A Seriously Underrated Jiangnan Town! Yixing Off-the-Beaten-Track Travel Guide

Hey guys! I declare Yixing to be my ultimate off-the-beaten-track travel destination!

Su Dongpo once said, "I will buy land in Yixing when I grow old, as I have always loved its streams and mountains." Even the great poet wanted to live in seclusion here. This is my third time here, and I'm completely hooked!

Unlike the crowded Nanjing and Suzhou, Yixing offers bamboo forests, lush mountains, and tea fields, creating a magical atmosphere perfect for those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle.

📅 Itinerary
Day 1: Longbei Mountain Forest Park➡️Shushan Ancient South Street➡️Da Chao Shan Great Wall
Day 2: Yunhu Dajue Temple➡️Yixing Bamboo Forest➡️Yada Yangxian Eco-tourism Resort

📍 Longbei Mountain Forest Park
One of the largest urban forest parks in East China! The rows of fir trees are incredibly soothing, and every photo you take will be a masterpiece. Taking photos with the windmills, Ferris wheel, and Wenfeng Pagoda is super fun, and even just sitting on a roadside bench and daydreaming is incredibly relaxing!

📍 Shushan Ancient South Street
The birthplace of purple clay culture! The main distribution center for Yixing ceramics during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It's not overly commercialized, with locals still living here. Stroll around and soak in the historical charm.

📍 Da Chao Shan Great Wall
A hidden gem in Yixing for hiking and scenic views! Starting from Fuyuan Temple, the entire route is 3 km and takes about 2.5 hours to hike. To the east, you can see the vast expanse of Taihu Lake, and to the west, the continuous mountains. A must-visit for hiking enthusiasts!

📍 Yunhu Dajue Temple
Known as the "Little Potala Palace," its layered orange eaves are incredibly eye-catching! Be sure to visit the Yunhu Wetland Park opposite the temple for breathtaking views of the lake and mountains.

📍 Yixing Bamboo Forest
Yixing is a "sea of bamboo," with bamboo forests stretching across hundreds of thousands of acres in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui provinces. The 10,000 acres at the center are known as the "Best Bamboo Forest in East China," and it's truly awe-inspiring!

📍 Yada Yangxian Eco-tourism Resort
A neo-Chinese style ancient town with picturesque scenery, perfect for taking photos! Ascend the Dongpo Pavilion in the evening for breathtaking views during the blue hour. The observation deck also offers stunning views of Yunhu Lake.

💡 Travel Tips
1️⃣ The drive between attractions is about half an hour. Driving is recommended for convenience and flexibility.
2️⃣ If you have plenty of time, consider a 3-day, 2-night trip for a more relaxed experience.
3️⃣ Some scenic areas are quite large, so remember to bring some food and drinks! I brought sugar-free Zhizhi Oolong tea this time, which was amazing. Sipping tea in nature, the faint scent of gardenia was so relaxing. The packaging also doubled as a photo prop, adding to the ambiance. I'm definitely bringing it on all my future trips!

Guys, save this guide and experience the unique and healing scenery of Jiangnan in Yixing! 💕