Tonglu Adventure: When 18°C Cave Exploration Meets the 28°C Instagram-Famous Glass Sky Bridge

An Outdoor Spring Getaway

Where do you most want to go this weekend?

Although this year is a bit special, we can still enjoy the prime time for outdoor fun

and try more extraordinary open-air experiences.

After being cooped up for so long, I finally got to breathe the freshest air in the countryside.

My first weekend escape: Chuiyun Tongtian River in Hangzhou’s Tonglu.

The Instagram-famous glass walkway, glass waterslide drifting, boat rides, Shouting Spring…

Nature’s playgrounds will make you forget city blues, work stress, and all your worries,

because here, you get a warm spring day.

Whether with friends or family, it’s less than a 2-hour drive from Hangzhou to this hidden paradise.

At Chuiyun Tongtian River, spend a richly rewarding holiday.

Instagram Hotspot – Angel's Wings

Instagram Hotspot – Bird's Nest

National 4A Scenic Area – Chuiyun Tongtian River

Cave Drifting: A World Unto Itself

Hangzhou is no stranger to most people. Mention it, and West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Xixi National Wetland Park come to mind. Though life here is quickening, compared to mega cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, Hangzhou is a place for both striving and living. Come the weekend, city dwellers head to the outskirts to reconnect with nature.

Hangzhou’s sights aren’t only in its urban core; more beauty hides in surrounding counties like Qiandao Lake, Yuhang, and Tonglu, all with distinct natural charm. Tonglu, praised as an International Garden City, boasts especially rich landscapes and even hides a mysterious karst cave with the world’s longest underground river, known as Chuiyun Tongtian River.

Nestled in the hills, Tonglu has underground rivers beneath its mountains, and Chuiyun Tongtian River is called the finest underground river of all. It’s a karst underground river whose end leads to Tiandong Mountain Forest Park. Dense woods and vegetation gather moisture that flows into a stream, plunging down from a cave opening to form this subterranean river – hence the vivid name “Tongtian River,” meaning river reaching the sky.

Most caves are explored on foot, but here you enter by boat. It was a totally fresh adventure for me, boarding a ten-person boat as the boatman rowed and narrated the bizarrely shaped rocks around us, each sculpted form brimming with legends; little animal-like stones at the entrance seemed like guardians of the cave.

Once inside, the scene was stunning beyond belief. Multi-coloured lights illuminated the stalactites into a glowing wonderland, as if I’d stepped into a fairy realm. Every oddly shaped rock was imbued with legendary colour and story. I’d never seen anything like this underground river scenery, drifting dreamily on the dark water.

The cave stays a cool 18°C all year round; the underground river water is icy-cold yet crystal clear. Though the passage is dark, the moment lights shine upon it you can see the riverbed – that’s how pure the water is. We wound through twisting channels, surrounded by fantastical stalactites, a masterpiece of nature’s craftsmanship fully unveiled inside Chuiyun Tongtian River’s cave.

As you boat through, you’ll spot historical traces on the walls: Chuiyun ancient relics, Zhenshan ancient town, Jiangnan-style yurts, a grand water garden, Shifoshan Cave, and more. For instance, a stone wall carved with a “佛” (Buddha) character and a segment of scripture subtly fuses nature and culture, letting you feel a Zen calm in the darkness.

Chuiyun Tongtian River has a long history. Discovered as early as the Three Kingdoms Wu-Yue period, the cliff above the entrance bears four large ancient characters for “Chuiyun Ancient Relics.” The stalactites inside have been forming for thousands of years. Bathed in modern lighting, they present a spectacular beauty that draws endless admiration.

Some stalactites resemble a starry sky, making you feel as if you’re stargazing from the river. The cave’s lighting beautifully matches the stories these stones tell. Blue-tinged walls dotted with tiny white lights like twinkling stars turn the dark cave into a fairy-tale world.

About halfway, there’s a specially designed boat lift that raises you, boat and all, eight metres up to a second-level waterway. I’d never seen such a cave conveyor belt – like a time tunnel that lifts you straight to the cave’s upper reaches, with a tiny thrill during the ascent.

The second-level waterway reveals even more dazzling sights. A huge hole above opens to the sky, truly a view into another world. Look closely at these stalactites: they may seem artfully arranged, but all are naturally formed. That’s perhaps the most incredible part of Chuiyun Tongtian River – a river within a cave, scenery within a river, nowhere near what you’d imagine from outside.

Some dangling stalactites hang so low over the water that passengers have to disembark, walk a short stretch, then re-board. This gave us the perfect chance to explore on foot and get closer to these lovely formations. There’s also an underground river adventure route with professional gear and guides, where you can climb rocky cliffs and trek gorges through the thousand-year-old cave – an incredibly fun and fresh experience for Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai travellers.

Drifting through the cave, you need to keep looking up – the most breathtaking views are overhead. The cascading stalactites look just like a massive frozen waterfall. And do watch your head; some overhanging rocks are very close to the water, so the boatman lady often reminded us to duck while snapping photos.

After disembarking at the cave’s end, a long staircase climbs up to the waist of Tiandong Mountain, where more exciting outdoor experiences awaited me. But first, that seemingly endless staircase – climbing it in a mask definitely left me breathless.

The Instagram-Famous Glass Bridge: Longest and Highest I’ve Ever Walked

If cave exploration is Chuiyun Tongtian River’s most distinctive experience, its most Instagram-worthy attraction is undoubtedly the glass sky bridge. Once you exit the cave and reach the mountaintop, you’ll see the long and lofty Lingyun Sky Bridge, the core landscape here. Measuring over 300 metres long and about 150 metres high, it’s the longest and highest glass bridge I’ve ever set foot on.

Even from below, before heading up, the bridge gave me that vertigo thrill. Always up for a thrill, I felt a secret anticipation – what would it be like up there?

A ten-minute climb uphill from the cave leads you to the Lingyun Sky Bridge’s grand entrance. You need to wear shoe covers for grip. Against the blue sky and white clouds, the transparent glass walkway and the clouds above looked perfectly matched.

I’ve walked quite a few glass sky bridges across the country, but this one in Tonglu’s Chuiyun Tongtian River stands apart. It’s the tallest and longest I’ve experienced. It reportedly took four years to design and build, seamlessly blending modern engineering with the natural landscape.

Stepping onto the bridge, my heart fluttered a bit. I’m not usually acrophobic and I like adrenaline, but Lingyun Sky Bridge still made me nervous – it’s the highest glass bridge I’ve walked, rarely having tried ones over 100 metres, plus the length. So I slowed my pace. A kid ahead was walking much faster than the adults, utterly oblivious to what fear means.

While trembling slightly on the bridge, I could gaze into the distance at Chuiyun Tongtian River’s beauty. Tonglu’s natural splendour unfolded before my eyes; it felt like strolling among the clouds. The height was genuine, but the thrilling yet safe walk makes it a must-visit Instagram spot in Tonglu for thrill-seekers.

Looking around, blue sky and fluffy clouds seemed within reach. A gentle breeze made it all so pleasant. But Lingyun Sky Bridge’s charm goes further. Unlike other internet-famous glass bridges where you simply wander, this one created an unparalleled sense of skywalking, a thrill other rides can’t match.

I’d actually brought a drone, but the height scared me. I chickened out looking at the abyss below and only flew it briefly before bringing it back. Even just standing there, my heart raced.

Walking on Lingyun Sky Bridge felt like being on a celestial bridge. Moving forward was like treading on air, truly an exciting sensation – every step seemed to bloom with magic. The bridge also makes for great Instagram shots: the glass mirrors the sky, letting you pose as if stepping right onto the heavens.

Smiling for the camera but trembling inside – I was seriously anxious during those portraits, that acrophobia welling up.

After crossing, looking back at the path I’d taken, I felt proud of myself and everyone who’d made it. If you love excitement, you must challenge Lingyun Sky Bridge at Chuiyun Tongtian River – you’ll never forget it.

Glass Drifting: Speed and Splashes

The second viral experience is the sky-high drifting, probably the most exhilarating drift I’ve ever done. It’s an elevated glass water slide, over 1,350 metres long with a 120-metre drop, hailed as Hangzhou’s No.1 drift. Right after the glass bridge, you hop onto this glass drifting course for a 360° spinning water ride. Just looking at it feels thrilling.

Thanks to its unique natural setting, the sky drift uses crystal-clear water drawn directly from the Tongtian River. This naturally pristine water enters the transparent slide; you board a rubber dinghy and glide from the mountain heights to the ground through twisty turns, splashes flying but without getting soaked. It’s safe yet exhilarating, zipping down the glass slide with panoramic views – a dreamy Instagram checkpoint.

I visited on a blazing sunny day that felt like summer. So what’s the ultimate summer thrill? Drifting, of course. Tucked among forests, Chuiyun Tongtian River’s drifting course weaves through the trees. From above, the slide hides among the woods, each turn feeling like tumbling into nature.

Unlike typical outdoor drifts, this one happens on a glass track with a thin water layer that reduces friction, making your raft go even faster. It’s super exciting.

Put on a raincoat before you slide – speed picks up quickly and you might get splashed, so stow cameras and phones beforehand.

The moment you launch, acceleration is totally out of your control. The speed is incredibly fast; every curve made me feel like I’d be flung out. In just five minutes, I reached the finish line. Looking back, it was so exhilarating I wanted to go again.

Instagram Hotspots: How to Snap Picture-Perfect Photos

Since Chuiyun Tongtian River is a trendy spot, it naturally brims with Instagrammable checkpoints. The Dubai-frame-style Angel’s Wings appears right in the lush greenery.

Designed by renowned Los Angeles designer Colette Miller and crafted on-site, she was so captivated by the scenery and activities here that she created this wing mural. Set against the natural landscape, it features red, purple, and blue hues with yellow and metallic accents, blending perfectly with the forest. This stunning Angel’s Wing has become the most popular photo spot here, with a constant queue – you have to seize every gap to snap a picture.

Hidden in the woods is a romantic heart-shaped Bird’s Nest. So well-concealed I nearly missed it, this nest is another photo paradise, exuding a Balinese vibe under the sheltering trees.

Along the descending path, you’ll find stylish resting areas scattered about, like this protruding platform halfway up the mountain. Outdoor experiences are for unwinding, so having a nice spot to sit, chat, and enjoy a slow-paced holiday is perfect.

I initially mistook this white rest area for the bird’s nest, but seeing its Insta-worthy vibe, I had to pose for a photo anyway.

After descending from the glass drift, you pass through Angel’s Corridor. Its name is beautiful, and legend says if you make a silent wish as you walk through, it might just come true.

The outdoor experiences at Chuiyun Tongtian River feel like an aerial amusement park, with high-altitude activities that test your courage.

Stressed by city life? Ever thought of screaming it out? Chuiyun Tongtian River features a special speaker-and-fountain setup: the louder you shout, the higher the fountain shoots. It’s a perfect stress reliever. Designed for those who’ve bottled things up, the Shouting Spring combines modern tech – the bigger your voice, the higher the water. If you’ve built up pressure with nowhere to release it, here’s your outlet. No need for image management, just holler into the horn, and watch the distant fountain soar with your voice – a tiny moment of pride.

Who knew a small cave could offer so many wonderful outdoor thrills? Whether you’re the boat-ride sightseer or the high-altitude daredevil, you’ll find your own joy at Chuiyun Tongtian River.

Langshi Jintan: Drifting in Nature

A few kilometres from Chuiyun Tongtian River lies another drifting haven, Langshi Jintan. If the weather is hot, it’s perfect for a drift. Tonglu is densely forested with excellent air quality; drifting here must be utterly enjoyable.

A combo ticket for entry and drifting costs 110 yuan. I bought it to explore and see what style of drift they offer.

Langshi Jintan is situated in Langshibu on Tonglu’s Tianmu Stream. Also called “Chaoni Beach,” it formed from historical Qiantang River tidal surges, creating a natural pebbled beach. Once an ancient water and land port on Tianmu Stream, it has many historical relics and folklore. Entering, you see statues of ancient figures and age-old buildings.

It wasn’t quite what I’d imagined – more like a serene garden, with beautiful natural scenery, green hills all around, rich vegetation, and elegant landscape design. Strolling through, I instantly felt the charm of spring.

Finally, some rugged rocky landscapes hinting at the thrill of rafting adventure.

Much of Langshi Jintan is now a leisure resort, offering Lover’s Bay freshwater beach, reed sea ox-cart sightseeing, tropical palm groves, rustic barbecues, a natural golf driving range, vast grassland horse riding, tents, and Mongolian yurt camping – a top choice for corporate team building.

Crisscrossing paths and sandy beaches define the banks. Tianmu Stream meanders with crystal-clear water, dotted with ancient camphor trees and boundless reed marshes, each season offering its own beauty.

At the riverside, the water was so clear you could see the bottom, with hills reflecting upon it – a picture of tranquil green hills and blue waters. This is also the starting point for drifting, though it didn’t look very rapid.

Over the two-kilometre stretch, dragon boat excursions have been developed, with nearly a hundred exquisitely crafted boats welcoming visitors. Dragon boats come with paddles, gongs, and drums. You can sit comfortably on bamboo chairs, gently row and drift, savouring the landscape’s essence, or beat drums and compete, racing through splashing waves – a truly spirited experience.

Langshi Jintan also offers many rustic fun options like barbecues and golf, scattered around the park, making for a very rich mix of leisure activities.

Of course, if you come with friends, colleagues, or for a corporate retreat, there’s a team-building lawn packed with challenging adventure activities. It’s photogenic too; with good weather, any snap here turns into a great shot.

I saw many groups on corporate team outings; plenty of outdoor challenges to tackle. Many locals and Hangzhou residents come on weekends to exercise and unwind, embraced by nature, breathing fresh air, with inviting green hills and clear waters filling the eye.

Practical Tips

Chuiyun Tongtian River combo ticket: Glass Sky Bridge + Glass Drift + Cave Boat Tour – 199 yuan on holidays, 139 yuan on non-holidays.

Lingyun Sky Bridge: 199 yuan

Sky Drifting: 120 yuan

Underground Grand Canyon: 45 yuan

Boat Tour: 108 yuan

Enjoy the captivating scenery of Chuiyun Tongtian River, savour a leisurely spring moment, create wonderful memories, and make your trip truly meaningful.

Getting there:

1. By high-speed rail: Hangzhou to Tonglu High-Speed Rail Station – take bus No.2 to Fuqiaobu Station – take Tonglu to Fenshui bus, get off at Yangpu Orthopedics Hospital, then walk back about 300 metres to the scenic area.

2. Take a long-distance bus from Hangzhou to Tonglu-Fenshui, alight at Yangpu Orthopedics Hospital and walk about 300 metres inwards.

3. Self-drive from Hangzhou to Chuiyun Tongtian River takes about 2 hours.