For people crushed by repetitive routines and gray city life, travel has stopped being just moving from one place to another. It’s a chance to fully restore body and mind. If a long vacation isn’t possible and nearby spots feel tired and familiar, Yancheng in Jiangsu Province, China, could be the perfect answer. A roughly 2-hour flight from Seoul brings you to a vast green retreat shaped by sea, forest, and wetlands.
A natural treasure recognized worldwide — Yellow Sea Forest Park
When Yancheng comes up, the first verdant name that springs to mind is the Yellow Sea Forest Park. Located in Dongtai, Jiangsu Province, this is the largest plain forest along China’s coast. 55 years ago, pioneers planted seedlings on salt-heavy, vegetation-free land and, over the course of half a century, turned it into an artificial ecological forest. The dense woods span 41.5㎢ (about 16.02 sq mi) and boast over 90% canopy cover, offering striking scenery year-round. In spring, pale green shoots brighten the entire forest. Stroll slowly along the wooden walkways and the city’s noise will slip away, leaving only the crisp scent of the outdoors. Before the morning mist fully lifts, sunlight slicing through the treetops creates a show of light and shadow that feels like nature’s finest gift.
A wonder that feels like walking on water — Dazhong Lake reed maze
At the end of Yancheng’s waterways, you’ll discover another gem: Dazhong Lake. Its standout attraction is the reed maze—the largest in the world, listed in the Guinness World Records.
Step into a small skiff and glide through channels framed by reeds that tower over you. As you drift, the clutter in your mind clears. At sunset, the lake takes on a rosy glow and the golden reeds shimmer, creating a scene more moving than any photograph can capture.
Forest romance and a feast for the palate — a duet of nature and flavor
After a tranquil, healing spell, a romantic stroll awaits. Dafeng’s Dutch-themed area adds an exotic pop of color to the itinerary. With a classic windmill and 30 million tulips blooming like waves, it’s easy to imagine you’ve wandered into a quaint European village.
The crowning touch of any trip is the food. Yancheng’s seafood, pulled fresh from its pristine tidal flats and seas, lets the ingredients shine with clean, straightforward flavors. Don’t miss the locals’ soul food, dongtae-eo tangmyeon (dongtae fish noodle soup). The chefs simmer carp bones for hours until the broth turns milky and deeply savory—an instant cure for travel fatigue and a morning you won’t forget.
Close enough to be convenient and clean enough to feel restorative—this vacation, why not press pause in Yancheng, the UNESCO-recognized ecological city?
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