Day 1 Ningbo → Tonglu
All day
07:00 Gather at the south gate of Yager Stadium and depart on time.
We departed promptly at 7:30 AM. On the bus, our leader introduced everyone, interacted with the group, and shared travel experiences. We also discussed destinations we'd like to visit, perhaps finding a companion for our next trip. We also shared tips on previous trips and shared recommendations. During this short day's journey, we might spark new sparks and discover companions with similar interests. We laughed and chatted all the way, unknowingly approaching our destination.
Arriving at Shishe Village around 11:00 AM, this ancient village, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, exudes a sense of tranquility and tranquility, like a pristine ink-and-wash landscape painting nestled in the mountains. Surrounded by mountains and lush green trees, it offers a view of a bamboo forest and a clear stream. The village's aging houses exude a rich, rustic charm, dotted with studios, book bars, cafes, art spaces, and printing and dyeing workshops. Art, thought, innovation, and the ancient village blend seamlessly together, making Shishe Village a place where anyone who visits will find a secluded retreat. The village's architecture is charming, preserving the architecture of Ming and Qing dynasty dwellings. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the village and sample its signature rice sieves and ash-water rice dumplings.
The Maling Ancient Trail starts from Malingjiao Village, Yuzhai Township, Pujiang County, and goes all the way to Lucibu, Tonglu. It winds through the mountains at the junction of Pujiang, Jiande and Tonglu. We walked 12 kilometers of it, passing through Shishe Village, Maoping Village, Baibu Street and Xiekengkou. The ancient trail paved with bluestone slabs is very easy to walk on, and ordinary sports casual shoes are enough. There are shops in the villages along the way where you can get supplies, and time is reserved for everyone to have lunch.
Walking along the stream, we soon arrived at Maoping Village. Compared with Shishe, Maoping Village is a bit larger. It is a long village along the Luci Creek. The houses are scattered along the terrain of the stream. More than 70% of the people in the village are surnamed Hu. The existing ancient buildings are basically in the Huizhou architectural style. Obviously, there is an inseparable connection between this place and the Hu family, a big surname of Huizhou merchants. Therefore, there is also a Hu family ancestral hall here, which is basically well preserved. I have been obsessed with Huizhou all my life and have never dreamed of going to this ancient village by the stream to admire the unique charm of Huizhou architecture.
In the painting, Luci Village, a clear stream flows, eventually flowing into the river. Maoping Creek reaches Longmen Bay, where it joins the Fuchun River and flows to the East China Sea. At the edge of this harbor lies its final destination: Luci Village. Here, shaded by green trees, the village is clean and fresh, its whitewashed walls and black tiles harmonious and warm. Birdsong fills the air, the fragrance of flowers permeates the air. Everything you see is a painting, a place where you swim. In summer, the stream in front of the village fills with people enjoying the water, a truly joyful experience! We walked along the riverside path, the brook gurgling, the lush green mountains and waters adorned with verdant colors. Tourists from Fuchun came and went, chatting with a friend or two, leaving behind the worries of life.
Day 2 Tonglu → Jilong Mountain → Ningbo
All day
The loop hike is 10km long. Rappelling, caving, and Leopard Cliff are not mandatory activities. People with a fear of heights may not want to try them.
Have breakfast at 8:00 and pack your luggage.
Set off on time at 8:30 and arrive at the foot of Jilong Mountain. Go up the mountain and step on the soft spring mud. Your mood will be high all the way.
Continue along the mechanized farming road and head to Chaotian Cave for descent.
After donning your caving gear, you'll embark on an exciting cliff rappelling experience led by your instructor. Under your instructor's guidance, you'll descend a 40-meter-high natural cliff face, transforming into Spider-Man. Halfway down, you'll enter a natural cave, then soar through the air to the bottom, giving you the feeling of an airborne soldier. After the rappelling, you'll arrive at the mountain camp for lunch and a rest stop. You can bring your own snacks or enjoy noodles at the camp.
In the afternoon, pack your gear and set off lightly (caving in the summer can easily get your shoes and pants wet, so bring a change of shoes and clothing. Military rubber boots are available for rent at the camp for 5 yuan a pair, and since they're reusable, it's recommended to bring a pair of socks). Pick up your helmet and headlamp and head to Wolong Cave, where you'll truly begin your exploration of the Earth's core. This exciting and challenging cave exploration journey will offer you the chance to see the ever-changing stalactites, hear the eerie sound of dripping water, and experience the glint of fluorescent lights within the cave—a truly magical experience!
Two hours later, we came out of the cave and returned to the camp to return the equipment, take our own equipment, and reorganize the team. Then we went down the winding mountain path and came to the big slope of Leopard Cliff. We pulled the rope and rappelled down, which was very exciting.
We continued down and arrived at the return point. We got on the bus and went home. We arrived back to the starting point around 7 pm. Everyone was reluctant to leave and kissed goodbye with tears in their eyes.
