rich air. 🚩 Step into Chunqiu Yancheng Theme Park🏰, where ancient-style architecture dazzles. Live performances bring history to life, and dressing up for photos feels like time travel—pure atmosphere! 🚩 Visit Tianmu Lake🌊, walk along the lakeside boardwalk, and soak in the serene views. Don’t miss the delicious fish head soup—a treat for your taste buds~

🗺️【Itinerary】 Day 1: Yu Garden-Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street-The Bund-Oriental Pearl Tower Day 2: Huaihai Road-Wukang Road Day 3: Yixing Bamboo Sea-Zhanggong Cave 📍【Must-see attractions】 1. Yu Garden 2. Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street 3. The Bund 4. Oriental Pearl Tower 5. Huaihai Road 6. Wukang Road 7. Yixing Bamboo Sea 8. Zhanggong Cave 🥘【Must-eat food】 🏠【Accommodation recommendation】 📷【Photography and check-in spots】 📣【Tips】

Yixing is renowned as the "Ocean of Bamboo, World of Caves, and Ancient Capital of Pottery." Whether you're here for scenic wonders, cultural exploration, or culinary delights, you'll depart with unforgettable memories.🌿 🌟 Recommended Itinerary 🌿 Classic 3-Day Route (Approx. ¥800/person) **Day 1: Breathe in the Bamboo Sea · First Impressions of the Pottery Capital** ✨ - Morning: Arrive at Yixing Station and take the free shuttle to **[Yixing Bamboo Sea]**. Ride the cable car (¥30 one-way) to the summit of "Southern Jiangsu's First Peak." ✨ - Afternoon: Visit **[Yada Yangxian Xishan Town]**, stroll along the Song Dynasty-style ancient street, and snap photos of the iconic giant teapot sculpture. Enjoy sunset views at the lakeside square. ✨ - Evening: Stay in a nearby homestay (¥200/person including breakfast) with bamboo sea views. Some offer Hanfu dressing experiences. **Day 2: Cave Exploration · Zen Serenity** ✨ - Morning: Drive or take a taxi to **[Zhanggong Cave]** (¥60 entrance). Traverse the fantastical stalactite caves and try underground river boating. Nearby **[Tao Zu Holy Land]** features a glass walkway (combo ticket ¥100 for better value). ✨ - Noon: Visit **[Dajue Temple]** for free incense blessings. The temple’s vegetarian noodle shop serves warm, light noodles for ¥15/bowl. ✨ - Afternoon: Explore **[Longchishan Bicycle Park]**, rent a mountain bike (¥30/hour) for a 12km ride through tea fields. Roses bloom along the path in April-May, while June offers lush green tea plantations. ✨ - Evening: Stay at a hotel near Wanda Plaza (¥150-250/night) for convenience. **Day 3: Zisha Roots · Citywalk** ✨ - Morning: Walk to **[Shushan Ancient South Street]**, browse century-old teahouses and workshops🍵. Try a DIY Zisha teapot (¥30) or shop for masterpieces at "Zisha No.1 Factory" or "China Pottery Capital Ceramic City." ✨ - Noon: Savor bamboo shoot dumplings and wontons at the street’s "Old Teahouse" (¥20/person for authentic Jiangnan flavors).🥟 ✨ - Afternoon: Visit **[China Yixing Ceramics Museum]** (free) to learn about Zisha history. If time allows, hike **[Dachaoshan Mini Great Wall]** for sunset views over Taihu Lake’s west shore. 🌸 Summer Highlights 1. **Dragon Boat Races**: 🛥 Watch the "Grand Canal Dragon Boat Race" at Dongjiu Lake, then explore the "Longchao Xishi" market for handicrafts and specialties like black rice. 2. **Lotus Elegance**: 🌅 Admire blooming lotuses at Lianhuadang or Tea Sage’s Garden. Rainy-day lotus viewing adds poetic charm—wear Hanfu for dreamy photos. 3. **Cool Rafting**: 🚤 Try Songling Bamboo Sea Rafting (open May 1-Oct 7, ¥119.9 for two, includes drinks). Avoid midday sun by going after 1 PM. 🚗 Transportation Guide - **External**: - High-speed rail: 🚝 1.5hrs from Shanghai/Nanjing/Hangzhou to Yixing Station; 30mins from Wuxi. - Drive: 🚘 22hrs from Qujing via G60 Expressway (tolls ~¥1257). - Coach: 🚌 1 daily bus from Qujing (¥400, 24hrs). - **Internal**: - Free shuttles: ➡️ Hourly from Yixing Station to Bamboo Sea/Yaohu Town (10 AM-4 PM). - Bus: 🚚 Tourist Line "You 1" to Bamboo Sea/Zhanggong Cave (¥5). 🏨 Top Stays - **Luxury**: 💒- *Shuimo Hantian Resort*: Zen-style lakeside hot springs, "Lotus Afternoon Tea" in summer (¥800-1200/night).🍵 💒- *Hidden Dragon Valley Ridge Villas*: Private hot springs, steps from the bamboo sea. - **Boutique**: 💒- *Hufu Town Bamboo Stream Homestay*: Bamboo-weaving workshops, ¥150/person (book early for weekends).🌅 - **Budget**: 💒- *Vienna Hotel (High-Speed Rail Branch)*: European-style lake-view rooms, free parking/charging (¥200-300/night).⛽️ 🍜 Food Map - **Must-Try**: - *Zhou Zhen Wontons*🥟: TV-featured chicken broth wontons (¥6/bowl), best paired with bamboo shoot dumplings. - *Yixing "Three Whites" Feast*🥗: White shrimp, silver fish omelet, steamed white fish (¥80/person at "Huxian Lou"). - *Black Rice*: Glutinous rice dyed with nanzhu leaves, served sweet (¥5 from street vendors). @Ctrip Community Creative Center

☀️Introduction: Yixing's Longshan Village is famous for its stream running through the village and bamboo forest scenery, making it a popular summer destination for families to enjoy stream trekking and water play. Core activities include stream trekking, hiking the Tea Classic Ancient Trail, and exploring nearby karst caves. 1️⃣ Stream Trekking Guide ⛳ Navigation Points: Key locations include [Bafang Supermarket (Wolongqiao Branch)], [Yuanshe Xishang Homestay], and [Longshanjian Bridge] – all providing access to the stream trekking area. 🧨 Pro Tip: Traffic control may be implemented on summer weekends. Park at the village entrance and walk about 5 minutes to reach the stream. ⛳ Gear Recommendations: Essentials: Change of clothes, water shoes/non-slip sandals, water guns, fish nets, waterproof bags, sunscreen, mosquito repellent. Optional: Camping chairs, fruits (as photo props). 🧨 Pro Tip: The upper stream has clearer water – prioritize this area. 2️⃣ Transportation & Accommodation: ⛳ Driving Tips: About 1-1.5 hours from Wuxi/Liyang. Limited parking during peak seasons. Free parking available at [Zhuyue Yuanxiang Inn Parking Lot]. ⛳ Stay Recommendations: Riverside homestays like Yuanshe Xishang and Mr. Zhang's Home offer full amenities and easy water access. Prices range 300-800 RMB/night – book early. 3️⃣ Dining & Nearby Attractions: ⛳ Food Options: Each roadside homestay serves unique local dishes (~100-150 RMB/person). Must-tries: braised bamboo shoot pork, stir-fried free-range chicken, claypot chicken soup, fish head stew, braised "Emperor Qianlong" fish (catfish), scrambled eggs with Chinese toon, wild mushroom with yam, black glutinous rice, and wild onion pancakes. ⛳ Nearby Spots: Qingshan Chong'en Temple (300-year-old temple with Qianlong Ancient Trail and pagoda forest) – 10min drive. Zhanggong Cave (cave exploration + rafting) – 25min drive. ☀️ Verdict: An excellent all-in-one destination for dining, lodging, and activities, perfect for slow living. Each season shines: spring flowers, summer water play, autumn maples, winter rains. A top weekend getaway for locals – just remembering that free-range chicken makes my mouth water! 🥰

Chasing Kengo Kuma's new masterpiece! Made a special trip to Yixing for a day of exploration 1️⃣ day || To photograph architect Kengo Kuma's new work, the Ceramic Art Museum, I immediately bought a ticket to Yixing🎫! Spent a simple day exploring Yixing, visiting not only the Ceramic Art Museum but also lesser-known attractions like Shushan South Ancient Street, Dongpo Academy, and Zhanggong Cave! ⚠️ One-day itinerary: Zhanggong Cave — Tao Er Factory — Shushan South Ancient Street — Dongpo Academy 1⃣️: Navigate to "Tao Er Factory" (Photos 1-5) Architect Kengo Kuma's new work, the "Ceramic Art Museum," has been completed in Yixing, featuring clay as its main element! It's also the fourth UCCA Art Museum globally! 2⃣️: Navigate to "Zhanggong Cave" (Photos 6-9) One of Yixing's Three Wonders and the 58th blessed land of Taoism, renowned as a "marvel of the world"! It was once the filming location for the Blackwood Cliff in "The Smiling, Proud Wanderer"~ The cave maintains a low temperature year-round, with 72 chambers of varying sizes and temperatures, making it perfect for summer retreats~ Besides these, the area offers activities like underground river exploration and bamboo forest rafting~ 3⃣️: Navigate to "Shushan South Ancient Street" (Photos 10-11) Less than ten minutes from Dongpo Academy, this century-old street in Yixing is famous for its purple clay teapots. It's full of antique charm and artistic vibes, where you can find many interesting purple clay artifacts~ 4️⃣: Navigate to "Dongpo Academy" (Photos 12-14) This is where Su Dongpo bought land to teach a thousand years ago~ Originally named "Dongpo Thatched Cottage," it has been renovated over generations and now serves as a key cultural relic protection unit in Jiangsu Province, offering insights into Dongpo's culture and historical significance.

Here's a travel guide for Yixing Yaohu Town 🎀🎀: 🎈Preparation 🏷- Documents: Bring your ID card and other documents like student or senior cards for discounted tickets. 🏷- Clothing: Pack long-sleeve jackets for spring and fall, light breathable clothes and sun protection for summer, and warm clothing for winter. 🏷- Items: Phone, camera, charger, power bank, and comfortable shoes. 🚌Transportation Guide 🚗- Driving: About 1.5 hours from Wuxi/Changzhou via S48 Shanghai-Yixing Highway (Yunhu exit); about 2 hours from Nanjing/Suzhou. 🚄- High-speed rail: Take a taxi for about 40 minutes from Yixing Station to the town. 🚍- Bus: Take Yixing rural bus route 202, though service is limited. 🌲Attractions 💐- Yaohu Core Area: Enjoy lakeside walks and cycling during the day; watch light shows at night (open on weekends and holidays). Take a rowing boat to experience the charm of Jiangnan water towns. 🌷- Pottery Culture Experience Area: Try hand-making pottery and purple clay teapots at pottery workshops; appreciate traditional Yixing purple clay and Jun pottery at the exhibition hall. 🌹- Tea Gardens and Bamboo Forests: Experience tea picking and tasting in spring; hike through the bamboo forest sanctuary for a serene atmosphere. 🥃Food Recommendations 🧉️- Yixing Black Rice: Glutinous rice with Nanzhu leaves, fragrant and soft. 🍹- Salted Meat with Bamboo Shoots: Tender local bamboo shoots stewed with salted meat, delicious flavor. 🍸- Yangxian Snow Bud Tea: Local green tea with a fresh, sweet aftertaste. 🍻- Heqiao Dried Tofu: A specialty snack with rich braised flavor. 🏠Accommodation Options ⛪- Yaohu Resort Hotel: Located in town, newly opened in 2024, elegant environment. ⛪- Yixing Longyin Creek Mountain Homestay: 10-minute drive, wabi-sabi design style. ⛪- Yixing Futao Hot Spring Hotel: 15-minute drive, perfect for relaxing in hot springs. 💡💡Travel Tips 🛎- Best Season: Spring and autumn are ideal; tea picking from March to May, beautiful autumn colors from September to November. 🛎- Visit Duration: Half-day tour can include lake scenery, pottery experience, and tea tasting; full-day tour can be combined with Yixing Bamboo Sea or Zhanggong Cave.

#discoverchina For those who crave excitement, Zhanggong Cave offers an exhilarating journey into the depths of nature’s masterpiece. This karst cave is not just about stunning rock formations—it’s a real adventure, where twists, turns, and hidden chambers keep explorers on their toes. The cool, shadowy passages create an atmosphere of mystery, while towering stalactites and eerie limestone corridors set the scene for an unforgettable expedition. Whether navigating the rugged terrain or marveling at nature’s underground artistry, this cave is perfect for thrill-seekers looking for something beyond the ordinary. Zhanggong Cave isn’t just a scenic spot—it’s an experience that pushes curiosity and exploration to new heights. 🌿✨🏞️🧗♂️

📍Zhangyang Village, Huqi Town, Yixing City, Wuxi City, Jiangsu Province. ☀️***Tickets***: Tickets (cave + pottery bar) are 70 yuan for adults and 35 yuan for students; combined ticket is 160 yuan, including cave, pottery bar, rafting, underground river exploration, etc. 🚉Transportation strategy: 1. By car: Take the Yixing exit of Ninghang Expressway, or take the Yixing exit of Shanghai-Nanjing Expressway or Xiyi Expressway. 2. Public transportation: There are minibuses that go directly to Yixing from the parking lot on the west side of Wuxi Railway Station. You can transfer to the tourist bus line at Yixing Bus Station. 👍Recommended attractions: 1. Zhanggong Cave: The area of ​​the cave is more than 3,000 square meters. There are sea house squares, sea king hall, etc. There are caves in the cave, which are connected to each other, and there are a variety of landscapes such as stalactites. 2. Dongling Temple: It was first built in the Tang Dynasty and rebuilt in 1995. It has eight temples including Lingguan Temple, Jade Emperor Temple, Tianshi Temple, and Sanqing Temple. 3. Harmony Square: Also called Tai Chi Square, it has a sculpture called "Harmony Water Granting". There are interesting interactive phenomena when you insert coins. 4. Taoist Cultural Monument Gallery: ⛰️Records of the founders of Taoism, Laozi, Zhuangzi, Gengsangzi, and the Eight Immortals, showing the charm of Taoist culture. 5. Liangji Pavilion: There is a stele in the pavilion that was used by the Ming and Qing dynasties. On one side is the cursive-scripted stele of "Travels to Zhanggong Cave and Yunutan" by Ye Xianggao of the Ming Dynasty, and on the other side is the founding record of Chaoyang Taoist Temple.

It is rumored to be the place where Zhang Guolao, one of the Eight Immortals, practiced Taoism. The cave is very cool (suitable for summer). The main hall in the cave is the filming location of the TV series "The Legend of the Condor Heroes". There are also many undeveloped small caves inside, some places are particularly low and slippery, please pay attention to safety! Especially the elderly and children! There is also a Taoist temple at the exit, you can worship according to personal preferences. In addition, there are other entertainment projects such as drifting to choose from.

Escape the concrete jungle of Shanghai 🏃‍♀️ and plan a weekend trip to a nearby small town with friends. With limited time, we did our homework and chose Yixing Yangxian 🉑️. “Buy a field in Yangxian and grow old there, simply because of the beautiful streams and mountains.” I have to say, we chose Yangxian partly because of this poem by Su Dongpo. A place where he was willing to settle and retire must be worth looking forward to 🥳. Let's talk about a few must-visit spots ✍️. ✔️ Zhangzhu Food Street 📍 Location: No. 78, Renmin South Road As a food blogger, the first thing to do in a new place is to eat, eat, eat! Zhangzhu Food Street is worth checking out. It's not very big, but there are many delicious foods. Highly recommended are Sanwuqiao Pancakes, Lao Wu Wontons, and Lu Ji Soup Dumplings (see a separate article on Yangxian snacks for a detailed guide 😎). 〰️ ✔️ Blueberry Picking 📍 Location: Near Jianzhuang, Daxuan Line, Yixing City, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province Yangxian not only has nationally famous peaches 🍑 and bayberries, There are many fresh fruits worth trying all year round. June is the blueberry 🫐 season, so we arranged to visit a local blueberry orchard to experience the fun of picking. Unlike the blueberries from the northeastern plains, these are mountain blueberries with 3-4 varieties. Grown with mountain spring water, they are particularly fragrant and sweet 😋. After the rain, it wasn't very hot, and the orchard owner thoughtfully prepared sun protection sleeves. Everyone can pick 2 pounds to take home, which is really fulfilling ✌️. 〰️ ✔️ Hongshanwu 📍 Location: No. 99, Hehuasi, Nanmen Village, Zhangzhu Town A free attraction, and it smells great! 🉑️. When we arrived, it had just rained 🌧️. From a distance, the misty rain and the reflections of the lake and buildings created a picturesque scene. In the haze, it felt like traveling back to the Jiangnan water town described in ancient poems. Listening to the sound of flowing water under the small bridges and enjoying the ancient charm, it was particularly photogenic! 📷. 〰️ ✔️ Zhanggong Cave Scenic Area 📍 Location: Zhangyang Village, Yixing City, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province A 4A-level scenic area, the legendary “paradise on earth, a wonder in the world” is here 🤩. It is also the cave residence of Zhang Guolao, one of the Eight Immortals, which adds a sense of mystery. A single ticket allows you to enjoy everything. It is recommended to first visit the Zisha Experience Hall to create your own zodiac Zisha ornament 😉. Then, climb the ladder and cross the sky bridge to reach the top of Mengfeng Mountain ⛰️. After that, experience bamboo rafting and underground river exploration, which are thrilling and fun, relieving stress and bringing joy 🥳. 〰️ Two days to fall in love with a small town 😘. Experience slow time between mountains and waters. This is the leisure and ease that first-tier cities lack. With mountains, water, and delicious food, Yangxian is worth another visit! After all, places like Bamboo Sea and Yun Lake are still left for next time.

The scorching summer heat is unbearable, do you want to go on a refreshing summer trip to cool off? Where should you go? Departing from Shanghai, it takes about 2 hours by car to reach Yixing... Here, there are natural air-conditioned rooms provided by nature, which are particularly cool. The clear water activities here are fun and exciting, and the scenery is very pleasant, making it a perfect summer destination. How to enjoy a summer trip to Yixing? The first stop is Yixing Bamboo Sea, a national 4A-level scenic spot. The entire area is covered by bamboo forests, with a total area of 200,000 acres. Here, you can check in at the highest peak in southern Jiangsu. If you hike through the bamboo forest, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way, which takes about two hours. Another option is to take a sightseeing car and then transfer to a cable car to go up the mountain. This is less strenuous. The cable car is over 1,400 meters long and takes about 25 minutes to reach the top. From the cable car, you can overlook the entire bamboo sea and feel the treetops of the bamboo. The feeling of being shoulder to shoulder with the tall bamboo, blowing the cool breeze in the valley, feels cool and comfortable. At the top of the highest peak in southern Jiangsu, you can see a panoramic view of the lush greenery. This is also where the three provinces of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui meet. The second stop, if you take the cable car up the mountain, it is recommended to walk down to experience different scenery. At the foot of the mountain, the source of Taihu Lake flows with spring water naturally filtered through the bamboo sea, also known as bamboo root water, which is drinkable. The pure natural spring water is icy, clear, rich in minerals, and has a slightly sweet taste. This is the closest source to Taihu Lake, so many people come here to drink some spring water. The third stop, how to tour Yixing to cool off? Zhanggong Cave is one of the three caves in Yixing. In the Zhanggong Cave scenic area, there are two natural air-conditioned rooms. The first is the underground river adventure. Walking down the steps, you immediately feel the temperature drop, and waves of coolness hit you. At the entrance of the cave, you can see white cold air with the naked eye. You can enter the Yiquan Cave by kayak. The cave is about 500 meters long and is said to maintain a constant temperature of 18-20°C all year round, making it warm in winter and cool in summer. The water is less than 0.8 meters deep, and the water cave is not very high. There is only faint light in the cave, and the various shapes of the stalactites on the top are very spectacular. The body feels very cool in the cave. The fourth stop is Donglingguan. After the water adventure, go explore the cave. The entrance is also filled with visible cold air. The large cave is connected to smaller caves, making the quiet karst cave exploration very cool. The fifth stop is bamboo forest rafting. The bamboo forest rafting is 1,500 meters long and takes about ten minutes. A kayak can hold up to three people. The slide is not wide, and there are guardrails on both sides, making it quite safe. It's like playing a large-scale rapid in nature! In summer, water activities are always very popular. The summer water battles are exhilarating, and Yixing is a great place for a summer trip to cool off!

😍Dear friends, today I want to recommend Jiangsu Yixing to you, a charming place👏! Yixing is known as the "Ancient Capital of Pottery, World of Caves, Oasis of Tea, and Ocean of Bamboo"😜. It boasts beautiful natural scenery, rich historical culture, and delicious local cuisine, making it a paradise for tourists😎! Top 10 Attractions and Opening Hours: 1. 🏞️Yixing Bamboo Sea: Open all day. The dense bamboo forest and fresh air make you feel like you are in a green ocean🎋. 2. 🌅Shanjuan Cave: 7:30-17:00. The cave scenery is magical, with various shapes of stalactites that are astonishing👀. 3. 🌊Zhanggong Cave: 7:30-17:00. The underground river rafting is thrilling and fun, giving you a unique experience😜. 4. 🤩Longbeishan Forest Park: Open all day. The beautiful scenery is a great place for leisure walks👣. 5. 🏯Ceramics Museum: 8:30-17:00. An excellent place to learn about Yixing's ceramic culture🎨. 6. 🌸Yangshan Dang Park: Open all day. The sea of flowers by the lake is breathtaking, perfect for photography📸. 7. 🛤️Linggu Cave: 8:00-16:30. The strange rocks inside the cave are fascinating🤩. 8. 🌳Longchi Mountain Bicycle Park: Open all day. Ride through the beautiful nature and feel the embrace of the wind🚲. 9. 🏛️Dongpo Academy: 8:00-17:00. Feel the literary atmosphere and appreciate the charm of history📜. 10. 🌾Yunv Pool: 7:30-16:30. The clear mountains and waters are like a paradise on earth😍. Reasons for Recommendation: These attractions each have their own unique features. Whether you want to enjoy natural scenery or learn about historical culture, they can meet your needs👏. Travel Route: Day 1: Yixing Bamboo Sea - Ceramics Museum Day 2: Shanjuan Cave - Zhanggong Cave - Longbeishan Forest Park Day 3: Linggu Cave - Dongpo Academy - Yunv Pool Preparation Before Departure: 🎒Light backpack 🚗Transportation planning 📱Phone charger 📷Camera Local Cuisine: 1. 🍲Yixing Wumi Rice: Fragrant and soft👄. 2. 🐟Yixing Gehu Lake Crab: Fresh and delicious, with full crab roe😋. 3. 🍜Yixing Bamboo Shoots: Tender and tasty, with a chewy texture👅. 4. 🍗Yixing Braised Chicken: Rich in flavor, perfect with rice😍. 5. 🍘Yixing Sweet Taro: Sweet but not greasy, soft and fragrant👍. 6. 🍲Yixing Clay Pot Fish Head: The fresh fish soup is unforgettable😜. 7. 🥟Yixing Xiaolongbao: Thin skin and large filling, a bite full of happiness🤩. 8. 🍜Yixing Tofu Pudding: Delicate and smooth, with special seasoning, simply amazing👏! Local Specialties: 1. 🏺Yixing Zisha Teapot 2. 🌳Yixing Yangxian Tea 3. 🎨Yixing Ceramics 4. 🌰Yixing Chestnuts 5. 🐟Yixing Silver Fish 6. 🎻Yixing Bamboo Flute Travel Tips: 🚩Pay attention to safety 🚩Respect local customs 🚩Protect the environment Yixing, a place that makes people linger😍. Dear friends, hurry up and go on a spontaneous trip👏!

🌅**Day 1: Yixing in the Early Morning, Dancing with Tea** In the early morning, take a stroll in **Yixing Tea Garden**, feel the tranquility amidst the lush greenery. The sunlight filters through the tea trees, casting mottled shadows, a perfect time for taking photos. For lunch, **Yixing Tea Restaurant** is recommended, where you can taste the authentic Yixing tea-flavored chicken and tea snacks. In the afternoon, visit **Yixing Ceramic Museum** to appreciate the charm of ceramic art. At night, head to **Jiubin Night Market** to try local snacks and experience the city's nightlife. 🏞**Day 2: The Call of Nature, Exploring Yixing's Mountains and Waters** Get up early and drive to **Bamboo Sea Scenic Area** to feel the serenity and tranquility deep within the bamboo sea. For lunch, **Bamboo Sea Villa** is recommended, where you can taste bamboo tube rice and bamboo shoot stewed chicken. In the afternoon, continue your adventure to **Shanjian Cave**, to experience the natural wonders. At night, return to the city and take a walk on **Walking Street**, feeling the night colors of Yixing. 🍲**Day 3: Culinary Journey, The Taste of Yixing** For breakfast, **Old Yixing Noodle House** is recommended, try the authentic Yixing Xiaolongbao and Yangchun noodles. Then, head to **Zisha Village** to experience the fun of making a purple clay pot by hand. For lunch, dine at **Zisha Village Farmhouse** to taste the delicious home-cooked meals. In the afternoon, proceed to **Zhanggong Cave** to explore the mysterious world of karst caves. At night, take a walk in **Lakeside Park** to enjoy the peaceful night of Yixing. 💡**Warm Tips**: 1. Please check the weather forecast before you go and prepare sunscreen and rain gear. 2. Pay attention to safety during your visit and follow the regulations of the scenic area. 3. When tasting food, please order in moderation to avoid waste.

🚗🚗🚗 Travel Route: Day1: Zhanggong Cave > Yada•Yangxianxi Mountain Town Center → Taozu Holy Land → Yixing Bamboo Sea It takes 3H to navigate from Suzhou to Zhanggong Cave in Yixing (a bit congested during May Day), and parking at the scenic area is quite convenient. Zhanggong Cave: Entered from the cave entrance and somehow ended up climbing the mountain, descending from the Taoist temple. There is a pottery art gallery at the exit where you can make clay pottery for free. Yangxianxi Mountain Town: A free scenic area, next to it should be Dongpo Pavilion, worth a visit, with nice scenery, and you can have lunch here. Missed Linggu Cave, which is a bit of a pity. Yunv Pool, a small mine pit, was also not visited. Taozu Holy Land and Bamboo Tip Corridor (glass walkway) are together, Taozu Holy Land has Fan Li Cave, even more magical than Zhanggong Cave, worth a visit. The Yixing Bamboo Sea is so-so, with swings for children to play in the bamboo forest, and the glass walkway has been there for many years, a bit worn. Suzhou Leisure Annual Card and Water Charm Jiangsu Tourism Annual Card include admission, but the little train inside Taozu Holy Land cannot be ridden with the card. These four attractions are more or less on the same road, worth visiting if time allows, with zero admission fee. Dinner: Recommend Dream City, Jiangnan Dongfeng in Zhangzhu Town, with an average cost of thirty to forty per person for a decent meal.

Yixing Bamboo Sea is located in the county-level city of Yixing in Wuxi City, a "famous pottery capital of China and a tourist city of Taihu Lake Scenic Area" at the junction of Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Anhui provinces. Bamboo Sea Introduction: Yixing is rich in bamboo, and has been known as the "ocean of bamboo" since ancient times. The Bamboo Sea stretches for 800 miles, covering hundreds of thousands of acres in Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Anhui provinces, and is beautiful and spectacular. The Bamboo Sea Scenic Area is located in the center of the ocean of bamboo. The central area of the scenic area covers 10,000 acres and is known as the "First Bamboo Sea in East China", "First Source of Taihu Lake" and "First Peak in Southern Jiangsu". It is a representative scenic area of bamboo scenery, bamboo sentiment and bamboo culture in China. The scenic area is beautiful with clear water and mountains. Within a day, between the four seasons, it is naturally interesting. Bamboo Sea Tourist Attractions Mirror Lake: There are a large number of living fossils - peach blossom jellyfish in the Mirror Lake of the scenic area. Seabed: Watching bamboo at the bottom of the sea, through the misty fog, you can see the deep and shallow green, the swaying bamboo shadows, the waves, the wonderful and magical, in the bamboo sea, people are also green, the heart is also green, listening to the bamboo waves with a green heart, sand... sand... sand... like a kind mother singing a warm lullaby, soft, tactful, harmonious, smooth, the sound of the bamboo sea, how fragrant, how beautiful. Natural Oxygen Bar: Doing 15 deep breaths here will give you a fairy-like drunkenness. Concentrate and breathe, as if you really breathe with the earth, like forgetting all the worldly things. Stretch out your arms, to the sky, to the mountains, sing freely, that distant echo, that sound of the wind passing through the bamboo forest, and the voice of the heart that breathes with the earth, intertwined into a green bamboo love song. Tickets Adult ticket: 70 yuan Scenic area opening hours: 8:00-16:30 Bamboo Sea Accommodation and Catering: 1. Yixing Xingwang Cultural Park 2. Yixing Ding Shu New Port Bay Hotel 3. Yixing Yunhaijian Resort Hotel 4. Yixing Bamboo Sea International Conference Center The hotel has several luxury Chinese and Western restaurants and multi-function banquet halls. Chinese food - elegant and chic, you can see the continuous bamboo sea view outdoors, the interior is a combination of European and modern minimalist design style, known for its exquisite mountain delicacies and local dishes. Western Restaurant Coffee Shop - exudes a romantic and leisurely California style, integrated with the outdoor green shade, combined with mouth-watering global cuisine, people linger. Bamboo Sea Surrounding Attractions: Yixing Shanjuan Cave: Shanjuan Cave is the first of the "three caves" in Yixing, and is known as one of the three wonders of the world with the Han Cave in Belgium and the Lyon Cave in France. It is the "hometown of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai in China", and it has the "first slide in East China". Zhang Gong Cave: Yixing is a typical karst landform. According to the records of Yixing County Chronicles, there are 84 limestone caves, so it is called "Dongtian World". "Yuquan Cave" is the sixth karst cave developed in Yixing. The new cave is characterized by underground dark rivers. The underground river twists and turns, running through the entire mountain. The strange rocks in the cave are rugged, and the stone pillars, stalagmites, stone curtains, and stalactites in several halls are well preserved. The hall in the cave is like a fairy palace, which is beautiful. The Yixing Bamboo Sea in winter is even more dreamlike, with snow filling the air, presenting a scene of silver-clad purity. When bamboo meets snow, it is a natural elegance.

Shanjuan Cave is located in the southwest of Yixing City, China, and is a famous limestone karst cave scenic area. Upon entering the cave, visitors seem to have entered a magnificent underground palace, where they can not only appreciate the crystal-clear stalactites, but also see the magnificent natural boulders. There is also an underground dark river flowing in the cave, bringing a unique tour experience for visitors. Shanjuan Cave is one of the three caves in Yixing, the other two are Zhanggong Cave and Linggu Cave. Among them, Shanjuan Cave is the most representative, opened to the public in 1934, and is one of the earliest open karst cave tourist areas in China. After entering the scenic area, visitors will first see the statue of Shanjuan, a poet during the reign of Emperor Shun, who got the name 'Shanjuan Cave' because he lived in this cave. Walking from the gate of the scenic area towards Shanjuan Cave, you will pass through the Savage Valley, where there will be a 'savage performance' at regular intervals. You can see actors dressed as savages performing fire-breathing, hair-swinging dances and other programs, but sometimes they will wait until there are more tourists to perform. Shanjuan Cave is composed of four caves: upper, middle, lower, and water, each with different scenes. You can take a boat tour in the water cave, which is very interesting. The middle cave is the entrance of Shanjuan Cave. This cave is a natural large stone hall, naturally formed and magnificent. On both sides of the stone hall, there are huge stones resembling green lions and white elephants, realistic and mighty, so the middle cave is also called 'Lion Elephant Arena'.

The lake's father has many holes, and the karst terrain makes it a "rich" cave. For those who come here, "hiding into the 'hole' into a unified system, managing his spring and summer and autumn and winter" is the best choice to avoid the summer heat - although the temperature in the hole does not let you break into the ice The feeling of the cave, but once you get to the hole, look at the cold white mist that rushes out and let you enter the cool world. Zhanggongdong can be said to be one of the most famous caves of the lake. Like almost all tourist attractions in China, it also has an "old legend" - it is said that Zhang Daoling of the Han Dynasty and Zhang Guo of the Tang Dynasty They have all cultivated here. But I am interested in the development history of Zhanggongdong. The development of Zhanggongdong can be traced back to a village called Yixing Township in the south of Yixing Township. It started construction in 1919, and it has been developing intermittently for more than 10 years. Finally, in 1934. Opened at the end of the year. In other words, during the Republic of China, there were many ethnic entrepreneurs, mostly machinery and textiles, and tourist developers were quite rare. From this, I can see that although I did not know why Shuxiang had done this tourism development in the past, it was indeed in the forefront of the times. From the largest Haiwang Hall in the cave, the temperature rises steadily, and the hole is drilled. It is already the peak of Mengfeng. Looking back, it is like stepping out from a huge eggshell. The wonder of Zhang Gongdong is really "Go to heaven."