I've returned from Tongling and really don't recommend visiting in April.

🌄Tongling, a hidden gem nestled in the Jianghuai region, boasts the gentle beauty of a southern water town and unique cultural customs. It's like an unpolished jade, waiting for travelers to discover its beauty🎇. April in Tongling, with its beautiful spring scenery and blooming flowers, seems like the perfect time to travel. This 3-day travel guide will take you on an in-depth exploration of Tongling's charm. 🚗【Transportation Guide】 - External Transportation: Tongling is close to Chizhou Jiuhua Mountain Airport and Hefei Xinqiao International Airport. From Chizhou Jiuhua Mountain Airport to downtown Tongling, you can take the airport bus or a taxi, which takes about 1 hour. From Hefei Xinqiao International Airport to downtown Tongling, you can take the airport bus to Tongling Bus Station, then transfer to a local bus or taxi to your destination, the whole journey takes about 2.5 hours. - Internal Transportation: Tongling has a well-developed public bus network that covers most scenic spots, with fares ranging from 1 to 2 CNY. You can also choose to travel by taxi, with a starting price of 7 to 10 CNY, which is convenient and fast. In addition, shared bikes are readily available. Cycling through the city is a great way to experience the local life of Tongling. 📅【Itinerary】 - Day 1: Tianjing Lake Park → Tongling Museum → Changjiang Middle Road Pedestrian Street - Morning: Visit Tianjing Lake Park, where the scenery is picturesque. Stroll along the lakeside boardwalk, admire the shimmering lake and swaying willows, and climb to the island in the center of the lake to explore the magical Tianjing (well) and experience the wondrous sight of "well water not interfering with river water". - Noon: Enjoy Tongling specialties at restaurants near the park, such as Datong dried tofu and Tongling shortbread. - Afternoon: Visit the Tongling Museum to learn about Tongling's long history of bronze culture and historical changes. The museum's rich collection of artifacts and detailed historical materials will surely open your eyes. - Evening: Head to Changjiang Middle Road Pedestrian Street, the most bustling commercial street in Tongling, where you can find food, shopping, and entertainment. Enjoy various snacks at the open-air food market and experience the vibrant nightlife. - Day 2: Fenghuang Mountain Scenic Area → Yongquan Reminiscence of Jiangnan Twelve Scenic Spots - Morning: Visit Fenghuang Mountain Scenic Area. April is the season when peonies are in full bloom on Fenghuang Mountain. The vast sea of peonies is a sight to behold. You can also make a wish under the thousand-year-old Acacia tree and visit the Dripping Water Cliff at the top of the mountain to overlook the entire sea of flowers. - Noon: Have lunch at a farmhouse restaurant near the scenic area and enjoy local farmhouse dishes, such as chicken soup and braised pork with dried bamboo shoots. - Afternoon: Visit Yongquan Reminiscence of Jiangnan Twelve Scenic Spots, which continues the style of Jiangnan gardens. The mountains, bamboo forests, streams, and orchids create a breathtakingly beautiful scene, as if you were in a paradise. Stroll through the area and admire the twelve scenic spots, such as Maple Forest Sunset and Tan Ai Embracing Stone, to experience the wonders of nature and the rich cultural heritage. - Evening: Stay at a B&B in the Yongquan Tourist Resort and experience the tranquility of a rural night. - Day 3: Datong Ancient Town → Heyuezhou Island - Morning: Visit Datong Ancient Town, walk on the bluestone roads, visit the old teahouses, and experience the leisure and tranquility of the ancient town. At the finless porpoise observation point, you might be lucky enough to see the "smiling angel" finless porpoise jump out of the water. - Noon: Enjoy the local specialty, fried fish dumplings, in the ancient town, paired with a bowl of rich fish soup. It's incredibly delicious. - Afternoon: Take a ferry (5 CNY) to Heyuezhou Island, which retains the original fishing village style. You can also admire the large fields of rapeseed flowers (in bloom in April), perfect for taking photos. - Evening: End your pleasant journey and prepare for your return trip. 📌【Practical Tips】 - Accommodation Recommendations: - Tongling Tongquetai Jinling Grand Hotel: Located by the lake and near the city, with beautiful surroundings, complete facilities, and attentive service, it is the first choice for leisure and vacation. - Best Jiangnan · Yue: A boutique B&B with an artistic, original wood design that makes you feel at home. - Food Recommendations: - Small Street Fried Dumplings: Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, beef fried dumplings paired with duck blood vermicelli soup are one of Tongling people's favorite breakfasts. - He's Fried Skewers: Various fried skewers brushed with sweet and spicy sauce are delicious and a paradise for students and snack lovers. - Changjiang Fish Restaurant: Enjoy authentic river fresh food, such as braised river catfish and braised tofu with river mussels. 🎈【Travel Tips】 - The weather in Tongling in April is changeable, with large temperature differences between day and night. It is recommended to bring a jacket to avoid catching a cold. Also, take sun protection and mosquito repellent measures. - To see the peonies in Fenghuang Mountain Scenic Area, try to choose early morning or evening to avoid peak crowds and get better photos. - Pay attention to safety and follow the instructions of the staff when taking the ferry in Datong Ancient Town. - Some attractions in Tongling, such as Tianjing Lake Park and Tongling Museum, are free of charge. You can check relevant information in advance and plan your itinerary accordingly. The beauty of Tongling lies in the blend of nature and culture, the collision of history and modernity. This April, set foot on this land and explore your own Tongling memories🌈.