A Glimpse of the Eight Courtyards, Boundless Leisure: A Taoist Journey to Oriental Salt Lake City

Oriental Salt Lake City is located at the foot of Maoshan Mountain in Jintan District, Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province. It is a comprehensive scenic spot centered on Taoist culture, integrating natural landscapes, intangible cultural heritage experiences, national trend performances, and immersive vacations. Here, you can find both the tranquility of an ancient mountain town and the creativity of modern cultural tourism, making it suitable for family outings, romantic getaways, or in-depth experiences for culture enthusiasts. I. Overview of the Scenic Area Theme Features: Revolving around the six major resources of Maoshan Mountain—"mountain, water, salt, tea, medicine, and spring"—it incorporates Bagua culture to create the "One Temple and Eight Courtyards," including interactive experience areas such as Qiantian Dome (dome theater), Kundi Valley (underground river rafting), and Lihuo Hall (magic theater). Core Highlights: National style performances, intangible cultural heritage experiences, Hanfu costume changes, night light shows, and hot spring health retreats. Recommended Duration: 1–2 days. It is recommended to stay within the scenic area to fully experience the night tours and morning activities. II. Tickets and Opening Hours Day ticket: CNY 150 (9:30–22:00). Night ticket: CNY 70 (entry after 16:00). Discount Packages: Early bird tickets for the summer at CNY 69, ticket + "Jianghu Feast" meal show at CNY 158, accommodation + ticket package from CNY 499 (follow the official scenic area channels for the latest information). Opening Hours: 9:30–22:00. The times for some venues and performances may be adjusted. It is recommended to check the scenic area's official account in advance. III. Must-See Attractions and Experiences 1. Immersive National Style Performances "Jianghu Feast": A martial arts-themed meal show where visitors can transform into "sect disciples" and participate in interactive activities, paired with Jintan's special cuisine (reservations required). "Xiaoyao Tour": A nighttime real-scene landscape light show that interprets Taoist culture, a must-see finale. "Hip-Hop Tao": A Kung Fu comedy that blends Tai Chi with hip-hop culture, lighthearted and humorous, suitable for the whole family. "Morning Bell and Evening Drum": A morning sacrificial performance with shocking drum sounds, opening the curtain on a day in the mountain town. 2. Cultural Experiences Intangible Cultural Heritage Handicrafts: Experience national-level intangible cultural heritage skills at the Jintan Paper Cutting Museum and Pyrography Museum, and participate in free paper-cutting activities. Museum Complex: Visit more than 20 distinctive exhibition halls, such as the Taoist Culture Museum, Zhidaofang (Idiom Interactive Hall), and Duiyan Collection (Salt Culture Theme Hall). Hanfu Time Travel: Rent Hanfu and get your makeup done at "Peach Blossom Dock." The scenic area's buildings, waterfalls, and ancient pavilions are all excellent photo spots. 3. Nature and Entertainment Projects Kundi Valley Rafting: A thrilling underground river adventure through the scene of Nüwa mending the sky, a must-play to escape the summer heat. Kan Shui Fa Water Play Area: Suitable for families to play in the water; remember to bring your swimsuit. Freezing Ice House: A -18℃ ice and snow world where you can experience ice slides and ice sculpture viewing. 4. Night Tour Recommendations Jianghu Night Market: Taste snacks such as barbecue, Changzhou sesame cakes, and crab roe steamed buns, and feel the lively atmosphere. Folk Song Concert: Listen to live music at Salt Palace Square or Tianshi Platform, and enjoy the summer night with a cocktail. IV. Food Recommendations Five Ripe Mansion Hot Pot: The scenic area's own health-preserving hot pot, with snowflake beef and tripe as signature dishes. Intangible Cultural Heritage Set Meal: For an average of CNY 70 per person, you can taste authentic snacks such as Changzhou sesame cakes, crab roe steamed buns, and silver noodle soup. Jianghu Feast: A martial arts-themed long table banquet that combines food and performances, averaging about CNY 150 per person. Xiaoyao Cake: Handmade by grandmothers in the mountains, the first choice for breakfast. V. Accommodation Recommendations 1. Songgui Lane Hotel: Wei and Jin style, rooms are equipped with Hanfu sets and provide free makeup services, suitable for photography enthusiasts. 2. Chong Er Inn: A themed inn with round beds and bathtub designs, suitable for couples. 3. Yanquan Han Hall: A high-end health hotel with salt spring hot springs, suitable for families or business trips. 4. Chunzhu Courtyard: A courtyard style with high cost performance and a quiet environment. VI. Itinerary Suggestions One-Day Tour: Morning: Morning Bell and Evening Drum → Bagua and Eight Courtyards (Qiantian Dome, Kundi Valley) → Intangible Cultural Heritage Handicraft Experience Afternoon: "Hip-Hop Tao" Performance → Jianghu Feast → Hanfu Photography Evening: Xiaoyao Tour Light Show → Jianghu Night Market → Folk Song Concert Two-Day Tour: Day 1: Check into the hotel → Kan Shui Fa Water Play → "Jianghu Feast" → Night Light Show Day 2: Morning Photography in the Ancient Town → Museum Complex → Underground River Rafting → Salt Spring Hot Spring Bath → Return Trip VII. Practical Tips 1. Must-Bring Items: Sunscreen, mosquito repellent, swimsuit (rafting/water play), comfortable sneakers. 2. Performance Times: The scenic area has over 20 performances daily. Get the schedule in advance from the official account and prioritize popular programs such as "Jianghu Feast" and "Hip-Hop Tao." 3. Child-Friendly: Some venues offer interactive experiences, but the Demon Subduing Palace (Chinese-style haunted house) is suitable for the brave. 4. Discount Benefits: Family cards and accommodation packages include tickets and sightseeing buses, offering high value for money. VIII. Transportation Guide Self-Driving: About 1.5 hours' drive from Changzhou. Navigate to "Oriental Salt Lake City Zhuque Gate." Guests staying overnight can park in the VIP parking lot. High-Speed Rail/Airplane: After arriving at Changzhou Station or Benniu Airport, take a taxi or transfer to the scenic area's special bus line. Transportation within the Scenic Area: Sightseeing bus CNY 30/person (unlimited rides on the same day). Overnight guests can ride for free with their room card.