Liyang Travel Guide: An Immersive Experience of Landscapes, Culture, and Cuisine

Liyang, nestled in southern Jiangsu along the western shores of Lake Tai, is celebrated as the “Pearl of Jiangnan.” Here, mountains and waters embrace each other—the azure waves of Tianmu Lake ripple gently, while the bamboo forests of Nanshan shimmer with verdant hues. Highway 1 weaves through these picturesque landscapes. Renowned for culinary delights like Tianmu Lake Claypot Fish Head and Black Rice Porridge, Liyang stands as an eco-friendly, livable city where nature and culture harmoniously converge.

I. Must-Visit Attractions

1、Tianmu Lake Scenic Area

• Features: Blends lake vistas with cultural landmarks, featuring three core zones: Longxing Island, Tea Island, and Hulishan.
• Activities:
• Longxing Island: Accessible only by boat, ideal for hiking (approx. 2 hours). Highlights include the White Pagoda and Butterfly Valley, with panoramic lake views from the summit.
• Tea Island: Tea culture-themed area featuring tea garden strolls and the White Tea Pavilion, perfect for leisurely exploration (approx. 1 hour).
• Admission:
• Main entrance ticket: ¥90; Boat ticket: ¥90. Recommended combo ticket: ¥180 (includes both).
• Tips:Avoid weekend crowds. Best boat ride lighting at dawn or dusk. After exiting, turn right to “Millennium Fish King” restaurant for authentic claypot fish head at ¥50 per person.

2、Nanshan Bamboo Sea

• Features: Surrounded by acres of verdant bamboo, offering fresh air—perfect for families and nature enthusiasts.
• Activities:
• Mini Train: 50 RMB one-way. Recommended to ride to Longevity Star Square to conserve energy.
• Wu-Yue Ancient Trail: Downhill walking route through deep bamboo groves—great for photography.
• Hidden Experiences: Feed peacocks at Longevity Star Square (5 RMB/bag), DIY bamboo slips at the Bamboo Culture Museum (30 RMB).
• Admission: ¥80; additional fees apply for train, cable car, etc.
• Tip: Enter before 7 AM and head straight to the Panda Pavilion to avoid peak crowds.

3、Liyang Museum

• Features: Designed like a suspended ancient zither, its exhibits trace “5,500 Years of Liyang Civilization” with bronze artifacts, tea sets, and more.
• Highlights: The spiral staircase and top-floor observation deck offer great photo spots. The museum’s crown jewels are a Western Zhou Dynasty bronze vessel and Tang Dynasty tea sets.
• Admission: Free. Hours: 9:00-17:00 (closed Mondays).
• Transportation: Drive to “Liyang Museum” (free parking). Take Bus 9 or 22 to “Yanhu Park” stop, then walk 5 minutes.

4、Pingqiao Stone Dam

• Features: East China’s largest stone arch dam. Spectacular waterfall during high-flow season (July-September). Ideal for stream fishing.
• Activities: Catch grouper with nets. Navigate to “Pingqiao Stone Dam Scenic Area Parking Lot” to avoid detours.
• Admission: Free. Parking fee: ¥15.
• Tip: Limited dining nearby; bring snacks.

5、Highway No. 1

• Features: Rainbow-hued road traversing the city with three must-stop spots:
• Heart of the Goddess: Heart-shaped lake with white piano—romantic photo spot.
• Miluo Bay Station: Hobbit-style cottages perfect for family photos.
• Sky Road Viewing Platform: Prime spot for sunrise and sea of clouds photography.
• Tip: Best experienced by car or bike for picturesque scenery along the route.

II. Recommended Local Cuisine

1、Tianmu Lake Claypot Fish Head

• Status: Jiangsu’s Top Ten Classic Dishes, featuring wild silver carp from Tianmu Lake. Creamy broth with fresh, non-fishy flavor.
• Recommended Restaurant: Turn right after exiting Shanshui Garden to “Millennium Fish King,” ¥50 per person; exercise caution when selecting restaurants within the scenic area as prices tend to be higher.

2、Liyang Zha Gan

• Specialty: Pork intestines stuffed with fried tofu, pork, dried bamboo shoots, and pork liver, braised in a rich, dark sauce. One of Liyang’s Three Treasures.
• Recommended Restaurants: Farmhouse eateries around Shezhu Town and Pingqiao.

3、Black Glutinous Rice

• Specialty: A traditional delicacy for the eighth day of the fourth lunar month. Glutinous rice soaked in black rice grass juice and steamed, resulting in a sweet, soft, and sticky texture.
• Recommended Restaurants: Tianmu Lake Shizhao (rural restaurant), Jiashun Farm Restaurant.

4、Other Must-Tries: Liyang Wind-Dried Goose (pickled goose meat), Stir-Fried White Celery (one of Jiangsu’s 100 Landmark Local Dishes), Shanghuang Sheep Cake (Intangible Cultural Heritage).

III. Accommodation Recommendations

1、Luxury Resort Style

• Tianmu Lake Hantian Resort: Lakeside villas and hot spring pools, ideal for family vacations.
• Liyang WEI Tianmu Lake Hotel: Designer hotel with butler service, near Tianmu Lake Royal Hot Springs.

2、Value-for-Money Options

• Svidden Boutique Resort Apartments: Flagship Tianmu Lake location, hotel-style apartments ideal for groups.
• Liyang Jingbo Lakeview Resort Hotel: Lakeside retreat, top choice for romantic couples.

3、Homestay Experience

• Wangjia Village Homestay: White-walled, black-tiled cottages with farm interactions, perfect for family leisure.

IV. Transportation Guide

1、External Access

• High-Speed Rail: Arrive at Liyang Station. Take the tourist shuttle to Tianmu Lake (¥10/person) or Nanshan Bamboo Sea (¥20/person).
• Self-Drive: Approx. 1.5 hours from Nanjing, 3 hours from Shanghai. Ample parking at attractions.

2、Internal Transportation

• Scenic Shuttle: Direct service from Liyang Station to major attractions for convenience.
• Rentals/Biking: Highway 1 and Wawu Mountain recommended for self-drive or cycling; other sites accessible by bus.

V. Itinerary Recommendations

• Two-Day Tour:
• Day 1: Liyang Museum → Cycling along Daxi Reservoir → Fangsuo Cultural Village → Homestay in Wangjia Village.
• Day 2: Tianmu Lake Landscape Garden (Longxing Island + Tea Island) → Nanshan Bamboo Sea (Mini Train + Wu-Yue Ancient Trail).

• Three-Day Itinerary: Add Wawushan Hiking or Caoshan Future City Family Fruit Picking for deeper immersion in nature and culture.

VI. Pitfall Avoidance Guide

1. Scenic Area Costs: Dining within Tianmu Lake Scenic Area is pricey; bring snacks or eat outside the park.
2. Seasonal Notes: Pingqiao Stone Dam Waterfall is most spectacular during high-water periods; winter flows are minimal.
3. Reservation Reminder: North Shore Grassland Camping at Daxi Reservoir requires advance booking to avoid disappointment.