Tongling Yongquan Town | A Heartwarming Spring Trip with Parents

| A Heartwarming Spring Trip with Parents. 🌱Spring is here, and it's the perfect time to take your parents out for a spring outing! I recently took my parents to Yongquan Town in Tongling, Anhui Province, and it was an amazing experience that I'd like to share with everyone! Preparation 1. Transportation: We chose to travel by high-speed rail directly to Tongling Station. From there, it's about a 25-minute taxi ride to the town, which is very convenient. If you're driving, simply navigate to "Yongquan Town Northwest Gate" - the town offers free parking 🚗 2. Accommodation: There are plenty of lodging options in the scenic area. We booked a guesthouse with traditional decor that my parents absolutely loved. You can hear birds singing in the morning, which is incredibly relaxing. If your parents prefer more comfortable surroundings, the hot spring hotel and the main hotel are also excellent choices 🛏️ 3. Equipment: Comfortable sneakers (essential for climbing the 12 Scenes of Jiangnan), a light backpack, a thermos (for hot water anytime), sunscreen (spring sun can be strong too), and mosquito repellent (there are quite a few insects in the mountains) Itinerary 1. Day One Morning: Check in, drop off luggage, then visit the money exchange to trade for copper coins - a fascinating experience that instantly transports you back to ancient times. Noon: Use copper coins to buy food at Jiangnan Flavor Snack Street and try local specialties. My parents particularly enjoyed the tofu pudding from the tofu shop and the wonton from the wonton stall. Afternoon: Stroll around the town, admire the traditional architecture, visit Mandarin Duck Lake to see swans and koi fish. The scenery is beautiful, and my parents couldn't stop taking photos 📷 Evening: The bonfire party was lively! Dancing around the fire with my parents and enjoying the festive atmosphere. Afterward, we returned to our guesthouse to rest. 2. Day Two Morning: Got up early to climb the 12 Scenes of Jiangnan. The morning air was fresh and the scenery beautiful. Since my parents aren't very athletic, we took the cable car for part of the journey, which made it much easier. Along the way, we saw attractions like Tan'ai Boulders and Naihe Watchtower, and my parents were fascinated by the stories behind these scenic spots. Noon: Had lunch at the Health Hall buffet restaurant, which offers a variety of dishes to satisfy my parents' tastes. Afternoon: Visited the Jiubao Hot Springs. Soaking in the hot springs after hiking was incredibly relaxing. My parents didn't want to leave and said it really helped with their fatigue. After the hot springs, we prepared to head home. Experience My parents were happy throughout the entire trip. The slow pace of life in the town suited them perfectly. Although climbing the 12 Scenes of Jiangnan was a bit tiring, the beautiful scenery along the way made it worthwhile for them, and they couldn't stop praising the view from the mountaintop. Eating snacks at Jiangnan Flavor Street and using copper coins for transactions gave them a novel experience that felt like stepping back in time. At the bonfire party, everyone sang and danced together, and my parents joined in, their faces beaming with happiness. The natural hot springs at Jiubao were incredibly comfortable, and my parents said they felt much more relaxed afterward. Tips 1. Copper coins: Remember to exchange for copper coins at the money exchange in advance. 1 copper coin = 3 yuan, and unused coins can be refunded. It's best to calculate your approximate expenses beforehand to avoid waste. 2. Hiking: The 12 Scenes of Jiangnan hike is quite long, and some sections have steep steps. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes. If your parents have limited stamina, consider taking the cable car, which costs extra. 3. Hot springs: Bring swimwear for the hot springs, as Jiubao Hot Springs are public outdoor pools. Also, don't soak for too long to avoid feeling unwell. 4. Bonfire party: The bonfire party usually starts at 7:30 PM and will be canceled in case of rain. Remember to check the weather and schedule in advance. 5. Food: While the town's food is delicious, some snacks can be spicy. Confirm preferences with your parents beforehand, and consider bringing some snacks in case they get hungry. This trip to Yongquan Town with my parents was truly wonderful. Seeing them happy made everything worthwhile. I encourage everyone to bring their parents here for a similar experience!