Tongling

Tongling, located in southern Anhui Province, China, is a prefecture-level city on the southern bank of the Yangtze River. Known as the “Copper Capital of China,” it boasts a 3,500-year history of copper mining and is one of the country’s earliest copper production bases. Combining rich industrial heritage with natural and cultural charm, Tongling attracts visitors with its deep copper culture and historical significance. The Tongling Museum showcases the development of copper mining and the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient bronzes, highlighting the cultural depth of this industrial city. == Understand == Tongling is one of the oldest cities in Anhui Province, with records of human activity and copper mining dating back to the Shang and Zhou Dynasties. Renowned for its abundant copper resources, Tongling played a pivotal role as one of the earliest centers of bronze culture in China. The city’s copper culture is a unique historical highlight, with numerous relics and sites, such as the ancient Tongguanshan Mine and bronze relics, showcasing the brilliance of ancient Chinese metallurgy. === History === Starting in the Shang and Zhou dynasties, it became one of China’s earliest copper production areas, contributing significantly to the development of bronze civilization.During the Tang and Song dynasties, Tongling’s copper industry thrived, supplying materials for bronze artifacts, coins, and statues. After 1949, it developed into a modern copper industrial base. Today, Tongling blends its rich industrial heritage with cultural significance, symbolized by its deep connection to copper. === Climate === Tongling is a temperate climate, clear throughout the year, mild climate, suitable for living. The average annual temperature is about 10.8 ℃, the summer is hotter, the average temperature in June is 28 ℃; the winter is colder, the coldest January average temperature is -5.4 ℃. In spring and autumn, the temperature is moderate, the transition is stable, and the temperature difference is obvious. Rainfall is relatively uniform throughout the year, rainy in summer and drier in winter. Influenced by the North Pacific and Siberian air masses, the wind is mainly southwest in summer and northwest in winter. Overall, the climate is suitable and the ecological environment is excellent. == Get in == === By train === Tongling is an important railway hub in Anhui Province, with rapidly developing railway services. 1 Tongling North Railway Station, ☏ +86 02195105105. Tongling North Railway Station is a key stop on the Beijing-Fuzhou High-Speed Railway (Hefei-Fuzhou High-Speed Rail), connecting cities such as Beijing, Hefei, and Fuzhou. It offers fast and comfortable travel options. (updated Dec 2024) 2 Tongling Railway Station, ☏ +86 05622831137. Tongling Railway Station primarily handles conventional train services, providing an economical option for travel to cities like Shanghai, Nanjing, and Wuhan. (updated Dec 2024) === By plane === Although Tongling does not have its own airport, the nearest airports are Chizhou Jiuhuashan Airport (approximately 70 km away) and Hefei Xinqiao International Airport (approximately 140 km away). Travelers can easily reach these airports via road or high-speed rail to transfer to domestic and international flights. 3 Chizhou Jiuhuashan Airport. (updated Dec 2024) 4 Hefei Xinqiao International Airport. (updated Dec 2024) === By bus === 5 Tongling Bus Station. Tongling Bus Station is the main long-distance passenger terminal in Tongling City, located in the city center of Tongguan District. It provides long-distance transportation services connecting cities within and outside the province, such as Hefei, Wuhu, and Chizhou. The station is well-equipped with facilities for ticketing, waiting, and luggage services. It is easily accessible with nearby bus routes and taxi connections. (updated Dec 2024) == Get around == City buses: Tongling’s bus network covers most areas of the city, offering an economical and convenient option for daily commuting. Taxis: Taxis are readily available throughout the city, providing efficient transportation for city travel. Ridesharing services: Platforms such as Didi and Meituan are widely available in Tongling, offering convenient point-to-point travel options. Shared bikes and e-scooters: Shared bicycles and electric scooters can be found across the city, making them ideal for short-distance and eco-friendly transportation. === By car === Tongling’s road infrastructure is well-maintained, making self-driving a flexible and convenient option. Parking facilities: Parking lots are available in urban areas and near major attractions, ensuring convenience for drivers. Nearby destinations: Self-driving allows easy access to nearby scenic spots such as Jiuhua Mountain and Tianzhu Mountain, making it a great choice for family or group travel. == See == 1 Tianjing Lake Scenic Area, ☏ +86 5622820370. The lake features crystal-clear water, lush greenery, walking trails, and pavilions, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and leisure. (updated Dec 2024) 2 Phoenix Mountain Scenic Area, ☏ +86 5622121557. Dense forests, fresh air, multiple hiking trails, and viewing platforms. (updated Dec 2024) 3 Copper Culture Park, ☏ +86 5622820135. The park features copper sculptures, a museum on Tongling’s history, and the world’s largest pure copper statue, the “Bronze Giant.” (updated Dec 2024) 4 Datong Ancient Town, ☏ +86 5628725099. The town preserves Ming and Qing dynasty architectural styles and features attractions such as Datong Ancient Street, dock ruins, and an old theater stage. (updated Dec 2024) 5 Baidang Lake Ecological Wetland. The lake is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery and is perfect for birdwatching and fishing. (updated Dec 2024) 6 Tianmen Mountain, ☏ +86 5622123556. The mountain features peculiar peaks, ancient temples, and caves. (updated Dec 2024) 7 Jiulangjian Forest Park. The park features flowing streams and dense forests, making it an excellent spot for leisure and summer retreats. (updated Dec 2024) 8 Martyrs Memorial Hall, ☏ +86 5622820345. The hall exhibits various artifacts and photos that tell the story of revolutionary history. (updated Dec 2024) == Do == 1 Tongling Happy World, ☏ +86 05622807771. Tongling Happy World is a comprehensive theme park with a variety of entertainment facilities, making it a great destination for families and children. (updated Dec 2024) 2 Tongling Zoo, ☏ +86 01066002236. Tongling Zoo displays a variety of animals and is ideal for family visits, with multiple exhibition areas and interactive activities. (updated Dec 2024) 3 Tongling Water Park. Tongling Water Park is a water-themed amusement park featuring various water slides, a drifting river, and other attractions, making it a great place to cool off during the summer. (updated Dec 2024) 4 Tongling Forest Park. Tongling Forest Park is a natural scenic park, ideal for hiking, picnicking, and camping. It is surrounded by lush vegetation, offering a perfect place to connect with nature. (updated Dec 2024) === Festivals === Tongling Copper Culture Festival. Tongling Copper Culture Festival is an important festival held in Tongling City in order to show and inherit its deep copper culture. The Tongling Copper Culture Festival is usually held every autumn and aims to celebrate Tongling's achievements in the copper industry and the inheritance of copper culture through a series of cultural events and exhibitions. During the festival, copper art exhibitions and copper production exhibitions show the traditional copper production techniques of the Tongling as well as modern copper art works, attracting many artists and tourists. Copper handicrafts market, set up copper handicrafts exhibition area, visitors can buy a variety of fine copper handicrafts. (updated Dec 2024) == Buy == 1. Copper Crafts Tongling is a famous copper industry base, copper crafts are one of the most local commemorative goods. Including copper statues, copper tea sets, copper ornaments, etc., these products are characterized by exquisite craftsmanship and historical and cultural connotations, which are loved by tourists. 2. Bronze relics replica of Tongling As the "ancient bronze capital", Tongling has a rich bronze cultural heritage, Tongling Museum and other places often sell replicas of bronze relics, such as bronzes, bronze ding, etc., these commodities not only have artistic value, but also carry history and culture. 3. Special commemorative coins Tongling may issue some commemorative coins with the theme of copper culture. These commemorative coins usually take the history of the tomb, the copper industry, cultural symbols as design elements, and become a popular choice for tourists and collectors. 4. Tongling Tea Set Using the copper resources of Tongling, some local craftsmen will make copper tea utensils, such as copper teapots and teacups. These exquisite copper tea sets are of collectible value and can also be taken home as unique souvenirs. These commemorative goods not only reflect the culture and history of Tongling, but also serve as a good memory for tourists to the city. == Eat == 1 Tongling Snack Street. A variety of local snacks, such as stir-fried daylily, Tongling sausages, and dried vegetables. (updated Dec 2024) 2 Tongling Old Street Restaurant. Offers traditional home-style dishes with a nostalgic atmosphere, a popular local restaurant. (updated Dec 2024) 3 Tongling East Gate Night Market. A vibrant night market filled with various local snacks, loved by both locals and tourists. (updated Dec 2024) 4 Tongling Flavor Restaurant. Offers Tongling specialty dishes such as Tongling rice claypot rice and stir-fried daylily. (updated Dec 2024) 5 Tongling Flavor Mountain Villa. A mountain villa-style restaurant offering traditional Tongling dishes, ideal for family gatherings. (updated Dec 2024) == Drink == 1 Tongling Clear Fragrance Liquor Specialty Store. This store offers authentic Tongling Clear Fragrance Liquor, known for its refreshing taste and fragrant aroma, making it an ideal place to taste and purchase local liquor. (updated Dec 2024) 2 Tongling Liquor Culture Museum. As a center for liquor culture, this museum not only offers Tongling Clear Fragrance Liquor but also provides insights into the local liquor culture, making it a great place to learn about the region’s alcoholic heritage. (updated Dec 2024) 3 Tongling Sour Plum Soup Shop. This shop specializes in traditional Tongling sour plum soup, made with fresh plums and herbal ingredients. It has a sweet and sour taste, especially popular in the summer. (updated Dec 2024) == Sleep == 1 Tongling Grand Hotel, ☏ +86 5622866666. The hotel features multiple restaurants offering a wide variety of local and international cuisines. It is conveniently located with easy access to transportation. (updated Dec 2024) 2 Tongling Wanda Realm Hotel, ☏ +86 5626868888. The hotel has modern facilities, including multiple dining options and a fitness center. It is located near shopping and entertainment venues, making it ideal for both families and business travelers. (updated Dec 2024) 3 Tongling Yuehua Grand Hotel, ☏ +86 5622818888. The hotel offers high-quality services, spacious rooms, and convenient transportation, making it a great option for families. (updated Dec 2024) == Connect == Police phone number, ☏ 110. (updated Oct 2024) Fire alarm number, ☏ 119. (updated Oct 2024) Emergency hotline, ☏ 120. (updated Oct 2024)） == Go next ==