One-Hour Direct Access from Jia-Zhe-Hu: Six "Lie-Flat" Kid-Friendly Destinations
One-Hour Direct Access from Jia-Zhe-Hu: Six "Lie-Flat" Kid-Friendly Destinations
1. Hangzhou, Zhejiang - Xianghu Tourist Resort
· Keywords: West Lake's "sister lake," fewer crowds and beautiful scenery, large lawn for camping
· How to "lie flat": Xianghu is more expansive than West Lake and has far fewer visitors. Find a lakeside lawn, spread out a picnic mat, set up a small tent, and you can lie back and enjoy the lake and mountain views. There's a long boardwalk along the lake, perfect for a leisurely family bike ride.
· How to "entertain the kids":
· Beach Area: Xianghu has a Golden Sand Beach where kids can dig in the sand and play in the water, easily spending most of the day there.
· Boat Ride: Take a boat tour of the lake to enjoy the scenery from different angles; kids love it, and it's effortless for adults.
· Ceramic Museum: The Zhejiang Provincial Ceramic Museum is nearby, offering a chance for some art enlightenment.
· Transportation: After arriving at Hangzhou East Railway Station by high-speed rail, take Metro Line 1 and transfer to Line 5. It's very convenient. From Hangzhou city center, you'll definitely arrive within 1 hour.
2. Suzhou, Jiangsu - Yangcheng Lake Peninsula Tourist Resort
· Keywords: Lakeside cycling, children's playground, crab-tasting paradise (if the season is right)
· How to "lie flat": Rent a four-person sightseeing bike and leisurely cycle around the lake, enjoying the comfortable lake breeze. Or find a lakeside cafe or farmhouse restaurant, sit outdoors, and simply relax while watching the sunset.
· How to "entertain the kids":
· Huayi Brothers Movie World: A large theme park with various movie IPs and amusement rides that will let kids burn off all their energy.
· Yingka Cafe: Features a large lawn and unbeatable lake views, with tents and children's play facilities on the lawn, so kids can play while you enjoy your coffee.
· Cycling Path: A professional lakeside cycling path that is safe and beautiful, offering endless fun for cycling with kids.
· Transportation: After arriving at Suzhou Station/Suzhou North Station by high-speed rail, it's convenient to take a taxi or bus. Driving from Shanghai city center takes about 1 hour.
3. Huzhou, Zhejiang - Changxing Taihu Dragon Dream Park
· Keywords: Super large complex, one-stop solution, direct hotel access
· How to "lie flat": This is one of the ultimate choices for "lie-flat parenting." Choose a hotel package that includes admission tickets (such as Diamond Hotel, Animal World Hotel), and the park is just downstairs. When you're tired, you can return to your room to rest anytime, truly achieving "rest whenever you want, go whenever you want."
· How to "entertain the kids":
· Animal World: Divided into drive-through and walk-through areas, where you can feed various animals up close; kids absolutely love it.
· Water Park (Summer): A large water park; playing in the water is always a child's favorite.
· Taihu Ancient Town: Watch the water dance show and fireworks show at night for a full immersive experience.
· Transportation: Take high-speed rail to "Changxing Station" or "Huzhou Station." From there, direct buses or taxis take about 20-30 minutes. Driving from Shanghai, Suzhou, or Hangzhou generally takes around 1.5 hours, but due to its size and convenience, it is still highly recommended.
4. Shanghai Local - Chenshan Botanical Garden
· Keywords: Shanghai's backyard garden, hillside lawns, Quarry Garden
· How to "lie flat": The biggest advantage of Chenshan Botanical Garden is its vast space and relatively sparse crowds. Find a hillside lawn (such as near the North American Plant Area), lie down and sunbathe, with blue skies, white clouds, and green fields before your eyes – incredibly therapeutic. It's definitely an "urban paradise."
· How to "entertain the kids":
· Climb Chenshan: A small, not-too-high mountain; reaching the summit offers a great sense of accomplishment and panoramic views of the botanical garden.
· Quarry Garden: Uniquely designed, you can see waterfalls flowing into deep pools.
· Succulent Plant House: Features giant cacti, making it feel like stepping into a desert world.
· Running on the large lawns: Any lawn is big enough for kids to run around for half a day.
· Transportation: From Shanghai city, take Metro Line 9 to "Dongjing Station" then a taxi, or drive. For Shanghai residents, it's the best choice within a 1-hour travel radius.
5. Jiaxing, Zhejiang - Jiashan Yunlanwan Hot Spring Town
· Keywords: Four Seasons Constant Temperature Water Park, Twin Lotus Hot Spring, Sweet Town
· How to "lie flat": The core is soaking in hot springs! This isn't a traditional Japanese hot spring but a resort integrating a water park, hot springs, and leisure. Adults can completely relax in various functional pools (red wine pool, milk pool, etc.), while "tossing" the kids into the adjacent water park.
· How to "entertain the kids":
· Four Seasons Constant Temperature Water Park: An indoor park, unaffected by weather, open year-round. It has shallow pools and slides suitable for toddlers.
· Outdoor Hot Spring Area: Many hot spring pools are also designed with childlike fun, perfect for playing in the water together.
· Town Charm: Stroll around, eat, take photos; the pace is very slow and relaxed.
· Transportation: Take high-speed rail to "Jiashan South Station." From there, a taxi takes about 10 minutes. From Shanghai Hongqiao, the high-speed rail takes only 20 minutes, making it absolutely central to the 1-hour travel radius.
6. Changzhou, Jiangsu - Jintan Maoshan Tourist Resort (Oriental Salt Lake City)
· Keywords: Taoist culture town, immersive night tour, serene mountains and waters
· How to "lie flat": This is an ancient town built in the mountains, with fresh air. Staying at a hotel within the scenic area (such as Chong'er Inn, Shanyin Xunsu) saves you from travel fatigue. During the day, wander freely through the ancient town, and in the evening, watch a stunning performance; the pace naturally slows down.
· How to "entertain the kids":
· Jianghu Feast: Enjoy a martial arts-themed meal while watching a highly interactive performance; kids will find it very entertaining.
· Immersive Performance: "Xiaoyao You" is a stunning landscape light and shadow show.
· Cultural Experience: Salt Museum, Paper-cutting Museum, etc., offer hands-on experiences that are both educational and entertaining.
· Water Activities: There are small streams and bamboo raft activities, which are relaxing and enjoyable.
· Transportation: Take high-speed rail to "Lishui Station" or "Jurong West Station," then take a taxi (about 30 minutes). It's very close from Nanjing. Driving from Shanghai/Hangzhou takes about 2.5 hours, but due to its unique "lie-flat" atmosphere and considering the broader Changzhou area, it is still recommended as an alternative. If you're strictly aiming for a 1-hour travel time, prioritize the first 5 options.
---
Travel Tips:
1. Prioritize High-Speed Rail: The high-speed rail network in Jia-Zhe-Hu is extremely developed. High-speed rail + taxi is often more relaxing than driving, saving you from parking hassles and driving fatigue.
2. Book in Advance: Especially during holidays, make sure to book hotels and tickets for popular destinations in advance; packages are often more cost-effective.
3. Pack All Your Gear: Picnic mats, tents, bubble machines, kites, sand-digging tools, and a change of clothes are all essential "lie-flat parenting" tools.
4. Relax Your Mindset: The core is "companionship" rather than "rushing the itinerary." Stay longer in one place for a deeper experience to truly achieve "adults relax, kids entertain themselves."
We wish you and your family a relaxing and enjoyable holiday amidst these beautiful sights!