Tianmu Lake Tourist Resort is located in the south of Liyang City, Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province. It is a national 5A-level tourist attraction and a typical artificial lake scenic area formed by karst landforms. The scenic area is characterized by "beautiful mountains and clear waters, fragrant tea and fresh fish," integrating natural landscapes with cultural leisure. It covers three core sections: Tianmu Lake Landscape Garden, Nanshan Bamboo Sea, and Yushui Hot Spring. The main lake of Tianmu Lake has an area of about 7.62 square kilometers, a total storage capacity of 115 million cubic meters, an average water depth of 10 meters, a maximum depth of 28 meters, and a total shoreline of more than 100 kilometers. The total area of the scenic area reaches 320 square kilometers, of which the Landscape Garden Scenic Area is about 3.75 square kilometers, the Nanshan Bamboo Sea Scenic Area is about 35,000 mu, and Yushui Hot Spring covers about 150 mu. The vegetation coverage rate in the area is over 85%. It has various architectural landscapes such as cruise ship docks, viewing platforms, and cultural exhibition halls. It is a comprehensive tourist resort integrating sightseeing, vacation, leisure, and wellness.
Historical Culture
The formation of Tianmu Lake is closely related to modern water conservancy projects. Its predecessor was the Shahe Reservoir built in 1958. In 1992, it was officially developed into a tourist attraction and was named "Tianmu Lake" because it is located at the remnant ranges of Tianmu Mountain. Although its history as a scenic area is not long, the human history of the surrounding region can be traced back to the Shang and Zhou dynasties. In recent years, multiple Neolithic sites have been discovered around the scenic area, and a large number of pottery, jade, and other cultural relics have been unearthed, proving that ancestors lived and multiplied here thousands of years ago.
In the course of historical evolution, the Liyang area was once an important tea-producing area and a land of fish and rice in Jiangnan. The tea culture and fishing culture around Tianmu Lake have a long history. Since the Tang Dynasty, local tea planting techniques gradually matured, and in the Ming and Qing dynasties, unique tea-making techniques were formed. The fishery developed relying on the lake not only gave birth to a rich food culture but also produced traditional customs of fishermen. After the scenic area was developed, these historical and cultural elements were integrated into the tourism experience through the construction of a Tea Culture Garden, a Fishery Exhibition Hall, and others, allowing tourists to feel the local cultural heritage while enjoying the natural beauty.
Main Attractions
Tianmu Lake Landscape Garden
Tianmu Lake Landscape Garden is the core scenic area of Tianmu Lake Tourist Resort. With "water" as its soul, it integrates lake and mountain scenery with cultural landscapes. The scenic area includes attractions such as the Ci-Xiao Culture Garden, the Zhuangyuan Culture Area, the Qishi Museum, and the Elf Kingdom. Among them, the Ci-Xiao Culture Garden is themed on promoting the traditional Chinese culture of parental love and filial piety, with landscapes such as the Statue of the Loving Mother and the Filial Piety Star Corridor. The Zhuangyuan Culture Area displays the deeds of imperial examination top scholars in Liyang's history, reflecting the local cultural elegance. Tourists can take a cruise ship (cruise ticket 60 yuan/person) to tour the three islands in the lake—Longxing Island, Xiaoyao Island, and Xiuqiu Island. Longxing Island is characterized by ecological nature, with waterfalls and dense forests on the island and various birds inhabiting it. Xiaoyao Island focuses on leisure and entertainment, providing water sports, parent-child interaction, and other projects. There is also a Ferris wheel about 48 meters high in the Landscape Garden Scenic Area. From the top, visitors can overlook the panoramic view of Tianmu Lake, making it one of the landmark facilities of the scenic area.
Nanshan Bamboo Sea
Nanshan Bamboo Sea is located in the south of Liyang City, bordering Guangde, Anhui Province. It is named for its ten-thousand-mu bamboo sea and is an important part of Tianmu Lake Resort. The bamboo forest area in the scenic area reaches 35,000 mu, mainly moso bamboo, with a bamboo forest coverage rate of over 90% and an extremely high negative oxygen ion content, known as a "natural oxygen bar." The main peak, Shimen Peak, is 508 meters above sea level. Visitors can take a cableway (one-way 70 yuan/person, round trip 120 yuan/person) to the top, passing through the bamboo sea along the way and overlooking layered green waves. In addition, there are also attractions such as Jing Lake, Bamboo Culture Garden, and Panda House in the scenic area. Jing Lake covers an area of about 100 mu. Tourists can take a bamboo raft (40 yuan/person) to drift and experience the artistic conception of "the boat travels on green waves, and people are in a painting." The Panda House is home to two adult giant pandas and is a must-visit place for tourists, especially parent-child families. The Bamboo Culture Garden displays the history of bamboo planting, processing techniques, and various bamboo handicrafts, showing the profound connotation of bamboo culture.
Yushui Hot Spring
Yushui Hot Spring is located at the entrance of Nanshan Bamboo Sea Scenic Area. It is a well-known hot spring resort in East China. It is a calcium bicarbonate type hot spring, rich in various minerals and trace elements, with a water temperature maintained at around 43°C all year round. The hot spring area covers about 150 mu and has 52 hot spring pools of different sizes, divided into different theme areas such as the dynamic area, wellness area, parent-child area, and natural area. Featured pools include Bamboo Tip Hot Spring (a pool built at the top of a bamboo forest, where visitors can enjoy the bamboo sea while soaking in the hot spring) and medicated hot springs (functional pools with added Chinese herbs, flower petals, etc.). The hot spring area also has supporting facilities such as a hot spring hotel, SPA center, and dining area. Hotel rooms are mostly in Chinese style, and some rooms have private hot spring pools. Relying on the ecological environment of Nanshan Bamboo Sea, Yushui Hot Spring has formed a unique landscape of "bamboo sea hot spring," making it an ideal choice for leisure and wellness.
Taigong Mountain
Taigong Mountain is located on the northwest bank of Tianmu Lake. It is said to be the place where Jiang Taigong lived in seclusion and fished in his later years, hence the name. The mountain is about 120 meters above sea level and covers an area of about 500 mu. The mountain is densely covered with vegetation, including pine, bamboo, tea, and other plants. At the top is the Taigong Temple, which enshrines a statue of Jiang Taigong. The temple preserves murals of historical allusions related to Jiang Taigong. On the mountainside is the "Taigong Fishing Place" stone tablet, next to which is a viewing platform in antique architectural style, where visitors can overlook the scenery of Tianmu Lake. Although Taigong Mountain is not high, the hiking trail is winding and has rest pavilions along the way. It is suitable for a leisurely stroll and for experiencing the cultural mood of "Jiang Taigong fishes, and those who are willing take the bait."
Food
Tianmu Lake Clay Pot Fish Head
Tianmu Lake Clay Pot Fish Head is the most representative local dish. It uses the bighead carp specialty of Tianmu Lake as the main ingredient, selecting fresh fish heads from fish grown in the lake for 3-4 years and weighing more than 5 kilograms, paired with simple seasonings such as purified water, ginger, and scallions, and slowly stewed in a clay pot. Its characteristics are milky white soup, tender meat, mellow taste, and no fishy smell. During preparation, the fish head needs to be fried until slightly yellow, then boiled with Tianmu Lake water and simmered over low heat for 1-2 hours, allowing the umami of the fish head to fully blend into the soup. This dish can be tasted in restaurants around Tianmu Lake Landscape Garden and time-honored restaurants in Liyang urban area. The price depends on the size of the fish head, about 80-150 yuan per portion.
Liyang White Celery
Liyang white celery is one of Liyang's "Three Treasures" (white celery, black rice, and white tea) and is known as "a wonder of Jiangnan." It has a cultivation history of more than 800 years. White celery is different from ordinary celery. Its stems are white and crisp, rich in vitamins and fiber, and can be served cold, stir-fried, or used as filling. Farmers around Tianmu Lake mostly use hydroponic cultivation to maintain its fresh and tender taste. In farmhouses within the scenic area, stir-fried white celery is a common dish. It tastes refreshing, priced at about 25-35 yuan per portion, and is a must-choice dish for experiencing local farm flavor.
Nanshan Bamboo Sea Black Rice
Nanshan Bamboo Sea black rice is made by pounding the leaves of the black rice tree into juice, soaking glutinous rice in it, and then steaming it. It is shiny black, soft, glutinous, and fragrant, with a light plant fragrance. Every year on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month, local people have the custom of eating black rice. It is said to ward off evil and pray for blessings. Black rice is rich in anthocyanins and various nutrients. It is both a delicacy and a health-preserving food. It can be eaten in restaurants in Nanshan Bamboo Sea Scenic Area and surrounding farmhouses. It can be eaten directly or with white sugar or honey. The price is about 15-20 yuan per portion. Vacuum-packed finished products can also be purchased as local specialties to take away.
Signature Dishes of Yushui Hot Spring Hotel
The dining at Yushui Hot Spring Hotel integrates local characteristics with the concept of wellness. Among them, "Bamboo Fragrance Chicken" uses locally free-range native chicken, cooked with fresh bamboo leaves, bamboo fungus, and others. The chicken is tender and has a bamboo fragrance. "Hot Spring Egg" is an egg slowly cooked in hot spring water. The yolk is semi-runny, and the texture is smooth and tender. It is eaten with specially made sauce and has a unique flavor. These dishes are relatively more expensive. Bamboo Fragrance Chicken is about 88 yuan per portion, and Hot Spring Egg is about 10 yuan each. They are suitable to enjoy during a hot spring visit.
Tickets：
A separate ticket system is implemented for each attraction, with tickets starting from 35 yuan.
You can search for the official public account "Tianmu Lake" on WeChat to get the latest updates or buy tickets online.
Opening Hours：
The opening hours of each attraction differ slightly:
Tianmu Lake Landscape Garden: March-November 8:00-17:30 (last entry at 16:30); December-next February 8:30-17:00 (last entry at 16:00);
Nanshan Bamboo Sea: March-November 8:00-17:30 (last entry at 16:30); December-next February 8:30-17:00 (last entry at 16:00);
Yushui Hot Spring: 10:00-23:00 (last entry at 22:00), may be extended to 24:00 on holidays;
Taigong Mountain: 8:00-17:00 (last entry at 16:30), open all year round.
It is recommended that tourists plan their itineraries in advance according to their schedules. Especially when taking cruise ships, cableways, and other facilities, pay attention to the last departure time (usually one hour before closing).
Tour Routes：
Recommended classic three-day tour route: Day 1: Arrive at Tianmu Lake Landscape Garden in the morning. First visit land attractions such as the Ci-Xiao Culture Garden and Zhuangyuan Culture Area (about 2 hours); at noon, taste clay pot fish head in a restaurant in the scenic area; in the afternoon, take a cruise to visit Longxing Island and Xiaoyao Island (about 3 hours); in the evening, experience the Ferris wheel to overlook the panorama, then go to Liyang urban area for accommodation. Day 2: In the morning, go to Nanshan Bamboo Sea, take a bamboo raft tour on Jing Lake (about 1 hour), then walk to visit the Bamboo Culture Garden (about 1.5 hours); at noon, dine at a farmhouse around the bamboo sea; in the afternoon, take the cableway to the top of Shimen Peak (about 2 hours), visit the Panda House (about 1 hour); in the evening, go to Yushui Hot Spring and relax in the hot spring (about 3 hours), stay at the hot spring hotel. Day 3: In the morning, visit Taigong Mountain, climb and pray, and experience history and culture (about 2 hours); at noon, taste local farm dishes such as Liyang white celery and black rice; in the afternoon, according to the return time, buy souvenirs such as white tea and bamboo products at specialty stores around the scenic area before leaving.
If time is tight, you can choose a two-day tour: the first day visit the Landscape Garden Taigong Mountain, and the second day visit Nanshan Bamboo Sea Yushui Hot Spring, allocating time reasonably according to the opening hours of each attraction.
Transportation：
High-speed rail/EMU: Take the high-speed rail or EMU to Liyang Station. After leaving the station, you can take Liyang Bus No. 9 directly to Tianmu Lake Landscape Garden. The journey takes about 40 minutes, and the fare is 2 yuan; or take a taxi, which takes about 30 minutes and costs about 30 yuan.
Long-distance bus: Changzhou Bus Station, Nanjing Bus Passenger Station, and others have direct buses to Liyang Bus Passenger Station. The journey takes about 1.5-2 hours, and the fare is 30-50 yuan. From Liyang Bus Passenger Station, transfer to Liyang Bus No. 2 to Tianmu Lake Scenic Area. The journey takes about 20 minutes, and the fare is 2 yuan.
Self-driving: From Nanjing, take the Ninghang Expressway (G4011) and exit at Liyang South. Follow Tianmu Lake Avenue straight for about 10 kilometers to reach the Landscape Garden. The whole journey is about 100 kilometers and takes 1.5 hours. From Shanghai, take the Huyu Expressway (G50) and transfer to the Changshen Expressway (G25) and exit at Liyang South. The whole journey is about 250 kilometers and takes 3 hours. There are parking lots at all attractions in the scenic area. The Landscape Garden parking lot charges 5 yuan/hour, and the Nanshan Bamboo Sea parking lot charges 10 yuan/day.
Internal transportation in the scenic area: Between the Landscape Garden and Nanshan Bamboo Sea, visitors can take a tourist shuttle bus. The journey takes about 40 minutes, the fare is 10 yuan/person, and it runs every hour; a taxi costs about 50 yuan.
Must-Visit Attractions：
Tianmu Lake Landscape Garden: The core scenic area. Visitors can take a boat tour on the lake and enjoy the landscape of "one lake of blue water, green mountains on both banks." The Ferris wheel and the three islands in the lake are features. The scenic area covers 3.75 square kilometers, and the visit takes about 5-6 hours.
Nanshan Bamboo Sea: The ten-thousand-mu bamboo sea landscape is unique. Taking the cableway to the top allows visitors to overlook the panoramic view of the bamboo sea. The Panda House and the Jing Lake bamboo raft experience are highly participatory. The area is 35,000 mu, and the visit takes about 4-5 hours.
Yushui Hot Spring: A hot spring surrounded by bamboo sea. Its 52 featured pools are suitable for leisure and wellness. Bamboo Tip Hot Spring is a landmark experience. It covers 150 mu, and it is recommended to experience it for 3-4 hours.
Travel Suggestions：
The best seasons to visit are spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). In spring, the bamboo sea is newly green and tea fragrance fills the air; in autumn, the sky is high and the air is crisp, and the lake scenery is pleasant. Avoid high temperatures in summer and severe cold in winter.
Accommodation can be chosen according to the itinerary: for visiting the Landscape Garden, you can stay in Liyang urban area, which is cost-effective; for visiting Nanshan Bamboo Sea and the hot spring, it is recommended to stay at Yushui Hot Spring Hotel or homestays around the bamboo sea, convenient for experiencing night hot springs and the early morning bamboo sea.
To taste clay pot fish head, it is recommended to choose time-honored restaurants outside the scenic area, such as "Tianmu Lake Hotel" and "Zhu Shuncai Fish Head Restaurant." The taste is more authentic and the prices are transparent.
For specialty purchases, you can choose Liyang white tea (pre-Qingming tea is about 800-1,500 yuan per catty) and bamboo handicrafts (bamboo baskets, bamboo mats, etc., priced from 20-200 yuan). Buy them at scenic area exits or specialty stores in Liyang urban area, and bargaining is possible.
For hiking in Nanshan Bamboo Sea, it is recommended to wear comfortable sports shoes, as some sections in the bamboo forest are slippery; for Yushui Hot Spring, you need to bring your own swimsuit, or you can buy one on site (price 50-200 yuan).
Precautions：
Cruise ships at Tianmu Lake Landscape Garden must be taken at designated docks and times. In peak season, it is recommended to queue 30 minutes in advance to avoid missing the departure; children taking cruise ships must be accompanied by adults and wear life jackets.
The operation of the Nanshan Bamboo Sea cableway is greatly affected by weather. It may be suspended in severe weather such as heavy rain and strong winds. Check the weather forecast before traveling and arrange your itinerary reasonably.
The hot spring pools at Yushui Hot Spring are relatively hot. Each soak should not exceed 15 minutes. During intervals, drink more water to replenish fluids; special groups such as pregnant women and patients with high blood pressure should follow medical advice and experience cautiously.
The scenic area has dense vegetation. In summer, pay attention to mosquito bites and carry mosquito repellent; in autumn, the temperature difference between morning and evening is large, so bring a light jacket.
Protect the scenic environment, do not litter randomly, and do not pick bamboo forests or flowers and trees; at religious places such as Taigong Mountain, observe etiquette, do not make noise, and do not touch statues.
For consumption in the scenic area, it is recommended to use mobile payment. Some farmhouses may support cash; keep tickets and consumption receipts properly for inspection or exchange.