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)