I thought Hongcun was beautiful, until I came here…

I always thought Hongcun was the epitome of beauty, but after visiting Yongquan Town in Tongling last week, I realized how little I'd seen! Who says springtime in Jiangnan is only about small bridges and flowing water? The azaleas blooming all over the mountains in Yongquan Town moved me to tears. Here's a fantastic two-day, one-night itinerary for you – save it now! Attraction Introduction • Memory of Jiangnan Twelve Scenic Spots: This is a must-see! A full 10,000 azaleas are in full bloom from early to late April, covering the mountains and fields. Red and pink flowers bloom freely, dotted with gray ancient villages. Every photo is a masterpiece. In addition to azaleas, there is also the Qixing Village ancient residential complex. Moss climbs the stone walls, and wildflowers grow wildly in the cracks. It feels like "The Wizard of Oz," as if you've stepped into a fairy tale. • Jiubao Hot Springs: When you're tired, come here to relax in the hot springs. The hot spring well is 2,000 meters deep, with a daily output of 1,400 tons. The center temperature is 52°C, and it contains more than 20 minerals, such as sulfur oxide, metasilicic acid, strontium, and fluorine, which are very beneficial to the body. Don't miss the infinity pool on the mountaintop. Soak in it an hour before sunset, enjoying the sunset while you bathe. It's incredibly relaxing. • Grandma's Clay Pot Rice: Super down-to-earth cuisine! The rice is cooked in a large clay pot, and the crust is fragrant and crispy. It crackles when you chew it, full of childhood memories. I order it every time I come, along with a few plates of home-style dishes. It's a very satisfying meal. • Nostalgia Parade: Starts promptly at 1:30 pm. The actors wear nostalgic costumes and lead everyone in activities like grabbing popcorn, receiving wedding candies, and learning the Yangge dance. The atmosphere is fantastic. The NPCs will also give you "food stamps." Don't throw them away! Collect three, and you can exchange them for old-fashioned malt sugar. It's sweet and instantly transports you back to the 1980s. Ticket Information • Yongquan Town Park Ticket + Yongquan Memory of Jiangnan Twelve Scenic Spots Ticket: Adult tickets are generally around 70 yuan. Discounts are available for children, seniors, and students. See the scenic spot policy for details. • Jiubao Hot Springs Ticket + Yongquan Town Park Ticket: Adult tickets are about 108 yuan, child tickets are around 58 yuan, and family tickets (2 adults + 1 child) are about 258 yuan. • Jiangnan Fairytale Children's Play Area Parent-child Ticket (1 adult + 1 child): Around 58 yuan, package ticket around 128 yuan. • There are also various package tickets that include tickets, meals, and activities, such as Yongquan Town Park Ticket + Yongquan Memory of Jiangnan Twelve Scenic Spots Ticket + Clay Pot Rice for around 99 yuan. You can choose according to your needs. Recommended Itinerary • Day 1: After arriving in Tongling, check in to your reserved hot spring hotel, drop off your luggage, and take a good rest. Then, embark on the Nostalgia Parade, immerse yourself in the nostalgic atmosphere, interact with NPCs to get "food stamps," and stroll leisurely through the town, admiring the ancient buildings. When it's time to eat, go to Grandma's Clay Pot Rice for authentic farmhouse flavors. After dinner, relax in the Jiubao Hot Springs. In the evening, participate in the bonfire party, dance to the music, and enjoy the lively atmosphere. • Day 2: Get up early and go to Memory of Jiangnan Twelve Scenic Spots. There are fewer people at this time, and the light is soft, making it perfect for taking pictures. Admire the azaleas all over the mountains and explore the Oz-like Qixing Village. After that, go to Jiangnan Flavor Snack Street, exchange for copper coins, and enjoy various local snacks, such as rolled noodles and bean curd sheets, which are local specialties. Best Photo Spots • Memory of Jiangnan Twelve Scenic Spots: In the azalea sea, with the large expanse of flowers as the background, standing or sitting poses are great for photos. By the stone walls of the Qixing Village ancient residential complex, use the moss and wildflowers as the foreground for retro-style photos. • Jiubao Hot Springs Mountaintop Infinity Pool: At sunset, with the setting sun and distant mountains as the background, take silhouette photos for a super artistic feel. • Nostalgia Parade Scene: Capture candid shots while interacting with NPCs, recording joyful moments full of nostalgia. Things to Note • April is the azalea blooming season, and there are many tourists. Book hotels and tickets in advance to avoid delays. • Memory of Jiangnan Twelve Scenic Spots requires mountain climbing. Remember to wear comfortable athletic shoes, not high heels, or walking will be very painful. • Bring your own swimsuit to Jiubao Hot Springs. Although the scenic spot may sell them, they are expensive, and the styles may not be to your liking. • Keep the "food stamps" and copper coins from the Nostalgia Parade safe. If you lose them, you won't be able to exchange them for malt sugar and snacks. • The signal is not very good in some areas of the scenic spot. Download a map in advance or get a paper map at the visitor center. Local Specialties • Zhongming Slaughtered Pig Soup: Yongquan Town's signature dish. Made with fresh pork and pork bones simmered for a long time, the soup is thick, white, fragrant, and delicious. A bowl will warm you up. Pair it with local rice crusts soaked in the soup for an exceptional treat. • Handmade Dried Tofu: Rich in bean aroma, firm and chewy. It can be eaten directly or mixed with chili and other seasonings for a refreshing and delicious snack commonly found on snack streets. • Tongling Large Intestine Noodles: The large intestine is cleaned thoroughly, fatty but not greasy. The noodles are firm, and the soup is rich. Those who love offal must try it.