Tianmuhu (天目湖) – Mountain Lake, Bamboo and Hot Springs
Tianmuhu (天目湖) – a scenic resort area about an hour's drive from Nanjing, known for its clear waters, bamboo forests and hot springs. The main treasures: the lake with boat trips, the giant Nanshan Bamboo Sea with pandas, and the elite Yushui Hot Spring located right in the bamboo forest. It is an ideal place to escape the metropolis.
In one day you can visit the lake (boat ride, islands) and relax in the hot spring. If you stay a second day – immerse yourself in the bamboo forest, take the cable car and see real pandas. The local cuisine is famous for fish head soup in a clay pot – be sure to try it!
Main attractions
What to expect in the one‑day tour
- Early departure from Shanghai – meeting at Hongqiao station, boarding a high‑speed train to Liyang (≈2.5–3 hours).
- Arrival in Liyang – transfer by taxi or car to the Tianmuhu scenic area (about 20 minutes).
- Visit Shanshuiyuan central park – walk along the promenade, boat trip to Dragon Island and Tea Island.
- Lunch at a lakefront restaurant – tasting the famous fish head soup (沙锅鱼头) and other local dishes.
- Relaxation at Yushui Hot Spring – 2–3 hours in outdoor thermal pools surrounded by bamboo.
- Return to Liyang – evening train to Shanghai, arrival around 23:00.
🌟 Want more? You can extend the tour to two days!
Second day: visit Nanshan Bamboo Sea (南山竹海) – cable car ride, see pandas, stroll through Jiming Village. Overnight at a hotel near the hot spring or by the bamboo forest.
Sample itinerary – 1 day
*Times may be adjusted depending on train schedules and weather.
| Time | Program stage | Details and transport |
|---|---|---|
| 06:30 | Meeting at Shanghai Hongqiao station | Meeting with the guide, boarding the train to Liyang. |
| 07:00–09:30 | Train to Liyang | High‑speed train, round‑trip tickets bought in advance (≈230¥ one way). Travel time about 2.5–3 hours. |
| 09:30–10:00 | Taxi to Tianmuhu | From Liyang station by taxi to the entrance of Shanshuiyuan park (about 20–30 minutes, ≈60–80¥). |
| 10:00–12:30 | Walk in Shanshuiyuan | Visit the promenade, boat ride (included in ticket), Dragon Island, Tea Island. |
💡 Important notes:
- Train tickets should be bought 2–3 days in advance, especially on weekends.
- Comfortable shoes – a lot of walking, especially if you plan to climb the islands.
- Swimwear for the hot spring.
- Opening hours: Shanshuiyuan park 8:00–17:00, hot spring 10:00–22:00.
2‑day programme (extended)
Day 1: Lake + hot spring
Same as the one‑day programme, but after the hot spring you stay overnight at a hotel near the source (e.g. Tianmu Lake Yushui Hot Spring Resort). In the evening you can continue enjoying the spa or walk around the area.
Day 2: Nanshan Bamboo Sea
- 09:00 Breakfast at the hotel, check‑out.
- 10:00–12:00 Visit Nanshan Park: walk in bamboo grove, cable car to Wuyue Peak.
- 12:00–13:30 Lunch in Jiming Village (local bamboo dishes).
- 13:30–15:00 Panda enclosures, bamboo museum.
- 15:00–15:30 Transfer to Liyang station.
- 16:00–18:30 Train to Shanghai, arrival in the evening.
Cost and conditions
Tour cost
1 day (train/taxi)
EconomyRussian‑speaking guide services, help with train ticket purchase, route planning, full‑day accompaniment. Transfer to the station and back on your own.
1 day (car)
ComfortGuide services + sedan rental (up to 3 people) for the whole day, transfer from Shanghai to Tianmuhu and back.
2 days (train)
ExtendedTwo‑day programme with guide: Day 1 – lake + hot spring, overnight at hotel; Day 2 – bamboo sea.
Estimated expenses per person (1 day)
- Train Shanghai–Liyang (round trip, 2nd class) ~460¥ (~65$)
- Taxi from station to lake and back ~120¥ (~17$)
- Entrance ticket to Shanshuiyuan (with boat) ~120¥ (~17$)
- Yushui Hot Spring ~218¥ (~31$)
- Lunch + dinner (local cuisine) ~150¥ (~21$)
- Total per person (1 day) ~1068¥ (~150$)
Extra expenses for 2 days (per person)
- Accommodation (4* hotel near the spring) from 600¥ (~85$)
- Nanshan Bamboo Sea (entrance + cable car) ~160¥ (~23$)
- Meals (2 lunches + dinner) ~300¥ (~43$)
- Extra total ~1060¥ (~150$)
Additional services
Frequently asked questions
Important information
The indicated prices are valid at the time of the offer for private individuals. The cost and availability of train tickets, hotels and guide services may change.
Booking of services is made only after receiving a prepayment. The exchange rate is calculated at the current rate.
If the booking is cancelled less than 7 days before the start of the event, the payment is not refundable.
In case of train cancellations due to weather conditions, we will offer alternative dates or refund the prepayment for guide services (transport tickets are refunded according to the carrier's rules).
