Tonglu, Hangzhou

Chinese Name: 桐庐 (tóng lú)   
Population: 429,000
Area: 1,825 square kilometers (705 square miles)
Location: in the southeast of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, eastern China
Area Code: 0571
Zip Code: 311500
GDP (2018): CNY 39.2 billion (USD 5.9 billion)

Located in the west of Zhejiang Province, Tonglu County is under the jurisdiction of Hangzhou. It is adjacent to Zhuji to the east, Pujiang to the southeast, Jiande to the southwest, Chun'an to the west and Fuyang District to the northeast. The picturesque Fuchun River which likes a jade ribbon stretches through the eastern county from south to north. Tonglu is known as the hometown of private express in China as the four top private express companies, ZTO Express, YTO Express, STO Express and Yunda Express all originate from here. With the rapid development of e-commerce, Tonglu has become the most powerful county in economic strength in Western Zhejiang, gathering more than 300 e-commerce enterprises and professional service institutions.

The natural scenery in Tonglu Hangzhou is extremely beautiful. The magical topography and magnificent stalactite scenery at the Yaolin Fairyland attract numerous tourists from all over the world. Tourists can also take a thrilling adventure along the underground Chuiyun Tongtian River.  

Yaolin Fairyland, the most famous stalactite cave in Tonglu Hangzhou, consists of three caves with a total length of about 1 km (0.6 mi). The highlights include a waterfall formed by stalactites, a 14-meter high (46-feet) stone pillar, a group of stalagmites and rock formations. The stalagmites of the third cave hang over the top of the cave with different shapes, cascading one after another and forming a grand view. Even more amazing, the temperature inside the cave is 17 - 18℃ (62.6 – 64.4℉) all year around.

Chuiyun Tongtian River is a 9 km (5.6 mi) long underground river with a typical karst landform formed by the crustal change and volcanic eruption hundreds of millions of years ago. Only 1 km (0.6 mi) of the river is wide enough to pass a boat for sightseeing. The stalactites beside the river are resplendent with brightly colored lights. Tourists can carry out an interesting cave exploration. In addition, the thrilling and exciting glass rafting project is popular with tourists. The glass water slide has a total length of 1,350 m (4,429 ft) with a height drop of 120 m (394 ft).  

Visitors can take a boat to appreciate the most eye-catching and charming views of the Fuchun River from Qililong of Tonglu to Meicheng of Jiande. Yan Ziling Fishing Platform and Tongjun Mountain are the two most important scenic spots in Tonglu Hangzhou along the river.

Yan Ziling Fishing Platform
Yan Ziling, a famous hermit of the Eastern Han Dynasty (25 - 220), was admired by people for his indifference to fame and wealth and once fished at the Yan Ziling Fishing Platform. Many cultural celebrities’ poems and articles about the Fuchun River and Fishing Platform are engraved in the forest of steles.

Tongjun Mountain
An ancient building complex can be seen on the Tongjun Mountain. Dozens of wooden sailboats often sail from Tongjun Mountain at night and visitors can design the cruise time, route and on-boat activities by themselves.

Maoping village is a beautiful and quaint ancient village. Affected by Hui-style buildings, the ancient buildings preserved in the village are characterized by tall horse-head walls, grey-green roof tile and the usage of stone carving, wood carving and brick carving. In addition, many customs such as wooden dragon dance have been handed down.

Others: Longmen Bay, Langshi Golden Beach, Daqi Mountain National Forest Park

The best time to visit Tonglu Hangzhou is in March and April, the warm spring time when flowers are coming out with a rush and the average temperature is about 13℃ (55℉). From June to July, it is the rainy season and the weather is changeable and hot. Typhoons often occur in August. The weather starts to become cool and sunny in autumn, from September to November. The winter time in Tonglu is cold and damp and the temperature can drop to 0℃ (32℉).

Tonglu is 85 km (53 mi) from Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province. Visitors can take a flight to Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport and then take a shuttle bus to Tonglu Hangzhou. The shuttle bus departs to Tonglu every 2 hours from 10:10 to 21:10 and the ride takes about 2 hours. It is easy to access Tonglu Hangzhou by taking a bullet train from Hangzhou East Railway Station and Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station. Or one can take a coach from Hangzhou North Bus Station or Hangzhou West Bus Station.

Buses and taxis are two important transportation means in Tonglu Hangzhou. It takes about CNY18 to Tonglu Railway Station by taxi from the central Tonglu. The Tonglu Passenger Transportation Center is just located in the downtown area.

The best Tonglu foods to try include Egg Cake, Crisp Candy, Sunquan Gluten, Sweet and Sour Bream and Braised Pork with Soy Sauce.

  Wanglu Waipoqiao Restaurant: Beijing Roast Duck, Chili and Sour Potato, Fried Slice Streaky Pork with Chili
Address: 4/F, Lishi Department Store, No.666, Yingchun South Road

  Zhaixi Wild Fish Restaurant: Boiled Shrimps with Salt, Steamed Bass
Address: No.757, Daqi Mountain Road

  Chuanfu Hot Pot: Shrimp Paste, Beef, Goose Intestine
Address: 1735-1739 Binjiang Road