Tonglu Day Trip: Crafting a Legend of Summer Coolness with Drifting, Caves, and Lantern Festivals
by Calm Evelyn~Turner18
Aug 3, 2025
Known as "China's Most Beautiful County," Tonglu hides picturesque landscapes that feel like poetry come to life. It's a treasure trove for weekend getaways from Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang. This guide helps you immerse yourself in Tonglu—have fun without spending too much!
🚗 How to Get There
• By car: From Hangzhou, it's only about 1.5 hours away, with stunning scenery along the route.
• By high-speed rail: Just 30 minutes from Hangzhou East to Tonglu Station, then take a taxi to attractions—convenient and quick.
• By bus: Direct buses run from Hangzhou Bus Terminal to Tonglu, costing around 30 yuan with a journey time of about 1.5 hours.
🍱 What to Eat
• Tonglu Braised Pork Squares: Rich but not greasy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness—a must-try local specialty!
• Tea-Fragrant Chicken: Young chicken prepared with a secret tea recipe, golden in color with a rich tea aroma and tender, juicy meat.
• Tonglu Rice Cakes: Available with various fillings like mugwort and pumpkin—soft when steamed, crispy when pan-fried, perfect as a snack.
• Recommended restaurants: Pangpo Restaurant and Old Revolution Restaurant, both focusing on local flavors with excellent value for money.
🏠 Where to Stay
• Luxury experience: Conrad Hangzhou Tonglu, situated along the Fuchun River with unbeatable views and luxurious facilities.
• Family-friendly choice: Tonglu Shilili Mangota·Daqishan Villa Resort Hotel, featuring abundant outdoor facilities for children that they'll love.
• Budget-friendly option: Tonglu Guili Hotel, great location, affordable prices, and complimentary breakfast buffet.
🎡 What to Do
• Yanzi Fishing Platform: Take a boat tour through the Fuchun River's Three Small Gorges, like stepping into the famous "Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains" painting. Morning light offers the best views.
• Daqishan National Forest Park: Hangzhou's "Little Jiuzhaigou," featuring bamboo forests, waterfalls, and mirror-like pools—perfect for family hikes.
• Yaolin Wonderland: A spectacular karst cave maintaining a constant temperature of 18°C—an ideal summer retreat with dreamlike illumination inside.
• OMG Thrill Park: Numerous exciting attractions including Tongtian River Cruise and Lingyun Sky Bridge for heart-racing fun.
📸 Photography Guide
• Yanzi Fishing Platform: Capture the S-curve of Fuchun River from East Platform using a wide-angle lens for stunning shots.
• Daqishan: Wear bright colors by the Heavenly Pool and shoot with side backlighting to capture beautiful reflections.
• Lutz Village: By the pebble beach along the stream, capture moments of water play for perfect summer vibes.
The beauty of Tonglu awaits your discovery! Save this guide and plan your weekend getaway soon!
Post by Adams Katherine Kath | Apr 22, 2025























