I thought I had to go to Dali to find that healing feeling, but unexpectedly

it’s really not Dali! Just 1 hour from Suzhou, you can reach the Jiangnan treasure described by Su Dongpo as “buying fields in Yangxian” — Yixing Yaohu Town. Navigate to “Yaohu Town Visitor Center” for direct access. I personally visited today and it was definitely worth it. If you can avoid peak times, the experience is even better. There are special performances at different times every day, so you can explore all day without repetition~ Core Practical Information (personally verified) Address: Yaohu Town, Yixing, Jiangsu (navigate to “Yaohu Town Visitor Center”) Ticket: 60 RMB/person (Yaohu Town ticket; water park requires separate ticket, prices subject to official announcements) Hours: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM (last entry at 9:00 PM, don’t miss the evening fireworks!) Transportation: 1-hour drive from Suzhou with ample parking; or take high-speed rail to Yixing Station, then a 30-minute taxi ride 🌟 Must-try Attractions (including hidden details) ▫️ Cloud Mini Train - Prosperity Series (30 RMB/person): Experience a Miyazaki anime vibe! Limited edition blue train covered in flowers, full fairy tale feel, about 50 minutes total. Two routes: A and B. Route A offers a panoramic view of the town; Route B goes through bamboo forests and tea gardens (B route is highly recommended for its lush greenery and healing atmosphere). For photos, sit at the back of each carriage for unobstructed scenic shots~ ▫️ Realm of Blossoms: The top scenic spot! Near Yaohu Pier, surrounded by mist and colorful flowers, it feels like stepping into a secret realm of Lijiang, or a real-life “Monet Garden.” Fresh flower sea by day, romantic lights by night—both moods are photo-worthy~ ▫️ Dragon Water Show & Fireworks (key highlight!): Only on Friday and Saturday nights! Starts promptly at 8:00 PM, don’t leave early! Water screens display dragon-shaped light shadows, fire skirt dances entwine, and when fireworks explode, the lake is filled with dazzling reflections. The live scene is breathtaking. It’s best to reserve your spot 1 hour early, with the best view directly facing the water screen~ ▫️ Lakeside Pier + Bonfire Livehouse: The pier winds along the lake, perfect for a relaxing stroll in the lake breeze; at 7:20 PM, there’s a bonfire livehouse at Shehuo Square. Move to the music and enjoy a lively Jiangnan night~ ▫️ Yaohu Water Park: Located on the outskirts of the town, requires a separate ticket. The attractions inside are perfect for kids to play all day, while parents can relax~ ⚠️ Helpful Tips (sincerely recommended) Pets are not allowed in the scenic area, but there is a free pet boarding service, so pet owners can rest assured The scenic area is large, so wear comfortable shoes to avoid fatigue There are few restaurants inside; bring some snacks in advance or dine at local restaurants nearby for better value Avoid crowds by visiting during off-peak times! Weekdays or non-holidays mean no queues for photos or attractions Besides the 8:00 PM fireworks water show, there is also a dragon water show at 6:50 PM. If you have time, watch both 💡 Real Experience I thought I had to go to Dali to find that healing feeling, but it’s just 1 hour from Suzhou! Walking through Yaohu Town, seeing bamboo forests, tea gardens, flower seas, and the lakeside pier, then waiting for the exclusive fireworks at night—Su Dongpo’s praised “beautiful streams and mountains” really are hidden in this Jiangnan secret spot. No need to squeeze into Dali’s crowds; spend a weekend here relaxing and decompressing~