Tongling Datong Travel Guide Budget Plan Budget 2500 RMB, including transportation, accommodation, dining

Anhui Tongling Datong Cultural and Emotional Journey Guide Budget Plan The budget is 2500 RMB, with expenses for transportation, accommodation, dining, sightseeing, and shopping roughly allocated as follows: ● Transportation: High-speed rail round trip, local transportation, and taxi fares estimated at 500 RMB. ● Accommodation: Two nights’ stay, controlled around 800 RMB. ● Dining: Sampling various local delicacies, about 700 RMB. ● Others: Including purchasing souvenirs, estimated 500 RMB. Itinerary Day 1: Arrival at Datong, Experience the Charm of the Ancient Town ● Morning: Depart from Nanjing, Hefei, or Shanghai, take a 1-hour high-speed train directly to Tongling Station. After exiting, take a taxi (about 30 RMB) to Datong Ancient Town, or choose to take city bus No. 9 (40 minutes ride). Upon arrival, check in at Zhongjiang Hotel, located at the pedestrian street entrance, costing about 70 RMB per person including breakfast, offering great value. After dropping off luggage and a short rest, stroll along the bluestone paths to start your ancient town journey. Visit Longtan Temple and the ancient opera stage, listen to a Huangmei opera performance, and feel the slow life of the Jiangnan water town. ● Noon: Taste local delicacies in the ancient town, recommended are Datong Shaobing, crispy and savory, paired with tofu pudding for a unique flavor; also Tongling Mao Tofu, fermented “Huizhou stinky tofu,” slightly sour and perfect with rice. ● Afternoon: Head to the ancient town pier, take the free ferry (8 AM - 5 PM) to the opposite bank. If lucky, you might see river dolphins leaping out of the water. Remember to bring a telephoto lens for beautiful photos. (In summer, water levels are high, so wear non-slip shoes.) ● Evening: Visit the Jiangxian Night Market, enjoy freshly cooked crayfish on the pedestrian street paired with chilled beer, savoring the joy of summer. Day 2: Explore Yongquan Town, Encounter a Summer Secret ● Morning: Visit the Twelve Scenes of Yijiangnan in Yongquan next to the ancient town. The hills are covered with azaleas and bamboo groves with streams, like a summer resort paradise. Wear Hanfu and stroll among pavilions and towers, feeling like traveling back in time. Exchange copper coins for food; barbecue and homemade beer are must-tries. ● Noon: Dine at a restaurant in Yongquan Town, tasting local specialty dishes. ● Afternoon: Continue exploring and taking photos in the town. The bamboo plank road and cloud ladder slide at Qixingzhai are great spots to unlock the fairy-like atmosphere seen in "The Untamed." ● Evening: Return to the ancient town, enjoy the sunset at the old riverside pier, and take a beautiful photo that looks like “a person traveling in a painting.” Day 3: Stroll the Ancient Town, Shop for Souvenirs ● Morning: Walk through the ancient town again, browse the old streets, admire well-preserved ancient buildings and alleys, and visit the town museum to learn about the historical and cultural heritage. ● Noon: Taste Lanxi rice cakes in a local restaurant, thin and crispy with red bean paste, a top choice for souvenirs. ● Afternoon: Buy some Datong tea tofu, ginger, cold-pressed sesame oil, rattan weaving, and other gifts as mementos or presents for family and friends. Then pack up and conclude your pleasant Datong trip. Transportation Guide ● High-speed rail: Depart from Nanjing, Hefei, or Shanghai, 1 hour direct to Tongling Station, taxi to the ancient town about 30 RMB. ● Self-driving: Direct access from the Huyu Expressway exit, convenient parking. ● Bus: Take city bus No. 9 directly, 40 minutes ride with very healing scenery along the way. Notes ● Prepare sun-protective clothing and mosquito repellent; mosquitoes are few in the ancient town but watch out in bamboo groves. ● Wear light-colored dresses or Hanfu for better photos. ● Carry rain gear in case of sudden showers. ● Protect the scenic area environment: do not litter, do not smoke in non-smoking areas, and do not damage cultural relics or historic sites.