2. Escape the City Plan: Yixing, This Mountain Town Truly Understands Vacationing

Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai Summer Highlight! A Complete 2-Day, 1-Night Family Summer Escape Guide to Yixing Yaohu Town

Looking for a vacation spot that meets the whole family’s needs during the scorching summer? Hidden deep in the mountains of Yixing, Yaohu Town is definitely worthy of legendary status! This place is not only a one-stop water paradise but also offers intangible cultural heritage performances, forest-style scenery, and exciting activities. Taking your parents here will earn you rave reviews, making it the most surprising hidden gem vacation spot of the year!

Key Highlights at a Glance

- Water fun for all ages: Indoor and outdoor water worlds, Fish Scale Dam shallows, and gem-like Blue Crystal Creek provide summer coolness and perfect photo opportunities.
- Double delight day and night: Visit Monet Garden-like scenery by day and enjoy thrilling water sports; at night, watch the Dragon Water Show fireworks and the millennium kiln fire performance for a fully immersive atmosphere.
- Highly adaptable experiences: Vintage mini train, intangible cultural heritage, camping paddleboarding, and more cater to families, elders, couples, and different groups. Staying inside the scenic area allows multiple convenient entries and exits.

Practical Travel Guide

Basic Information

- Address: Yaohu Town, Yixing City, Jiangsu Province
- Transportation:
- By car: 1.5 hours direct drive from Hangzhou, navigate to “Yaohu Town.” Parking is available on-site (fees subject to on-site notice).
- Public transport: Take high-speed rail to Yixing Station, then taxi about 20 km (around 30 minutes) to the town. Shuttle services from the station may also be available.
- Accommodation tip: Prioritize hotels inside the town to enjoy multiple entries and exits to the scenic area, avoiding back-and-forth travel and fully immersing in the vacation vibe.

Two-Day, One-Night Immersive Itinerary

Day 1: Cool Water Fun + Nighttime Festivities

1. Arrival and check-in: After hotel check-in, rest briefly and change into light clothing to start vacation mode.
2. Yaohu Four Seasons Water World: The core water play area offers a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. Adults can challenge the high-altitude slides, kids can play in the shallow family water zone, and interactive performances run all day to keep the joyful atmosphere alive, unlocking the secret to summer coolness.
3. Hidden water play spots: Take the hotel shuttle to Fish Scale Dam, Freedom Valley, and Blue Crystal Creek. Try paddleboarding and camping in Freedom Valley or soak your feet by the creek to cool off; enjoy the soothing flow of water at Fish Scale Dam; and check in at the “Yixing Blue Danube” — Blue Crystal Creek, where the dreamy blue water makes every photo a masterpiece.
4. Night tour feast: After dark, first watch the “Millennium Kiln Fire Ode to Glory” dragon kiln performance, where dancers’ movements intertwine with the ancient kiln fire, experiencing the profound heritage of purple clay culture; then board the water show fireworks special train to encounter Dubai-style Dragon Water Show fireworks, where fireworks and water show collide in ultimate romance.

Day 2: Cultural Scenery + Dynamic Experiences

1. Forest-style cultural check-in: Take a morning stroll along Long Kiln Street to feel the rustic street life; catch the unique bamboo rafting performance, watching performers glide lightly on the water, showcasing traditional skills; enjoy the lakeside scenery from the boardwalk; step into a blooming paradise, wandering through flower seas and fairy mist in the “canyon,” encountering a real-life Monet Garden.
2. Cloud Mini Train Journey: Ride the vintage carriage mini train, weaving between elevated tracks and lush bamboo forests. The picturesque scenery is perfect for retro-style photos, offering a deeply healing experience.
3. Exciting water sports: Experience speed and thrill with flyboarding, jet skiing, and the “water Rolls-Royce” on the open lake, releasing energy and creating unforgettable memories.
4. Return and rest: Pack up and end the trip with a heart full of wonderful memories, looking forward to the next reunion.