Yixing, the Pottery Capital: A Leisurely Journey Woven with Mountains, Rivers, and Culture

Escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and find a tranquil corner in Yixing, a charming little city that is an excellent choice. With a longing for the landscapes of Southern China and its profound pottery culture, I embarked on this unforgettable trip to Yixing. First Stop: Encountering Pottery Culture in Yixing On my first morning in Yixing, the sun gently shone on the land. I first went to the Yixing Ceramics Museum, which is like a treasure trove of pottery culture. It is open to tourists for free. The museum displays a wide variety of ceramic treasures, from simple pottery to exquisite Zisha teapots. Each piece embodies the craftsmen's hard work and wisdom, making people marvel at Yixing's profound heritage as the "Pottery Capital." In the afternoon, I strolled along the ancient Shushan South Street, feeling as if I had traveled back in time. The ancient street is open for free and retains the traditional features of a Jiangnan water town, with its quaint and antique charm. The street is lined with homes that make Zisha teapots, including the former residence of Gu Jingzhou. Walking into the small shops and watching the craftsmen focus on making Zisha teapots, I couldn't help but experience the fun of pottery making myself. For CNY 30, you can start this wonderful fingertip journey and feel the joy of the clay gradually taking shape in your hands. The Beauty of Nature Lies in the Landscape The next day, I headed to Yixing Bamboo Sea. Stepping into the scenic area, my eyes were filled with rolling green bamboo forests. The entrance ticket is CNY 80, and a one-way cable car ride costs CNY 30, which can easily take you to the "First Peak of Southern Jiangsu" to overlook the magnificent scenery. The water of Mirror Lake is crystal clear, complementing the Emerald Corridor. Every shot is a stunning masterpiece. Strolling through it, the breeze blows, and the bamboo leaves rustle, bringing a refreshing coolness. It is indeed a summer resort. Leaving the Bamboo Sea, I went to Longbeishan Forest Park. The park is open for free. I was immediately attracted by the huge lawn as soon as I entered. Children were laughing and playing on the grass. I took the forest train (CNY 10) and shuttled through the forest, enjoying the surrounding scenery. It was very pleasant. Climbing the Wenfeng Pagoda, I had a panoramic view of the entire city of Yixing. The distant mountains and the city's atmosphere blend together to form a unique painting. Zen and Food Add Color to the Journey On the third day, I came to Dajue Temple. This temple, rebuilt by Master Hsing Yun, is open for free. The temple has magnificent buildings and a quiet environment. It is a good place for meditation and spiritual purification. I tasted a bowl of vegetarian noodles for CNY 15 in the temple. The taste was delicious and unforgettable. The Yunhu Scenic Area outside the temple is also free. The lake is clear, and the surrounding mountains are rolling. In the evening, the sunset reflects on the lake, sparkling and beautiful. Yixing's cuisine also left a deep impression on me. Black rice emits a unique fragrance and is said to have the effect of clearing heat and reducing fire. Salted pork stewed with bamboo shoots, marinated salted pork stewed with local fresh bamboo shoots, the soup is rich and delicious. There is also Yixing Toutai, also known as Reunion Dish, which contains quail eggs, meatballs, pork skin, etc. The whole pot is very rich. Usually during major festivals, this dish will appear on the table of every household. Most of Yixing's attractions are a certain distance from the city center, but the roads are wide and there is little traffic, making it very suitable for self-driving. If you don't want to drive, you can also choose to take the tourist line "Tour 1 Road", which can take you directly to the Bamboo Sea, Zhanggong Cave and other attractions for CNY 5. When traveling in the city, renting an electric car is also a good choice. It costs CNY 30 a day, making travel free and convenient. In terms of accommodation, if you want to save money, you can choose an economy hotel near Yixing Station, which costs CNY 100–150 per night. If you want a special experience, the homestay in Hufu Town is a good choice. It costs CNY 150 per person including breakfast, and you can also experience the rural scenery up close. However, you must book in advance during the peak season, and the price will increase by 50% on weekends. Yixing, a small city that combines mountain scenery, human history, and food culture, is like a pearl left behind, exuding a unique charm. This trip not only allowed me to appreciate the beautiful scenery, but also made me feel the city's profound cultural heritage. It was truly an unforgettable spiritual journey.