This forest can "swim"! Water Cypress Forest Blind Box Boat Experience Report

Li Zhong Water Forest Park Travel Guide: Dreamy Water Cypress Forest, Sailing Among the Treetops

🌿 Scenic Area Introduction
Li Zhong Water Forest Park is located in Xinghua, Jiangsu, and is a rare large-scale water forest in East China, famous for its unique landscape of "water within the forest, forest within the water." Here, thousands of water cypresses and pond cypresses stand tall in the water, flocks of egrets gather, and the scenery changes with the seasons. Especially in autumn, the red cypresses blaze like fire, and in summer, the greenery is cool and refreshing, like a real-life "Wizard of Oz."

🚗 Transportation Guide
📍 Address: No. 1 Shunchuan Road, Lizhong Town, Xinghua City, Taizhou, Jiangsu Province
🚘 Self-driving:
About 3-4 hours from Nanjing/Shanghai (navigate to "Li Zhong Water Forest Park")
Parking: The scenic area has a parking lot, 10 RMB per visit
🚌 Public Transport:
Take Tourist Bus Line 1 or 2 from Xinghua city center (about 40 minutes)
High-speed rail to Taizhou Station/Yancheng Station, then taxi or car rental to the park (about 1.5 hours)

🎫 Tickets & Opening Hours
Ticket: 80 RMB (includes bamboo raft drifting)
Discounts: Half price for students/seniors, free for children under 1.4m
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM (recommended visit time 3-4 hours)
Best Seasons:
April-May (fresh greenery and egrets returning to nest)
October-November (red cypresses reflecting on water, stunning autumn colors)

🚣‍♂️ Must-try Experiences
1. Water Forest Bamboo Raft Drifting (included in ticket)
Ride a bamboo raft through the water cypress forest, sailing among the trees, feeling like walking in a painting. Sunlight filters through the leaves onto the water, creating beautiful light and shadow!
📸 Photo Spot: Mist Forest Area (artificial mist surrounds, very fairy-like)

2. Birdwatching Paradise
This is a habitat for egrets and night herons. You can witness the spectacular scene of thousands of birds returning to their nests at dawn or dusk.

3. Forest Boardwalk Hiking
Stroll along the wooden boardwalk, observe the roots of the water cypresses up close, and feel the tranquility and vitality of the forest.

4. Misty Forest Experience (scheduled openings)
Artificial mist creates a dreamy fog effect, perfect for forest-themed photoshoots!

5. Parent-Child Interaction
Fishing and crab catching (summer only)
Forest mini train (suitable for kids)

🍽️ Food Recommendations
Xinghua specialties:
Qinhu Lake Hairy Crab (a must-eat in autumn)
Xinghua Fish Balls (fresh and bouncy)
Water Town Lotus Root Sandwich (crispy and sweet)
Inside the park: Simple meals and snacks available, but bringing your own snacks and water is recommended.

📌 Travel Tips
✅ Best visiting times: Before 9 AM or after 3 PM, when the light is soft and there are fewer tourists.
✅ Dress suggestions: Light colors/forest-style clothing for better photos, mosquito repellent in summer, warm clothes in winter.
✅ Must-bring items: Sunscreen, hat, camera (drones require registration).
✅ Avoid crowds: Weekends and holidays are crowded; weekdays are recommended.

🏡 Accommodation Recommendations
Near the park:
Lizhong Town homestays (affordable, experience water town life)
Xinghua city center:
Star-rated hotels (e.g., Xinghua Tianbao Garden Hotel)

🌟 Nearby Attractions
Qianduo Scenic Area (rapeseed flower sea in spring, marigold fields in autumn)
Zheng Banqiao Former Residence (experience Xinghua culture)

📢 Summary: Li Zhong Water Forest Park is perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and slow travelers. It is beautiful all year round, especially recommended during the red cypress season in autumn!