Chuzhou West Stream: A Two-Day Trip with Our Editor

Attraction Recommendations
- Langya Mountain Scenic Area: The origin of "The Record of the Drunken Old Man’s Pavilion," featuring attractions like the Drunken Old Man’s Pavilion, Rang Spring, and Shenxiu Lake. You can also climb to the South Heavenly Gate for a panoramic city view. Ticket: 80 yuan. Reciting "The Record of the Drunken Old Man’s Pavilion" grants free entry (limited to 100 visitors daily).
- Quanjiao Taiping Ancient Town: Home to structures like Jinfulou Tower, Pingfu Hall, and Keshang Ancient Stage, along with the "Walking for Peace" activity. The first phase of the town comprises six themed zones, serving as a platform to showcase classical architecture and traditional woodworking craftsmanship.
- China Golden Phoebe Museum: Houses over 5,000 representative Golden Phoebe artifacts from the Ming and Qing dynasties, including general cabinets, canopy beds, and sacrificial altars, showcasing the grandeur of China’s imperial furniture.
- Jiushan Cave: Known as the "No. 1 Karst Cave in Northern Jiangsu," it was once a military base for Zhu Yuanzhang. Visitors can take a boat to see the "Sea-Calming Needle," touch millennia-old stalagmites, and explore the underground river. Ticket: 50 yuan (includes boat ride).

Food Recommendations
- Qinlan Braised Goose: A Chuzhou specialty made from locally sourced high-quality goose, braised through multiple steps for tender meat and rich flavor.
- Leiguan Salted Duck: Made from local spotted ducks using unique curing and air-drying techniques, resulting in plump, firm, and savory meat.
- Fengyang Stuffed Tofu: Tofu cubes stuffed with minced meat, coated in flour, fried until golden, and topped with a special sauce—crispy outside, tender inside, and delicious.
- Langya Crispy Candy: Legend has it that this treat was created by monks at the Drunken Old Man’s Pavilion during the Song Dynasty to help Ouyang Xiu stay alert. Made from sesame, flour, and malt sugar, it’s crispy, sweet, and not cloying.

Accommodation Suggestions
- Luxury: Jinpeng Plaza Hotel (Langya Branch), well-equipped with a gym and pool; Chuzhou Wyndham Grand Plaza Royale, set in a beautiful environment with a rich breakfast; Chuzhou Ganghui Sheraton Hotel, featuring excellent pools and gyms.
- Boutique Homestays: Chuzhou Langya Mountain Lodge, blending natural elements with modern minimalism for a cozy stay.
- Budget: GreenTree Inn (Chuzhou Zhongxin Avenue Branch), newly opened in 2025 with smart room controls and King Koil mattresses, offering great value.

Itinerary
- Two-Day Trip
- Day 1: Arrive in Chuzhou in the morning and visit Langya Mountain Scenic Area, exploring the Drunken Old Man’s Pavilion and Shenxiu Lake. Enjoy a farmhouse lunch at the mountain’s base. In the afternoon, hike to South Heavenly Gate, then experience local life in Chuzhou Old Street, followed by dinner there.
- Day 2: Visit the Ming Imperial Mausoleum in the morning to learn about Ming Dynasty history, then have a farmhouse lunch nearby. In the afternoon, explore Chuzhou Museum and Qingliu Pass before concluding the trip in the evening.

- Three-Day Trip
- Day 1: Same as Day 1 of the two-day trip.
- Day 2: Head to Quanjiao Taiping Ancient Town in the morning to immerse in Huizhou culture, then enjoy local delicacies for lunch. Visit the China Golden Phoebe Museum in the afternoon before returning to the city for the night.
- Day 3: Explore Jiushan Cave in the morning for a karst adventure, then have lunch nearby. In the afternoon, choose between Langxiang Maze Valley or Chishan Lake Wetland based on interest before departing.