Yaohu Town: magic in the Yixing mountains
Yaohu Town (瑶湖小镇) is a scenic cultural and natural park in the foothills of Yixing (Jiangsu Province), lovingly called “China’s wonderland” by locals for its surreal landscapes. The main attraction is the retro train “Cloud Express”, slowly crawling along a 6.2‑km track through bamboo thickets, tunnels, tea fields, and past mirror‑like lakes. The atmosphere here is reminiscent of the best works of Hayao Miyazaki.
During the day, you can stroll along cobbled streets, try your hand at pottery in a workshop using famous Yixing purple clay, and take a boat ride on the lake. At sunset, you’ll be treated to a spectacular water‑pyrotechnic show “Soaring Dragon” with lasers, pillars of fire, and hundreds of fireworks rising straight from the water.
Mood and landscapes of Yaohu Town
Detailed itinerary
- Departure from Shanghai (09:00) — meeting at Xinzhuang metro station, drive to Yixing (about 240 km, 2.5‑3 hours). Comfortable transfer by sedan or minivan.
- Arrival at Yaohu Town (~11:30) — short briefing, restroom stop, purchase of entrance tickets.
- Lunch (12:00–13:00) — introduction to local gastronomy: fish head soup (瑶湖鱼头汤) with black rice. Very rich and hearty!
- Retro train ride (13:30–14:30) — 50 minutes of leisurely travel along a scenic route. Must‑take photos against bamboo tunnels and tea plantations.
- Craft street and pottery workshop (14:30–16:30) — walk through ceramics shops, opportunity to create your own piece from Yixing purple clay (from 150 yuan, including firing and shipping).
- Boat ride on the lake (16:30–17:30) — relaxing cruise on the water, admiring pagodas and mountain ranges.
- Dinner (17:30–18:30) — free time for dinner at one of the authentic restaurants.
- Night show “Dragon Soaring Water Show” (18:50–20:00) — grand multimedia performance with fountains, laser graphics, pillars of fire, and fireworks.
- Return to Shanghai (20:00–22:30) — departure and arrival at Xinzhuang metro station around 22:30.
Trip timeline (approximate)
*Option to travel by high-speed train Shanghai–Yixing (1.5 h) + taxi (30 min) is also possible.
| Time | Tour stage | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00 | Departure from Xinzhuang metro station | Distance to Yixing — 240 km, 2.5 hours without traffic. |
| 11:30 | Arrival at Yaohu Town park | Restroom, purchase of combo tickets. |
| 12:00–13:00 | Lunch | We recommend ordering the signature fish head soup (瑶湖鱼头汤). |
| 13:30–14:30 | Cloud Express train | 50‑minute journey through bamboo forests, tunnels, and tea plantations. |
| 14:30–16:30 | Walk along Ancient Street + ceramics | Purple clay workshop (optional). |
| 16:30–17:30 | Boat ride | Leisurely water excursion on the lake, best sunset photos. |
| 17:30–18:30 | Dinner | Free time for dinner at local cafes. |
| 18:50–20:00 | Night show “Soaring Dragon” | Lasers, fire, fireworks — the main spectacle of the day. |
| 20:00 | Gathering and departure to Shanghai | Departure right after the show ends. |
| ~22:30 | Arrival in Shanghai | Drop‑off at Xinzhuang metro station. |
💡 Useful tips before the trip:
- Be sure to bring a camera or smartphone with a good camera — evening shots come out amazing.
- Even in summer, it can get cool by the lake after sunset, so bring a light jacket or sweater.
- If you plan to join the pottery workshop, choose clothes you don’t mind getting dirty with clay.
- Don’t forget your passport (to buy train tickets) and cash in yuan — some attractions may not accept cards.
Pricing options and conditions
Tour price
Train + taxi
EconomyThe guide meets you at Yixing train station, helps with tickets and taxi to the park. Travel to the station is on your own.
By car
ComfortFull guide accompaniment, transfer from Shanghai in a comfortable sedan.
Extra costs (per person, in yuan)
- Entrance ticket (pedestrian zone only)60¥ (~$8)
- Combo ticket “Train + Boat” (recommended)135¥ (~$19)
- Train only ticket50¥ (~$7)
- Boat ride (separate)60¥ (~$8)
- Ceramics workshop (with firing and shipping)from 150¥ (~$21)
- Lunch at local restaurant70¥ (~$10)
- Train ticket Shanghai–Yixing (round trip, 2nd class)~200¥ (~$28)
- Taxi Yixing–park (round trip, per group)~120¥ (~$17)
Total duration
Optional extras
Other places to visit in Yixing
Frequently asked questions
Important information
Prices shown are valid for 2026. To confirm a booking, a 100% prepayment is required (PayPal, bank card). Cancellation 48 hours or more before the tour — full refund; cancellation less than 48 hours before — 50% refund (train tickets and some entrance tickets are purchased in advance). The organizer reserves the right to adjust the program due to weather conditions or force majeure.
