Chaohu 3 Days 2 Nights Travel Guide
✨ Highlights of the Itinerary
· Covering all the core attractions: including the most representative spots of Chaohu such as Laoshan Island and Ziwei Cave, perfectly blending nature and culture.
· In-depth local experiences: specially arranged activities like cave exploration, lake fresh seafood, and hot spring wellness.
· Excellent value for money: reasonable budget allocation balancing comfort and affordability.
🗓️ Itinerary Overview
Here is the overall arrangement for the 3-day itinerary, helping you intuitively understand the daily schedule:
```mermaid
gantt
title Chaohu 3 Days 2 Nights Itinerary
dateFormat HH:mm
axisFormat %H:%M
section Day 1: Lake Island Scenery and Fishing Village Charm
Arrive in Chaohu, check in hotel :d1_1, 09:00, 2h
Head to Laoshan Island Scenic Area :d1_2, after d1_1, 1h
Take a boat to the island, visit Wenfeng Tower :d1_3, after d1_2, 2h
Lake fresh seafood lunch :d1_4, after d1_3, 1h
Visit small fishing village :d1_5, after d1_4, 2h
Rest at lakeside tea house :d1_6, after d1_5, 1.5h
Return to downtown :d1_7, after d1_6, 1h
Dinner :d1_8, after d1_7, 1.5h
section Day 2: Karst Cave Wonders and Hot Spring Wellness
Breakfast :d2_1, 08:00, 1h
Head to Ziwei Cave Scenic Area :d2_2, after d2_1, 1h
Cave exploration :d2_3, after d2_2, 2h
Lunch near the scenic area :d2_4, after d2_3, 1h
Head to Bantang Hot Spring Wellness Resort :d2_5, after d2_4, 1h
Check in hot spring hotel :d2_6, after d2_5, 1h
Experience cold spring/hot spring :d2_7, after d2_6, 2h
Dinner :d2_8, after d2_7, 1.5h
section Day 3: Forest Park and Return
Check out after breakfast :d3_1, 08:00, 1h
Head to Dong'an Forest Park :d3_2, after d3_1, 1h
Forest hiking :d3_3, after d3_2, 2h
Enjoy Dong'an mountain feast :d3_4, after d3_3, 1.5h
Visit Chaohu City Museum :d3_5, after d3_4, 2h
Buy local specialties :d3_6, after d3_5, 1h
Pack and return :d3_7, after d3_6, 1h
```
🗺️ Daily Itinerary
🏝️ Day 1: Lake Island Scenery and Fishing Village Charm
· Morning: After arriving in Chaohu, it is recommended to check in at a downtown hotel such as Chaohu Rongju Tianyuan Inn, which is conveniently located near the food street and offers great value. After settling in, head to Laoshan Island Scenic Area, known as the "Number One Scenic Spot of Lake and Sky."
· Noon: Enjoy an authentic lake fresh seafood lunch at the nearby small fishing village, Shibada Pedestrian Street, or Hetang Yue Se Fishing Port. The "Three Treasures of Chaohu" (silverfish, white shrimp, and crab) are must-try delicacies.
· Afternoon: Take a speedboat to the island to visit Wenfeng Tower. Afterwards, relax at a lakeside tea house, enjoy the lake breeze, and unwind.
· Evening: Return to downtown and have dinner near Erjie Food Street, where you can try Chaohu specialties like Zhonggan small pot soup or mixed fish hotpot.
🕳️ Day 2: Karst Cave Wonders and Hot Spring Wellness
· Morning: After breakfast, head to Ziwei Cave Scenic Area, known as the "Number One Cave North of the Yangtze." The cave maintains a cool 18°C year-round and features an underground river that can be toured by boat, making it an ideal summer retreat.
· Noon: Have a simple meal near Ziwei Cave Scenic Area and take a short rest.
· Afternoon: Proceed to Bantang Hot Spring Wellness Resort and check in at a hot spring hotel such as Chaohu Shenye Bantang Yuquan Hot Spring Hotel. The cold spring water here is comfortably warm and rich in minerals, perfect for relaxation.
· Evening: Enjoy local dishes at the resort or nearby, such as Li Hongzhang’s mixed stew, experiencing the inclusive flavors of Chaohu cuisine.
🌲 Day 3: Forest Park and Cultural Experience
· Morning: After breakfast, check out and head to Dong'an Forest Park. The park has a 98% forest coverage rate, featuring ancient osmanthus and ginkgo trees, offering a serene environment perfect for strolling.
· Noon: Enjoy the Dong'an mountain feast within or near the park, savoring the flavors of the forest.
· Afternoon: Visit Chaohu City Museum to learn about the history and culture of Chaohu. Afterwards, shop for local specialties like silverfish and white shrimp in the city as souvenirs.
💰 Budget Details
Category Item Estimated Cost (CNY)
Transportation Chaohu city bus (3 days) About 30
Taxi/charter between city and attractions About 200
Laoshan Island speedboat ticket About 60
Accommodation Budget hotel/guesthouse (2 nights) About 300
Meals 3 days meals + snacks About 300
Tickets Ziwei Cave Scenic Area About 80
Dong'an Forest Park Free
Bantang Hot Spring About 150
Chaohu City Museum Free
Shopping Local specialties and souvenirs About 200
Total About 1320
The total budget is about 1320 CNY, well below your 3000 CNY budget. If you want to upgrade your experience, consider staying at a better hot spring hotel or adding some paid activities.
💡 Practical Tips
1. Transportation: Chaohu city buses are very convenient, with fares between 1-2 CNY. Distances between attractions are relatively far, so taxis or chartered cars may be needed for some trips.
2. Accommodation: Downtown lodging offers great value. It is recommended to stay near Renmin Road commercial street or Erjie area for easier dining and shopping.
3. Food Recommendations: Besides the "Three Treasures of Chaohu," try the specialty morning tea in Zhegao Town and Dongguan old goose soup.
4. Itinerary Adjustments:
· In case of rain, increase indoor activities like museum visits.
· If physical strength is limited, reduce hiking time in Dong'an Forest Park.
· For those interested in history and culture, add visits to Li Kenong’s former residence or Hongjiatuan ancient village.
Hope this guide helps you fully enjoy your trip to Chaohu! If you tell me your specific interests (such as preferring natural scenery or cultural history), I can further optimize this itinerary. Wishing you a wonderful journey in Chaohu!