1h direct from Wuxi to Yixing's most beautiful creek tracing spot
Yixing: Mountain, Water, and Pottery City, a Hidden Gem of Jiangnan
Yixing, nestled on the western shore of Taihu Lake, boasts beautiful landscapes and is the birthplace of Zisha (purple clay) culture. It is also the "ecological green lung" of the Yangtze River Delta. Here, bamboo forests stretch like seas, karst caves are extraordinary, and the charm of pottery lingers long. It also hides the mouthwatering flavors of Jiangnan, making it an ideal retreat from the hustle and bustle.
🌿 Natural Wonders, Oxygen Bar Strolls
- Bamboo Sea Listening to the Waves: Walk through the "East China's Largest Bamboo Sea" (Bamboo Sea Scenic Area), climb high to overlook the vast waves of green, take the cable car weaving through the forest, and feel the healing power of deep oxygen breathing.
- Explore the Underground Palace: Shanjuan Cave is famous for its diverse stalactites; take a boat through the underground river, like a fairyland; Linggu Cave preserves the original karst cave features, mysterious and deep.
- Lake and Mountain Reflections: Yangxian Lake is as clear as a mirror, Longbei Mountain Forest Park is shaded by dense greenery, perfect for cycling or walking to enjoy the lake and mountain scenery.
🏺 Pottery City Elegance, Craftsmanship Heritage
- Zisha Pilgrimage: Visit Zisha studios in Dingshu Town and experience the joy of pottery making firsthand; along the bluestone-paved Ancient South Street of Shushan, old workshops hide the masters' craftsmanship.
- Ceramic Exhibition: The China Yixing Ceramic Museum displays precious pieces from various eras, from ancient pottery to modern Zisha, witnessing the millennium-old skills of the "Pottery City."
- Trendy Cultural Tourism: Kiln Lake Town blends bamboo tea ecology with vacationing, with a small train running through the countryside; Pottery Factory No. 2, designed by Kengo Kuma, has become a new art landmark.
🍲 Nostalgic Flavors, Seasonal Delicacies
- Freshness from Mountains and Fields: In spring, try the must-have Yan Du Xian stew, with winter bamboo shoots and salted meat simmered into a milky rich soup; dry-baked lily bulbs are soft and sweet; spring water chicken brings out original rustic flavors.
- Local Street Food: Black rice is fragrant and refreshing, Zhou Zhen wontons have thin skins and fresh fillings, oil-braised bamboo shoots are crispy, tender, salty, and aromatic, embodying authentic Jiangnan street food vibes.
🚗 Convenient Travel, Stay in a Painting
- Travel Guide: High-speed rail directly to Yixing Station; attractions are scattered, so self-driving or chartering is recommended; city buses reach major venues.
- Accommodation Choices: By the Bamboo Sea, choose Suiyuan Valley Hotel (with hot springs for dreamy rest); Longshan Village homestays offer mountain tranquility; Rongda Hotel in the city center is convenient for business trips.
The beauty of Yixing lies in the quiet rustling of bamboo forests, the warm craftsmanship of pottery clay, and the hometown feelings in a bowl of warm soup. A 2-3 day stay is enough to be enchanted by this flowing Jiangnan poetic painting.