"Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai's Hidden Gem! 2 Days 1 Night Reverse Tour in Liyang, Few People, Beautiful Scenery, and Great for Photos of Southeast

👺 Itinerary

Day 1: Cultural Stroll + Lakes and Mountains

• Morning: Drive or take high-speed rail to Liyang, check in at Tianmu Lake Yu·Bibo Garden Hotel

• Noon: Try claypot fish head at "Miss Zheng's Shop" near the hotel

• Afternoon: Fang Suo Culture Village (photos + bookstore afternoon tea) → Tianmu Lake Landscape Park (boat tour + tea culture experience)

• Evening: Walk by Tianmu Lake, enjoy tranquility at the hotel

Day 2: Artsy Check-ins + Architectural Wonders

• Morning: Bao'en Zen Temple (Southeast Asian style temple) → Zheli Yicang (exhibition + buy cultural and creative products)

• Noon: Light meal near Zheli Yicang

• Afternoon: Liyang Museum (spaceship-shaped photo spot) → Return trip

⛱️ Must-Visit Attractions

1. Fang Suo Culture Village

• Highlights: Six-story glass book tower + wooden structure, lights at blue hour look like a fairy tale

• Activities: Coffee on the rooftop terrace, browse cultural and creative market on the ground floor

• Tip: Wear light-colored clothes for better photos

2. Tianmu Lake Landscape Park

• Must-try:

▶ Boat to Longxing Island (watch egrets, Butterfly Valley)

▶ Learn Song Dynasty tea making on China Tea Island (taught by intangible cultural heritage inheritor)

▶ Take photos of mountain and water reflections on Xiaoyao Bridge

• Ticket: 120 RMB (includes boat ride)

3. Bao'en Zen Temple

• Features: Fusion of Thai Chiang Mai style and Chinese flying eaves, yellow walls and red tiles are stunning

• Hidden spot: Panoramic view from the temple’s back mountain, best light in early morning

• Taboo: No photos of Buddha statues, dress must cover knees

4. Zheli Yicang

• First floor: Bookstore + restaurant (recommended bamboo fungus chicken soup)

• Second floor: Healing illustration exhibition (monthly theme updates)

• Cultural products: Liyang white tea souvenirs, hand-drawn maps

5. Liyang Museum

• Design: Floating "spaceship" shape, full of tech vibe

• Photo spots: External spiral staircase, top-floor viewing platform

• Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 (closed on Mondays)

🍜 Food Guide

Miss Zheng's Shop · Taste of Liyang Cuisine

• Address: Tianmu Lake Commercial Plaza

• Must-order:

▶ Tianmu Lake claypot fish head (48 RMB/serving, milky rich soup)

▶ Zha Gan (intangible cultural heritage dish, pork belly wrapped in fried tofu)

▶ Stir-fried white celery (Liyang specialty, crispy and fragrant)

• Hidden way to eat: Fish head soup with rice

Other Recommendations

• Black rice: Black glutinous rice steamed in bamboo leaves, sweet version can add sugar

• Zhoucheng Hotpot: Mutton copper pot with local chili, winter special

• Liyang Soup Dumplings: Thin skin, juicy, breakfast favorite

🏨 Accommodation Guide

Tianmu Lake Yu·Bibo Garden Hotel

• Highlights: Lakeside location, quiet and private, rooms with scenic balconies

• Recommended room: Lake view king room (starting at 800 RMB/night)

• Amenities: Free bicycle rental, children's playground

Alternatives

• Budget: Homestay inside Fang Suo Culture Village (300-500 RMB/night)

• High-end: WEI Tianmu Lake Hotel (2000 RMB+/night, includes private hot spring)

💗 Other Tips

1. Transportation:

• Driving: 10-30 minutes between attractions, free parking

• High-speed rail: Liyang Station → taxi to Tianmu Lake (about 20 RMB)

• Bus: Route 11 direct to Tianmu Lake, but infrequent

2. Dress Suggestions:

• Summer: Sun protection clothing + hat (strong UV by the lake)

• Temple: Avoid short skirts/shoulder-baring clothes

• Shoes: Comfortable sneakers (walking needed in Landscape Park)

3. Money-saving Tips:

• Combo ticket: Tianmu Lake Landscape Park + Nanshan Bamboo Sea = 240 RMB (original 280 RMB)

• Free attractions: Bao'en Zen Temple, Liyang Museum

• Cultural product discount: 20 RMB off for purchases over 200 RMB at Zheli Yicang

4. Pitfalls to Avoid:

• Last boat at Tianmu Lake is 16:30, don’t miss it

• Zha Gan has strong flavor, avoid if you dislike offal

• Museum closed on Mondays, plan ahead

5. Hidden Experiences:

• Night tour at Fang Suo Culture Village (light show every Friday/Saturday)

• Early morning chanting at Bao'en Zen Temple (starts 6:00, reservation required)

• Coffee and sunset viewing on Liyang Museum’s top floor

Custom Trip Suggestions:

• Family trip: Add Highway 1 drive (rainbow road photo spot)

• Couples: Custom hand-painted couple T-shirts at Zheli Yicang

• Photography enthusiasts: Create with dual scenes of Bao'en Zen Temple’s yellow walls + Fang Suo book tower

Here there are no crowded tourists, only cicadas and lake breeze accompany you. Take this guide and collect summer coolness and artistry in Liyang!