This summer, embark on a self-drive adventure to Yixing, Jiangsu!!!

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📅 Day 1: First Glimpse of the Pottery Capital · Ancient Streets & Light Shows
- Morning: Arrive in Yixing and head straight to Shushan Ancient South Street (free). Stroll through the Ming and Qing Dynasty purple clay workshop street, try pottery-making or watch artisans craft teapots (Gu Jingzhou’s former residence is highly recommended).
- Lunch: Try "Zhou Zhen Wontons" (¥15/small bowl) at Yada Town or "Lequn Restaurant" for black sticky rice.
- Afternoon: Drive to Longshan Village (30 mins from downtown) for kids to play in the creek (bring non-slip shoes and water guns).
- Evening: Stay at a Longshan Village homestay (~¥300/night, family rooms available).
- Night: Enjoy the light show at Yaohu Town (starts at 19:00), featuring dragon-shaped water displays and fireworks, then explore the Mingling Street night market.

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📅 Day 2: Bamboo Sea Exploration · Karst Cave Wonders
- Morning: Visit Yixing Bamboo Sea (book tickets in advance for ¥70). Take the cable car to Yunu Peak for a panoramic bamboo forest view, snap photos at Mirror Lake, and try bamboo rice or bamboo fungus chicken soup.
- Lunch: Dine at a Bamboo Sea farmhouse—must-try dishes include braised pork with dried bamboo shoots and free-range chicken.
- Afternoon: Explore Zhanggong Cave (combo ticket ¥98 includes rafting). Try underground river kayaking or bamboo forest rafting (kid-friendly) and DIY pottery at the ceramic workshop.
- Night: Stay at Yaohu Grand Hotel (lake-view rooms ~¥500/night) or return to Bamboo Sea Homestay before departure.

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📅 Day 3: Cultural Delights · Tea & Pottery Fusion
- Morning: Deep dive into Yaohu Town: Ride the "Cloud Train" (¥30) through bamboo forests, visit the Purple Clay Hall and Dragon Kiln, and take photos on the lakeside boardwalk.
- Experience: For kids, check out the Bamboo Rat Hot Wave Park (indoor water activities).
- Lunch: Savor Yaohu’s "Three Treasures" (purple clay cake, bamboo shoot soup, honey-glazed pork trotters) at Wuse Yibang Restaurant.
- Afternoon: Pick tea leaves at Yangxian Tea Plantation (spring season) or visit the China Ceramics Museum (¥5 entry), and buy a purple clay teapot as a souvenir.
- Before departure: Stock up on Xushe crispy candy and Heqiao dried tofu.

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⚠️ Key Tips:
1. Ticket discounts: Book Zhanggong Cave/Bamboo Sea tickets online 1 day in advance to save ¥10–20.
2. Packing list: Mosquito repellent (essential for bamboo forests), quick-dry clothes (for rafting), and creek play gear for kids.
3. Off-peak advice: Cave rafting gets crowded on weekends—try weekdays.
4. Driving tips: All attractions are ≤30 mins apart; parking fees are ¥10–20/day.

💎 Highlights: Nature + culture combo! Family-friendly creek play, cave rafting, purple clay crafting, and bamboo forest hikes—all with <1.5 hours of daily driving for a relaxed trip!