Located in Liyang City, Jiangsu Province, Tianmu Lake Scenic Area is a national 5A-level tourist attraction covering 300 square kilometers (including 70 sq km water area). Known for its "green mountains, clear waters, fragrant tea, and fresh fish", it combines eco-tourism, leisure vacation, and science education, earning titles like "Pearl of Jiangnan" and "Green Fairyland".
History and Culture
With a long history dating back to the Spring and Autumn Period, Tianmu Lake was a cultural intersection of Wu and Yue kingdoms. Its name derives from the Tianmu Mountain range extending here like heaven's eyes overlooking the lake. Song Dynasty poet Su Shi once praised it in verse.
In the 1950s, Shahe Reservoir was built to control floods, forming today's Tianmu Lake. Tourism development since the 1990s transformed it into a renowned eco-destination in Yangtze River Delta.
Main Attractions
Landscape Garden
The scenic highlight covering 4.5 sq km, including Huli Mountain, Longxing Island, and Rural Pastoral Island. The 31m-high Zhuangyuan Pavilion on Huli Mountain offers panoramic lake views. Longxing Island focuses on tea culture, housing China Tea Culture Garden.
Rural Pastoral Island showcases Jiangnan farming culture with tea-picking and fishing experiences. Its Butterfly Valley nurtures hundreds of rare butterfly species.
Nanshan Bamboo Sea
This 35,000-acre bamboo forest is East China's largest, with over 380 bamboo varieties - a true "bamboo museum". Attractions include Quiet Lake, Bird Paradise, and Bamboo Culture Museum.
Visitors can take sightseeing trains through the bamboo sea or try bamboo rafting. The annual Bamboo Shoot Festival (spring) and Bamboo Culture Festival (autumn) are signature events.
Royal Hot Springs
A rare calcium bicarbonate hot spring in East China, yielding 5,000 tons daily at constant 43°C. The 29-acre area features 60+ open-air pools in varied styles.
Built on mountainside, it has six zones including herbal, dynamic, and couples' areas. The Bamboo Tip Spring atop bamboo forests offers breathtaking views while soaking.
Cuisine
Claypot Fish Head
Tianmu Lake's most famous dish uses wild bighead carp slow-cooked in claypots with secret spices. The tender fish and milky broth earned it "China Famous Dish" recognition.
White Tea
This China famous tea gets its name from jade-white spring buds. Its clear liquor carries elegant orchid aroma. The Tea Expo Garden offers full tea-picking and processing experiences.
Black Glutinous Rice
A Liyang tradition, rice turns glossy black after soaking in nanzhu leaf juice, emitting delicate fragrance. Local farmhouses serve authentic sets with seasonal wild vegetables.
Tickets
Landscape Garden: 180 yuan (includes boat); Nanshan Bamboo Sea: 90 yuan; Royal Hot Springs: 218 yuan. Combo ticket: 398 yuan (valid 2 days). Seniors 60-69: half price; over 70 & children under 1.4m: free. Extra charges for sightseeing vehicles/trains.
Recommended Itinerary
Two-day tour: Day 1 - Landscape Garden (Zhuangyuan Pavilion → Longxing Island → Rural Pastoral Island) with fish head lunch; Day 2 morning - Nanshan Bamboo Sea, afternoon - Royal Hot Springs. Extended stays can include farm experiences and rural lodgings.
Transportation
- Driving: From Shanghai via Huyu Expressway Liyang South Exit; from Nanjing via Changshen Expressway Liyang East Exit
- High-speed rail: Take tourist shuttle from Liyang Station
- Bus: From Liyang Bus Terminal, take Routes 9 or 109
- Internal transport: Sightseeing vehicles, boats, and trains available
Must-Visit Spots
- Zhuangyuan Pavilion: Best panoramic viewpoint
- Longxing Island: Ultimate tea culture experience
- Nanshan Bamboo Sea Train: Unique forest journey
- Bamboo Tip Spring: Soak with bamboo sea views
- Claypot Fish Head: Unmissable local delicacy
Travel Tips
- Best seasons: spring-autumn; April-May for tea-picking, October-November for autumn colors
- Allocate 2 days to fully explore the vast area
- Check fixed boat schedules at Landscape Garden
- Visit hot springs on weekdays to avoid crowds
- Photographers should capture morning lake views
Important Notices
- No swimming or fishing in lake areas
- No smoking or open flames in bamboo forests
- Bring swimwear for hot springs; no glass containers
- Protect environment - no littering
- Caution on steep mountain paths
- Obtain approval for drone operations