Two-Day One-Night Parent-Child Travel Guide to the Anhui Sichuan-Tibet Line (Ningxuan Small Loop)

Deadline is the primary productivity. Seeing the news that expressway tolls would resume on May 6, I immediately invited another family to join us for a spontaneous road trip.

Time: May 3-4 \t\t Duration: 2 days 1 night \t\t Cost: Average 880 per family (details attached) \t\t Style: Self-driving parent-child trip, suitable for weekend outings

This route differs from the traditional east-in west-out route; instead, it goes west-in east-out, entering from Moon Bay Scenic Area and exiting at Qinglong Bay. This proved to be a wise choice.

1. Short traffic jams. The section from Liudaowan Viewing Platform to the highest point follows the mountain, giving you confidence when passing oncoming vehicles—most will stop and yield. This time, vehicles coming from the opposite direction were stuck for at least 5 km. Locals said that during the National Day holiday, traffic was jammed until dawn.

2. Sudden openness. The feeling of the west-in east-out route is like 'At first it was very narrow, barely allowing one person to pass. After walking dozens of steps, it suddenly opened up.' The road conditions in the latter half are better than the first, with wider roads and easier passing. The second day ended with a sense of refreshment.

3. Rest and supplies without conflict. Driving in the mountains is tough on the feet (the auto hold feature is really needed!). After finishing the most thrilling section on the first day, you can rest well at the accommodation without being too exhausted. Finally, there is a gas station at Qinglong Bay, so you can fill up and happily drive home.

Day 1: Nanjing - Moon Bay - Banqiao

Take the Ningwu Highway, Shanghai-Chongqing Expressway, about 180 km to Moon Bay, actual time 3.5 hours. We chose to rest at Xinzhu Service Area, which is the last service area on the outbound expressway and about the midpoint. The service area's 35-yuan buffet was okay.

First Stop: Moon Bay

We didn't study Moon Bay Scenic Area carefully; we didn't see a strict entrance gate anyway. Following the navigation, as soon as we entered, we saw a small parking lot on the right. Not far from the parking lot, there was a creek with many people gathered. More importantly, you could drive right up to the creek! Ah, the steadiness of the mountains and the liveliness of the water—what a beautiful landscape painting, how could we not capture it? Some set up camp, some rowed, some swam, bathed, or played with water guns—everyone had their own fun.

Finally, a picture of a beauty emerging from the bath—yes, the one bathing was me.

There is also rafting in the scenic area, but the kid was too young so we didn't try. If conditions permit, you can give it a go.

Second Stop: Shuimo Dingxi

Shuimo Dingxi Scenic Area is on a branch of the main route, meaning you have to backtrack to visit. However, because we left late in the morning, we arrived at the scenic area at 3:30 PM. After paying a 20-yuan 'asking fee' (actually a parking fee), we didn't go in. The guy collecting the fee suggested we not enter and hurry on: first, the scenic area paths mostly follow the stream with many steps, making it inconvenient to carry a child; second, it takes about an hour to fully explore, which would make us arrive too late at our lodging. So we rested a bit and continued on, arriving at the lodging around 6 PM. I must say the consultation fee was worth it.

Third Stop: Liudaowan, Seventy-Two Turns

This section is the highlight of the entire route. We drove through the forest with the crowd, opened the rarely used sunroof, and breathed in the mountain air deeply. But for the driver, it was just turning left and right, stepping on the brake, honking the horn, then stepping on the gas, occasionally greeting others through the rearview mirror—repeating over and over.

Driving in the mountains requires attention to safety, maintaining good driving habits, avoiding overtaking as much as possible, not letting children stand and stick their heads out of the sunroof, and being cautious of many curves and steep slopes. At accident-prone sections, traffic police and volunteers directed traffic. Driving there made me feel the warmth of experienced drivers.

Fourth Stop: Banqiao Township Group 7 Homestay

We arrived at the homestay a little after 6 PM. The accommodation was chosen at the midpoint of the route, Banqiao Township Group 7. Banqiao is a decent supply stop—the whole place is small. We had dinner at the homestay, breakfast was available on the street, and we could buy fruit on the street too. The homestay we chose provided a baby chair, which perfectly solved the problem of feeding the baby during meals. Also, I have to say that Hui cuisine is really affordable.

The room we chose faced the street, but we weren't worried about noise. In the early morning, we saw swallows chirping on the power lines, just like in memories.

Day 2: Banqiao - Luoyu Shan - Qinglong Bay - Nanjing

The second day had more free time than the first. We had hoped Qinglong Bay would be a large recreational center with many water activities, but... In the end, we returned via Xuantong, Xuanli Expressways, and Ningxuan Expressway, completing the loop. The return trip was 220 km. On the way back, we crossed Nanyi Lake, which offered a beautiful lake view. Also, the return passed through Lishui and Gaochun—if time permits, you can stop by for a visit.

First Stop: Luoyu Shan (Bald Cypress Forest)

On the second day, there was no obvious signboard for the scenic area; it was entirely based on mood. The road conditions were much better than the previous day. We stopped wherever we wanted. After following navigation, we arrived and had a feeling: 'Is this it?' The photo above was taken at a viewing platform that felt better than the actual scenic spot. The platform is near the Luoyu Shan Wetland Park, and the parking lot on the left side of the road costs 10 yuan per stop.

Second Stop: Qinglong Lake - Chujiatan

We searched around but couldn't find the main gate of Qinglong Lake Scenic Area, and the water activities we expected were nowhere to be seen. It was around lunchtime, so we went to Chujiatan to find some food. Chujiatan felt like a pond with many barbecue stalls on a large open空地. But the final lunch gave us a pleasant surprise (the restaurant next to the barbecue stalls—real farmhouse cuisine, fresh chicken, once again experiencing the large portions and affordability of Hui cuisine).

Third Stop: Jungle Adventure

After lunch, still a bit unsatisfied, we turned back and followed roadside signs to find a jungle adventure spot. It was quite large, suitable for both adults and children. If the child were a bit older, they would have had a lot of fun.

The entire route is enough for two days. If conditions permit, you can explore more surrounding attractions—there are plenty to do. But considering the child needed naps, we mainly took it easy and enjoyed ourselves.

Travelogue Directory:

1. Preface

2. Route Explanation

3. Itinerary

4. Expense Details

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