Summer Cool-Off in Tonglu: Shanwanwan Rapids Adventure Thrills All Season!

In the scorching summer, water activities are definitely the best choice. The cool water brings relief from the heat and also makes the harsh sun less bothersome.

When we talk about water fun, rafting is undoubtedly a fantastic summer pastime. Feeling the rush of speed on crystal-clear river water is always a thrill, and the chilly water keeps you refreshingly cool, never stuffy.

This time I came to Tonglu to experience one of the rafting adventures in eastern China — specifically the Shanwanwan Rapids, said to have the greatest drop in the region. I was here for the excitement.

Day 1: ✈️ Guangzhou — 🚗 Tonglu Shanwanwan Rapids Adventure — 🍴 Dinner — Check-in

Day 2: Shanwanwan: Glass Drifting — Rapids Adventure

Day 3: Shanwanwan: Bubujingxin High-Altitude Suspension Bridge — Yunpiaopiao Glass Skywalk — Shuangkeng Reservoir 🌊 — Huizhou Merchant Ancient Trail ⛰️

Day 4: ✈️ Return journey

Tonglu is a county under Hangzhou. By high-speed train from Hangzhou, it takes only about half an hour to arrive. From the bustling Hangzhou to Tonglu, there’s a palpable shift from noise to serenity. Tonglu boasts stunning mountains and clear waters, with the Fuchun River meandering quietly through, giving the place a hidden paradise vibe.

Waking up embraced by mountains, I started a new day’s journey. The first stop, of course, was our destination — Tonglu Shanwanwan Rafting!

The Shanwanwan Rapids Adventure Scenic Area is located in Gaolian Village, Fenshui Town, Tonglu County. It’s only 48 kilometers from the county center, 88 kilometers east of downtown Hangzhou, and 70 kilometers south of Qiandao Lake. Within a 300-kilometer radius are all the major cities of the Yangtze River Delta, so the location is excellent and access is very convenient.

The rafting course was carved through a volcanic canyon wonderland, full of volcanic rock cliffs, ravines, ancient trees, bizarre rocks, and waterfalls — truly distinctive natural features. The forest coverage rate exceeds 90%, and the air is rich in negative oxygen ions. The stream water originates from high mountain gorges, so clear you can see the bottom. The scenic area covers 20 square kilometers.

The area’s signature is “big drop, big thrills, big scenery, big speed.” The rafting channel stretches 3.5 kilometers with a total vertical drop of 208 meters, making it the largest-drop rapids adventure spot in eastern China. A full run takes about an hour.

The course has been professionally designed and safely constructed. You’ll ride in double kayaks certified by the China Classification Society, wear nationally approved helmets and life jackets, and slide at high speed through the canyon. Sometimes you plunge down steeply, sometimes twist and turn — it’s like a roller coaster on water. Thrill-seekers who value safety can experience the breathtaking speed while admiring the pristine natural scenery. The perfect blend of people and nature.

Shanwanwan has a Phase 1 rapids adventure project and a Phase 2 with a glass water slide, cliffside skywalk, outdoor adventure, canyon waterfalls, etc. — all part of Shanwanwan Rural Sports Park now.

Set in a volcanic canyon with unique landscapes and a massive drop, the scenic area lets you feel that harmony with nature. After arriving at Shanwanwan, you hop on an electric cart, follow the mountain road to the starting point, and the thrilling rafting begins. Shanwanwan Rapids has the biggest drop in eastern China, so it’s extremely exhilarating.

The total length of the rapids adventure is 3.5 km, dropping 208 meters from start to finish — the absolute highest in eastern China, very exciting! At the launch point, you put on a life jacket and helmet for safety. Even if you capsize, you don’t need to worry. Once geared up and paired off, staff help push your boat into the river, and the roughly one-hour journey begins!

At the put-in point, the dense cluster of inflatable kayaks shows how popular this spot is. On weekends, it’s an impressive sight with thousands of boats launching together. Seeing the crystal-clear water, I couldn’t help but step in, feel the coolness, and enjoy the refreshing summer that belongs to Shanwanwan, to Tonglu.

At first, the current is gentle, and gliding backward watching the green mountains drift by is quite pleasant. The strange rocks on the banks and splashing water add to the leisurely scenery and conversation. Following the flow, you pass large pools where the water is calm. A splash battle with other visitors in the limpid water is hilarious.

You might get drenched, but no one gets angry — the pools brim with laughter and a fun vibe.

As you go further, the channel narrows and the current quickens, gradually revealing the power of the most dramatic drop in eastern China. Round a bend, the water suddenly surges, and your heart jumps.

The second half of the rafting leaves no time for sightseeing! The kayak shoots down rapids, eliciting shrieks of delight. Sometimes you even go backwards — the reverse drifting is one of the most thrilling parts.

Rafting here lets you feel speed, centrifugal force, and the chill of clear water, all while taking in the spectacular views. Screaming out pent-up stress, your cries echo through the valley, and by the time you finish, all your worries seem to dissolve into the river.

If you don’t fancy rafting, take a walk along the footpath by the channel. You can still see the rushing whitewater and mountain scenery. Watching the rafters scream and wrestle with the water is just as entertaining.

Of course, be sure to take a hot shower right after rafting — even in summer, to avoid catching a cold.

Besides the rapids adventure, the glass drifting is also great fun, especially for those who don’t dare the river course. This slide built of glass runs down the mountainside, with water flowing along it to boost speed.

Gear up in the provided raincoat, glide down the mountain glass slide, with occasional mischievous splashes on your face bringing a refreshing coolness. On both sides, the scenery unfolds; the glass and clear water don’t block your view but seem to add a blue filter, very crisp and refreshing.

The slide has many curves and dips, and generally the speed is quite brisk. The finale is the most thrilling: when you rush into the end pool, a huge splash erupts — this is when you’re most likely to get soaked.

When riding the glass slide, you must wear the raincoat and rain pants provided (unless you’re happy to risk getting wet). It’s not insanely thrilling, but there can be splashes, so a bit of prevention is sensible.

If river rafting is about adrenaline, glass drifting is more about leisurely fun. As you speed down, mountain breezes whistle past your ears, and the crisp water beneath you is a delight — quite an interesting experience.

On the second day, we started a more relaxed itinerary. We wanted to linger an extra day in the big mountains, breathe deep the negative oxygen ions, so we added a day. No rush, and we could sleep in, hehe.

Right next to the glass bridge is Bubujingxin (Step of Terror). Iron cables strung between mountains with wooden planks — walking on it, every step truly startles.

Stepping onto those planks requires courage; the gaps between them are about half a meter. Walking across, your heart really pounds.

As you cross, the boards and the bridge itself sway a bit, especially when there are many people — then it rocks even more, making you scream.

But don’t worry about safety. Before stepping on, staff will help you fasten a harness and check it. The ultra-strong harness ensures you’re safe while enjoying the thrills.

Yunpiaopiao Glass Skywalk stretches 168 meters, suspended 108 meters above the valley floor, with a capacity of 500 people.

At the end of the Huizhou Merchant Ancient Trail is the glass bridge here.

Glass bridges are common, but in my eyes, only those spanning a canyon can really stir the soul with the view.

This glass bridge traverses the mountains, with the Fuchun River flowing below. Walking on it is the perfect way to soak in the scenery.

If you come on a misty day, the clouds swirl around the mountains, and the glass bridge seems to pierce through the mist. Walking on it, you feel as if you are strolling in the clouds, crossing into a fairyland.

The biggest advantage of a glass bridge is the unobstructed 360-degree view. On this bridge, the forests on both sides and the water beneath your feet all contribute to the beauty.

No matter the weather — drought or rainy season — you can always enjoy thrilling rafting at Shanwanwan, because the clear water in the river never stops flowing.

The reason Shanwanwan can maintain a steady water level is a reservoir upstream that can store or release water, making it very convenient to adjust the flow.

Apart from water storage and hydroelectric power, the reservoir is also worth a visit.

The reservoir is built on the mountainside. Watching the water cascade down from the dam gives a spectacular “flying stream plunges three thousand feet” feel.

Near the reservoir, you can also see waterfalls.

Isn’t that quite the rapids themselves?

I came for the rapids, but if you visit Shanwanwan just to raft, you definitely miss the equally wonderful Huizhou Merchant Ancient Trail.

The Huizhou Merchant Ancient Trail was built along the mountainside, shaded by pines and cypresses. The stone paths are worn by footprints; and you don’t have to worry about the sun, because the dense foliage blocks the sky... The trail’s scenery of hills and streams is breathtaking and will make you linger.

Climbing up this ancient path, you’re surrounded by lush greenery, small bridges and flowing water — a totally refreshing feeling.

The entire trail takes about 40 minutes to walk. It’s not a difficult route, and you can stop to take photos along the way, quite an easy stroll.

In the mountains of Shanwanwan, there are countless beautiful spots. You can wander, gaze at the Tonglu mountains, and watch the trickling streams that feed the Fuchun River.

The Huizhou Merchant Ancient Trail is a must-visit. In ancient China, many traveling merchants joined forces to stay united, forming merchant groups from the same region. The Yunnan horse caravans and Anhui’s Huizhou merchants were famous merchant factions.

It’s hard to verify whether Huizhou merchants actually left their footprints here. But hiking through the forest, crossing chain bridges, and enjoying the mountain scenery and rustic flavors is still fascinating.

The Huizhou Merchant Ancient Trail is about three kilometers long, with jungles, waterfalls, chain bridges, and paths paved with stone slabs or wooden planks — ideal for taking in the forest landscapes.

Of course, when you come to Tonglu, you must sample the local cuisine. In this countryside, there may be no luxury delicacies, but the wild mountain ingredients are wonderfully fresh and delicious.

Free-range chicken is everywhere, but it always has a special charm. Compared to farmed chicken, the flavor is more intense and the meat firmer, tastier. The fresh free-range chicken here doesn’t need complicated cooking. Whether simply poached to highlight its natural taste or braised with chilies and other seasonings, it’s mouthwatering.

Stir-fried snails: The water quality here is excellent, so snails from the river are especially sweet and crisp. After being purged in clean water, they’re fried with ginger, garlic, and chili. The first bite is mildly spicy, then comes the sweet freshness. Perfect with drinks.

Dried bamboo shoots: Zhejiang has many bamboo forests, so spring bamboo shoots after rain are an unmissable delight. Dried shoots are easy to store and can be enjoyed any season. Rehydrated shoots are versatile; cooked with pork belly, the fat and bamboo shoots complement each other, making the shoots even more savory. Stewed simply with loofah or other vegetables, they are light and sweet.

Duck meat: As the saying goes, “A prophet duck knows the spring river warmth.” Along the Fuchun River, many ducks are raised. The duck meat is firm and juicy, best for braising.

Small river fish: The Fuchun River nurtures many small fish that are sweet, fresh, and tender. After frying, they are simmered in sauce. The skin becomes fragrant, the flesh tender; combined with the sauce, they are extremely flavorful.

Simple ingredients, countryside produce — unpretentious but full of local rustic charm and fresh flavor, utterly tempting.

Here, you might not find high-end luxury hotels, but staying in a local guesthouse offers a different kind of experience.

If you come in the early morning or perhaps next month, you can see the misty scene. Peaks appear and disappear among the clouds, very ethereal. Look closely, the mountains give off an immortal aura — a truly gorgeous picture.

Right by the Shanwanwan hot springs, in Fenshui Village, there are comfortable guesthouses. Converted from local homes, they have only a few rooms, but they are fresh and cozy.

A three-story guesthouse has single and double rooms to meet different needs. The rooms aren’t large, but the facilities are complete and comfortable — no worries about the stay at all.

From the balcony, you can see the green mountains. Watch the mist weave through the hills, gaze at the distant bamboo groves, zone out for a while, and brew a cup of clear tea — it’s a perfect way to steal a moment of leisure.

1. Children under 1.4 meters and those over 55 years old are not allowed to join the rafting.

2. Shanwanwan has quite a few activities, enough for two days. It’s recommended to do the glass bridge, Bubujingxin, etc. on the first day, and raft on the second day.

3. If you only have one day, you can still finish the main attractions.

4. Don’t worry about accommodation. There are many farmstays with affordable rooms, but it’s best to book in advance.

5. Self-driving is recommended.

The beauty of Tonglu lies in its picturesque mountains and clear waters. The Fuchun River flows quietly, shaping Tonglu’s serene elegance. And that same river brings excitement too — the dynamic Shanwanwan Rapids and Tonglu’s tranquil charm combine into raw, wild fun.