Liyang city skyline and landmarks (溧阳) - Travel China Guide

Liyang Travel Guide

Home to the breathtaking Tianmu Lake and the Nanshan Bamboo Sea, Liyang is a scenic retreat on the western edge of the Yangtze River Delta.

About

Liyang is a picturesque county-level city under Changzhou in western Jiangsu Province, at the intersection of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui provinces. With a population of 800,000, it is known as the "Back Garden of the Yangtze River Delta" for its pristine natural environment.

The centerpiece of Liyang is Tianmu Lake, a stunning man-made reservoir surrounded by tea plantations and forested hills. The lake's emerald-green waters and tranquil shoreline make it one of the most popular weekend getaways in Jiangsu. Nearby, the Nanshan Bamboo Sea offers vast bamboo forests that turn the landscape into a sea of green.

Liyang has become a model for rural revitalization in China. The "Liyang No.1 Ring Road," a 365-kilometer scenic highway, connects villages, forests, reservoirs, and cultural sites, creating a template for rural tourism development that has been replicated across the country.

The city has also invested heavily in eco-tourism infrastructure, with the Yushui Hot Springs resort and numerous boutique hotels and farm-stays catering to visitors from Shanghai, Nanjing, and Hangzhou. Liyang's success in balancing conservation with tourism development has made it a nationally recognized model for sustainable tourism.

Top Attractions

🏔️ Nature

Tianmu Lake Scenic Area

The crown jewel of Liyang, Tianmu Lake is a man-made reservoir surrounded by rolling hills covered in tea plantations and bamboo groves. Visitors can take boat cruises across the emerald-green lake, hike to viewing pavilions, and explore the Tianmu Lake Tea Island. The lake's clear waters and forested shoreline create a serene escape from city life.

★★★★ 4.7
🏔️ Nature

Nanshan Bamboo Sea

A magnificent bamboo forest covering 35,000 mu (2,333 hectares) on the southern slopes of the mountain. A cable car carries visitors above the bamboo canopy to the summit for panoramic views. Walking trails wind through the bamboo groves, past streams, bridges, and traditional pavilions. The area is especially beautiful when mist rolls through the bamboo.

★★★★ 4.6
📍 Other

Yushui Hot Springs

A natural geothermal hot spring resort at the foot of Nanshan, with over 50 outdoor pools of varying temperatures set in a lush garden landscape. The spring water is rich in minerals and is believed to have therapeutic benefits for skin and circulation. Private pool options and spa services are available.

★★★★ 4.5
🏛️ Landmark

Pingtian Lake

An impressive stone dam built in the 1970s without any modern construction materials — only interlocking stone blocks. The dam spans a narrow valley and during the rainy season, water cascades over its entire 122-meter width, creating a spectacular curtain waterfall. The surrounding area offers hiking trails and picnic spots.

★★★★ 4.3
🏛️ Landmark

Xinhu Village

A beautifully preserved ancient village with traditional Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, stone-paved streets, and a peaceful canal running through it. The village offers a glimpse into traditional Jiangnan rural life, with old ancestral halls, small bridges, and local families going about their daily routines.

★★★★ 4.2

Food & Culture

Discover the culinary treasures of Liyang, from traditional street food to imperial cuisine.

Things to Do

Lake Cruise

Take a scenic boat cruise across Tianmu Lake to visit Tea Island and enjoy the emerald waters and forested hills.

Bamboo Forest Cable Car

Ride the cable car above the Nanshan Bamboo Sea canopy for breathtaking panoramic mountain views.

Hot Spring Soak

Relax in the natural geothermal hot springs at Yushui, surrounded by bamboo forests and mountain scenery.

Scenic Drive

Drive along the Liyang No.1 Ring Road, a 365-km scenic route connecting villages, forests, and viewpoints.

Tea Plantation Visit

Visit tea plantations around Tianmu Lake to see how Liyang White Tea is grown and processed.

Getting Around

🚄

High-Speed Rail

Connected to Nanjing (25 min), Hangzhou (45 min), and Shanghai (1h) via Liyang Station on the Nanjing-Hangzhou high-speed railway

Best Time to Visit

Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) offer the best weather for most destinations in China.

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