Tongren

Mountain weather can change quickly, so bring a jacket and rain gear when visiting places such as Fanjing Mountain.

Tongren combines the sea of clouds on Fanjing Mountain, the traditional way of life in Tujia villages, and the atmosphere of daily life in the old town. The overall pace is relaxed, making it suitable for a weekend or short holiday getaway.

• Fanjing Mountain: A UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site known for its spectacular sea of clouds. Hongyun Golden Summit, Mushroom Rock, and Old Golden Summit are the main sights. When clouds and mist appear, the mountain scenery feels especially ethereal.

• Zhongnanmen Old Town: Composed of Ming- and Qing-era buildings, this free-to-enter area is surrounded by water on three sides. Daytime is ideal for leisurely walks among the historic buildings, while the illuminated night scenery is also worth seeing. It is a convenient place to sample local snacks.

• Yunshe Village: Located at the foot of Fanjing Mountain, this village is known as “China’s No. 1 Tujia Village.” Entry is free. The village is home to Longtang River, said to be Asia’s shortest river, as well as a traditional papermaking workshop. It is a good place to learn about local village life.

• Yamugou: With clear streams and scattered waterfalls, Yamugou is known as the “Jiuzhaigou of Guizhou.” The scenic area mainly consists of gentle boardwalks, so the hike is not particularly strenuous. It is a good place to relax after climbing and enjoy the stream valley.

• Zhushazhen Ancient Town: Built from a cinnabar mining area with a history of more than 1,000 years, the town retains a retro industrial style. It features underground mine tunnels and a glass cliffside walkway. Daytime is suited to exploring its nostalgic atmosphere, while the lights are best enjoyed at night.
• Tongren Grand Canyon: A typical karst canyon known as the “Fissure in the Earth.” A visit can include Laolongtan, Yixiantian, and the natural bridge. In summer, visitors can also try rafting.

Classic 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Tongren, explore the old town, and sample local snacks

After arriving, check in at a hotel in the city center. In the afternoon, visit Zhongnanmen Old Town and walk along its flagstone lanes to see Fanjing Academy and Feishan Palace. In the evening, stroll along the Jinjiang River and watch the light show. Later, head to Moon Street Night Market or Minzhu Road Snack Street to try guoba rice noodles, rice tofu, and sour-soup fish.

• Day 2: A full day at Fanjing Mountain, up from the west and down from the east

Leave for Fanjing Mountain in the morning. The west-to-east route can help you avoid some of the crowds. Hike up from the west entrance, passing the October Pregnancy Tree and primeval forest along the way. At the summit, visit Pudu Square, Mushroom Rock, and Hongyun Golden Summit. On the way down, take the cable car from the east entrance. You can return to Tongren for the night or stay in Jiangkou County.

• Day 3: Yamugou and a Tujia village, then depart

Visit Yamugou in the morning and relax beside its jade-colored streams. In the afternoon, head to Yunshe Village to learn about traditional papermaking, then explore the area around Shenlong Pool and experience the scenery of an unspoiled Tujia village. In the evening, buy matcha souvenirs before departing from Tongren Railway Station.

Must-Try Local Foods in Tongren

• Guoba Rice Noodles: A common Tongren breakfast. The noodle sheets are made by griddling mung bean and rice batter, then fried until golden and served with chili oil, minced meat, and sour soup. The result combines crispness, spice, fragrance, and sourness.

• Rice Tofu: A common cold dish in eastern Guizhou, made by steaming ground rice batter until smooth and springy. It is served with chili oil, vinegar, crushed peanuts, and crispy pork bits for a tangy, spicy, appetite-opening flavor.

• Sour-Soup Fish: The sour soup is made by naturally fermenting tomatoes and local chili peppers. It has a distinct sour and spicy flavor, while the fish is tender and the broth is also suitable for drinking on its own.

• She Rice: A seasonal spring dish made by steaming mugwort, wild scallions, glutinous rice, and diced cured pork together. It has herbal notes and the rich flavor of cured meat.

• Mung Bean Noodles: These have an extra layer of bean fragrance compared with ordinary rice noodles, along with a dense yet springy texture. They can be served dry or with sour soup and are a common everyday staple in the area.

• Matcha Desserts: Tongren is known as the “Matcha Capital of China.” Matcha ice cream, matcha guava, and matcha stir-fried ice tea have a rich tea flavor. They are slightly bitter at first, followed by a lingering sweetness.

Accommodation and Transportation Tips

• Where to stay:
  • City center (Bijiang District): Consider staying near Zhongnanmen Old Town, the pedestrian street, or Jinjiang Square, where dining and sightseeing are concentrated. The starting taxi fare in the city is CNY 7, and these areas also offer convenient access to the railway station.

• Jiangkou County / Zhaisha Dong Village: If you plan to leave early for Fanjing Mountain the next day, stay in Jiangkou County or Zhaisha Dong Village the night before. These areas are closer to the east entrance visitor center, and you can also experience a bonfire party.
• Transportation:
  • When taking a high-speed train, choose Tongren Railway Station, which is in the city center. Tongren South Railway Station is in Yuping County, farther from the city, and requires an additional transfer.
  • To reach Fanjing Mountain, take the tourist shuttle bus from across from Tongren Railway Station to Jiangkou, then transfer to a local bus into the scenic area.
  • Taxis are relatively inexpensive within the city. For nearby attractions, driving yourself or hiring a private car is usually more convenient.

Travel Tips

• Ticket reservations: Tickets for Fanjing Mountain can be difficult to obtain during peak season. It is recommended to reserve 3–7 days in advance through the “Fanjing Mountain Ecological Tourism Zone” booking system. The scenic area limits daily visitor numbers, so do not go directly to the site without a confirmed reservation.
• What to wear: Winds are strong at the summit of Fanjing Mountain, temperatures can vary considerably, and mist is common. Bring a light jacket and raincoat. The mountain requires substantial walking, so comfortable athletic shoes are recommended.
• Weather conditions: Mountain weather can change quickly, so check the forecast before setting out. Heavy fog may affect the views at Fanjing Mountain, so consider keeping Yamugou or Zhushazhen Ancient Town as an alternative plan.
• Best times to visit: March–May and September–November generally have comfortable weather. Summer temperatures average 22°C, making it suitable for escaping the heat. In winter, visitors to Fanjing Mountain may have a chance to see rime ice.