I found a real-life "Paradise on Earth"! Rowing and daydreaming cured my anxiety

Jinhu All-region Travel Guide | Water Forest, Ten Thousand Mu Lotus Pond, Yao Township Ancient Charm, 2 Days 1 Night to Explore the Pearl of Huaishang
🌤️ Best Travel Season
May to October: Lotus in full bloom (best in July-August), dense shade in the Water Forest
November to April: Prime birdwatching season, winter reed marshes as serene as a painting
🚗 Transportation Guide
Self-driving: 1.5h from Nanjing / 4h from Shanghai (navigate to Jinhu Water Forest Scenic Area)
High-speed rail: Arrive at Huaian East Station, transfer to Jinhu Tourism Shuttle (about 1 hour)
Internal transport: Scenic area electric carts/shared bikes/wulong boats shuttle
🌳 【Core Attractions Check-in】1. Water Forest Scenic Area (a must-visit!)
Row a transparent small boat through the dawn redwood forest (60 RMB/30 minutes), sunlight filters through the trees creating star-like rays
Hidden experience: Enjoy the "fog forest system" fairyland effect alone at 6 AM
Photo spot: Corner of the forest train tracks (perfect background for Japanese-style portraits)
2. Lotus Pond Scenic Area
Over 300 lotus varieties spread across ten thousand mu, hosting the International Lotus Festival in July
Experience: Pick lotus seed pods (20 RMB/basket), ride a rowboat deep into the sea of flowers (highly recommend at dusk)
3. Yao Xiangguo Cultural Tourism Area
An immersive park themed on Yao culture
Must-see: Live performance of "Legend of Emperor Yao" (daily at 14:00)
Fun activities: Ancient tribe cosplay, pottery DIY
4. Baima Lake Ecological Fishing Village
Food + Fun: Lake fresh feast + fishermen’s homestay + sunset birdwatching platform
Special project: Learn to cast fishing nets with fishermen (advance reservation required)
🛶 【Special Experiences】
Forest night tour: Summer-only firefly watching (led by professional guides)
Lotus culture crafts: Make lotus-scented candles/lotus leaf tea (available at scenic area studios)
Cycling paradise: 30 km greenway around the lake (tandem bike rental available)
🍜 Authentic Food Recommendations
1. Small Fish Potstickers: Jinhu intangible cultural heritage food (recommended "Old Fisherman Restaurant")
2. Lotus Pond Three Treasures: Seasonal dishes made from lotus seeds, water caltrop, and fox nuts
3. Garlic Mud Crayfish: Baima Lake crayfish with springy meat (must-eat from May to August)
4. Yao Mother Cake: Traditionally steamed glutinous rice cake (top choice for souvenirs)
🏡 Accommodation Guide
High-end choice: Water Forest Treehouse Hotel (open the window to see egrets returning to their nests)
Cost-effective: Heyun Homestay inside Lotus Pond Scenic Area (includes breakfast and lotus picking experience)
Unique experience: Fishermen’s boat house (rooms truly floating on water)
📸 Photo Guide
Outfit suggestions:
Hanfu/Qipao (Lotus Pond Scenic Area)
Forest-style dresses (Water Forest)
Golden photo spots:
Mirror boardwalk in Water Forest (perfect symmetrical composition)
Top floor of Lotus Pond Viewing Tower (overlooking the vast sea of flowers)
Sunset fishing boats in Baima Lake Fishing Village (silhouette effect)
⚠️ Notes
1. Mosquito and sun protection! Many mosquitoes by the water + strong UV rays
2. Protect the ecology, picking lotus flowers and disturbing water birds are prohibited
3. Boat rides are highly weather-dependent, check the forecast before departure
4. The scenic spots are spread out, self-driving or chartering is recommended (local tourist loop buses available)
💎 Local Recommended Activities
Secret route: Walk from the south gate of Water Forest to the "Shanyu Café" wild trail
Seasonal events: Mid-Autumn Crab Feast / Winter Solstice Whole Fish Feast (fishing village exclusive)
Cultural souvenirs: Collect special commemorative stamps at visitor centers in each scenic area
The essence of Jiangsu’s water charm is all hidden in this 300-square-kilometer lake marsh. "Jinhu weaves a fairy tale of intertwined water and land with ten thousand mu of lotus ponds, millennia-old Yao culture, and dawn redwood secret realms. When are you ready to be a 'painting person' for two days?"
(Latest ticket prices: Water Forest 80 RMB / Lotus Pond 60 RMB / Combo ticket 120 RMB, 10% off for advance online purchase)