Daqishan National Forest Park, Tonglu | A Secret Guide to the "Best Mountain in Jiangnan"

Located in Tonglu County, Hangzhou City, Daqishan National Forest Park, known as the "Best Mountain in Jiangnan," boasts a forest coverage rate of 97% and serves as a natural oxygen bar by the Fuchun River. Here, canyon waterfalls, ancient trails, and hidden bamboo forests blend seamlessly, evoking the landscape depicted in *Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains* while also offering the mystique of secluded pools and unusual rocks often found in martial arts novels. Below is an in-depth guide for your visit: 🏞️ Main Attractions & Experiences ❶ Shijingyuan Grand Canyon • The Joy of Tracing the Stream: Follow the trail through the canyon, where the crystal-clear stream flows. Cross wooden bridges, iron chain bridges, and stepping stones, experiencing the harmonious interplay of water and stone. • Longtan Waterfall: At the end of the canyon, a 25-meter waterfall roars like thunder during the rainy season, filling the valley with mist. Watch fish darting in the pool below. ❷ Tianchi Lake & Elephant-Shaped Rocks • Tianchi's Secluded Charm: The mountaintop lake boasts clear water. The characters for "Daqishan National Forest Park, Tonglu" are carved on a giant rock by the lake. A small path by the lake offers views of natural rock formations resembling "elephants playing in the water." • Yixiantian ("A Thread of Sky"): This narrow valley is flanked by towering cliffs, with sunlight filtering through a narrow gap, creating a magical corridor of light and shadow. ❸ Bamboo Forests & Ancient Trees • Bamboo Paths: The entrance is shaded by lush bamboo forests. At the end, "Green World" offers children's play facilities like wooden swings and single-log bridges. • Ancient Trees: Towering ancient trees form a natural canopy. Walk among them, listening to the wind and birdsong, and experience the healing power of the forest. 🚶 Recommended Routes 1. Classic Loop (approx. 3 hrs): Entrance → Bamboo Forest → Shijingyuan Grand Canyon → Tianchi Lake → Yixiantian → China-Japan Friendship Forest → Exit. This is a clockwise loop trail with no complicated forks. 2. Family Route: After playing in "Green World," follow the stream to Jinniu Pool for shallow water play and observing aquatic plants. 3. Photography Spots: • The reflection of Tianchi Lake in the morning mist • The misty Longtan Waterfall during the rainy season • The colorful tapestry of bamboo and maple leaves in autumn 🚗 Transportation & Accommodation ▌Getting There • By car: Approx. 3 hrs from Shanghai, approx. 1.5 hrs from Hangzhou. • By high-speed rail: Take the train to Tonglu Station, then transfer to bus No. 6/20 to Daqishan Station. • Hiking Bonus: A hidden ancient trail connects the park from the banks of the Fuchun River. Consult local guides for exploration (reservations required). ▌Accommodation • Tonglu Yimei International Hotel: Located by the river, rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views of the Fuchun River. SPA and fitness facilities are available. • Camping: Tent campsites are available around the park for stargazing (prior notification required). 📌 Practical Tips 1. Best Seasons: Spring for azaleas, summer for escaping the heat and playing in the water, autumn for red leaves, and winter for rime. 2. Recommended Gear: Wear non-slip shoes (some trails are damp) and bring mosquito repellent (many mosquitoes in the forest). 3. Cultural Tidbits: Look out for stone carvings along the trails, some inscribed by Ming and Qing Dynasty scholars. A hidden teahouse near Tianchi Lake offers Tonglu Xue Shui Yun Green Tea. 4. Environmental Protection: Do not pick wild plants. The fish in the pools are protected species; please do not feed or catch them. 🌿 As the bamboo sea ripples in the wind and waterfall droplets kiss your face, this landscape, steeped in the spirit of *Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains* for a thousand years, invites you to step into the painting. Here, every step is a whisper with nature, every glance a line of Jiangnan poetry.