Compared to Suzhou and Hangzhou, I prefer this summer retreat in southern Anhui, the little Jiangnan

Recently, I discovered a hidden gem of a Jiangnan town—Tongling, and I was truly amazed by it! Compared to the popular water towns like Wuzhen, Tongling has less commercial hustle and bustle and more authentic Jiangnan charm. Without further ado, here’s the guide👇 🏞Recommended Attractions 1. Datong Ancient Town: A thousand-year-old salt capital full of historical charm. Walking on the bluestone streets of Heyuezhou Old Street, you’ll see Huizhou-style architecture and Republic of China-era shops lining both sides, as if traveling back in time. You can also take a ferry and might even spot a finless porpoise! On weekends, there are folk performances like Datong dragon lantern shows and paper-cutting, which are very entertaining~ 2. Liqiao Water Town: A typical Jiangnan water town with white walls, black tiles, small bridges, and flowing water—like a real-life ink painting. Wearing Hanfu for photos guarantees a 100% great shot! There’s also a stunning light show at night that you must see! By the way, there are many local snacks here, so you can enjoy eating while strolling around~ 3. Tongling Museum: The building resembles an ancient bronze vessel and has a strong design sense. The museum houses many bronze artifacts from the Shang, Zhou, Han, and Tang dynasties. Be sure to visit the “Bronze Culture Exhibition” and the “Copper Mining and Smelting History Exhibition” to deeply understand Tongling’s over 3,500 years of copper mining history. Don’t miss the museum’s treasure, the “Spring and Autumn Dragon Ear Bird Pattern Zun,” for a photo op📸 4. Tongguan Mountain 1978 Cultural and Creative Park: Transformed from an abandoned mining area, it retains mining equipment and has a full industrial vibe. The park features graffiti walls, vintage cafes, and copper art DIY workshops, creating a very artistic atmosphere perfect for photos. On weekend nights, there’s also a night light show with an amazing ambiance! 5. Tianjing Lake Park: A natural oxygen bar in the city center, with a well in the lake whose water never dries up, which is quite magical. Cherry blossoms bloom in spring, lotus flowers fill the pond in summer, maple leaves blaze in autumn, and snow scenes are serene in winter. The park also has a collection of copper culture sculptures and poetry stone inscriptions, creating a rich cultural atmosphere~ 🍱Food Recommendations 1. Tongling Ginger: The top of Tongling’s eight treasures, ginger juice milk is sweet with a unique spicy kick, and sweet and sour ginger slices are appetizing. The ginger products from “Dayuan Village” are excellent—remember to buy some to taste and as souvenirs! 2. Shun’an Crispy Candy: A century-old craft tradition, crispy, fragrant, sweet but not greasy. Visit the old brand “She Family Crispy Candy” for a nostalgic bite~ 3. Datong Tea Tofu: Handmade tofu from the ancient town, available in five-spice and spicy flavors, both great. The texture is firm and chewy, and paired with local “Wild Sparrow Tongue” tea, it’s delightful~ 4. Yangtze River Fresh Seafood Feast: When in Tongling, you must try fresh Yangtze River delicacies. Steamed Yangtze whitebait and shad fish are classics. “Datong Fish Restaurant” and the city’s “Little Vegetable Garden” restaurant are both good choices, fresh enough to make your eyebrows fall off! 🏠Accommodation Recommendations 1. High-end Enjoyment: Tongling Yidun International Hotel, adjacent to Tianjing Lake, with lake-view rooms offering superb views; Tongling Yongquan Farm Resort, featuring Huizhou garden style, quiet environment, perfect for health and wellness vacations. 2. Cost-effective Options: Hanting Hotel (Tongling Changjiang Road Branch) and All Seasons Hotel, both conveniently located with smart facilities, comfortable stays at affordable prices. 3. Unique Homestays: “Lanxi Family” in Datong Ancient Town offers river-view rooms and fishing village cuisine; “Peony Family” on Phoenix Mountain opens to a sea of flowers—waking up to floral fragrance in the morning is super romantic~ 🚗Transportation Guide 1. External Transportation: Tongling is conveniently accessible by plane, high-speed rail, train, and bus. There are multiple train stations including Tongling Station, Tongling North Station, and Tongling East Station—choose according to your needs. 2. Internal Transportation: The city has buses and taxis, and you can also rent a car or drive yourself for flexible travel. Tongling is truly full of surprises everywhere and is a place you won’t want to leave once you arrive! Quickly save this guide and find a time to come to Tongling to experience the real Jiangnan water town💕