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Longyou County is located in the western part of Zhejiang Province. It is an important transportation hub connecting the eastern and central regions of Zhejiang with Jiangxi, Anhui and Fujian provinces. It is known as "Longyou, the thoroughfare of four provinces" and "the county with the best Confucian culture".
Longyou County's Nanshan District is known as the "Hometown of Bamboo in China" for its abundant bamboo production. Longyou boasts abundant tourism resources and numerous scenic spots, including the Longyou Grottoes, Longyou Folk Residences, Sandieyan, Sanmenyuan, Jiangbin Park, Wushi Mountain, and Liuchun Lake.
In addition, Longyou's hot springs are attracting increasing attention and attracting a large number of tourists. In terms of art, Longyou has a variety of popular local operas, and has produced many famous actors and actresses, making it an important birthplace of Po Opera.
Longyou County is located in the subtropical monsoon climate zone, with moderate temperatures, early spring and short autumn, and long summer and winter.
Longyou Grottoes
Quzhou City's first national AAAA-level tourist attraction is a magnificent, spectacular, and rare ancient underground man-made complex, known as the "Ninth Wonder of the World." Three to four massive "fishtail" stone pillars are strategically placed within the cave, seamlessly integrated with the ceiling. The walls, ceiling, and stone pillars are evenly marked with chisel marks that appear to have been decorative by the ancients. The temperature inside the cave remains a constant 18 degrees Celsius year-round. Outside, verdant mountains and clear waters create a backdrop, shaded by ancient bamboo forests.
Longyou Folk Residence Garden
Approved by the State Administration of Cultural Heritage, this is one of two pilot sites nationwide for the relocation and preservation of ancient dwellings. Covering an area of 100 mu (approximately 16 acres), it has relocated 26 ancient structures from the Ming and Qing dynasties, including ancestral halls, dwellings, halls, academies, stone pavilions, screen walls, and shops. These grand and exquisitely crafted ancient buildings epitomize Longyou, reflecting its splendid and long-standing history as the ancient Mie Kingdom. They also bear witness to the "Longyou Merchant Clan" and are enduring masterpieces of the creativity of its ancestors.
Recommended play time: about 1 day
Longyou is renowned for the Longyou Caves, a series of man-made underground chambers dating back over 2,000 years. These caves are significant for their mysterious origin, scale, and engineering, offering insights into ancient Chinese craftsmanship and culture.
Longyou is in Quzhou, Zhejiang Province. Visitors can reach it via local buses from Quzhou city, by taxi, or by private car. Walking is necessary to explore the cave areas and surrounding scenic spots.
The Longyou Caves are generally open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Spring and autumn are the best seasons for visiting due to pleasant weather and clearer visibility inside the caves.
The entrance fee is around 100 RMB per adult. Tickets can be purchased at the site or online via official booking platforms.
Advance booking is recommended during weekends or public holidays, ideally a few days ahead, to ensure availability and avoid queues.
Plan for 2–3 hours to explore the main caves and visitor areas. A half-day allows a more relaxed visit with time for photography and walking around the nearby village.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides may be limited, so hiring a local guide can provide deeper insights into the caves' history.
Start at the visitor center for an introduction, then follow the marked paths through the main caves. Visit smaller chambers and end at the observation platforms outside for scenic views. Allocate time for photography and resting at benches along the path.
Night visits and light shows are generally not offered. Special guided tours may be arranged for small groups on request.
The caves can be crowded on weekends and public holidays. Weekdays and early mornings are the least crowded times for a quieter experience.
Facilities include toilets, drinking water, rest areas, and souvenir shops near the entrance. Small snack stalls are also available.
The main cave areas require walking and some steps, so accessibility for elderly or disabled visitors is limited. Children can explore with supervision.
Major payments, including tickets and shops, accept mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay, but carrying cash is recommended for smaller vendors.
Local restaurants near the caves serve traditional Zhejiang cuisine and small cafes for refreshments.
Vegetarian options are available in some local restaurants, but vegan and halal options are limited; checking ahead is advisable.
Souvenirs include local handicrafts, small carved stone replicas of the caves, and traditional snacks.
Visitors can take local buses or taxis back to Quzhou city, or hire a private car to explore other nearby scenic areas and cultural sites.
