This really isn’t West Lake!

🌟 Balihe Travel Notes | First Encounter with the "Jiangnan of Northern Anhui," A Complete 1-Day Tour Guide to the Water Town Wonderland! 🌟

Hello～ As a travel blogger, I was completely captivated by the "lake light and bird songs, miniature world" of Balihe on my first visit! Early morning at the Birdsong Forest, I caught a peacock spreading its feathers; in the afternoon, I strolled through the European-style buildings for great photos; at dusk, I watched the sunset spill over the lake from the glass plank road... This 5A-level scenic spot, known as the "World’s Number One Farmer’s Park," is truly a triple celebration of nature, culture, and exotic charm! I’ve put together my lazy traveler’s guide—first-timers, just copy this! 👇

📌 Highlights at a Glance

• Miniature World Wonders: Check off global landmarks like the Greek Zeus Temple, French Arc de Triomphe, Dutch windmills all in one place—travel the world without leaving the country!

• Wetland Ecological Paradise: Nearly a hundred rare bird species in the Birdsong Forest, close encounters with black swans and red-crowned cranes, perfect for family trips.

• Dual Water and Land Fun: Thrilling glass plank road, Twelve Flower Islands blooming all year round, boat rides that feel like entering a Jiangnan ink painting.

🗺 Itinerary Plan: 1-Day Essentials (with timeline)

Morning: Birdsong Forest + East District Splendid China

• Morning Fun at Birdsong Forest (opens at 8:30, arrive early)

It’s best to head straight to Birdsong Forest at opening when birds are most active! Watch black swans playing on the lake, peacocks competing to spread their tails, and feed parrots (feed 5 RMB/bag). The forest paths are quiet, with rockeries and waterfalls, perfect for nature-style photos.

• East District Splendid China

Take the sightseeing bus (10 RMB one way) from Birdsong Forest to the East District. Su-style gardens with white walls and black tiles, vivid Nine-Dragon Wall reliefs, and the Guanyin Mountain waterfall sparkling like pearls. Don’t miss Wuguan Bridge, with five pavilion crowns reflected in the lake, inspired by Yangzhou’s Slender West Lake—great for wearing Hanfu and shooting classical styles.

Afternoon: West District World Scenery + Glass Plank Road

• Exotic Check-in in the West District

Cross the glass plank road to the West District and instantly feel transported to Europe! The grand columns of the Greek Zeus Temple, dreamy stained glass of the Paris Sacré-Cœur, exquisite reliefs of the French Arc de Triomphe—every angle is a viral photo spot. Afternoon is best for shooting with good light to capture architectural details.

• Thrilling Glass Plank Road Experience (extra 50 RMB)

A 425-meter-long suspended glass bridge with 9D sound, light, and electric effects simulating cracks, shimmering lake below your feet. Daredevils can sit and snap “floating photos”! Mid-bridge offers panoramic views of Twelve Flower Islands, with cherry blossom pink in spring and chrysanthemum yellow in autumn, a colorful palette.

Evening: Twelve Flower Islands Sunset + Night View

• Stroll Around Twelve Flower Islands

Take a boat (5-person boat 150 RMB per round) or walk the plank road around the islands. The twelve small islands are themed with zodiac lucky flowers, with different blooms each season. Recommended spot: Iron Chain Soft Bridge for sunset—sunset glow on the lake, the gently swaying bridge feels like walking on clouds.

• Optional Night View

On Fridays, Saturdays, or holidays, the night session is open until 8:00 PM. When lit up, the European buildings look like fairy tale castles, lanterns reflect in the lake’s calligraphy corridor, creating a unique charm.

🍜 Food Hits and Misses (tested!)

✅ Must-Try List

• Balihe Fresh Fish Feast: The “Live Fish Hall” outside the park serves richly flavored braised fish head and tender steamed fish slices, about 60 RMB per person.

• Yingshang Clay Pot Chicken: Chicken slow-cooked in a traditional stove, with flatbread soaking up the broth, full of rustic farmhouse flavor.

• Gelatiao + Pillow Bun: Fuyang’s specialty noodles are chewy, pillow buns crispy outside and soft inside, street snack for 10 RMB fills you up.

❌ Pitfalls to Avoid

• Restaurants inside the park are pricey and average in taste; better to eat outside the park. Bring snacks as there are few supply points during long tours.

💡 Practical Tips

1. Ticket Savings

◦ Adult ticket 90 RMB (85 RMB if booked online in advance), half price for students and seniors 60-65, free for 65+.

◦ Glass plank road, boat rides, and other activities charge separately; combo tickets available based on interest.

2. Transportation Guide

◦ High-speed rail: Get off at “Yingshang North Station” and transfer to Tourism Bus No. 5 directly to the park.

◦ Self-driving: Navigate to “Balihe Scenic Area East Gate,” parking 10 RMB/day.

3. Best Seasons

◦ Spring and autumn preferred: March-May for blooming flowers, September-November for crisp weather; summer requires sun and mosquito protection, winter scenery is simpler.

4. Dress Suggestions

◦ Comfortable sneakers: The park is huge, expect 3-4 hours walking; sun hat + sunglasses: West District buildings are open with little shade.

5. Hidden Tips

◦ Enter between 8:00-9:00 AM for fewer crowds and better light, perfect for shooting Birdsong Forest and European buildings without people.

◦ Use the park’s mini program to get an electronic map to avoid getting lost.

Final thoughts: The charm of Balihe is not just the magical miniature world check-ins, but the stunning moment of peacocks spreading their feathers in Birdsong Forest, the heart-pounding screams on the glass plank road, the mixed floral scents brushing your cheeks on Twelve Flower Islands... Save a dusk for the sunset at Iron Chain Soft Bridge and wait for the European-style night scene to light up—you’ll find this “Pearl of Northern Anhui” is a treasure destination with unbeatable value! 💖

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(Note: Opening hours and ticket prices are subject to the latest official announcements from “Balihe Tourism Area.” The glass plank road may close on rainy or snowy days~)