Su Dongpo City didn't lie! Yixing is truly a hidden gem

👍Top recommendations:
❶Dongpo Academy📖
Navigate to "Dongpo Academy" - there's a free parking lot 🅿️ across the street
No reservation needed. Inside displays Su Dongpo's historical stories. It was originally Dongpo's thatched cottage, later renovated into the current academy
❷Shushan Ancient South Street🫖
Right next to Dongpo Academy, walkable in 30 minutes. The whole street features purple clay shops. Try DIY pottery or enjoy local dishes like vegetable rice and wontons while listening to Pingtan performances - perfect for family outings
❸Tao No.2 Factory🧱
Nearby (recommend driving). Free 🅿️. This art district transformed from a purple clay factory has photogenic exteriors and houses an art gallery (60💰/person). The back market area is under renovation but has a large "Cat's Sky" bookstore
❹Jiangsu Yixing Fine Ceramics Co., Ltd.
A factory with retail on 2nd floor. Mostly ordinary designs at average prices. Owner has a "take it or leave it" attitude - not ideal for young shoppers
❺Aunt Maggie's Boutique Home Store🥣
Smaller than the ceramics factory but way more stylish! Unique items across various styles at reasonable prices. Worth visiting both as they're close
❻Lüyuan Chuanchuanxiang🍢
30-year-old restaurant lives up to its reputation! Delicious skewers - we ordered way too much. Highly recommended~
❼Longbeishan Forest Park⛲️
Free! Huge park perfect for photography when sunny. Rent e-scooters (50💰/single, 100💰/double per hour) but walking is better for photos. Immerse in nature!
❽Dachao Mountain Mini Great Wall🛤️
Requires driving up steep mountain roads (scary but doable). Hike halfway if preferred. Features Fuyuan Temple for prayers before the wall hike. We turned back before sunset
🏨Accommodation: Hampton by Hilton (downtown)
Clean, affordable, adjacent to shopping mall - great value overall!