Yixing Bamboo Forest (宜兴竹海, Yixing Bamboo Sea), spanning across the provinces of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui in China, is renowned as the “East China’s First Bamboo Sea.” It stands as a quintessential representation of Chinese bamboo landscapes, culture, and charm. This vast expanse, stretching over 800 miles, offers a spectacular blend of natural beauty.
The region boasts a diverse landscape, featuring towering peaks, rolling hills, serene lakes, and meandering streams. It is connected to the highest peak in southern Jiangsu and graced by the picturesque Mirror Lake. Yixing’s hilly terrain is punctuated by mountain basins and numerous underground caves, adding to its geological allure.
What sets Yixing Bamboo Forest apart is its extensive bamboo coverage, creating a pleasant and temperate climate. Summers and autumns here are exceptionally refreshing, making it an ideal destination to escape the heat.
Beyond its natural wonders, Yixing Bamboo Forest is a living testament to the rich bamboo culture, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Yixing Bamboo Forest
- Vlog about Yixing Bamboo Forest
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
- Other Attractions in Yixing
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | A day |
| Ticket Price | 80 RMB for adults 40 RMB for children between 1.4 and 1.5 meters and seniors between 60 and 60 years old Free for children under 1.4 meters and seniors over 70 years old |
| Cable Car | Upward: 40 RMB Downward: 30 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 17.00; Last admission: 16.30 (1st March – 30th November) 8.00 – 16.30; Last admission: 16.00 (1st December – 28th February the next year) |
| Reputation | Four-Star Tourist Attraction Provincial Forest Park National Well-known Scenic Area |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0510-87479609 |
Location and Transportation
Yixing Bamboo Forest is situated in the Huqiu Township, approximately 31 kilometers southwest of Yixing City in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China. It is precisely located at a latitude of 31°11′ North and a longitude of 119°43′ East. This picturesque destination lies within the serene countryside of Yixing, offering a tranquil and beautiful escape for visitors seeking to explore the wonders of the bamboo-filled landscape.
Tourists from Wuxi can find coaches to Yixing at train stations, the airport, and all the major bus stations. After arriving at Yixing, you can transfer to an express minibus within the station. The first half of the tour takes about one and a half hours, while the second half costs 10 RMB per person and takes about half an hour.
Highlights of Yixing Bamboo Forest
The Mirror Lake
Mirror Lake, located within Yixing Bamboo Forest, covers an area of 30,000 square meters with a maximum depth of 10 meters. The lake is a mesmerizing sight with bamboo groves gracefully growing in its waters, creating a serene ambiance as water flows among the bamboo shoots.
What makes Mirror Lake truly unique is the presence of ancient creatures known as Peach Blossom Jellyfish, dating back 1.5 billion years. These freshwater jellyfish are considered treasures, often referred to as the “Giant Pandas of the Water.” The best spot to observe these fascinating jellyfish is the “Jellyfish Pavilion” at one corner of the lake. From August to November, thousands of them gather beneath the pavilion, creating a breathtaking natural spectacle.
Yunv Peak
Yunv Peak, soaring to an elevation of 611.5 meters, proudly stands as the tallest summit within the Yixing Bamboo Forest. Located in the Yinan Mountain range, this majestic peak offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding bamboo-covered landscape. Its lofty height grants visitors a breathtaking perspective of the sprawling greenery and the tranquil Mirror Lake below. Yunv Peak is not only a natural wonder but also a hiker’s paradise, inviting adventurers to explore its trails and witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Yixing’s bamboo-filled terrain from its summit. It is a must-visit destination for those seeking both natural beauty and outdoor adventure.
Clear Streams
The streams within Yixing Bamboo Forest are a natural marvel, closely linked to the renowned Taihu Lake, often regarded as its source. Fed by pristine mountain springs, these streams are exceptionally clear, boasting water of such high quality that it can be consumed directly. Rich in a variety of minerals, these waters are not only refreshing but also beneficial for the body. Visitors can quench their thirst with pure, mineral-rich spring water while immersing themselves in the tranquil bamboo-filled surroundings. The convergence of natural beauty and healthful refreshment makes these streams an integral part of the Yixing Bamboo Forest experience.
Jizhao Zen Temple
Nestled within the bamboo forest of Yixing, the Jizhao Zen Temple is a serene haven where ancient wisdom meets natural beauty. It finds its harmony among ancient trees, including two magnificent and robust Sarusuberi and ginkgo trees with weathered branches. In front of the temple stands a millennia-old ginkgo tree, boasting a trunk diameter of 5 meters and a towering height of over 30 meters—an ancient sentinel of the temple. Remarkably, amidst its branches thrives a parasitic tree, around 60 centimeters in diameter and 15 meters tall, nourished by the age-old ginkgo. This temple is a tranquil retreat intertwined with the essence of nature and timelessness.
Vlog about Yixing Bamboo Forest
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Get a Map from the Visitor Center: It’s essential to grab a map from the visitor center as the bamboo forest is extensive. Follow the map’s guide for a more organized exploration.
Note the Last Time for Sightseeing Cars: Pay attention to the latest time for sightseeing cars to the park entrance. The ticket and boarding point for the cars are near the Power-free Park.
Consider Climbing Up and Taking Cable Car Down: If your physical strength is not optimal, consider climbing up and taking the cable car down.
Wear Slip-Resistant Shoes for Hiking: Wear slip-resistant shoes if you plan to hike uphill, as bamboo leaves can be very slippery and lead to falls.
Tea House and Café Options: There is a tea house upon entering the park, and at the mountain top, there is a coffee shop. Take a break to enjoy tea or coffee during your visit.
Low Lighting in Dense Bamboo Areas: In areas with dense bamboo, the lighting can be poor. If the weather is unfavorable, visibility might be dim. Consider bringing a headlamp, especially if you plan to be there in the evening.
1. Transportation: It’s about 150 kilometers by car from Nanjing, and parking is free; if you take the high-speed train to Yixing Station, it’s a 19-kilometer taxi ride to the ski resort.
2. Ski Resort Facilities: The equipment hall is spacious. The rental fee for a locker is 10 yuan, with a deposit of 50 yuan. The deposit needs to be manually withdrawn through the Wechat mini program after returning the locker. Dining options are lacking, with limited choices and not very tasty.
3. Ski Trail Conditions: Currently, two beginner trails are open, and they haven’t made snow for the intermediate trails yet. The beginner trails are a bit bumpy and not very friendly for pushing uphill.
The path was a bit muddy after yesterday’s rain, but the air was filled with the fresh scent of grass. The Bamboo Sea Loop has a total elevation gain of over 600 meters, but the scenery is so beautiful that I didn’t feel tired at all! The wind at the mountaintop can be a bit strong on cloudy days, and with the recent drop in temperature, friends planning to visit should remember to bring a spare short-sleeved shirt to avoid catching a cold.
The asphalt path winds and undulates, becoming somewhat steep as it leads up the mountain. The picturesque lake and mountain scenery is hidden among the bamboo forest. A few friendly geese waddled up to us, but unfortunately, we didn’t bring any bread today.
Yixing Bamboo Sea isn’t very high, but by the time we finished walking down the mountain, everyone’s legs were shaking.
Yixing Bamboo Sea | Climbing the mountain really wore me out. The cable car was under maintenance and wasn’t operating, so I had to walk up and down the mountain. However, there were still quite a few people around. The scenery along the way was very green, which was quite refreshing for the eyes.
Yixing Bamboo Sea Scenic Area, under the blue sky and white clouds, is filled with lush greenery of bamboo forests. The refreshing scent of bamboo greets you as you walk around. What’s even more precious is the limited number of tourists, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll at your own pace.
Yixing Bamboo Sea is indeed very beautiful, and the air is really good. But if you come here, be sure to bring insect repellent. The descent is through a bamboo forest, although not sunny, there are a lot of mosquitoes.
At the entrance, it is recommended to take a sightseeing car for 10 yuan for a one-way trip to the foot of the mountain. Walking would take about 1 hour. If you choose to walk, the scenery along the way is very nice. You’ll see mountains, water, and several small attractions like Mirror Lake (a large body of water with “peach blossom jellyfish” known as the “living fossil” of biological evolution), Jizhao Zen Temple, hanging bridge, and fountain. For people who love taking photos, there are many beautiful bamboo plank roads along the way. The starting point for hiking is called “Haidi,” which is the bottom of the bamboo sea, and looking up, you’ll see the misty bamboo sea. At the starting point, you can find grilled sausages, milk tea, simple meals, and creative souvenirs for sale. The Bamboo Sea Mountain’s Yufeng Peak is known as the “first peak in… Read more »