Water Forest Trending All Over Social Media! Photo Spots + Travel Guide All in One
Li Zhong Water Forest Park Authentic Travel Guide
🌿Transportation Guide
· Self-driving: Navigate to "Li Zhong Water Forest Park East Gate," about 2 hours from Nanjing/Suzhou, 1 hour from Taizhou; parking at the scenic area costs 10 RMB per visit, hassle-free without detours.
· High-speed Rail + Shuttle: Get off at Taizhou Station/Yangzhou Station/Yancheng Station, transfer to a bus to Xinghua city center, then take Tour Bus 1 or 2 directly to the park (40-minute ride, about 8 RMB); or take a taxi for a 1-hour ride to the park.
· Public Bus: From Xinghua Bus Station, take the "Xinghua–Li Zhong" special line bus, multiple departures, suitable for public transport travelers.
🍲 Food Recommendations (Locals’ Secret Picks)
· Honggao Wooden House Fishing Village (inside the park): Must-try Xinghua red crab (best from September to November), steamed white silk fish, about 60 RMB per person, incredibly fresh.
· Linshui Renjia (at the park entrance): Xinghua claypot fish head, snail tofu stew, rich soup and fresh flavors, popular with locals.
· Street Snacks: Fried small fish 5 RMB/skewer, freshly ground lotus root powder 10 RMB/cup, Shagou fish balls, perfect for eating on the go.
· Breakfast: Xinghua morning tea, crab roe soup dumplings, dried tofu strips, large and flavorful, available at nearby old streets.
🏨 Accommodation Suggestions
· Around the park: Zhaoyangli Forest Hotel (near East Gate, new facilities), Yunduo Homestay (forest style, family-friendly), prices range from 150-400 RMB.
· Qianduo Town Homestays: Keyan Homestay, Yikai Homestay, 10 minutes walking/driving to the park, quiet and clean, owners can share local tips.
· Xinghua City Center: All Seasons, Tianbao Garden Hotel, and others, many options with full amenities, suitable for those who want to explore the city.
🎭 Featured Performances (Catch Them On Time)
· Cormorant Fishing Live Show: Water stage near Wobo Bridge, recreates traditional fishing methods, shows at 10:00 and 15:30, full of fishing village charm.
· "Water Realm Sparrow Spirit · Thousand Feathers Flowing Light": Light and shadow with peacock dance, performed at 10:40 and 14:20, a visual experience like walking in a painting.
· Intangible Cultural Heritage Maoshan Work Songs: Cultural Plaza, lead singer interaction, fun for parents and kids to learn together.
· Nezha-themed Flash Parade: 10:30 and 14:30, take photos with characters, get stickers, kids love it.
· Birds Returning to Nest: Around 16:30, watch thousands of birds circling at the birdwatching platform, a spectacular sight.
📸 Photography Tips (Photo Secrets)
· Best Time: Early morning 7-9 AM (fog forest + fewer people), after 3 PM (golden light), February orchids bloom in March-April for even better shots.
· Must-shoot Spots: 1. Foggy forest S-shaped boardwalk: wear light-colored clothes, capture Tyndall light, full forest fairy vibe.
2. Bamboo raft bow: sit sideways splashing water, with dawn redwood background, use wide-angle for depth.
3. Second floor of birdwatching platform: overhead shot of the whole dawn redwood forest, use telephoto to capture flying egrets.
4. Low angle at dawn redwood roots: shoot reflections, symmetrical composition is stunning.
· Outfit: White/light green/beige dresses, Hanfu, avoid dark colors to match the green background better.
💡 Practical Tips
· Tickets: Single ticket 50 RMB, ticket + bamboo raft combo 85 RMB (must buy! The bamboo raft is the soul), cheaper if bought online one day in advance.
· Bamboo Raft: Front seats have the best view, boatmen tell legends of the wild boar forest, prepare 20 RMB cash tip for more detailed explanations.
· Fog Forest: Opens at 10:00, 11:00, 14:00, 15:30, each session lasts 15 minutes, arrive 10 minutes early to secure a spot.
· Gear: Wear non-slip sports shoes (boardwalk can be slippery), light-colored clothes, mosquito repellent (essential in summer), light jacket (temperature varies in the forest).
· Avoid Pitfalls: Don’t buy overpriced tea in the park, go to official tea shops in the city; holidays are crowded, off-peak visits are more comfortable.