Step out of the exam hall and hit the road! 4 underrated, uncrowded, and budget-friendly "healing" cities
by Emily.Robinson*72
Jun 19, 2025
1. Hidden Dragon Valley·Junlan Resort • Located in Yangxian Ecological Tourism Zone, adjacent to Longbei Mountain Forest Park and Bamboo Sea, blending French Baroque style with Eastern landscape aesthetics. Offers in-room hot springs, infinity pool, and premium facilities, ideal for family trips and business conferences. 
• Features a 20,000㎡ "Joyland" with indoor/outdoor play equipment, go-kart track, and cliff light show, plus tea garden experiences and pottery workshops.
2. Yunhu Lake • Free-access national reservoir with 98% green coverage and crystal-clear water. Small islands and tea fields create picturesque views, perfect for spring outings and photography - a rare Jiangnan "Shangri-La".
3. Bamboo Sea • Famous for endless emerald bamboo forests and unique tri-province border location. Home to Southern Jiangsu's highest peak (614m), great for hiking and nature therapy.
II. Cultural Heritage & Leisure 
1. Yixing Yaohu Town • Themed resort town showcasing mountain, water, pottery, bamboo, and tea culture. Features sightseeing trains, boat tours, dragon kiln performances, and night fireworks, ideal for families.
• Includes purple clay workshops and tea cafes for pottery-making and seasonal cooking activities.
2. Shushan Ancient South Street • Historic alley blending old and new, preserving Su Dongpo's retirement home traces. Purple clay studios and cafes offer relaxation, with affordable nearby homestays.
3. Original Dajue Temple Site • Free-entry mountain temple where Master Xingyun ordained. Grand architecture perfect for meditation.
III. Seasonal Highlights 
1. Jade Maiden Villa • 40-yuan ticket for Three Kingdoms filming location with thatched cottage ruins, surrounded by unique rock formations - great for history buffs.
2. Qiuzhu Mountain • Free Linghan Giant Buddha supporting project with poetic lakescapes, ideal for photography and strolls.
IV. Itinerary Tips 
1. 2-Day Route • Day1: Qiuzhu Mtn (AM) → Shushan Street (PM) → Purple Clay Museum (eve) → Dongpo Academy (night)
• Day2: Jade Maiden Villa (AM) → Bamboo Sea (PM) → Dajue Temple (eve)
2. Family Picks • Hidden Dragon Valley's Joyland and Yaohu Town's kiln shows/fireworks for interactive fun.
Notes: 
1. Some attractions (e.g. Bamboo Sea) have high tickets - budget accordingly.
2. Reserve time for Yaohu Town's night fireworks and performances.
Yixing blends nature, culture, and leisure - customize your Jiangnan water town experience!
Post by EASTON VEGA | Jul 4, 2025















