Tianmu Creek Rafting

Tianmu Creek Rafting

Tianmu Creek is a tributary of the Fuchun River, with crystal-clear water where swaying aquatic plants and uniquely shaped pebbles are clearly visible on the bottom. The creek winds and twists, with one rapid after another, giving rise to the saying “The creek has eighteen rapids, each higher than the last.” Sitting on a bamboo raft, you’ll sometimes pass through gullies and valleys, with the mountains folding and the waters turning, and at other times navigate undulating terrain, riding the waves. You can also watch the leisurely fishing scenes of cormorants, which is utterly captivating and lets you fully enjoy the thrill of rafting. Tianmu Creek Rafting includes both bamboo raft and rubber raft options. It is a tourism project developed along the route where the traveler Xu Xiake once floated downstream, with a journey of about 2.5 hours. It is located 1.5 kilometers from the Yaolin Wonderland and is connected to the Red Lantern Countryside Home. Together, they form the Yaolin Wonderland tourism area. The entire rafting trip covers approximately 2.5 kilometers. Rafting on Tianmu Creek will bring you joy and leave you with wonderful, unforgettable memories.

Tianmu Creek originates from Tianmu Mountain in Lin’an, hence its name. It flows through Fenshui Town in Tonglu County, so it is also called the Fenshui River. It flows into Tonglu Town from the southeast. At the foot of Tengwang Hill, it merges with the Fuchun River. Within Tonglu’s boundaries, it stretches about 53 kilometers, with crystal-clear waters and shimmering surfaces. On both banks are picturesque peaks, small bridges, flowing streams, and quaint houses—a beautiful representation of the Jiangnan countryside. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city, leave behind the stresses of work, and forget all your worries by coming to raft on Tianmu Creek. As you sit on the raft floating on the water, you can fully immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.

Tianmu Creek originates from Tianmu Mountain. This stream, described in the ancient text *Commentary on the Water Classic* as: “mountains flanking the water, cliffs standing opposite…where water and trees reflect each other, and springs and rocks compete in radiance,” is also known as the Loulin Purple Creek. It has long been associated with the saying “The creek has eighteen rapids, each tighter than the last.” Riding an elegant bamboo raft downstream, you’ll sometimes pass through gullies and rapids, and at other times play in the currents. You’ll see wild ducks splashing on the water and fish darting through the stream—offering a truly leisurely and nostalgic experience. For those opting for a rubber raft adventure on Tianmu Creek, you’ll paddle your own craft, drifting freely in any direction. Along the way, enjoy views of mountain willows dancing in the wind, bamboos and peach blossoms blooming, and picturesque scenery mirrored on the river—creating a poetic interplay of motion and stillness, with shifting landscapes as you glide along.

The Tianmu Creek bamboo rafting trip lasts about 1.5 hours, featuring both calm blue waters and exciting rapids. Those choosing the rubber raft can paddle their own craft, whether alone or in a group, splashing and drifting as they please—it’s incredibly relaxing. During the rafting journey, there is a 5-minute stop to go ashore and buy bamboo tube rice to eat back on the raft. Bamboo tube rice costs 10 RMB each. There’s also an exciting cormorant (also known as shag or fishing eagle) fishing performance, where visitors can take photos with the birds and even sing mountain songs with the raft guides.

Special Note: On weekends or holidays, you may face long waits for bamboo rafts at this attraction. It’s recommended to schedule this activity as the first or last item of your day’s itinerary to avoid peak times. Alternatively, you can visit the newly developed Langshi Jintan Rafting downstream to help ease the crowd. The rafting trip ends at the Red Lantern Countryside Home. From there, you can walk 2 kilometers forward or take a motorized tricycle (1 RMB per person) to the junction, where you can flag down a bus to Tonglu for 4 RMB per person.

When rafting on Tianmu Creek in summer, it’s best to bring a change of casual clothes in case you get wet. Wearing water shoes for rafting can save you the trouble of taking off your shoes.