Complete Travel Guide to Tongling: Attractions, Food, and Itineraries All in One

Tongling, this small riverside city, may not be as famous as its neighbors Huangshan or Jiuhuashan, but it’s like an underrated leisurely read that requires you to slow down and savor its flavor. It has a strong industrial foundation, the gentle charm of a Jiangnan water town, and plenty of surprising natural scenery. I’ve put together a heartfelt guide to ensure you have an authentic and comfortable experience. Here’s a big picture: 2 to 3 days is the perfect amount of time to explore at a relaxed pace and fully enjoy the highlights. --- Day 1: Feel the Pulse of the Thousand-Year Copper Capital Morning: Start with “Copper” — Tongling Museum When you arrive in Tongling, your first stop must be its soul — the Tongling Museum. Don’t fall asleep just because it’s a museum; this one is fascinating. The building itself is shaped like a giant bronze vessel, very grand. Inside, you’ll truly admire the title “Ancient Copper Capital of China.” The collection of Shang and Zhou dynasty bronzes, with their patterns and shapes, is both rustic and stunning, as if transporting you back to a casting site 3,000 years ago. Check out the museum’s treasure, the “Dragon Handle He,” and you’ll find yourself imagining how ancient people used it to warm wine. This is your starting point to understand Tongling, not to be missed. Afternoon: Time Travel in Datong Ancient Town After the museum, head to Datong Ancient Town in the afternoon. Unlike the commercialized ancient towns in Jiangnan, this one feels more lived-in and authentic. It’s located on Lanxi Old Street by the Yangtze River, where the bluestone pavement is polished smooth by time, and the Huizhou-style old buildings still house local residents. You can wander freely, check out old barber shops and grocery stores, and chat with grandmas sitting in the sun at their doorsteps. Be sure to walk down to the riverbank to see the famous “Yangtze River Lighthouse” and the sign for the “Freshwater Dolphin Nature Reserve.” If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the “Smiling Angel” Yangtze finless porpoise leaping out of the water! The blend of history, modern life, and nature here is truly unique. Evening: Taste Authentic River Fresh and Farm Flavors After a day of exploring, your stomach will demand attention. Tongling’s cuisine is a real treat! Being by the river, fresh river fish is a must. Find a local favorite rustic restaurant and order the braised river catfish — tender, rich, and the sauce will have you finishing two bowls of rice. Pair it with Tongling’s specialty Shun’an Crisp Candy (a great dessert) and Datong Tea Tofu. This meal will definitely soothe your travel fatigue. --- Day 2: Immerse Yourself Between Mountains and Countryside Morning: Phoenix Mountain, Pursuing Peonies and Acacias Today, we visit Phoenix Mountain Scenic Area. It’s not just about the mountain; it’s famous for its “Fengdan,” Tongling’s peonies. If you come in spring (around April), you’ll see vast fields of peonies blooming, a national beauty, rich and elegant. Even off-season, the mountain scenery is beautiful. Be sure to see the “Acacia Tree,” a unique tree with two trunks embracing in the air, symbolizing steadfast love. Many couples come here to make wishes, full of romantic stories. Afternoon: Leisurely Choices — Manyuan or Wutong Flower Valley In the afternoon, you have two options: · If you like photography and a quiet atmosphere, go to Manyuan. This newly built Huizhou-style garden features white walls, black tiles, small bridges, and flowing water — very exquisite and photogenic. Enjoy a cup of tea inside and feel time slow down. · If you prefer natural scenery and rural fun, head to Wutong Flower Valley. Flowers bloom all year round, especially beautiful in spring and autumn. You can stroll through seas of flowers and enjoy the romance of being surrounded by fragrance. If the season is right, you can also try fruit picking, which is quite fun. Evening: Sunset and Evening Breeze at Riverside Ecological Park At dusk, I recommend a walk in Riverside Ecological Park. It’s a great spot for locals to stroll and relax. Watch the sunset turn the river golden, cargo ships slowly passing by, and the river breeze on your face — incredibly pleasant. You’ll see many Tongling residents exercising and chatting here, giving you a real sense of the city’s rhythm and life. --- Some Thoughtful Tips: · Transportation: Tongling is small; taxis and buses within the city are very convenient. For nearby attractions, taxis or ride-hailing apps are affordable. · Accommodation: It’s best to stay in the city center (like near Tongguan District Government) or near the train station for easy dining and travel. · Must-Buy Souvenirs: Besides the mentioned Shun’an Crisp Candy and Datong Tea Tofu, Tongling’s ginger is also famous. You can bring back some ginger products. · Mindset: Slow down and don’t pack your schedule too tightly. Tongling’s charm lies in its calmness and subtlety, which you need to feel with your heart. Tongling truly is a treasure of a small city. It doesn’t compete or shout, but it has its own unique flavor. I hope you have a relaxing and joyful time there! Have fun!