Why go to Disney? This fairy-tale ancient town is more fun!
by CLARK HARDY
Jan 18, 2024
Why Go: By day, it's a poetic Jiangnan watertown; by night, it transforms into a "celestial palace"! Mist-shrouded flower waterfalls, intangible cultural heritage crafts, breathtaking water-screen fireworks, and Hanfu photo ops—all in one immersive traditional Chinese experience!
📍Location
Oriental Salt Lake City·Dao World, Maoshan, Jintan District, Changzhou, Jiangsu
🚉Transportation
- Self-drive: ~1h20m from Nanjing (parking is free!)
- High-speed rail: Nanjing→Jintan Station (25min), then 25min taxi to the scenic area
✨Must-See Attractions & Activities
1. Xiquan Pavilion
 - Highlights: Fairy mist & flower waterfall! Pavilions enveloped in mist with cascading floral displays. Strike a pose in Hanfu by the "Jade Pool" for dreamy photos straight out of "A Dream of Splendor". 👉Tip: Visit before 10am for thinner crowds and thicker mist!
2. Mountain City Charm
 - Highlights: Giant floral gourd! Thousands of flowers cascade from rooftops, framing a 3m glowing gourd—whimsical by day, magical by night like an "immortal realm barrier".
3. Paper Flower Array
 - Highlights: Intangible heritage paper-cutting! Hands-on Jintan paper-cutting (national-level heritage), perfect for families. Take your artwork home as a souvenir!
4. Maoyan Pier Nightscape
 - Highlights: Celestial palace! Lantern-lit pavilions reflect on water, while drone + water-screen fireworks (Nezha-themed!) explode overhead—like stepping into a Tang Dynasty lantern festival! ⏰Fireworks: Weekends at 20:00 (check daily schedule)
5. "Free and Easy" Show
 - Grand finale: 360° panoramic stage! Landscape dance + multimedia effects showcase Maoshan Taoist culture, ending with sky-filling fireworks—worth every penny!
🎫Tickets
- Adult: ¥150 | Night ticket (after 15:00): ¥79
- Hidden perk: Discount for visitors wearing full Hanfu!
📌Pro Tips
✅ One-day itinerary:
Xiquan Pavilion → Mountain City Charm → Paper Flower Array → Lunch (Jianghu Snack Street) → Maoyan Pier → Pear Blossom Illusion → "Free and Easy" show + fireworks
✅ Essentials: Hanfu (rentable onsite), mosquito repellent, power bank (nightscapes drain batteries!)
✅ Stay: Chong'er Inn offers mountain views + breakfast & ticket packages.
✅ Lazy hack: Compact but stair-heavy—wear comfy shoes! Shuttle carts (¥10/ride) available.
In a nutshell: This place is enchanted—a demure Jiangnan maiden by day, a glittering mythic realm by night. Pack "magic, heritage, and fireworks" into one unforgettable day!
"Spring's beauty pales when compared to holding the Milky Way in your arms at night." 🌸🌙
Post by AUBRIE SMALL | Jun 24, 2025























