Yaolin Xianjing

Tonglu is also offering multifarious aquatic entertainment.

The paddling stretch along the Chuiyun Tongtian River starts from Bipu Port and ends at Lengkeng. A complete journey down this slow-moving and winding riverine course takes around an hour and a half.

Daxi Gorge is another attraction. The 8-kilometer stretch of rapids drops 198 meters, meaning there’s a 5-meter drop every 200 meters or so. Glaciers formed the gorge that features sheer cliffs, so rafters need to stay alert to appreciate the scenery because it passes by quickly.

For those who crave for natural scenery, Daqi Mountain National Forest Park is a good choice. It entices visitors with its lush vegetation, tranquil creeks, a gushing waterfall and majestic mountains.

Chuiyun Tongtian River is not far from the Yaolin Xianjing, which is considered one of the most extraordinary caves in China. The name literally means “fairyland.” Yaolin features wonderful stalactites and stalagmites, which were formed millions of years ago and take on colorful shades when lights are cast on the walls.

The cave was noted as early as the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and is recorded in “The Historic Record of Tonglu.” In 1991, it was officially selected as “one of the 40 best tourist sites in China.”

Today, a water route linking Hangzhou and Tonglu is officially open to the public, offering people an alternative way to get there. Passengers can follow the track of ancient literati and imagine how they felt when they traveled on a boat all those years ago.