Tonglu Travel | A Healing Small Town Hidden Among Mountains and Waters

🎈Everyone, I won’t allow anyone to say they haven’t been to Tonglu! This treasure small town, endorsed by National Geographic, is truly the "poetry and distant place" of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city, dive headfirst into the picturesque landscape of Tonglu, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy the leisurely pace of life—it’s incredibly healing! Without further ado, here’s your Tonglu travel guide👇

Transportation Guide🚗

🚄High-speed Rail: After exiting Tonglu Station, it takes about 20 minutes by taxi to the county town. There are also shuttle buses to the scenic spots, but the frequency is limited.
🚌Within the City: Attractions are quite spread out, so taking a taxi or carpooling is recommended for convenience and time-saving. If you want more freedom, you can also rent a car and drive yourself.

Accommodation Recommendations🏠

🌳Fuchun River Riverside Homestay: Wake up to the river breeze and birdsong, open the window to stunning river views, and enjoy the romantic and cozy night scenery of the river~
🌳Hotels near Yaolin Wonderland: Super convenient for visiting the karst cave scenic area, most hotels have courtyards, quiet and comfortable environment, and great value for money!
🌳Hecun Shengxianli Homestay: Stay in an ancient village where you can see babbling streams right outside the door. The owner also cooks authentic farmhouse dishes, full of local life vibes!

Must-Visit Attractions✨

1. Fuchun River Little Three Gorges: Drift downstream on a bamboo raft, with green mountains rolling on both sides, like a flowing landscape painting slowly unfolding. Passing by the Yanzi Ling Fishing Platform feels like traveling back a thousand years, experiencing the ancient hermit’s sentiment. The river breeze on your face is so refreshing~

2. Yanzi Ling Fishing Platform: Climb the platform for a panoramic view of the Fuchun River, the sight is amazing! The ancient stele is engraved with poems from scholars and poets, bringing a strong sense of history. Sit in the pavilion, brew a cup of tea, quietly enjoy the river view, and time seems to slow down.

3. Yaolin Wonderland: The crown jewel of karst caves in East China! The stalactites inside the cave are stunning under the lights, like entering a mysterious crystal palace. The cave maintains a constant temperature of 18℃, making it a natural refrigerator in summer🧊

4. Chuiyun Tongtian River: Take a small boat into the cave, with stalactites seemingly within reach. The boatman tells vivid stories about the cave. Finally, take the "underground elevator" out of the cave—super fun, like a wonderful adventure.

5. OMG Heartbeat Park: Thrill-seekers can’t miss this! Cliff swings, sky drifting, sky road roller coaster... over 30 attractions to get your heart racing and screams nonstop! The night lights are dreamy, perfect for photos📸

Local Food Recommendations🍜

1. Tonglu Fried Vermicelli: The vermicelli soaks up rich broth, combined with tender dried bamboo shoots and fragrant minced meat, every bite is super satisfying. A big plate costs only 15 yuan, great value!

2. Fuchun River Fish Head Soup: So fresh it’ll make your eyebrows raise! The fish head is big and tender, the soup is thick and milky white with no fishy smell. Add some tofu, and the freshness doubles—you can easily finish two bowls.

3. Braised Pork with Dried Bamboo Shoots: Local dried bamboo shoots are tender and fresh, stewed with soft pork belly, rich in sauce flavor. The sauce is perfect for mixing with rice—I can show off three bowls!

4. Rice Cake: The outer skin is soft, chewy, and elastic, filled with dried bamboo shoots, salted vegetables, and meat. One bite is full of hometown flavor, perfect as a snack~

5. Immortal Chicken: The whole chicken is stewed until the bones fall off, the meat is tender and juicy, and the soup is enriched with various mushrooms. It’s so delicious it’s intoxicating. Having a serving in winter warms you to the core.

Travel Itinerary Planning📅

Day 1: Fuchun River Little Three Gorges (bamboo raft drifting) → Yanzi Ling Fishing Platform → Tonglu County Town (night market, food)
Day 2: Yaolin Wonderland → Chuiyun Tongtian River → Hecun Shengxianli (stay in a homestay, experience rural life)
Day 3: Hecun Shengxianli (go drifting or explore the ancient village) → Return trip

Helpful Tips📌

1. Remember to bring a light jacket when visiting the caves, as the temperature inside is quite low—don’t catch a cold~

2. Wear quick-dry clothes for drifting, bring a change of clothes and a waterproof phone bag, or else it’ll be awkward if your phone gets wet.

3. When eating farmhouse dishes, feel free to bargain a bit. Ordering as a group is more cost-effective.

4. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons to visit Tonglu. If you go drifting in summer, go early to avoid the midday sun.

Tonglu is truly a place you’ll want to visit again and again. Every scenery and every dish leaves you with endless aftertaste. Friends, start planning your trip now💖