High-Speed Rail to Tonglu: A Weekend Getaway Guide

Tired of the hustle and bustle of the city? Looking for a tranquil place to breathe fresh air? Then come to Tonglu! Plan a spontaneous weekend getaway to Tonglu and immerse yourself in nature. Before You Go Plan your itinerary in advance and book the earliest high-speed train to Tonglu. Tonglu residents keep regular hours and go to bed early, so arriving late at night may make it difficult to find a taxi. The Night Before 🚄 After arriving in Tonglu by high-speed rail, take a taxi to the Hanting Hotel Fuchunjiang Branch. It's a short 10-minute ride. The hotel is clean and tidy, with stunning views of the Fenshui River from the window. The hotel is next to Tongjun Mountain. The night view at the foot of the mountain is brightly lit, but the hiking trails may be closed. Take a stroll around the area, enjoy the night view, and then have a good night's sleep to recharge for tomorrow's journey. Day 1: Nature and Culture 🌄 Morning: Daqishan National Forest Park Highlights: Stepping into Daqishan is like entering a green fairy tale world. Winding bamboo trails offer peace and tranquility; the Tianchi Lake at the summit is like a sparkling pearl; and the cascading waterfalls are magnificent. There are photo opportunities everywhere. The hike takes about 2–3 hours. Enjoy the gifts of nature. Tips: Wear comfortable sneakers, bring some snacks and water, pack light, and start your morning full of energy. 🍜 Lunch: Shishe Village & Mishaipa Transportation: From Daqishan to Shishe Village, it's about a 40-minute taxi ride, covering approximately 30 km. Scenery: Stroll through the ancient Ming and Qing Dynasty village of Shishe, where the marks of time are clearly visible on the old buildings. The slow pace of life by the Fuchun River is perfectly reflected here. Food: When you come to Shishe Village, you must try the local specialty, Mishaipa. This is a handmade noodle dumpling with a soft and chewy texture. The "Shishe Mishaipa" old shop has the most authentic flavor. Don't miss it. 🌅 Afternoon: Yan Ziling Fishing Platform Transportation: From Shishe Village, it's a 30-minute drive (about 20 km) to Yan Ziling Fishing Platform. Time: Be sure to arrive before 14:00 to take a boat tour of the Fuchun River Small Three Gorges. Boats depart every hour, with the last boat around 16:00. Don't miss it. Scenery: Ascend the East and West Fishing Platforms and overlook the magnificent scenery of the Fuchun River. Enjoy the refreshing river breeze. Then, take a walk through the stele gallery and experience the sentiments of the ancients. The entire tour takes about 2 hours. 🍽 Evening: Return to the County Seat & Dinner at Pangpo Restaurant Transportation: After the fishing platform tour, take a 25-minute taxi ride back to the county seat. Food Recommendation: Don't miss Pangpo Restaurant (Tongjun Street). Wo wontons, fermented rice buns, and braised assorted fish are must-try dishes. Every bite will let you experience the unique flavor of Tonglu. 🎁 Souvenir Shopping After dinner, you can visit the local market or specialty stores to buy some Tonglu rice cakes. They make great gifts for yourself or friends and family. Things to Note Transportation: Tonglu's attractions are scattered, and public transportation is not very convenient. Taxis are recommended, or you can book a chartered car in advance (about CNY 400–600/day). Renting a car for self-drive is also a more flexible and convenient option. Tickets: Tickets for Yan Ziling Fishing Platform, including the boat tour, are about CNY 125/person. Booking online in advance may offer discounts. Remember to check in advance. Time Management: The last boat at Yan Ziling Fishing Platform is around 16:00. Plan your previous itinerary accordingly to avoid missing the boat. Weather: Mountain weather is unpredictable. Bring rain gear and sunscreen just in case. Ready for a breath of fresh air in Tonglu? Pack your bags and head to Tonglu for a poetic and beautiful weekend.