Nianhua Bay, adjacent to the scenic Lingshan, lies to the west of this spiritual domain. The town is designed in an ancient style, with a theme centered around Zen. The distinctive buildings in beige and white are topped with green roofs, while doors, windows, and pillars are predominantly made of wood. The town is adorned with small bridges, flowing water, and garden landscapes, making it an ideal retreat for relaxation and self-cultivation. During the day, you can visit the Zen Music Hall, Hundred Flowers Hall, Wonderful Sound Terrace, Nianhua Hall, and Nianhua Pagoda among other structures, and browse through the craft shops. When you grow tired from wandering, you may sit down to dine and refresh yourself. At night, capture the tranquil night views of Nianhua Bay and witness the unique 3D water screen movie on Nianhua Lake. Stepping into Nianhua Bay feels like entering a paradise away from the mundane world, where everything is both dreamlike and real. Within Nianhua Bay, there are eight scenic spots to explore: Xu Mountain Great Zen Hall, Deer Valley, Zen Heart Valley, Ginkgo Valley, Bamboo Stream Valley, Cloud Gate Valley, Fragrant Moon Flower Street, and Leisure Fishery Port. Everyone can find their own Zen lifestyle here for mental and physical cultivation. Join the “Thousand People Morning Zen Session” at the Great Zen Hall for a spiritual and soulful harvest; the Fragrant Moon Flower Street, embodying the concept of “one flower, one world,” features hundreds of Zen-themed shops that will captivate and mesmerize you. Enjoy a meal at the Leisure Fishery Port dock to experience the Zen notion that “the leisure of swimming fish is known only to the fish; the joy of migrating birds is understood only by the birds.” When it comes to summer retreats and cooling off in the streams, Deer Valley in Nianhua Bay is an ideal choice. Deer Valley is a long, narrow valley to the northeast of Nianhua Bay, with towering trees and babbling brooks. The Deer Valley Stream Water Park is nestled amidst this verdant scenery. The water level is shallow, and the flow is gentle, making it perfect for families with children to play and interact with nature. It’s a ten-minute hike from the foot of the mountain to the stream, hidden among lush greenery, meandering and echoing with a refreshing sound. Walking barefoot in the water, the cool sensation instantly evaporates the heat and worries. Throw fruits into the stream to chill, and enjoy the crisp and sweet taste after they’ve been naturally cooled. Set up a small table and chairs in the middle of the stream to unlock the “natural refrigerator” effect on fruits and sodas, eating away the entire summer with each crunch. Playing in the water, splashing, and using water guns, children’s laughter fills the air, their innocence and joy infecting everyone present. Look up at the valley covered in greenery and feel the cool stream water glide over your skin; it’s a cooling method more effective than air conditioning. Ride a children’s hand-cranked boat and drift leisurely on the stream, accompanied by the lush greenery and a gentle breeze, providing a refreshing comfort. Unplugging for family time, the mountain wind, the water at your feet, and the chirping of birds will give children a sweet childhood memory. Relaxed parenting allows for hands-free enjoyment, giving parents a chance to unwind and lie down.
Enjoy tea, melons, photography, and conversation… Take a summer day off for yourself. Life’s complexities dissolve in joy and freedom. The summer immersed in water becomes less sweltering, and life’s seemingly intricate problems become manageable, making one look forward to each summer. In this place without a ceiling, feel the healing power of nature, recharge your weary body, and connect with nature and life. Here, it’s not just a place for water play but a bridge between nature and life. With one table, one chair, and one summer; one person, one cup of tea, and one state of mind, one realizes the truth of ‘stillness brings coolness’. Operating hours: Monday-Thursday and Sunday from 09:30 to 21:00; Friday-Saturday from 09:30 to 21:30. Concessions: Children: Free for those aged 6 and under or with a height of 1.4 meters and under; Elderly: Free for those aged 70 and over with a valid ID or other valid documents; Half-price for those aged 60 to 69 with valid documents; Students: Half-price for full-time undergraduate students and below with a student ID; Disabled: Free with a valid disability certificate (one accompanying guardian with a valid ID is free for severely disabled); Military: Free with a valid active-duty officer or soldier’s certificate; Retired Cadres: Free with a certificate of honor issued by the State Council; Minors: Half-price for those aged between 6 and 18 with valid documents; Teachers: Half-price for teachers with over 30 years of experience in Wuxi (valid documents required); Veterans: Half-price for holders of the ‘People’s Republic of China Veterans’ preferential certificate’ in Jiangsu Province (valid documents required); Half-price for holders of the ‘People’s Republic of China Martyrs, Fallen in the Line of Duty Soldiers, Deceased Soldiers’ Dependents’ preferential certificate’ in Jiangsu Province (valid documents required); Tour Guides: Free for tour guides with a National Guide (IC) card; Fire and Rescue Services: Free with a National Comprehensive Fire and Rescue Services certificate. Service facilities: Parking: [Lingshan Town Nianhua Bay Parking] Reference price: Small vehicles (blue and new energy) are charged at 15 yuan per vehicle, large vehicles (yellow) are charged at 20 yuan per vehicle; increased to 30 yuan during holidays. Address: Surrounding the scenic area and underground; Capacity: 3000. Mobile Charging: Chargers are available at the tourist center for visitors to charge their mobile devices. Luggage Storage: Reference price: Free; Address: Tourist Center. Scenic Area Explanation: The scenic area offers human interpretation services. Location: Tourist Center Front Desk. Cost: 150 yuan for 40 minutes.
Scenic Area Map: The map can be viewed and collected at the visitor center and random points within the scenic area. Transportation within the park: Referential price: 45 yuan/person; Address: Shui Street Wharf; One-way route: Shui Street Wharf – Yunshu Wharf (Wetland); Referential price: Boarding and alighting at any stop, flat rate unlimited rides (outside main street area); Address: From Visitor Center to Luming Valley; Boarding and alighting at any stop, flat rate unlimited rides (outside main street area). Stroller Rental: Referential price: Deposit 500 yuan per stroller, rental fee 50 yuan/day; Address: Front desk at the visitor center. Rain Gear Rental: Referential price: Subject to announcement; Address: Visitor Center. Wheelchair Rental: Referential price: Free, deposit required 500 yuan per wheelchair; Address: Visitor Service Area. Restrooms: Located at the Visitor Service Center with clear signage. Smoking Area: Smoking is allowed in non-indoor areas. Nursing Room: Address: A nursing room is available at the visitor center of Lingshan Town Nianhua Bay. Accessibility Ramp: Accessibility ramps are set up at the entrance of the scenic area. Dining: There are several restaurants within the scenic area, widely distributed. For reference, one can consult the park map. Souvenir Shops: There are several souvenir shops within the scenic area, widely distributed. For reference, one can consult the park map. Vending Machines: One vending machine is located at the visitor center, and several are randomly distributed within the scenic area. Convenience Stores: There are multiple convenience stores located within the scenic area on Xiangyue Flower Street.
Related Content：
Spring Outing and Admiring Flowers, Live up to the Spring Scenery. A Brief Note on Cherry Blossom Appreciation in Wuxi, Jiangsu in March 2023
Azure Seas and Golden Sands
Xizha, the Quintessence of Wuzhen
Weihai Xixiaokou: Embrace the Cool, Carefree Summer
Follow Xia Ningbao to the Jiangnan water town – Zhujiajiao Ancient Town.
The Humble Administrator’s Garden