The most surprising city I've taken my kids to this year has appeared!

I've traveled to quite a few places with my kids this year, but the biggest surprise for both me and the children turned out to be Yixing, a "small city" in Jiangsu! Here, not only is there a rich purple clay culture, but also bamboo seas, caves, tea gardens, pottery experiences, and even forest parks and mountain hiking trails perfect for families. The best part is that there are few people, great value for money, and comfortable food, drink, and entertainment! Here's a 3-day, 2-night family travel guide—quickly save it!

【Why is Yixing suitable for taking kids?】

1. Outstanding natural scenery: Bamboo seas, caves, and tea gardens are like "natural playgrounds" for kids, where they can run freely and play wildly.
2. Unique cultural experiences: Making purple clay pottery by hand and visiting the ceramics museum engage both hands and minds, never boring.
3. Easy and not tiring: Attractions are concentrated and travel times are short, perfect for lazy parents (like me).
4. Foodie-friendly: Dried bamboo shoots, black rice, reservoir fish head... even picky kids can eat two bowls!

【Itinerary (3 days, 2 nights)】

Day 1: Bamboo Sea Oxygen Boost + Cave Adventure

· Morning: Arrive in Yixing and drive straight to Yixing Bamboo Sea Scenic Area (ticket 70 RMB/person, free for under 1.4m).
✅ Must-do: Take the cable car up the mountain (30 RMB one way per person) for a breathtaking view of the vast bamboo sea; hike down with babbling streams along the way where kids can play in the water and collect bamboo.
· Noon: Eat farmhouse dishes at the scenic area entrance, recommended dishes are dried bamboo shoots with pork and free-range chicken soup—so fresh it’ll make your eyebrows raise!
· Afternoon: Drive 10 minutes to Zhanggong Cave (ticket 110 RMB/person, includes rafting + underground river adventure).
✅ Must-do: Underground river adventure (boat through caves, kids scream with excitement), pottery making (included in ticket, you can take your creation home!).
· Accommodation: Recommended to stay at a homestay near the Bamboo Sea, such as Longyin Xishan or Zhuhai Renjia, both with yards where kids can run freely.

Day 2: Purple Clay Culture + Tea Garden Stroll

· Morning: Visit China Ceramics Museum (free, reservation required) to learn about purple clay history; there’s an interactive area where kids can mold clay.
· Noon: Head to Dingshu Town (the birthplace of purple clay), visit a purple clay factory or Qianshu Long Kiln (free); the streets are full of purple clay studios where you can try pottery making for about 50 RMB per person.
· Afternoon: Longbeishan Forest Park (free) has a huge lawn perfect for camping and kite flying, or go to Longchi Mountain Bicycle Park (rent bikes and ride through beautiful tea garden scenery).
· Dinner: Must-try Yixing black rice (eat with sugar, kids love it) and reservoir fish head soup.

Day 3: Mountain Hiking or Park Wrap-up

· Option 1 (Nature lovers): Yixing National Forest Park (ticket 60 RMB), with gentle hiking trails along streams and wooden walkways, suitable for younger kids.
· Option 2 (Fun seekers): Taozu Holy Land (ticket 100 RMB, includes Muli Cave + glass rafting), the glass rafting keeps you dry, kids played three times!
· Noon: After eating salted pork stewed with bamboo shoots, pack a bunch of dried bamboo shoots to take home, then happily head back!

【Family Tips】

1. Transportation: Yixing’s attractions are spread out, so self-driving or renting a car is recommended (high-speed rail to Yixing Station, car rental is convenient).
2. Clothing: Bamboo Sea and caves are cool, but there are many mosquitoes outdoors, so dress kids in long pants and use mosquito repellent!
3. Avoid peak times: Weekends are busier, so weekdays are better for a doubled experience.
4. Budget: About 500-800 RMB per person (excluding transportation), excellent value for money.