Southern Jiangsu Secret 2-Day Tour Guide

2 Days 1 Night Travel Guide in Yixing, Jiangsu: Slow Life in the Ceramic Capital and Bamboo Sea
Day 1: In-depth Experience of Ceramic Culture
Morning: Yixing Ceramic Museum, China (Recommended 2 hours)

Transportation: About 15 minutes by taxi from Yixing High-Speed Rail Station
Highlights: The only national-level museum in China themed on ceramics, systematically exploring Yixing’s 7,000-year pottery history
Tips: Don’t miss the museum’s treasure "Ming Dynasty Jun Glazed Ceramic Zun," and the must-see Purple Clay Hall on the second floor

Lunch: Old Brand Claypot Porridge on Gunan Street

Recommendation: Crab Claypot Porridge paired with local black rice
Average cost: 60 RMB per person

Afternoon: Shushan Gunan Street (Recommended 3 hours)

Features: Original site of Ming and Qing purple clay workshops, residences of masters like Gu Jingzhou lined up
Experience: Make your own purple clay cup at "Zini Commune" (advance reservation required)
Photo spot: Dragon Kiln chimney ruins by the Li River

Evening: Check in at a hotel by Dongju Lake

Recommendation: Yixing Pavillons Hotel (Lake view room about 600 RMB/night)
Take a lakeside stroll along the boardwalk at sunset

Dinner: Zhou Zhen Wonton (Old brand)

Must order: Shrimp and Shepherd’s Purse Large Wontons + Fermented Rice Balls
Open until 9:00 PM

Day 2: Bamboo Sea Fresh Air Journey
Morning: Yixing Bamboo Sea Scenic Area (Recommended 4 hours)

Transportation: About 40 minutes by taxi from downtown (about 80 RMB)
Activities:

Take the cable car up to "Southern Jiangsu’s No.1 Peak," Yunu Peak
Hike the Jinghu Bamboo Path (flat, suitable for elderly and children)
Check in at the Undersea Mist area, a scene from "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"

Tips: Bamboo tube rice at "Zhuyin Xuan" in the scenic area is uniquely flavorful

Lunch: Farmhouse restaurant at the scenic area entrance

Recommendation: Chestnut Braised Chicken + Braised Pork with Dried Bamboo Shoots
Average cost: 50 RMB per person

Afternoon (Optional):

Cultural route: Dongpo Academy + Xu Beihong Memorial Hall
Family route: Longbei Mountain Forest Park (free, huge lawn)
Shopping route: Ding Shu Town Ceramic Market for purple clay treasures

Return Suggestions:

Buy souvenirs: Yangxian Xueya Tea, small purple clay teapots (200-500 RMB practical items)
SF Express at the high-speed rail station can directly ship fragile items

Budget Reference (for 2 people):

Transportation: 300 RMB (city taxis)
Accommodation: 600 RMB
Tickets: 260 RMB (Bamboo Sea + cable car)
Meals: 400 RMB
Total about 1560 RMB

Best Season: April-May (tea picking season) or September-October (clear autumn weather). The Bamboo Sea is more atmospheric on rainy days but bring slip-resistant shoes.
Special Tips:

For purple clay purchases, trust only official stores in "China Ceramic Capital Ceramic City"
Temperature in the Bamboo Sea is 3-5°C cooler than downtown, bring a light jacket
Book hotels one week in advance on weekends; cable cars at Bamboo Sea require queuing during holidays

This itinerary lets you experience the millennia-old ceramic capital culture and enjoy the fresh nature of the Bamboo Sea, perfect for couples or family weekend getaways. If you want a tighter or more leisurely version, just let me know for adjustments~