A One-Day Rafting Trip to Huxiao Gorge, Tonglu
In summer, we play in water; in winter, we ski — every season has its own charm. Rafting is a hugely popular summer activity, and people of all ages are captivated by it in their own way. To me, rafting with a group is more important than the rafting itself. For instance, on a ten-kilometer stretch, you get on a raft and drift all the way down, never knowing what kind of terrain or scenery you'll encounter, even in the calmer sections. Strangers can become friends through splashing water fights. These are the joys of rafting, and each place has its own unique features. A few days ago, I went rafting at Huxiao Gorge in Tonglu, near Hangzhou, and it was a great experience.
Huxiao Gorge Scenic Area is located in Zhongshan Township, in the mountainous southwestern part of Tonglu County, about 30 km from Tonglu town, 100 km from Hangzhou, and just a 40-minute drive from downtown Tonglu. From Hangzhou, you can drive or take the high-speed train. The train goes directly to Tonglu Station, and from there it's only a 40-minute drive to the rafting site, making it a great option for a weekend day trip. Rafting here usually runs non-stop from 11 a.m. until late afternoon. During my visit, over lunchtime, the parking lot went from fairly empty to packed in no time, and crowds of visitors were queuing for shuttle buses to the upstream launch point. Clearly, Huxiao Gorge rafting is a big draw. I asked around and learned that besides those from Hangzhou, many drive over from Shanghai, often in small groups of cars with friends, and there are also plenty of tour bus groups.
Since rafting basically starts around noon, if you need lunch, you can grab a simple meal on the second floor of the service center. Prices are reasonable, and it's convenient. There are also farmhouse restaurants nearby. For those who don't want to rush back the same day, spending the night at a local guesthouse is a lovely idea — you'll get to soak in more of the surrounding scenery, not just the rafting.
In the summer mountains, bamboo groves sway and rapids roar, and every now and then you hear the shrieks of rafters — shrieks of pure delight. Starting from the top, you plunge down the rushing water, hitting one steep drop after another until you're completely drenched, maybe even swallowing a mouthful of water. Then come gentler sections where you can catch your breath, calm your racing heart, and drift along, glancing at your soaked, disheveled companions and smirking to yourself. You gaze at the mountain scenery, bamboo groves, villages, and passing cars on either side, and the busyness of city life slowly melts away. And still, you can't help looking forward to the next thrilling rapid.
The entire rafting route is about ten kilometers long, with dedicated launch and landing points. You can buy tickets at the lower station, change into rafting gear and a life jacket, and take a shuttle minibus to the starting point upstream. The ten-kilometer journey takes around an hour and a half, passing under village bridges, with a mix of rushing rapids and calm shallows — excitement and tranquility all in one.
The trip lasts over an hour largely because of several gentle, shallow stretches where all the rafts gather for a while — a perfect spot to rest and splash each other. Out of nowhere, you might get caught in a water fight with strangers, then politely (or not) splash them back, and through it all, everyone is laughing heartily, without a hint of anger. That's one of the magical things about rafting. Everyone is in high spirits, and splashing around only spreads more joy. After the fun of the calm pools, you'll hit a few more sections with bigger drops. They may not be as intense as the first ones, but they make a happy finale. Throughout the whole rafting trip, I didn't see anyone using paddles. That's probably because the river's gradient does the work and there are many staff members guiding with bamboo poles along the way. Not having paddles also reduces a potential safety risk.
Rafting is a water sport that will soak you from head to toe, and riverbanks are often slippery. Before rafting, please wear proper rafting clothes or a swimsuit, and soft-soled shoes to prevent slipping and foot injuries. Throughout the activity, always follow the guide's or staff's instructions and stay safe. Before getting on the water, leave valuables (such as cameras, phones, jewelry, watches, car keys, cash, etc.) in the storage service to avoid loss or water damage, and keep the locker key safe.
When rafting, please wear your helmet and life jacket correctly, and pay attention to the waterway signs. Before the raft enters a chute or drop, you must stow paddles properly, hold tight to the safety ropes with both hands, never let go or stand up, and sit firmly to safely enjoy the thrill of speed. During rafting, avoid excessive water fights and horseplay; do not get out to swim or play in the river to avoid foot injuries; never remove your helmet or life jacket; do not hand over or discard your paddle, raft, or helmet to others. Leaving the raft to play or going alone into dangerous areas is strictly forbidden to prevent accidents. For your own and others' safety, glass containers and flammable or explosive items are strictly prohibited on the river.
This place is ideal for self-drive trips. You can also take the high-speed train to Tonglu and then a taxi to the scenic area. Booking tickets online often comes with a discount — around 170 yuan. Remember, the more people, the more fun!
The joy of rafting lies in the laughter of small groups or larger crowds having a blast together, or in strangers entertaining each other. It's a truly fun activity and a summer favorite for many. There's a saying: 'After visiting the Five Great Mountains, no other peaks impress; after rafting Huxiao Gorge, no other water thrills compare.' I hope everyone who comes here has a wonderful experience.
