Luoma Lake 7-Day Local Insider Guide

Stop only knowing about Sanya! Jiangsu hides a "Freshwater Little Maldives," Luoma Lake 7-day local insider guide to fully explore You might think Jiangsu’s lakes are just crowded Taihu Lake or commercial fishing boats on Hongze Lake? Last National Day, I avoided the crowds and went to Suqian’s Luoma Lake, only to discover one of the most underrated vacation secrets in the Yangtze River Delta—an 18-kilometer golden lakeshore quieter than the seaside, a full fish feast costing only 50 RMB per person that’s incredibly fresh, even Qianlong Emperor praised it as “the best spring scenery in the empire.” This guide compiles all the pitfalls I encountered and treasures I found, helping you avoid 90% of tourists and unlock Luoma Lake’s “wild romance.” Pre-trip Pitfalls to Avoid: I’ve tested these traps for you Almost got tricked by influencer photos into paying high prices before departure, but luckily local fishing friends pulled me back in time. Don’t fall for these traps: Don’t buy the “fast track” at the Beach Park: Some say the beach is crowded and you need to pay 50 RMB for a VIP fast lane, but it’s totally unnecessary. The beach is free to enter. Go before 8 AM or after 6 PM when it’s less crowded, and the sunset’s “orange sea” photo ops are stunning without fighting for a spot. Don’t buy fish jerky randomly in scenic spots: Vacuum-packed fish jerky at lakeside shops can cost over 100 RMB per jin and tastes dry. Local fishing friends took me to Xiaodian Town’s farmers market, where the same fresh fish jerky costs only 30 RMB per jin and you can taste it on site—freshness guaranteed. Ask about “measurement units” at fishermen’s homestays: Some menus say “live fish 88 RMB per portion,” but at checkout, they say “one portion is half a fish.” Always ask if it’s priced by weight or by piece. I recommend places with “local fishermen direct supply” signs for better value. Essential Pre-trip Checklist: - Clothing: Thin jacket in spring and autumn (lake winds are strong), sun-protective clothing in summer (UV rays stronger than expected), knitwear in autumn (temperature difference over 10°C between morning and night). - Gear: Sand digging tools (must-have for kids, renting costs 20 RMB per set), folding tent (few shaded spots on the beach, bringing your own is more convenient), mosquito repellent (many mosquitoes by the lake at dusk). - Documents: ID card (required for some venues), driver’s license (self-driving around the lake is more convenient, with 10 free parking lots along the lake road). - Benefits: From September 2025, 13 major scenic spots are free admission; visitors born in the Year of the Snake can bring one person free to Mount Santai, remember to bring your ID for redemption. 7-Day In-Depth Itinerary: From “Tourist” to “Local” Day 1: Arrive in Suqian, check into a lake-view boutique hotel After arriving in Suqian in the afternoon, head straight to Luoma Lake Tourism Resort. I recommend staying at Star International Hotel, adjacent to Mount Santai, with lake views right from the window and a quality swimming pool. After dropping off luggage, visit Roman Garden Beach—barefoot on fine sand, the lakeside swings and carousel make every photo look like a fairy tale scene. Dinner at “Luoma Lake Spicy Stir-fried Pork,” and with possible event tickets, you might get complimentary appetizers, paired with a bowl of silverfish egg soup that’s so fresh you’ll tap your feet. Day 2: Nature Healing Route—A Date with Lake and Mountain Set off at 8 AM to Mount Santai National Forest Park, where the forest area is full of negative oxygen ions, and the Natián flower sea blooms all year round (tulips in spring, cosmos in autumn). A small train ride costs 20 RMB per person to tour the park; catch the last train before 5:30 PM or you’ll have to walk 40 minutes out. In the afternoon, visit Luoma Lake Water Sports Base, which has free first-entry tickets. For 150 RMB, try flyboarding with a coach guiding you through flips in the air—thrilling yet safe. If extreme sports aren’t your thing, rent a pedal boat (60 RMB/hour) and leisurely watch egrets skim the lake surface—super healing. At night, camp at Muchen Space Capsule Campground—bring your own tent for free, order a BBQ set (198 RMB including grilled meat and charcoal), chat with local fishing friends, and hear their fun stories about “night fishing at Luoma Lake.” Day 3: Cultural Exploration Route—Unlock Canal Stories In the morning, head straight to Zaohé Longyun City, where Qianlong Emperor stayed five times. Don’t miss the “Little Forbidden City” imperial stele pavilion at the Dragon King Temple palace, engraved with his southern tour inscriptions. I recommend watching the 5D film “Dayu Controls the Waters,” then visiting the Longyun Palace exhibition, and finally catching the 3 PM “Zaohé Dream Quest” water performance for an immersive canal culture experience. In the afternoon, visit the Crystal World Glass Art Museum and try lampworking for 100 RMB per person, making your own glass trinket with a great sense of accomplishment. At dusk, stroll along the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal and watch the sunset reflect on the water, blurring the line between river and lake. For dinner, go to Chu Street Night Market and find freshly steamed crab roe soup dumplings (15 RMB for 3). Bite into them hot for juicy bursts, and remember to pair with mung bean soup to cut the richness. Avoid stalls that just reheat cold dumplings. Day 4: Family Fun Route—Non-stop Play with Kids In the morning, check in at Luoma Lake Ocean Park, watch sharks swim through the underwater tunnel, and don’t miss the 10 AM mermaid show. For lunch, go to Yuanjia Village for handmade pancakes and Dingding cakes; freshly baked flower cakes cost only 5 RMB each, sweet but not greasy. In the afternoon, visit Luoma Lake Happy World, where pastel-colored non-powered rides are perfect for photos. The rainbow slide and flying castle keep kids entertained for hours. Nearby, Zhongwu Amusement City has a Ferris wheel that offers panoramic lake views from the top—super romantic for couples’ photos. At night, watch the light show at Beach Park. Every Friday and Saturday from 7 to 9 PM, there’s a concert. Buy a 10 RMB glow bracelet to join the interaction—the atmosphere is fantastic. Day 5: Sports Challenge Route—Release Dopamine Thrill-seekers don’t miss this day! In the morning, visit Luoma Lake Golf Course, a 27-hole hill course with wide views. Beginners can start at the practice range (60 RMB/hour) with free coaching. In the afternoon, try the equestrian club. The warm-blooded horses are very gentle. Children’s riding package (120 RMB/30 minutes) includes protective gear and coach; adults can choose wild trail rides along the lake—super cool. At dusk, go to the forest go-kart track, 80 RMB for 8 minutes, racing through the woods for stress relief and fun. Dinner at Donglaishun Hotpot, where event tickets get you free sour plum juice. Enjoy lamb hotpot with cold drinks for a perfect ending. Day 6: Fishing Village Slow Tour—Pretend You’re in Holland In the morning, take a fishing boat to Daichang Island (round-trip ticket 60 RMB per person). The island’s windmill group combined with April’s tulip sea makes photos look like Holland. Rent an electric bike (30 RMB/hour) to circle the island, see reed marshes, fishing village murals, and learn net weaving from fishermen. For lunch, enjoy a “Fisherman’s Feast” on the island. Freshly caught crabs (fattest in September) steamed and dipped in vinegar are incredibly fresh, only 60 RMB per person. In the afternoon, visit Zhang Jie’s fish stall at the lake market, buy 3 jin of live shrimp for 20 RMB, and cook it yourself back at the guesthouse—finger-licking fresh. At night, stroll through Yaowan Ancient Town, with Ming and Qing dynasty stone pavements and red lanterns. Buy a bottle of freshly brewed mung bean liquor (25 RMB/bottle), sip while walking, and soak in the town’s lively atmosphere. Day 7: Pre-Departure “Bonus”—Yingxun Alley Foodie Walk Before leaving, visit Yingxun Alley, where every small shop is exquisitely decorated. Have a coffee, take some artsy photos, and buy handmade yogurt as souvenirs. For lunch, go to “Chaozheng Wagyu Hotpot,” where event tickets get you free beef balls. Eat your fill before heading home—perfect! Local-Only Hidden Activities 1. 10 RMB fishing boat ride to watch fishing: At the Beach Park pier, find fishermen and pay 10 RMB to ride a fishing boat out to sea, watching egrets follow the boat to fish. It’s more authentic than the 60 RMB tourist boats. 2. Autumn Sand Sculpture Exhibition: The 7th Sand Sculpture Exhibition features 5-meter-high Black Wukong and scenes like the Spider Cave, free admission, great for kids to play half a day. 3. “Suqian Anaya” photo spot: The white building next to the water sports base offers a high-end vibe for photos, fewer people, great shots, and is popular among local youth for photo shoots. The romance of Luoma Lake is sitting on a fishing boat for 10 RMB watching the sunset, nibbling lotus seed pods on the beach waiting for the evening glow, and suddenly realizing Jiangsu has hidden the “sea” here. Stop envying Sanya—this free “Freshwater Little Maldives” offers such great value it will surprise you.