When you are out traveling, which one do you want to see, beautiful scenery or a crowd of people? Would you like to listen to the giggling water or the buzz of people? Will you be happier to travel at your own pace or move slowly behind people?
What if there is a small island in Fuyang that goes with your answers to all these questions and where you can enjoy yourself on land, water and air? Should it be on your bucket list?
It is Tongzhou Island, known as "Misty Tongzhou." Surrounded by crystal clear water that reflects lush green hills and trees in the front of the island and endless willows along the coast, it has no skyscrapers, but only idyllic scenery and untouched natural landscapes.
And most importantly, it is only a 1.5 hrs' drive away from downtown Fuyang. After a field trip, I would like to create this travel guide for touring around the island in one day.
01 Loop Tour
The first thing you should do when you come to the island is to take a loop tour around it. Enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way while you drive, cycle or walk around the island. Any one of them is OK but I recommend cycling, especially for the section of the camphor forest.
While you get into the island along Jiangda Line, a forked circular route will give you an opportunity to have a panoramic view of the island. There is idyllic scenery all along the route: painting-like houses, fields covered by yellow and green rice plants and hills shrouded in mist.
Bricks and tiles under urbanization are lifeless objects, while the vibrant plants growing in the wild, bright green, golden or red, always make people feel a sense of closeness. It has witnessed the birth, growth, maturity, decline and rebirth of plants, which form the landscape in people's eyes.
02 Poplar Forest
Along the loop tour, there is a spot that will definitely make you stop to revel in its beauty. It is the poplar forest, a realistic version of the forest on The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. It is like you are entering a fairyland, which is peaceful and intriguing.
A forest often makes people feel quiet and peaceful and a sense of closeness, perhaps because of memories of ancient times deeply rooted in the genes. There are countless beauties in the world but only nature, especially forests, gives a sense of security. Relax with pleasure, enjoy freedom in this vast environment and take in fresh air. You will feel totally refreshed.
Walk around the little forest amid the chirping of birds and cicadas. A random look back can be very appealing. Good photo opportunities!
Under the sun, the branches and leaves of the forest cast dappled shadows, light and dark lines on the grass and people. Just press the shutter and you will get a blockbuster.
Out of the forest, you will get to Fuchun River. If the forest brings people quiet beauty, the river brings people dynamic beauty. Its surface ripples in the breeze. Cool water slips from your hand and falls into the soil. As a result, the air is filled with the scent of water and the subtle fragrance of soil.
After a short break, return to the little forest and take your picnic out from your bag or car. Food is all about the color, aroma and taste, and a beautiful environment is also a great bonus!
Take a rest after eating. Next, you will go for some water sports.
03 Fuchun River
The entire island is surrounded by Fuchun River. So it feels like something is missing if you do not play with water here. Many colorful kayaks are tied to the shore, against the backdrop of the rippling surface. And you are now at the Coastline Kayaking Base.
If you do not know how to paddle, it is okay. There are instructors at the base and they are very patient and will teach you paddling skills one-on-one.
The whole rowing process can be very smooth under the careful guidance of a coach. "Left, right, left, right! Do not panic. Follow my rhythm and you will be OK." With the help of the coach, you will slowly get used to the rhythm of “floating on water.”
In front of your eyes is the vast surface of the river which seems to stretch to infinity and river breezes constantly blow to your face. You can reach out easily to the crystal clear water and when you raise your head, you will see birds soar in the air freely. And you can also overlook the island from the middle of the river. All make you forget about worries and be surprised at how beautiful the green mountains and clear water can be.
Different angles bring different views of the same island. Apart from the poplar forest, what you see as you cycle around the island is mostly idyllic scenery. But the river presents the beauty of nature to you.
04 Soar in the Air
Tongzhou Island is a great place to enjoy playing on land, water and air. After playing on water and land, don't miss the options in the air!
Yalian Aerial Base, as a national aerial base, is the first outdoor base in East China that offers a full range of projects from water, land to air.
Covering an area of 60,000 square meters on the island, it offers a broad view and has a large natural lawn.
Powered parachutes, paragliders, planes and hot-air balloons are available there for you to choose. And you can also take your pet on the powered parachute to fly with you.
Since we are back to nature and have played on water like a fish, why don’t we soar in the air like a bird?
05 Evening Tour
Time goes by so quickly! In the blink of an eye, the night falls. It is such a happy day on the island. Now it is time for you to enjoy gourmet. After all, when you go outdoors, it is necessary for you to have a barbecue, a great dinner under the starry sky or a bonfire feast.
The North European style tent is filled with a strong atmosphere of vacation.
You may enjoy RV camping in the forest. There are many types of motorhomes for you to choose from. Personally, I recommend the American style RVs which should be booked one week in advance.
The starry sky, bonfire, firework, hot-air balloon…Everything you want is available here. And you don’t need to bring your own tents, RVs or barbecue grills. Both the Coastline Kayaking Base and Yalian Aerial Base are comprehensively equipped. But there may be many mosquitoes and insects. So do not forget to bring a mosquito spray with you. If you hate these, you may consider staying overnight in a guesthouse.