A Three-Day, Two-Night Journey Through the Real-Life Version of "Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains"

Tonglu, a hidden gem in northwestern Zhejiang, serves as the real-life setting of "Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains." With a forest coverage rate of 70%, it exudes poetry and tranquility. In spring, the river water is crystal clear, and ancient villages are surrounded by blooming flowers, radiating enchanting charm. Here’s your ultimate three-day, two-night Tonglu travel guide👇

Top Five Must-Visit Attractions:
1. Fuchun River Little Three Gorges 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Address: Includes boat ticket (¥120/person, covers Yan Ziling Fishing Platform), open 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Why visit? Cruise on a painted boat as if stepping into a landscape scroll. Highly recommend the open-air deck on the second floor for stunning reflections of green mountains. Free Hanfu rentals for photos add to the ambiance. Climb Yan Ziling Fishing Platform for a breathtaking aerial view of the zigzagging river bend, mirroring the perspective in "Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains."

2. Yaolin Wonderland 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Address: Ticket ¥116/person, open 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Why visit? The largest karst cave in East China, offering spectacular scenery. Follow the guide’s mythical tales like "Galaxy Waterfall" and feel transported to a fairyland. Flash photography highlights the exquisite textures of stalactites. Don’t miss the ¥15 cave-themed milk tea at the exit—the cup sleeve makes a great souvenir!

3. Chuiyuntong Tianhe (Hanging Cloud Underground River) 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Address: Ticket ¥108/person (includes underground river drift), open 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Why visit? Glide through the "No. 1 Underground River" on a boat while the rower sings folk songs. A flashlight reveals millennia-old stalactites. Walk across the Lingyun Sky Bridge for a panoramic view of bamboo forests. Enjoy misty cloud tea and soft glutinous rice cakes (¥20) at the exit teahouse—pure bliss.

4. Shishe Village 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Address: Free, open all day
Why visit? A thousand-year-old village where cherry blossoms line the creek. Cobblestone paths and rammed-earth walls make every shot Instagram-worthy. Grab freshly steamed fermented rice buns (¥1.5) at the morning market. At dusk, watch the sunset over the Fuchun River under an ancient camphor tree—magical! Bring mosquito repellent.

5. Yan Ziling Fishing Platform 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Address: Combo ticket/single entry ¥30, open 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Why visit? Ascend the East and West platforms for a full view of the zigzag river bend. Visit Yan’s Ancestral Hall to see Fan Zhongyan’s original stone inscriptions. Around 4 PM, capture backlit portraits at the "Fishing Boat at Dusk" platform—highly photogenic.

Three-Day Itinerary:
✅ Day 1: Travel Through a Painting
07:30 Hangzhou East Station → Tonglu (high-speed rail ¥23/40 mins)
09:30 Fuchun River cruise + Yan Ziling Fishing Platform
15:00 Explore Shen’ao Ancient Village’s Ming-Qing water system
🏡 Stay: Atour Hotel Fuchun River (river-view room ¥468)

✅ Day 2: Underground Adventure
08:30 Yaolin Wonderland (2-hour cave exploration)
12:00 Bipu Steamed Buns (30-year-old shop)
14:30 Riverside afternoon tea in Shishe Village
🏡 Stay: Secret Garden Homestay (rammed-earth room ¥688)

✅ Day 3: The Simple Life
09:00 Heling Thousand-Mu Terraced Fields (April rapeseed flower sea)
12:00 She Ethnic Ribbon Weaving Experience (¥50/ribbon)
17:00 Lucí Bay Slow Living Block

Local Food Guide:
Must-try trio:
- Fermented rice bun with meat (Shishe morning market): Perfect carb-protein combo.
- Tongjiang mandarin fish (two cooking styles): Tender and flavorful.
- Fried bun with stinky tofu: Unique and unforgettable.

Hidden gems:
- She Ethnic red yeast rice wine (strong, drink cautiously).
- Ash-water bamboo leaf rice dumplings: Distinctive texture.

Transport Tips:
- By train: Tonglu Station → scenic shuttle (¥5-15).
- By car: 1.5 hours from Hangzhou; free parking at attractions.
- Remote villages (e.g., Shishe): Consider chartered cars.

Budget (for two):
- Tickets: ¥600
- Transport: ¥400
- Lodging: ¥1,200
- Food: ¥800
✅ Total: ¥1,500/person for a poetic Jiangnan getaway.

Pitfall Avoidance:
❗ Wear anti-slip shoes in caves.
❗ Last return boat from Yan Ziling: 4:30 PM.
❗ Ancient villages = mosquitoes—pack Thai herbal balm.
❗ Weekend homestays cost 30% more; book 7 days ahead.

Photography Secrets:
① Fuchun River morning mist (6:30-7:30 AM): Soft light + fog = perfect scenery shots.
② Shishe Village: Drone limit 120m—mind safety/height rules.
③ Yaolin Wonderland: No flash! Use wide aperture for cave ambiance.

Post by SnowySummits* | Jul 12, 2025