7-Day Summer Escape Guide to Tonglu

An in-depth 7-day Tonglu itinerary blending natural scenery, cultural heritage, and unique experiences, perfect for summer vacations with flexible adjustments: --- **📅 Itinerary Overview** | **Day** | **Theme** | **Key Attractions/Activities** | **Accommodation Area** | |----------|------------------------|--------------------------------------------|-------------------| | **Day 1** | First Impressions by Fuchun River | Tongjun Mountain hike, Spring River Sailing Cruise, mountaintop Chinese-style café | Fuchun River urban area | | **Day 2** | Cave Wonders & Ancient Villages | Yaolin Fairyland Cave, Chuiyuntong Tianhe River, OMG Heartbeat Adventure Park | Yaolin Town/urban area | | **Day 3** | Hiking & Secluded Villages | Maling Ancient Trail hike (Luci Bay to Shishe Village), slow village life | Shishe Village homestay | | **Day 4** | Water Systems & Cultural Crafts | Shen'ao Ancient Village's labyrinthine waterways, oil mill workshop, Huigang Village "Street Washing" water play | Dipu Village/urban area | | **Day 5** | Adrenaline & Mountain Views | Tianzidi Purple Dragon Glass Drift, Ziling Hand Bridge, mountain vistas | Near Tianzidi Scenic Area | | **Day 6** | Forest Oxygen & River Delicacies | Daqishan National Forest hike, Fuchun River seafood feast | Fuchun River urban area | | **Day 7** | Cultural Discoveries & Departure | Tonglu Museum, old street souvenir shopping | Return trip | --- **🌊 Daily Details** **Day 1: Fuchun Riverside · Poetic Start** - **Morning**: Arrive in Tonglu, check into riverside hotels (recommend Atour or Hampton by Hilton for best views). - **Afternoon**: Hike **Tongjun Mountain** to explore herbal medicine culture, enjoy coffee in Song-style cups at **Shuyu Café** with panoramic river views. - **Evening**: **Spring River Sailing Cruise** (1hr) with historical commentary, admire live scenes from "Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains". - **Dinner**: Try Tongjun stewed tofu and honey-glazed pork at "Yiwei Dayuan". --- **Day 2: Underground Adventures · Theme Park Thrills** - **Full Day**: - **Yaolin Fairyland**: Explore 18°C karst caves with laser astronaut projections. - **Chuiyuntong Tianhe**: Boat through illuminated underground rivers. - **OMG Heartbeat Park** (optional): Try aerial drifts and mountain coasters. - **Dinner**: Yaolin village dishes - tea-infused chicken, bamboo shoots. --- **Day 3: Ancient Trail · Hidden Villages** - **Morning**: Hike **Maling Ancient Trail** (Luci Bay→Shishe Village, ~10km) along shaded streams. - **Afternoon**: Slow travel in **Shishe Village**, stay in Ming-Qing era homestay, make ash-wrapped zongzi (book ahead). - **Dinner**: Village specialties - rice cakes, fermented bun sandwiches. --- **Day 4: Water Villages · Summer Cool** - **Morning**: Discover **Shen'ao Village**'s ancient water system, visit oil mill, try "Shen'ao Three Treasures" (fried bread with stinky tofu). - **Afternoon**: **Huigang Village**'s weekly "Street Washing" water fights (Tue/Thu/Sat/Sun) turning stone lanes into water playgrounds. - **Dinner**: Village chicken soup, stream fish. --- **Day 5: Sky-high Drifts · Cloud Walk** - **Full Day**: **Tianzidi Scenic Area** - **Ziling Hand Bridge**: Purple cliff-hugging walkway. - **Purple Dragon Glass Drift**: World's longest (3.8km, 280m drop) forest waterfall drift. - **Sky Mirror**: Glass observation deck with mountain views. - **Stay**: Tianzi Village's Ming-style homestay. --- **Day 6: Forest Streams · River Feast** - **Morning**: Hike **Daqishan National Forest** to emerald pools, take forest toboggan down. - **Afternoon**: Fuchun River **seafood feast** - Tongjiang vinegar fish, braised boat-nail fish (recommend "Tongluren" restaurant). - **Evening**: Riverside sunset stroll. --- **Day 7: Cultural Souvenirs** - **Morning**: **Tonglu Museum** ceramics, Kaiyuan Street souvenirs - Yu's mung bean cakes, Xue Shui Yun green tea. - **Afternoon**: Final meal - Yaoji waist noodle salad. --- **⚠️ Key Tips** 1. **Transport**: High-speed rail from Hangzhou (40min). Rent car for scenic 305 Provincial Highway stops. 2. **Accommodation**: Book Shishe/Shen'ao homestays 2 weeks ahead. Midweek discounts. 3. **Summer Prep**: Caves/hikes/water activities are cooling essentials; pack sun protection, mosquito repellent, cave jacket. 4. **Bookings**: Reserve zongzi-making/cave explorations 1-3 days prior. > This itinerary balances Tonglu's wilderness and elegance with moderate activity. For easier pace, replace Day 5 drift with Qinxi Valley waterfall café. May your summer be as refreshing as Tonglu's landscapes! 🌿🚣‍♂️