Yixing: Unfolding a Landscape Scroll, Folding into a Millennium Pottery Capital

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