Tongren

Tongren, Guizhou is an underrated treasure of a mountain city. It has not only the breathtaking “City in the Sky,” Mount Fanjing, but also quiet ancient villages and the aroma of matcha throughout the city. Here is a detailed, beginner-friendly travel guide to help you explore Tongren with ease!

Classic 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Tongren, Eat and Stroll Through the Ancient City
  • Morning/Afternoon: Arrive at Tongren Railway Station (be careful not to buy tickets to Tongren South Railway Station), then take a taxi or bus to your hotel to store your luggage.
  • Evening: Head to Zhongnanmen Ancient City, stroll along the stone-paved streets, and visit Dongshan Temple for a panoramic view over the ancient city.
  • Night: Try local snacks inside the ancient city or at the Daxiao Shizi night market, have a matcha drink, and enjoy the ancient city’s stunning night scenery.
• Day 2: Conquer Mount Fanjing, Stay in Yunshe Village
  • Morning: Travel from the city to Mount Fanjing (the west-in, east-out route is recommended; the west gate has fewer people, beautiful scenery, and gentler hiking slopes).
  • Afternoon: Climb to Red Clouds Golden Summit and overlook the sea of clouds, then take the cable car down from the east gate.
  • Night: Take a taxi to Yunshe Village for your stay, experience the peace of an original-style ancient village, and try farmhouse Tujia dishes.
• Day 3: Morning Mist in Yunshe Village, Leisurely Return
  • Morning: Stroll through Yunshe Village, see the morning mist over Shenlong Pond, experience traditional matcha whisking, or overlook the whole village from the small hill at the end of the village.
  • Afternoon: Depending on your return schedule, you can choose to visit Tongren Grand Canyon to relax, or go directly to Tongren Railway Station for your return trip.

Short 2-Day, 1-Night Itinerary (Without Mount Fanjing)

• Day 1: After arriving, head straight to Zhongnanmen Ancient City to eat and stroll, then enjoy the night view in the evening.
• Day 2: Visit Tongren Grand Canyon in the morning to experience the natural mountain-and-water scenery, then buy matcha specialties in the city in the afternoon before returning.

Must-Try Food Recommendations

Tongren is not only blessed with beautiful mountains and waters, but is also the “World Matcha Capital.” Its food is mainly known for sour-spicy flavors and matcha specialties.

Accommodation Guide

• Near Zhongnanmen Ancient City / Dashi Zi Commercial Area: Close to attractions and food streets, with beautiful night views and convenient taxi access to the railway station. Suitable for travelers who like lively areas and food walks.
• Inside Yunshe Village: Open the window to mountain-and-water scenery. Suitable for travelers who want to experience an original-style village, see morning mist, and enjoy a slower pace of life, but it is relatively far from the city center.
• At the Foot of Mount Fanjing (Jiangkou County): If you plan to enter the mountain early in the morning for hiking, consider staying in Jiangkou County or near the scenic area’s east gate to save commuting time.

Transportation and Pitfall-Avoidance Guide

• High-Speed Rail Station Choice: Be sure to buy tickets to Tongren Railway Station! Tongren Railway Station is in the city center, and it only takes around ten-plus minutes by taxi to reach the ancient city. Tongren South Railway Station, however, is in Yuping County, far from the city center, and transfers are very troublesome.
• Mount Fanjing Tickets: You must book in advance through the official WeChat public account, as tickets sell out very easily during peak season. It is recommended to buy the “west-in, east-out” ticket: hike up from the west gate for fewer crowds and better scenery, then take the cable car down from the east gate to save energy.
• Weather and Gear: The weather on the mountain changes quickly, with strong winds and low temperatures. Bring a windproof jacket or shell; wear non-slip athletic shoes, and bring rain gear and sun protection.
• Luggage Storage: If you take the west-in, east-out route, you can leave your luggage at the west gate sightseeing bus area or store it in advance at your hotel in Yunshe Village, then go directly to the hotel after descending.
• Mosquito and Sun Protection: The canyon and villages have lush vegetation, so be sure to bring mosquito repellent. UV rays are strong, so take proper sun protection measures.