永泉小鎮

The summer in the small towns of southern Anhui has already reached the next level.... At the foot of Yeshan in Tongling, Anhui, I found a hidden and less-known small town in southern Anhui, which is very suitable for a summer vacation~ The trees on the mountain are towering, a real-life version of the Emerald City. As night falls, the small animals in the forest light up and turn into sprites, leading you into a fairy tale's glowing forest. Below the mountain, there are small bridges over flowing water, and houses with blue bricks and tiles, it's a Jiangnan town that still uses copper coins, where water lilies fill the ponds, and you can quietly feel the slow passage of time~

I only found out about this place on my trip to Anhui! Who would have thought that such an off-the-beaten-path gem is hidden in Tongling ✅Gorgeous autumn scenery ✅Natural hot springs ✅Jiangnan-style gardens ✅Quiet and serene - This place isn't as crowded as Hongcun and is relatively less known. After spending two days and one night, I've put together this travel guide for enjoying autumn in this small town👇Scroll down👇 - 📍Location: Yongquan Town, Tongling 🚗Self-driving: It's accessible by car from the surrounding areas of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai, and the scenic area is very close to the highway exit 🚄High-speed train: You can get to Tongling North Station and then take a taxi for about 15 minutes - 🚶'Travel Itinerary' Remembering Jiangnan's 12 Sceneries—Jiubao Hot Springs—Jiangnan Snack Street—Garden Stroll—Hot Spring Hotel - ✅Remembering Jiangnan's 12 Sceneries The essence of the trip! Along the way, you can climb up to enjoy the autumn scenery, accompanied by pavilions, streams, and autumn colors... The scenery changes with every step, very charming~ (It takes less than 2 hours to hike up the mountain, and you can take a glass slide down) ✅Jiubao Hot Springs In autumn and winter, it's really impossible to refuse a hot spring. The outdoor private hot spring baths allow you to enjoy the warmth while admiring the scenery~ ✅Jiangnan Snack Street You actually use 'copper coins' to buy food!! You need to exchange them at the money exchange in advance. Spicy crab, mutton in copper pot, Jiangnan snacks... and there's even a host and a bonfire party at night, creating a great atmosphere! ✅Garden Stroll If you don't want to climb the mountain on the first day, you can stroll around the gardens. There's also a children's playground for families with kids - 🏨'About Accommodation' The hotel I stayed at is a hot spring hotel in the scenic area, each room has its own hot spring access, allowing for the freedom of enjoying hot springs♨️ They also offer buffet meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and it's really quite cost-effective!

Compared to the well-known Hongcun and Xidi, I prefer this secluded ancient town in southern Anhui where transactions are still made with copper coins. With its grey brick and tile houses, small bridges over flowing water, and the serpentine paths of a southern garden, the hills are covered with azaleas. Wandering through, every step reveals a new vista, reminiscent of a paradise on earth. Here, one can experience a slow life, free from worldly strife~ Regarding transportation to Yongquan Town in Tongling, Anhui Drive to the northwest gate of Yongquan Town, there is a parking lot at the entrance of the scenic area 2 Take the high-speed train to Tongling North Station or Tongling Station, and take a taxi there Two-day and one-night travel strategy DAY1 route Arrive at the scenic area, check into the hotel, play around the 'Twelve Scenes of Jiangnan' - soak in the Jiubao Hot Springs - stroll through the night market, participate in the bonfire party, and taste the flavors of Jiangnan DAY2 route Stroll through the ancient town, enjoy meals, appreciate the southern gardens - check out Must-visit spots: Stroll through the 'Twelve Scenes of Jiangnan' Characterized by the landscape gardens of Jiangnan, with hills full of azaleas, every step offers a view. Among the pavilions, towers, mountain streams, and valleys, it feels like a natural landscape painting. Walking towards the mountain top, one can also witness the glacial wonders from a billion years ago and the unique karst topography, like a paradise on earth. · The whole journey takes about 2-3 hours, you can take the cable car up the mountain and the glass slide down Jiubao Hot Springs A natural hot spring, 2000 meters deep and rich in mineral elements, washes away the fatigue after a day of hiking, super relaxing Hotels & Food There are many accommodation options in the scenic area: Jiangnan homestays, hot spring hotels, and villas are all available. I stayed in a villa in the scenic area, close to the garden attractions, surrounded by greenery, waking up to fresh air In the scenic area, food is purchased with copper coins for an immersive ancient experience. There are many Anhui delicacies in the ancient town to taste the flavors of Jiangnan At night, enjoy delicious food on the snack street, and there is also a bonfire party, singing and dancing

Jiangnan misty rain falls in southern Anhui Here, raindrops fall on black tiles, and green mountains blend into the ink-green poetic Jiangnan. There is also the earthly atmosphere that most soothes the common people's hearts, the taste of Jiangnan. Furthermore, there is the comfort of Jiangnan in sipping a pot of tea and soaking in a hot spring. Compared to popular spots like Wuzhen, Hongcun, and Wuyuan... I prefer this lesser-known secret of Jiangnan in southern Anhui -- Yongquan Town.

Yongquan Town, a paradise tucked away in Tongling. Here you can find breathtaking scenery, delicious cuisine, hot spring wellness, and a rich tapestry of local customs. Crafted through 15 small goals and 20 years of development, every brick is steeped in history. In early April, the azaleas bloom on the mountain tops, a sight so beautiful it takes your breath away. Whether it's for families, couples, or a trip with relatives, everyone can enjoy the pleasure of oxygenating and flower viewing. Particularly noteworthy is the unique shopping experience here, where antique copper coins replace Alipay and WeChat, making you feel as if you've stepped back into an ancient Jiangnan market, bustling with excitement.

📸 Taking photos is always a little sure joy of life, and this time I've come to a little secret around Nanjing—Yongquan Town. Besides hot springs, it has a lively atmosphere🏞️. The rhododendrons are just about to bloom, and by late March, the hills will be overwhelmingly beautiful with them. - 📍Yongquan Town, Tongling, Anhui 🚄Transportation: Take the high-speed train to Tongling Station or Tongling North Station, then take a taxi to the scenic area 🚗Self-driving: About 1-3 hours drive from the surrounding area, there is a parking lot in the scenic area🅿️ 🌺Flowering period: Late March to mid-April, don't miss this short and beautiful blooming season! 🏡Accommodation: There are Jiangnan-style homestays and hot spring hotels in the scenic area. The Jiangnan homestay I stayed in is surrounded by green mountains and rivers, and you can even enjoy a private hot spring bath in your room, which is very comfortable. 🛀【Jiubao Hot Spring】 Yongquan's natural hot springs are rich in minerals, with several functional outdoor hot springs waiting for you to soak in. There's also warming ginger tea and thoughtful service, warming both heart and body.💦🍵 🍽️【Jiangnan Taste】 The snack street is quite interesting, where you need to exchange copper coins for spending💰, experiencing the feeling of being an ancient person.

The beauty of southern Anhui, the green fairyland of rolling hills, the full view of the misty rain in the south of the Yangtze River, makes one want to slow down and enjoy this secluded slow time. 🚗 Yongquan Town Transportation Guide Self-driving: It is recommended to drive there, as it may be inconvenient to take a taxi during traffic control. Tongling/Tongling North: Starting point. 📝 Suggestions Do not buy copper coins inside the scenic area, as many places support everyday payments. Accommodation choice: It is not recommended to stay inside the scenic area, half a day is enough to visit the most beautiful spots. Separate tickets are required, and it is very worthwhile to go, including all the beautiful scenery of the south of the Yangtze River. After climbing, you can relax in the hot springs, which are rich in minerals here. If time permits, you can go to the surrounding Wuhu to taste the best spicy hot pot in the country.

Unconsciously, the New Year is approaching, and during the rare holiday, it's always nice to take the family out for a trip! Compared to the popular spots in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai, I prefer the less crowded and more scenic spots in southern Anhui, where you can have more fun. Yongquan Town in Tongling, Anhui, is my ideal travel destination. I just came back from there and want to share my travel tips. 📍Yongquan Town, Tongling City, Anhui Province 🚗Self-driving from Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shanghai, 2h from Hefei/Nanjing, 3h from Hangzhou, and you'll arrive right after getting off the highway. 🅿️The scenic area has a large parking lot and charging piles. 🚄Take a taxi from 'Tongling North Station' for 15 minutes, or 25 minutes from 'Tongling Station'. 📅Recommended itinerary: Plan for two days and one night or three days and two nights. ⭐️Spring Festival Travel Tips ✅Festive Atmosphere ▪️During the Spring Festival, Yongquan Town is decorated with lights and filled with festive atmosphere. You can check in and participate in folk activities, such as writing couplets, drying crops, shaving vermicelli, pounding sesame powder, grinding tofu, etc. ▪️During the day, you can see traditional dragon and lion dances, and at night, lanterns light up, with various dragon and fish lanterns creating a great atmosphere. ✅Mountain Climbing ▪️Yongquan Town is built against the mountains, with the 'Twelve Scenic Spots of Reminiscing about the South of the Yangtze River' behind it. Climbing up, you can enjoy the beautiful rivers and mountains. ▪️Check in at the 12 scenic spots along the mountain trail, such as Jinggong Book Hall, Qixingzhai, Glacier Wonders, Wangjiang Pavilion, etc. ✅Hot Springs Soaking in hot springs in winter is a very comfortable thing. The Jiubao Hot Springs here are natural hot springs rich in minerals, with water temperatures of 40-52°. It's extremely comfortable to soak after climbing. ✅Snow Viewing After the snow, Yongquan Town is stunningly beautiful. If you want to see the snowscape, make sure to check the weather in advance. I didn't encounter snow when I went, and it was a pity I could only see it in other people's photos. ✅Plum Blossom Viewing Around the Spring Festival, the wintersweet and plum blossoms here have already bloomed, accompanied by bursts of fragrance, becoming a bright scenery in winter. 🛏Accommodation & Food For accommodation, choose the hot spring hotel in the scenic area. The environment is very good, and it's very comfortable to stay in~ The breakfast and lunch are buffet meals from the hotel, authentic Hui cuisine, slightly salty, with ingredients from their own farm, and the taste is great! Dinner is quite interesting. You eat hot pot in front of the stage, with a host interactive program. To buy skewers, buns, and other food, you need to use the local currency 'Yongquan Tongbao', so remember to exchange a bag of copper coins at the money exchange first.

"As dusk falls, the wind blows through the ancient trees and the azaleas cry out, filling the forest with flowers." Unexpectedly, I found here a hillside in full bloom with azaleas, at their most splendid. Take your family and friends to this secluded town to enjoy the flowers~ Spring brings messages, flowers have their season. Now in April, the fragrance fills the human world, and the flower viewing is coming to an end everywhere. But in Yongquan Town, the azaleas are just beginning to bloom, looking splendid amidst the lush green mountains and waters. Casually picking a couple of branches to hold in hand, upon closer inspection, they seem unlike anything of this world; even Bai Juyi, a master of flower appreciation, praised this flower as resembling Xi Shi. Yongquan is a must-visit spot. Remembering the 12 Scenic Spots of Jiangnan A real-life version of the Emerald City, the green is translucent, vibrant, refreshing, and adorned with azaleas all over the mountains and fields, tinted with the blush of dawn. A gentle breeze blows, making the wilderness romantically tender. Walking in this picturesque setting, it's more than just a twenty-minute park stroll; it's a complete relaxation of body and mind. Coming down from the glass slide, walking along the lake, watching the swans play, and the koi fish swim leisurely, they are not afraid of people. If you don't want to hike up the mountain, you can take the cloud ladder, which is very lazy-person friendly. Yongquan Town Jiubao Hot Spring It has won my heart, providing comfort and stress relief; after soaking, I feel like I could climb the mountain again. Coming out, there is a very lush and bright azalea, just leaning against it is like being surrounded by flowers. Go to the money exchange to get some copper coins, stroll around, watch the aunties make snacks on the spot, eat and drink to your heart's content. As night falls, it's blues time, the evening breeze teases the lanterns gently swaying in the trees, perhaps because of the wilderness, the bustling streets do not feel noisy. Take the high-speed train to Tongling North Station or Tongling Station, then a taxi for 15~25min Tips: The guesthouses have wood stoves, and the taste of Jiangnan is all from Yongquan's own farm, with a natural rural flavor. That farmer who spent 20 years building this place is quite impressive. The azalea blooming period of about two weeks is right now, the perfect time for flower viewing, don't wait until the flowers are gone to pick the branches. In spring and summer, also pay attention to sun protection, and a straw hat makes for good photos.

After being recommended countless times, the hidden gem of Tongling is truly a sight to behold. With the arrival of spring, I'm here for the fourth time, enjoying the cool breeze in this treasure of a town. The hillsides are full of azaleas, adding a touch of red to the already beautiful 'Twelve Scenic Spots of South of the Yangtze River'. Take advantage of this spring and have a romantic outing with your friends! - Name🍃: Tongling Yongquan Town Location📍: On the south bank of the Yangtze River, in the eastern part of Tongling City, an ancient copper capital in Anhui Province Transportation🚗: About 15 minutes by taxi from 'Tongling North Station' on the high-speed train - ⛰️【About Sightseeing & Check-in】 ❶ 'Twelve Scenic Spots of South of the Yangtze River': Starting from the foot of the mountain, you can stroll through the azalea forests, follow the babbling streams, and wander through the dense woods to resonate with nature. The Seven Star Fort of Hu Shijin, the glacial wonders, and the historic bunkers are all worth seeing! ❷ 'Jiubao Hot Springs': After climbing down from the 'Twelve Scenic Spots of South of the Yangtze River', you can soak in a very 'nutritious' hot spring. The spring water contains 25 minerals such as strontium, selenium, and fluorine, which can relieve a day's fatigue in just a few minutes. ❸ 'Flavors of the South of the Yangtze River': Both day and night are photogenic, especially when the evening lights come on. The whole street is festively decorated, and the lanterns hanging from the branches light up the night of the town, creating a great atmosphere. ❹ 'Family Fun Park': A super large children's playground with lots of amusement facilities, including water, indoor, and outdoor projects. There are also many interactive facilities, making it a great place to bring kids! - 🏠【About Accommodation】 No matter the size of your group, there's suitable accommodation for you, including courtyard houses, homestays, and hot spring hotels with great environments. There's always one that fits your needs! - 🍉【About Food】 1️⃣ In the scenic area, you can taste the most authentic 'Southern Anhui specialty dishes' with particularly fresh ingredients, all grown in the town's own ecological planting area, offering a unique and delicious flavor. 2️⃣ 'Flavors of the South of the Yangtze River Snack Street' is most lively at night. Not only can you enjoy special snacks like 'rice noodle cakes', 'pig-slaughtering soup', and 'cold skin', but you can also watch various performances or have a bonfire party with your best friends to enjoy the best night! 3️⃣ True health preservation! The dishes in the town are all home-grown, ensuring both great taste and fresh ingredients. 4️⃣ 'Twelve Scenic Spots of South of the Yangtze River' now also has a mountain cloud ladder, making it easier to ascend the mountain without climbing and to overlook the beauty of the town. There's also a super fun glass slide for an easy descent. - 🍃【Travel Tips】 ✅ It's the peak blooming period for azaleas, so be sure to see the mountains full of purple and red flowers, which last until the end of April. ✅ At 'Flavors of the South of the Yangtze River Snack Street', you need to exchange copper coins at the money exchange to buy food. Holding a money bag and various copper coins gives you a wonderful feeling of time travel and a super interesting experience.

When it comes to Tongling, Anhui, you must visit Yongquan Town🏠, a paradise that took 15 small goals💰 to build and 20 years to complete. Compared to Hongcun, I prefer the spring scenery here🍃～ In early April, the hills here will be covered with blooming Rhododendrons🌸, offering an incomparably beautiful sight. During this vibrant springtime, you must come to enjoy the spring scenery, soak in the hot springs♨️, and stay in a small courtyard. You can also go to the money exchange to get ancient copper coins and experience the hustle and bustle of a market in the old Jiangnan area. Recommended route:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ day1: Check into the hot spring resort in the afternoon➡️Tour the town's scenery➡️Exchange copper coins➡️Taste various local specialties➡️Attend a bonfire party➡️Return to the hotel for a hot spring bath day2: Have breakfast at the hotel➡️Visit the 12 Scenic Spots of Jiangnan➡️Glass slide➡️Take kids to the children's playground➡️Jiubao Hot Springs➡️Return trip 12 Scenic Spots of Jiangnan✅ The Rhododendrons🌸 will bloom in April in the mountains. It is recommended to arrive at the scenic area around 8 am when there are fewer people and the light is good. While hiking up the mountain, you will truly experience a beautiful view at every step, with picturesque bridges and streams, and various ancient-style⛩️ buildings that instantly transport you back in time. Jiubao Hot Springs✅ The hot springs🏖️ are right next to the entrance of the 12 Scenic Spots, a true natural hot spring with a depth of 2000 meters. After nine years of exploration, it contains a wealth of minerals. After climbing the mountain🏔️, you must come here to soak in the hot springs and relax. Children's Playground✅ With rainbow crossings, water play squares, trampoline climbing, bumper boats, and fishing🎣, it's especially suitable for children's entertainment activities. About Food✅ Exchange copper coins at the money exchange, and go to 'Jiangnan Taste' to eat handmade delicacies, handmade glutinous rice cakes, various noodles, copper pot mutton, and🍢 barbecue. Yongquan Town has its own farm🥦, so all the food here is green and organic, healthy and nourishing. There's also the evening bonfire🌋 party, full of fireworks and atmosphere, providing an immersive experience～

Compared to Wuyuan, I love this less-known forest hideaway in southern Anhui even more! Direct high-speed train access! A southern Anhui town that integrates dining, entertainment, and leisure This spring, I arrived at Yongquan Town in southern Anhui, and it was such a pleasant surprise. I prefer it over cultural sites like Hongcun A place where you can enjoy food, fun, and scenery all in one You can even experience the ancient feeling of using copper coins to shop It's really interesting! - 🚇 About transportation: Drive to "Tongling Yongquan Town" By high-speed train, arrive at Tongling Station or Tongling North and take a taxi for about twenty-five minutes - 🏠 About accommodation There are hotels with private hot springs, and independent villas are also available, For larger groups, Jiangnan-style homestays are recommended, For fewer people, a hot spring hotel is suggested - 🍔 About dining There is a buffet on the hotel's first floor The ingredients here are fresh organic produce from the town's farm There's also a bonfire party at Jiangnan Taste Here you can buy copper coins and use them to exchange for food on Snack Street Lamb pot, crayfish, braised dishes, stir-fries - they have it all - ❗️ About fun ✅✅ The 12 Scenic Spots of Reminiscing Jiangnan When I arrived, the azaleas were in bloom. The small bridges, flowing water, and vast forests, along with the azaleas, looked like paintings, incredibly beautiful and perfect for taking photos Walking up the forest trail, you can see Jinggong Study Hall, Ye Zhenren Enlightenment Cave, Glacier Wonders, Watchtowers, Guanyin Temple, and other 12 stunning photo spots. Different seasons offer different beauties. If you don't want to climb, there's a cable car that goes straight to the top of the mountain After watching the sunset on the mountain in the evening, you can take a slide down the mountain, saving both time and effort ✅✅ Jiangnan Fairy Tale Outdoor Playground The park also has a playground that children love, no more worrying about kids getting bored and wanting to go home ✅✅ Jiubao Hot Springs There are many pools inside, with natural hot spring water from two thousand meters underground, once you soak in it, you won't want to leave - ✅✅ Tips 1⃣ This place is very suitable for the whole family to come out and play, with different forms of entertainment for all ages 2⃣ Although the Twelve Scenic Spots have trails, they are still quite steep, so it's best to wear flat shoes 3⃣ The azaleas are currently in full bloom, with a blooming period of about two weeks. If you want to see the azaleas, make sure to check the dates