Qingming Getaway: A Tranquil, Lesser-Known Spot Two Hours from Hangzhou, Packed with Cherry Blossoms, Caves, Lakes, and Gorges

Su Dongpo once said, 'Travel all the rivers and mountains of Three Wu, yet still find Tonglu's charm surpasses them all.' In the eyes of this widely traveled literary master, Tonglu's landscape is undeniably unique and breathtaking.

Driving along, the Fuchun River wraps around you like a green silk ribbon, with fishing boats dotting its surface and villages of white walls and dark tiles scattered along both banks. The trees mingle with the hues of mountains and water, painting deep and light shades of green and indigo. And because it's spring, patches of golden rapeseed blossoms occasionally brighten the scene—truly a paradise on earth.

I heard that the late-blooming cherries at Tianzi Di were already flowering. I was a bit surprised: back in Shanghai, the mid-season cherry variety Somei Yoshino is only just beginning to bloom, yet here the late ones were already out? So I rounded up a few friends and we headed straight there.

Even before reaching the scenic area, we found ourselves beside a huge stretch of pink cherry forest over a kilometer long!

Legend has it that Tianzi Di is the birthplace of Liu Yu, Emperor Wu of the Southern Song Dynasty, over 1,600 years ago. Though the scenic area isn't huge, it packs in lakes, mountain streams, gorges, karst caves, cable cars, bamboo groves, rafting, and slides—a rich array of attractions. It's the best-preserved untouched ecosystem in Tonglu, earning it the nickname 'Green Pearl.'

Right inside the gate, there's a long wisteria walkway. Look closely: bamboo and flower pillars on both sides are adorned with colorful butterflies. When the breeze blows, their wings flutter softly, as if they'd fly away any second…

Passing by the resort’s wellness hotel, you find buildings in typical Chinese garden style—corridors, lanterns, waterside benches. My friend exclaimed happily: 'This is perfect for portrait photography!'

A young girl in Hanfu sat under the eaves, behind her water from a waterwheel cascading down like strings of pearls. The scene was serene and graceful, with a touch of lively charm.

The big waterwheel creaked and groaned as it turned, sending up bursts of cool spray.

The pink late-blooming cherries were in full, fiery bloom—about a third had opened, and the blossoms would last at least past Qingming.

This variety is called 'Kanzan'—a strong-sounding name, yet the flowers are delicate and charming. From opening to withering, they remain an eternal pale pink, clusters of blossoms huddling together like little pink clouds.

Unlike early cherries, which can be so fragile that a gust of wind or a light rain might wipe them out soon after blooming, late cherries are more resilient. They endure on the branches much longer and are also high on beauty—that's why I love them.

Hanfu truly goes perfectly with such scenery.

Li Bai wrote: 'Wisteria hangs from cloud-like trees, its creepers graceful in sunny spring. Thick leaves hide singing birds, fragrant breezes waft around a beauty.'

Indeed, wisteria is such a romantic, enchanting flower!

I feel like riding the wind and returning home, yet I can't bear to leave behind this spring beauty, fearing that those grand towers in the sky may be too cold…

After lunch, a short rest, then back out to shoot more cherry blossoms.

Just outside the scenic area, along the roadside, stretches a cherry forest over a kilometer long—pink as a rosy cloud.

A path winds through the cherry trees. Walking there, branches and blossoms frequently brush against you, reminding me of that line from The Peach Blossom Spring: 'The fragrant grass was fresh and beautiful, and fallen petals lay everywhere.'

In sunlight, the blossoms are a bright, cheerful pink.

Under the shadow of the mountain, they turn a pale pinkish purple, even more poetic.

My friends skipped and hopped beneath the flowering trees. Spring has a way of lifting everyone's mood.

The cherry trees aren't very tall. Standing beneath them, it's easy to frame branches and blossoms in your camera, so I think this place is especially perfect for girls to strike a pose.

As the sun dipped westward, the cherry forest took on warm tones.

My camera only captured these two rows of flowering trees. A drone would have made for even more stunning aerial shots.

This place is called Love Flower Valley. At the end of the flower corridor is a double heart shape—perfect for couples to check in! But the name 'Love Flower Valley' makes me think of Yang Guo, Gongsun Lü'e, and Xiao Longnü…

Bai Juyi wrote: 'Plant a young red cherry tree in the garden, stroll idly around its branches and call it an outing.' Yet I still think spring is for long journeys—to step out and enjoy flowers, you need to go farther, see a grander canvas. So come to Tianzi Di and feast your eyes on these blossoms stretching across hillsides!

The rapeseed fields by the roadside also look lovely in photos!

Early morning, we climbed up to Tianzi Cave.

Walking along the lake toward the cable car station, the water was clear and emerald green, with cherry blossoms gracing the lakeside.

A graceful black swan was foraging for food.

In the upper right, that white triangular building is the cable car station. From here, though, it inadvertently looks like a beautifully composed landscape painting, full of charm.

A tiny waterfall: someone had stuck a bamboo tube into the water, so clear mountain spring water flowed into a small pool nearby—good for washing hands or rinsing vegetables. It added a rustic touch unique to the mountains.

The few cherry trees below the cable car station were especially unique, their blossoms pinkish with a hint of lavender.

Taking the cable car, you reach the summit viewing area in about five or six minutes.

See that blue path in the picture? That's a moving walkway. Once it's finished, visitors can ride the conveyor belt up the mountain—friends afraid of heights won't have to worry anymore!

On either side of the viewing platform stand several large wild cherry trees. They bloom every year from late February to early March, covering the hills in snowy white clouds. So, Tianzi Di actually has cherry blossoms twice a year—remember to come and see!

Taking photos here is truly ethereal!

Follow the boardwalk all the way to Tianzi Cave.

I've always felt early-spring mountains are at their most beautiful. Everything awakens; even the new green of the leaves is exceptionally fresh and vibrant, let alone the crystal-clear air!

A tall rhododendron was in full bloom, its branches leaning down gracefully from the slope.

Tianzi Cave, originally called Fairy Cave, is the core attraction of the Tianzi Di Scenic Area and one of Asia's largest shaft-type karst caves. It's said to be the place where Liu Yu used to play and study.

Before I even reached the cave entrance, a blast of chilly air hit me. After all, caves are cool in summer and warm in winter. Outside, it was over 20°C, so of course it felt much cooler in the cave!

As I walked along the tunnel, a friend ahead suddenly screamed loudly. A dark, ape-like figure hung from the ceiling and let out strange grunting sounds—startling when seen unexpectedly! ...But pretty thrilling.

Tianzi Cave is currently one of Asia's largest shaft-type karst caves. Its terrain rises from low to high, with a 100-meter drop between the entry and exit. It consists of three chambers, covering about 16,000 square meters, with a tour route over 1,200 meters long. Deep underground rivers, hanging waterfalls, and strangely shaped stalactites combine into a majestic cave wonder.

Some parts are vast and lofty, while others are narrow—here, you could reach out and touch the ceiling.

The tour goes generally from low to high. The cave is dimly lit, so watch your step.

The cave is filled with stalactites in all kinds of shapes. This area looks like the Dragon King's Crystal Palace—those long hanging pieces, don't they resemble the claws and tentacles of shrimp and crab soldiers?

And of course, where there's a Dragon Palace, there must be a Magic Pillar of the Sea! This massive stone column is carved with patterns etched by nature, like a totem pole—doesn't it look like one?

One friend muttered: 'Why is the Magic Pillar so thick?' I laughed: 'Are you automatically substituting Monkey King's Golden-Hooped Rod? Before it became the rod, of course it was a towering pillar holding up the sky!'

Deep blue water leads to an underground river. The cave twists and turns—who knows how many secrets are still hidden inside... If at this moment a small boat drifted by with a white-haired immortal standing on it, I wouldn't even be surprised!

This section, I call it 'Sea of Trees, Snow Plains'...

Two figures sit playing chess, with a third observing on the left.

This scene is called 'Immortals Playing Go'—incredibly lifelike.

Exiting the cave, I saw this giant glass slide under intense construction. When it's finished, you'll be able to go from the mountaintop straight down! They say the ride will last over ten minutes, making it the longest slide in Tonglu. In summer, just thinking about it feels refreshing.

From the summit, going down takes you into the Tranquil Valley.

Along the way, mountain streams gurgle beside you, trees cast deep shade, a waterfall cascades like a bride's veil into a small clear pool, splashing white foam. Birds chirp crisply, wildflowers bloom in the grass—the mountain path is a feast for the eyes.

Tranquil Valley truly lives up to its name.

Halfway down, if you feel a bit tired and don't want to walk anymore, you can take the slide.

Staff lay thick fabric on the slide. You sit down, tuck the front end over your shoes, and slip all the way down. To speed up, bring your feet together; to slow down, spread them apart—so easy and fun! In just two or three minutes, you're at the bottom.

After the slide, you reach Dinosaur Valley—the most popular spot for kids. More than a hundred meters of valley are dotted with dinosaur models. Fun and educational, you can learn about various creatures while playing.

Such a towering, sky-high figure—must be a Tyrannosaurus!

That one in the middle, with a tiny head, tiny mouth, and blunt teeth, is probably destined to be eaten by the two beside it...

Stegosaurus—its name is obvious from those spikes on its back!

These dinosaur models come with special effects and roaring sounds, making the experience feel very realistic.

We stayed at the Tianzi Di Holiday Hotel inside the scenic area—a classic Chinese garden style, elegant and refined.

By the gate, a redbud tree was covered in blossoms, petals scattered all over the steps.

Our room was in a courtyard quadrangle, with cherry trees flanking the door. In such an environment, even just staying a few days without doing much sightseeing would be worthwhile.

In the square courtyard, nandina branches were lush and graceful, with an osmanthus tree standing in the center.

The room was clean and tidy, with a separate wet and dry bathroom—very comfortable.

What I loved most was sitting on the rocking chair at the door at night, watching cherry blossoms drift slowly down under the streetlamp as the breeze blew...

We ate at the scenic area's own restaurant, right by the lake. If you want a view, you can sit outside facing the green mountains and clear water.

The mountain dishes are especially delicious, all authentically Tonglu flavors.

Bamboo forest stone chicken dry pot—so tasty!

Stewed salted pork with celtuce shoots—light and stomach-soothing.

Minced meat with egg, with a touch of chili paste, bringing savory saltiness and a mild spicy kick—very appetizing.

Stream fish—anyone who's tried it knows how good it is, so I won't elaborate.

Braised pork with fermented dried vegetables—the dish was empty the moment it hit the table.

But I always think the most delicious thing in the mountains of Zhejiang is all kinds of bamboo shoots! No matter how I cook them at home, they never match the fresh, flavorful, and non-astringent taste here!

Tianzi Di Eco-Tourism Scenic Area is bordered by the Fuchun River to the east and Qiandao Lake to the west, located within Luoshan Village, Baijiang Town, Tonglu County, about 45 kilometers from the county seat.

Scenic area entry ticket: 100 yuan. Cable car: 35 yuan. Slide: 30 yuan.

If you stay at the scenic area's wellness hotel, admission is included. Room types include doubles, twins, courtyard quadrangles, and garden courtyards—the latter two great for families or groups of friends. For details, contact the hotel reception directly.