Weekend Relaxation in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai｜2-Hour Direct Trip from Shanghai to a Little Kyoto Night Tour

Discovered a stunning little Kyoto near Shanghai 🎏 Yixing Yaohu Town is literally my dream town! Just a 2-hour drive from downtown Shanghai to this hidden gem~

📸 Recommended photo spots:
1. Yaohu Academy’s ancient buildings with white walls and black tiles
2. The lakeside Japanese-style tea house
3. The stone path lit by lanterns at night (lights turn on after 6 PM, perfect for capturing Japanese-style photos)

One-day itinerary for Yaohu Town 👇
🔸 First try at intangible cultural heritage purple clay DIY
Head straight to the handmade workshop on Longyao Street, where 6-year-old Maruko made a crooked-headed teacup under the craftsman’s guidance 🤏 150 RMB includes firing and shipping, the finished product is surprisingly stunning
🔸 Ghibli-style mini train
Open-top mini train and fully enclosed carriages randomly assigned, departs on the hour every hour ~ passing through tea fields, the window perfectly frames the purple clay tower and Yaohu’s reflection
🔸 Rowboat lake tour
Rowing a boat on Yaohu Lake, nearby village houses scattered, distant mountains lush and green, when encountering a single bamboo raft performance, Maruko exclaimed “Fairy sister”
🔸 Dragon-shaped water show
Secured a spot early at the Longyao viewing platform, 200-meter water screen with fireworks creating “Flying Dragon in the Sky,” don’t miss the 3D light show on Chunbo Long Bridge, the virtual kiln fire burning on the water surface is super magical

💡 Tips for the trip:
1. Recommend staying 1 night, local homestays offer great value (around 200 RMB per person)
2. Cherry blossom season from late March to early April
3. Hanfu rental available in the scenic area (68 RMB/set, great for photos)
4. Must-try Yaohu fish head soup, paired with local black rice is amazing!
5. For self-driving, park at P2 parking lot closest to the entrance

Transportation guide:
🚗 From Shanghai:
Huning Expressway → Changshen Expressway → Exit at Zhangzhu (toll about 80 RMB)
🚄 High-speed train:
Shanghai Hongqiao → Yixing Station (1.5h) + 30-minute taxi (about 60 RMB)