A Spontaneous Trip - Liyang Adventure

A Spontaneous Trip - Liyang Adventure Due to heavy rain in Guizhou, our original travel plans were canceled. After checking the weather nationwide, it seemed only the Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai area was rain-free, so we focused on Jiangsu. The name "Liyang" popped into my mind. After confirming the weather, we quickly booked our tickets, thus beginning my family trip with kids and elders in tow. With limited helping hands, we booked all three nights at the Hantian Resort Hotel. The environment was lovely, but the service didn't quite match the price. Here's our four-day itinerary: Day 1 Tianjin to Liyang - a 4.5-hour drive For road trip convenience, we rented a car through a platform. Despite purchasing basic insurance, we were forced to buy additional coverage for an extra 153 yuan, otherwise the booking couldn't be completed. Stepping out of the station, we were hit by a wave of heat - unbearably hot 🥵, with sweat pouring down. After a 30-minute drive to the hotel and check-in, the kids got excited exploring the resort grounds despite the heat. We considered indoor activities but found them pricey (228 yuan for two kids at the trampoline park), so we opted for dinner at the small animal farm instead. Even the alpacas stayed indoors to escape the heat! The simple meal was tasty though slightly expensive. As temperatures dropped slightly after dinner, mosquitoes emerged. We played briefly at the non-powered playground before retiring. Impressions: Beautiful scenery, scorching heat, steep prices. Day 2: Nanshan Bamboo Sea - Pingqiao Stone Dam - Fangsuo Cultural Village - Bao'en Temple With kids, schedules are unpredictable. We missed the recommended 9am arrival at Nanshan Bamboo Sea but braved the heat anyway. Tickets included one-way cable car and round-trip ground railway. The bamboo forest walk was pleasant, though the ground railway ride was short, taking us directly to Jiming Village with its small cultural show. Further up at the panda exhibit, both pandas were already asleep by our late arrival. Due to the heat and family members' comfort, we took the scenic train down instead of walking. Panda motifs were everywhere! Pingqiao Stone Dam wasn't spectacular in dry season, but the stream below offered some water play - bring spare clothes! Passing Fangsuo Cultural Village on our return, we found it nearly deserted with incomplete facilities, only the bookstore offering a quiet respite. Bao'en Temple was closed when we arrived. Day 3: Liyang No.1 Highway Tour Route: New Fourth Army Jiangnan Headquarters Memorial - Goose Goose Farm - Heart of Goddess - Path of Love - Miluo Dam Viewpoint - Goddess Lake Station - Bieqiao Hometown Scenic Area The scenic highway drive was enjoyable, though possibly due to heat, all stops were nearly empty. We only paused for a quick meal at Path of Love before moving on. The final destination disappointed with just simple straw decorations in a desolate area - not recommended. Day 4: Rest and return to Tianjin