Tonglu, Zhejiang | A Hidden Gem in April–May!

|A Hidden Gem in April–May! Known as the "City of Chinese Painting," Tonglu, Zhejiang, is at its most picturesque and least crowded in late spring and early summer (April–May), making it the perfect time to visit. Here are some carefully curated Tonglu experiences to help you avoid the crowds and enjoy this hidden Jiangnan paradise! 🌸 Must-See Spring Scenery: 1. Yan Ziling Fishing Terrace, Mini Three Gorges of the Fuchun River: Take a boat trip to see the real-life scenery from Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains, with green hills on both banks and emerald spring waters. The early morning mist is the most beautiful time to visit. Arrive before 8:00 am to avoid tour groups. Hidden gem: Climb Dongtai to overlook the panoramic view of the Fuchun River. It's less crowded and offers an excellent perspective. 2. Baiyunyuan Scenic Area: A more pristine waterfall area than Daqishan, with azaleas blooming along the stream in April. The hiking route is easy and suitable for families. We recommend hiking to Longmen Waterfall, with crystal-clear streams along the way. 3. Yaolin Wonderland Cave: The karst cave is even more magical in the spring humidity, with stalactites resembling a fairyland under the lights. Visit on a working day morning for an almost private experience. Hidden Gems—Known Only to Locals: Maoping Village & Shishe Village (upstream of Luzi Bay) Ancient villages along the Maling Ancient Trail. The old Ming and Qing dynasty houses in Shishe Village have been transformed into artistic cafes (such as "Shishe Mi Shaipao"), perfect for an afternoon of relaxation. In April, the century-old camphor trees at the village entrance are lush and green. Secret experience: Make Hui Tang Zongzi (non-intangible cultural heritage rice dumplings) by hand by the stream in Maoping Village. Reservations must be made in advance with the villagers. Daqishan National Forest Park: Avoid weekends! Stroll through the "Secluded Bamboo Path" in the early morning. Wild strawberries can be picked at the end of April, and the Tianchi Lake at the top of the mountain is as blue as Jiuzhaigou. 🍃 Exclusive Spring Experiences Tea Picking & Tasting: Tonglu is the origin of "Xueshui Yunlv" tea. You can experience tea picking at the tea gardens in Xinhe Township (navigate to "Yinkeng Village"). Tea farmers will teach you how to stir-fry tea, costing about CNY 50 per person. Digging for Bamboo Shoots: Bamboo shoots can still be found in early April. We recommend asking your guesthouse owner to take you to the bamboo forest in Eshan She Ethnic Township. After digging, you can stew them directly with local pork! Accommodation Recommendations—Stay in the Scenery: High-End Choice: Conrad Tonglu: Enjoy a panoramic view of Tianxi Lake. Suites have private hot springs, and there are tea-picking packages in the spring. Featured Guesthouses: Weichi Shanjianfang (Baiyunyuan): Full of design, the rooms face the waterfall directly, averaging CNY 300+ per person. Sansheng Yizhai (Senao Ancient Village): Renovated from a 200-year-old Hui-style house, the courtyard garden is perfect for taking photos. 🚗 Transportation Tips - It's a 1.5-hour drive from Hangzhou. After taking the high-speed train to Tonglu Station, we recommend chartering a car (about CNY 200/day) as some villages are not easily accessible by public transportation. Avoid traffic: From Hangzhou, take the Hangxinjing Expressway to the Senao exit. Visit Senao Ancient Village first, and then travel in the opposite direction to avoid crowds. 📅 4–5 Day Itinerary Suggestions: Day 1: Yan Ziling Fishing Terrace (morning) → Maoping Village for lunch (Mi Shaipao) → Shishe Village for afternoon tea → Stay at a Baiyunyuan guesthouse Day 2: Baiyunyuan hiking → Xinhe Township tea picking → Yaolin Wonderland on the way back Spring in Tonglu is a gentle embrace of mountains, rivers, and culture. Before the tourist hordes arrive, quickly check in to this underrated Jiangnan paradise! If you have any other needs, feel free to let me know~