Essence of Huaguo Mountain One-Day Tour

Itinerary Overview Theme: Journey to the West Culture + Natural Wonders Recommended Season: Spring and Autumn (avoid rainy season) Transportation: High-speed train / Self-driving Key Attractions: Water Curtain Cave, Jade Maiden Peak, Sanyuan Palace, Seventy-two Caves Itinerary & Cost Details (Per Person Budget) 1. Transportation Costs (200 RMB) High-speed train: Nanjing South → Lianyungang Station (2 hours, second class seat about 150 RMB) Local transportation: Lianyungang Station → Huaguo Mountain Scenic Area (Taxi about 50 RMB/one way, or Bus B11 4 RMB) Self-driving alternative: About 3.5 hours from Nanjing, fuel + tolls about 300 RMB/car 2. Entrance Fees (150 RMB) Scenic area ticket: 90 RMB (peak season April-October), off-season 80 RMB Shuttle bus: Foot of the mountain → Jade Maiden Peak (one way 25 RMB, recommended to take bus up and walk down) Water Curtain Cave → Sanyuan Palace shuttle bus 10 RMB 3. Food & Beverage Costs (100 RMB) Lunch: Vegetarian or farmhouse dishes inside the scenic area (recommended “Sanyuan Palace vegetarian noodles” 30 RMB) Snacks: Huaguo Mountain cloud mist tea, monkey head mushroom biscuits 20 RMB Self-prepared: Mineral water + energy snacks 20 RMB 4. Other Expenses (50 RMB) Souvenirs: Sun Wukong clay sculpture, Golden Cudgel toy 30 RMB Spare cash: Emergency expenses 20 RMB Detailed Route Plan Morning: Explore Water Curtain Cave & Journey to the West Culture 8:00 Arrive at the scenic area entrance, take the shuttle bus directly to Jade Maiden Peak (the highest peak in Jiangsu, overlooking the sea of clouds) 9:30 Walk down to Water Curtain Cave (check in at the waterfall cave entrance, be careful of slippery surfaces) 10:30 Visit Sanyuan Palace (Ming Dynasty Taoist architecture, the “registered residence” of Sun Wukong) Noon: Rest & Special Experience 12:00 After lunch, interact with free-range macaques (⚠️ Do not feed or provoke) 13:00 Stroll through the Seventy-two Caves (natural stone cave group, great for photos) Afternoon: Natural Wonders & Return Trip 14:30 Visit Strange Rock Garden (pictorial stones like “Monkey Stone” and “Bajie Stone”) 15:30 Walk to the foot of the mountain, enjoy the Nine Dragon Bridge and Ink Fragrance Trail along the way 17:00 Return to Lianyungang city center (can stop by Yanhe Alley Night Market) Notes Monkey Prevention Tips: Keep plastic bags and food secured to avoid being snatched. Clothing Suggestions: Non-slip sports shoes + light jacket (windy at the summit). Time Management: The scenic area is large; prioritize key attractions and avoid getting lost in less popular routes. Hidden Activities: Early risers can watch the sunrise at Jade Maiden Peak (entry before 6:00 AM required). Find the “Nüwa Relic Stone” (legendary birthplace of Sun Wukong). Money-Saving Tips ✅ Buy tickets online 1 day in advance to save 10 RMB ✅ Use bus instead of taxi (Bus B11 direct route) ✅ Bring your own lunch (meals inside the scenic area are relatively expensive)