Tonglu Mountains and Waters Check-in Guide

Comprehensive Travel Guide to Tonglu, Zhejiang: A Poetic Journey of Mountains and Waters by the Fuchun River

Overview

Tonglu is located in the northwest of Zhejiang Province, under the jurisdiction of Hangzhou City, and is renowned as a "land of spiritual beauty and a place of elegant civilization." As the real-life setting of the "Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains" painting, Tonglu combines stunning natural scenery with rich cultural heritage, making it an ideal short-trip destination in the Yangtze River Delta region. This guide will provide detailed information on must-visit attractions, unique experiences, and practical tips for Tonglu.

Transportation Guide

External Transportation:

· Self-driving: About 1.5 hours from Hangzhou, about 3 hours from Shanghai
· High-speed Rail: Tonglu Station (about 30 minutes from Hangzhou East Station to Tonglu Station)
· Long-distance Bus: Direct buses available from Hangzhou Jiubao Passenger Transport Center

Internal Transportation:

· Taxi: Starting fare 8 RMB
· Bus: Direct buses to major attractions
· Recommendation: Self-driving or chartering a car is more convenient for visiting scattered sites

Recommended Must-Visit Attractions

1. Chuiyun Tongtian River

Feature: Underground river boat tour

· Ticket: 108 RMB/person (including boat ticket)
· Tour duration: 2-3 hours
· Highlights: Karst wonders, light show, underground river adventure
· Tip: The cave temperature is low; it is recommended to bring a jacket

2. Daqi Mountain National Forest Park

Feature: Natural oxygen bar near the city

· Ticket: 65 RMB/person
· Recommended route: Bamboo Path to Seclusion → Green World → Stone Garden Valley
· Must-experience: Iron chain bridge, Tianchi photo spot, forest walk
· Best time: Early morning or after rain

3. Yaolin Wonderland

Feature: The most representative karst cave in East China

· Ticket: 116 RMB/person
· Tour duration: 1.5 hours
· Highlights: Milky Way waterfall, Yingzhou Huabiao, Thirty-three Layers of Heaven
· Photography tip: Use a tripod to shoot stalactites

4. Yanzi Ling Fishing Platform

Feature: The essence section of the Fuchun River’s Little Three Gorges

· Ticket: 125 RMB/person (including boat ticket)
· Tour method: Boat tour + island sightseeing
· Cultural experience: Ancient stele corridor, fishing platform nostalgia
· Best seasons: Spring and autumn

5. Eshan She Ethnic Township

Feature: The only ethnic minority township in the Hangzhou area

· Ticket: Free
· Experience activities: She ethnic folk performances, hand weaving
· Food specialties: She family black rice, red yeast rice wine
· Recommended visit time: Half a day

Recommended Unique Experiences

1. Fuchun River Night Tour

· Time: Every night at 7:30 PM
· Ticket price: 98 RMB/person
· Highlights: Light shows on both banks, river breeze night views
· Best spot: Second-floor open deck

2. Countryside Homestay Experience

Recommended homestays:

· Qinglongwu: Popular homestay gathering place
· Luci Village: Top choice for river view homestays
· Eshan: She ethnic style homestay

3. Outdoor Activities

· Huxiao Gorge rafting (summer only)
· Jilong Mountain outdoor expansion
· Fuchun River greenway cycling

Food Guide

Must-try specialties

1. Tongjiang Mandarin Fish: Local specialty aquatic product
2. Fermented Rice Steamed Bun: Soft and sweet
3. She Ethnic Black Rice: Glutinous rice steamed with black tree leaf juice
4. Oil-boiled Steamed Bun: Served with stinky tofu

Recommended Restaurants

· Tongluren (local cuisine)
· Zhangmuniang Restaurant (farmhouse dishes)
· Jiangnan Commune (creative cuisine)

Accommodation Recommendations

High-end options

· Conrad Tonglu Hotel
· Radisson Resort Hotel

Unique Homestays

· Dashan Chuli (designer style)
· Jinglu Lanshan (luxury style)
· Yunxi Shang (artistic style)

Budget-friendly

· Kaiyuan Manju (county town)
· 7 Days Inn (convenient transportation)

Itinerary Suggestions

Classic Two-day Tour

Day 1:

· Morning: Chuiyun Tongtian River
· Afternoon: Yaolin Wonderland
· Evening: Fuchun River Night Tour

Day 2:

· Morning: Yanzi Ling Fishing Platform
· Afternoon: Daqi Mountain Forest Park
· Evening: Taste local cuisine

In-depth Three-day Tour

Day 1: Yaolin Wonderland + Grandma’s Red Lantern Restaurant
Day 2: Yanzi Ling Fishing Platform + Fuchun River Little Three Gorges
Day 3: Eshan She Ethnic Township + Countryside Experience

Practical Information

Best Travel Time

· Spring (March-May): Blooming mountain flowers
· Autumn (September-November): Clear skies and light clouds
· Avoid rainy season (June-July) and hot summer (July-August)

Budget Reference (2 people, 2 days)

· Accommodation: 400-800 RMB/night
· Food: 200-300 RMB/day
· Tickets: About 300 RMB/person
· Transportation: 200-400 RMB/day

Notes

1. Mountain weather changes frequently; bring rain gear
2. Cave floors are slippery; wear non-slip shoes
3. Watch out for mosquitoes in summer
4. Book homestays in advance for weekends