Constant 18°C Chuiyun Tongtian River: Warm in Winter, Cool in Summer, Fresh Air and Clear Water – A Great Summer Escape from Hangzhou

Welcome to Xiaodou's travel stories, sharing interesting life experiences.

Every day walking in my own city, sometimes I forget that this too is a little journey. This year's summer rainy season was especially long, with dozens of days of continuous overcast weather making everyone feel moldy. Finally, when summer returned to normal, during the scorching hot summer, I drove two hours from Hangzhou to Tonglu to escape the heat. I saw a sign saying 'Zhang Dongsheng Prohibited from Entering'—recent TV dramas really have a big influence.

Today is not a weekend, so parking spaces were still plenty. With the temperature approaching 30°C, sun protection is a must. After entering, I saw the boats at the entrance. One boat can seat about 7 people, considering balance on both sides. To capture the flavor of the trip, we split into two boats. Soon we glided into the karst cave.

Chuiyun Tongtian River is located in Tonglu, Zhejiang. At the end of the river course, there is a forested area of nearly 30 square kilometers, belonging to the Tonglu State-owned No. 2 Forest Farm, now developed into Tiantong Mountain Forest Park. Its dense jungle and intact vegetation retain a large amount of water. Surface water from the vast forest converges in a skyward funnel-shaped cave—Litiandong—and rushes down along the winding natural riverbed, forming the huge water source inside Chuiyun Cave, hence the name 'Tongtian River' (river reaching the sky).

The underground cave with a constant temperature of 18°C made me fall in love with it instantly. Boating along a kilometer-long dark river, viewing the scenery, with dreamy shimmering jellyfish lights. After 270 million years, the stalactites in the cave have taken on unique shapes. The boat gliding in the cave felt like being in a natural refrigerator.

A staff member told me that the lighting here has been optimized time and again to finally present such a beautiful scene. The boat lady has worked here for over a dozen years and has developed an affection for the cave. Every day she meets different tourists and shares the stories of this place with more people.

Although the light inside is very dim, when passing by some characteristic scenery, I sat at the bow to take stunning portraits. The key to portraits is a pretty girl, so any shot becomes a masterpiece. I marveled at nature's incredible craftsmanship—it took 100 million years to create such beauty. As someone living in Hangzhou, I'd be doing myself a disservice not to come see it!

The dreamy, colorful world makes you feel like you're traversing through time.

Sitting at the bow for portraits, catching the right light yields wonderful results.

‘One-kilometer dark river boat sightseeing,’ a unique experience in East China.

The world’s first dark river cave elevator, ‘Time Tunnel’.

The boat ride flying over the rock top is thrilling and exciting. Chuiyun Tongtian River offers both leisurely boating and exploration of mysteries. Along the way, we viewed Chuiyun historical relics, Zhenshan Ancient Town, Jiangnan Mongolian Yurt, Water Grand View Garden, and Shifoshan Cave. When the boat reached 888 meters, a specially designed lift system raised visitors, boat and all, 8 meters up to the secondary river channel—thrilling and unique. It lifts you, boat and all, onto the rock top, then gently lands you in the secondary channel.

The visit lasted about 30 minutes. The 18-degree cool cave provides a refreshing summer escape.

After exiting the cave, we were greeted by 30°C heat. I reapplied sunscreen and walked to the Angel Corridor.

Symbolizing purity and love, its entrance is a photo spot. The best time is 5 to 7 pm, when the sunlight is softer. When tired, you can rest on the swing and enjoy the view of Lingyun Sky Bridge behind.

A few steps further is Angel's Wings, the hottest Instagram spot in the scenic area. You have to grab your chance for photos, as groups of girls take turns posing.

'AngelWings' was designed by renowned Los Angeles designer Colette Miller, who also came on site to complete the installation. Up close, you can see the exquisite design details. Summer attire is cool and light; those who've successfully slimmed down are the most eye-catching scenery. Traveling often keeps the body fit, and staying away from the office makes both body and mind healthier.

Two more minutes' walk leads to Lingyun Sky Bridge, a 300-meter-long path in the sky with a real sense of suspension and tension. The timid inch along, while the bold run freely.

Standing on the bridge, you can see the beautiful scenery of Chuiyun Tongtian River. I'm always enthusiastic about such activities—running on the bridge while shooting is my norm. My companions were fearless too, acting freely. To take photos, you can wait for the crowd ahead to leave, then sit in the middle of the bridge for a strong sense of depth, and even selfie shots with a phone work well.

From the bridge, you can see our starting point with many boats moored in the distance. With clear skies, the photos came out sharp and layered. Group fun becomes truly important. The drone flew up to 200 meters, offering a different perspective of the sky bridge. As I ran, the drone chased and captured the action. Summer is about seizing opportunities.

The meaning of travel is not to tell others 'I've been here.' It's a transformation. Travel changes one's temperament, broadening one's vision. On the road, you see that different people have different habits, and you realize that not everyone lives the way you do. This broadens your heart, so you can face your own life with a better attitude.

With my sunny disposition, I once again encountered such beautiful scenery—always a joyful day.

Foot traffic on the sky bridge is heavy; passersby constantly come and go. To get a shot without people, you'll need to wait.

Building such a path is no easy feat; I wonder how much financial and human effort it took. Only after safety tests would it be opened to visitors.

All along, the girls used phones and cameras to record the joyful moments of this trip.

Leaning against the bridge railing, facing the breeze, it's a nice photo spot.

Reaching the other side of the bridge, we arrived at Lingkong Piaoyue, a 1,350-meter-long drift ride with a 120-meter height difference from start to finish.

We sat in rubber boats, pushed forward by the water, speeding through rocks, forests, and trees. It was incredibly thrilling, and at the last moment, you get soaked in a second!

Along the way, there are 360-degree rotating turns, so hold onto your phone and prioritize safety.

When you reach the bottom, you get soaked in an instant.

After getting off, we walked to the Valley of Love, with original eco-friendly bird nests—the perfect spot for group photos. It felt like being in Southeast Asia. As someone who loves traveling in Southeast Asia, I'm stuck in China now, which isn't easy. Prices there are so cheap.

I don't know when I'll be able to go to Thailand again. Since I can't go, let's have fun in Tonglu first!

Near the exit is Chuiyun Shouting Spring. As long as your lung capacity is strong enough, shouting 30 meters up is no problem. A summer retreat like Tonglu's trendy scenic area, don't miss it!

Finally, let me tell you: just a 10-minute drive away is Langshi Jintan, where you can barbecue and do team building. The vast green forest is so relaxing.

When the weather is good, you can also take a bamboo raft and experience a different mode of water transportation. This time, we arrived after they closed, so next time we'll travel together again.

Public transport info:

From Shanghai: Take a direct tourist bus from Hengfeng Road Coach Station to Tonglu Bus Station (75 yuan/person). From Tonglu Bus Station, take bus No. 1 to Tonglu Town (1 yuan/person), then take a taxi or tourist bus to the scenic area (for reference only).

From Hangzhou: At Hangzhou West Bus Station, take a bus to Qiandao Lake or Fenshui, or directly ask for a bus to Chuiyun Tongtian River, fare around 25 yuan.

Self-driving: The most convenient way—just navigate to Chuiyun Tongtian River and go!