Yaohu Town

Introducing Yaohu Town

Yaohu Town is located in Zhangzhu Town, Yixing City, Jiangsu Province. It is a theme park-style resort town that combines traditional Jiangnan architectural style with modern leisure elements.

The town, centered around Yixing's unique culture of mountains, water, pottery, bamboo, and tea, combines abundant tourism facilities to create a resort destination that blends ecological beauty, cultural experiences, and leisure and entertainment. Whether it's a retro train weaving through bamboo forests and tea fields, or the dreamy dragon-shaped water show at night, Yaohu Town offers a tranquil and relaxing experience of the unique charm of this Jiangnan water town.

Yaohu Town, with its unique Jiangnan style and rich entertainment options, offers visitors a perfect day trip experience. Whether you are a nature lover, a cultural explorer, or a family, everyone can find their own fun here.

Climate and best time to travel

Suitable for all seasons

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Recommended must-see attractions include
the Retro Train, which traverses bamboo forests, tea fields, and lakes for an immersive experience of the town's natural scenery.
The Dragon Water Show, a nighttime performance combining water curtains, lights, and music, creates a dreamlike experience.
Yaohu Bamboo Rat Water Park, with over 30 water activities, is perfect for families and young people.
Muli Cave, the sacred place of the ancestor of pottery, explores the birthplace of Yixing pottery culture and experiences the fusion of history and nature.

Tickets

Ticket prices:

Adult ticket: 60 yuan/person
Discount ticket: 30 yuan/person (applicable to children, students, elderly and other specific groups)
Free ticket: applicable to people over 70 years old, children under 1.2 meters, etc.

Attraction opening hours

08:30-22:00 all year round (some items such as the train operate from 09:00-20:00)

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Most Popular FAQs for Yaohu Town

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Yaohu Town is part of the Yangxian Ecotourism Resort in Yixing (under Wuxi in Jiangsu Province). It draws on local traditions of tea, pottery (especially Zisha clay teapots), bamboo and mountain-water scenery. The development is recent (trial operation from July 1, 2024) and aims to become a new leisure landmark in the region.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

• Location: Zhangzhu Town, Yixing City, Wuxi, Jiangsu Province.
• By high-speed train: Arrive at Yixing Station then taxi or local transfer to Yaohu Town.
• By car: From Wuxi, Shanghai, Hangzhou region it takes ~1–2 hours self-drive; parking is available.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

• Opening hours: 9:00 AM–10:00 PM (last admission about 9:00 PM) according to Trip.com listing.
• Best times: Spring and autumn for mild weather; evenings for night shows; summer for water-park fun. Arrive early on weekends to avoid crowds.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

Ticket price during trial operation: 60 RMB per person. It appears you can purchase at the site or via online ticketing on Trip.com.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Advance booking is recommended especially on weekends and during holidays, as the site is newly opened and performance or train rides may have limited slots. While not strictly stated, booking ahead via the official site or Trip.com is advisable.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

Plan for half a day (3-4 hours) for a short visit; for a fuller experience including water-park, night show and stay-over, allow a full day or 1 night.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• The lakeside boardwalk and mountain-water scenery.
• The bamboo forest & tea-field scenic train ride (~6.2 km) through tunnels and elevated roads.
• Pottery/Zisha craft zones: old kiln street, workshop experience.
• Night spectacles – dragon water show, fireworks, live performances.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

No specific information found about official guided tours or audio guides in multiple languages. You may inquire on-site. Many experiences are self-guided (train ride, walks, craft workshops).

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• Boardwalk alongside the lake for mirror-water reflection shots.
• From the sightseeing train through bamboo forest – captures the tunnel & elevated track scenery.
• Evening night show area – illuminated displays and water/fountain/fireworks.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

• Start at visitor centre → lakeside walk → craft workshop zone → take the train ride through bamboo/tea fields → rest at tea/coffee spot → dinner or early evening show → stay or depart. For evenings: include the night show after dark.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Yes — the site offers night-time attractions: a dragon-shaped water show and fireworks after dark. The scenic train may have evening rides.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

• Least crowded: weekday mornings or early afternoons outside major holiday periods.
• More crowded: weekends, holidays and when night shows are scheduled. Arrive early to secure train ride seats.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

• Public restrooms, convenience services (vending machines) and snack/food outlets within the scenic area.
• Shops selling crafts (pottery), souvenir items; tea houses or cafés likely.
• For summer water-park: slides, rafting, etc.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Generally accessible: walks and the train ride suit families and older visitors. Some terrain may include slopes or forest paths — children will enjoy the train and performances. Accessibility details for disabled visitors not specified, so inquire on-site.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

China mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and bank cards are widely accepted in similar scenic areas; still carry a small amount of cash for smaller vendors. Ticketing is likely via online or onsite card/mobile payment.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Within the scenic area there are restaurants and cafés themed around pottery, tea, and local Jiangsu cuisine. Nearby Yixing city offers more dining options. Trip.com reviews mention cafés, snack shops and night market style food.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

While specific vegetarian/vegan/halal listings are not detailed, given the scale of the resort, vegetarian dishes (tea-based, tofu, vegetable stir-fry) are likely available. Halal options may require checking individual restaurants.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Yes — there are themed hotels/homestays in the area such as the “Yaohu Hotel” and accommodation recommended on Trip.com.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• Explore the bamboo forests and tea fields of Yixing (famous for Zisha teapots).
• Visit the Dragon Kiln Street and Zisha pottery heritage zone within the resort area.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Yes — souvenirs include Yixing Zisha teapots and pottery ware, bamboo-craft items, local tea products, themed resort memorabilia.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

• By car or taxi return to Yixing city centre, Wuxi or rail station.
• Use local bus or taxi from the scenic area to Yixing Railway Station for onward travel.