
Chuzhou, also known as Chu in short, was formerly known as Tuzhong, Qingliu, and Xinchang. Chuzhou, "established as a county in the Yuanhui period, established as a prefecture in Datong, became famous in the Kaihuang period, and became renowned in the Qingli period, becoming the first county in the world, with a history spanning over a thousand years." Throughout history, the landscapes of eastern Anhui have been captivated by the writings of countless literati and poets. Ouyang Xiu's "The Drunken Pavilion" and Wu Jingzi's "The Scholars" are among the masterpieces bestowed upon Chuzhou by the ancients. Fengyang, the hometown of the Ming Emperor, is renowned for its flower drums. For centuries, the melodious folk songs, accompanied by the beating of the double-drum, have spread throughout China. Over 20 years ago, the "red fingerprints" of 18 farmers, who had cultivated the area for generations, marked the beginning of China's rural reform.
When you travel to Chuzhou, besides being immersed in a historical gallery and art treasure house, you will be more impressed by the tremendous changes that this place, the source of China's reform and opening up, has undergone over the past 20 years!
Best in Spring and Autumn
Langya Mountain
Langya Mountain is known as "the most beautiful mountain after Penglai" and "the pearl of eastern Anhui." Its beauty is particularly renowned for the famous poem "The Drunken Pavilion" and for its scenic spots and historical sites such as Langya Temple and the Drunken Pavilion.
Huangfushan National Forest Park
Huangfushan National Forest Park is located in Nanqiao District, Chuzhou City, Anhui Province, between Nanjing, Bengbu, and Hefei. It forms the "roof" of the hilly region of eastern Anhui. It boasts the most intact and largest primary secondary forest landscape in the Jianghuai region, earning it the nickname "the two Bannas of East and West China."
Ming Tombs
The Ming Tombs were built by Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, for his parents and brother and sister-in-law. When first constructed, they occupied approximately 20,000 mu (approximately 16,000 acres). While not an imperial mausoleum, the mausoleum boasts magnificent palaces and halls, with hundreds of halls for worship, abstinence, and official offices. The imperial mausoleum's sacred path stretches 257 meters, and features 32 pairs of stone statues. The inscription on the mausoleum was written by Zhu Yuanzhang himself. The sheer number and exquisite craftsmanship of the stone statues surpass all other imperial mausoleums. Its exquisite artistic style is a masterpiece of large-scale stone sculpture, a culmination of the Song and Yuan dynasties and a precursor to the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Chuzhou Ancient City
The scope of Chuzhou City is roughly as follows: from Beiguan in the north, to Songcheng Street and Huancheng Road in the south, to Xijian Road in the west, and to Dongmenkou and the old city area in the east.
Jiutian Peak Ecotourism Resort
Jiutian Peak Resort is a national green ecological tourism base approved by the state. It is a leisure and vacation scenic area with farm-style tourism as the main project. It has 2,000 square kilometers of original ecological forest, 1,000 acres of bamboo forest, 100 acres of orchard, and the main peak is as high as 580 meters. The mountains are lush and green, the air is refreshing, the water is clear and the rocks are exposed. There are many springs and gurgling streams. It is the best place for urban people to enjoy outdoor sports and leisure.
Recommended number of days for visiting: 1-2 days
Chuzhou is a city in Anhui province with a long history dating back over 2,000 years. It is historically significant as a regional cultural, administrative, and trade center and is known for its natural beauty, ancient temples, and mountain landscapes.
Chuzhou is located in eastern Anhui province, bordering Jiangsu. It can be reached via high-speed train, long-distance buses, or taxis from major nearby cities like Nanjing and Hefei. Walking is convenient for exploring the city and nearby attractions.
Most scenic areas are open from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. The best times to visit are spring and autumn when temperatures are mild and landscapes are at their most picturesque.
Langya Mountain tickets are approximately 80–120 CNY depending on the season. Tianzhushan National Forest Park costs around 50–100 CNY. Tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance.
It is recommended to book 1–2 days in advance for popular attractions, especially during weekends and holidays. Smaller sites may not require advance booking.
2–3 days are sufficient to explore Chuzhou city, Langya Mountain, and nearby parks.
Guided tours are primarily in Chinese. English-speaking guides are occasionally available for major scenic areas. Audio guides are limited and mostly in Chinese.
Start with Langya Mountain for a full day of hiking and sightseeing, then visit Tianzhushan National Forest Park. Reserve time to explore the city’s historic sites and riverside areas.
Night visits are limited, but some temples and city areas may host evening cultural activities or seasonal festivals.
Weekends and holidays are the busiest. Weekdays in spring or autumn are the least crowded.
Major scenic areas provide toilets, restaurants, snack stalls, rest areas, and souvenir shops. Smaller parks may have more limited facilities.
City sites are mostly accessible. Mountain and forest trails may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors.
Mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are widely accepted; cash may be useful in smaller villages or markets.
Local restaurants offer Anhui cuisine, regional snacks, and tea houses. Small cafes are available in city centers and near tourist sites.
Vegetarian options are available at temples and some restaurants. Halal options are limited but may be found in city restaurants.
Chuzhou city has hotels ranging from budget to mid-range. Guesthouses and inns are available near Langya Mountain and Tianzhushan National Forest Park.
Langya Mountain, Tianzhushan National Forest Park, local rivers, and historic city streets can be combined in a 1–2 day itinerary.
Souvenirs include local teas, handicrafts, snacks, and cultural artifacts from temples and scenic areas.
High-speed trains and buses connect Chuzhou to Hefei, Nanjing, and other nearby cities. Local taxis and private cars are convenient for shorter trips.