Quzhou, Zhejiang: A Comprehensive Travel Guide for In-Depth Exploration

Quzhou is a city rich in history and culture, with beautiful natural scenery. Below is a comprehensive travel guide for an in-depth visit to Quzhou:

Main Attractions Introduction

1. Jianglang Mountain: A landmark natural attraction in Quzhou, famous for its three giant rocky peaks. It is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, ideal for hiking and sightseeing, offering unique Danxia landforms.
2. Nianbadu Ancient Town: A well-preserved ancient town located at the junction of three provinces, blending features from Zhejiang, Fujian, Jiangxi, and Anhui. It boasts rich historical buildings and cultural heritage, such as the Military Official’s Yamen and Wenchang Palace.
3. Longyou Grottoes: A mysterious underground cave complex of grand scale with unique stone wall textures. The time and purpose of its excavation remain an unsolved mystery.
4. Tianji Longmen: A canyon waterfall scenic area themed around dragons, with beautiful natural scenery. It features attractions like the “East China’s First Suspension Bridge,” perfect for sightseeing and leisure vacations.
5. Gengong Buddha Kingdom Cultural Tourism Area: An exquisite root carving art exhibition park, home to numerous lifelike root carving works showcasing the charm of this art form.
6. Kong Family Southern Ancestral Temple: One of the few remaining Kong family ancestral temples nationwide, an important site for Confucian culture where visitors can experience the profound heritage of Southern Kong culture.

Travel Routes and Itineraries

- Three Days Two Nights Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive in Quzhou in the morning, visit the Kong Family Southern Ancestral Temple to experience Southern Kong culture. Have lunch at Mazhandi Snack Street to taste Quzhou’s local specialties. In the afternoon, visit Quzhou Museum, and in the evening, stroll through the Shuitingmen Historic Cultural District to enjoy the night view.
- Day 2: Head to Jianglang Mountain and Nianbadu Tourist Area. Climb Jianglang Mountain in the morning and explore Nianbadu Ancient Town in the afternoon to experience the ancient town’s charm.
- Day 3: Visit Longyou Grottoes to explore the millennium-old mystery of the caves. In the afternoon, return to the city to visit the Dananmen Historic Cultural District and other sites.
- Four Days Three Nights Itinerary
- Day 1: Same as Day 1 of the three-day itinerary.
- Day 2: Visit Gengong Buddha Kingdom Cultural Tourism Area to admire root carving art. In the afternoon, go to Yaowang Mountain to enjoy the fresh air of western Zhejiang’s green lungs.
- Day 3: Visit Tianji Longmen to experience the grandeur of the canyon waterfalls. In the afternoon, visit Fugai Mountain to appreciate its unique mountain landscape.
- Day 4: Travel to Jiangshan Xianxiaguan, enjoy natural scenery along the way, and learn about local history and culture. Return in the afternoon.

Highlights

Quzhou is the birthplace of Southern Kong culture and is known as the “Southeast Que Li,” with a deep Confucian cultural heritage. At the same time, Quzhou’s natural scenery is unique, featuring many natural attractions such as Jianglang Mountain and Qianjiang Source. Additionally, Quzhou cuisine is famous for its fresh and spicy flavors, with specialties like “Three Heads and One Palm” widely renowned.

Local Specialty Recommendations

1. Kaihua Longding Tea: Tight and straight appearance with silver-green buds, rich and lasting aroma, fresh and mellow taste.
2. Changshan Hu You (Pomelo): Attractive fruit with juicy flesh, balanced sweet and sour taste, high nutritional and medicinal value.
3. Longyou Fa Gao (Steamed Rice Cake): Unique preparation, dense texture, sweet and delicious, available in various flavors.
4. Jiangshan Green Peony Tea: Straight strips resembling petals, elegant shape, bright green color, and tender bright soup color.
5. Changshan Tribute Noodles: Thin as silk, smooth texture, unique craftsmanship, a traditional specialty noodle of Changshan.

Local Favorite Food Shops Recommendations

1. Yueshilou Restaurant · Yaolelou Beijing Roast Duck Copper Hot Pot (Guojin Center Branch): Rated 5 stars, Su-style ambiance, interpreting the essence of classic Quzhou cuisine.
2. Gupu Liangshi (Kecheng Branch): Rated 4.7 stars, vintage style, inheriting Quzhou culinary traditions.
3. Hao Zaotou · Confucian Culture Restaurant (Shuitingmen Branch): Rated 4.4 stars, Jiangnan style, authentic Quzhou flavors.
4. Lao Shancun: Located on Fushi Road, open until 2 a.m., affordable and delicious dishes such as stir-fried snails at 10 yuan per serving, and popular steamed meatballs.

Price and Consumption Information

- Tickets: Kong Family Southern Ancestral Temple ticket 10 yuan, Longyou Grottoes ticket starting at 80 yuan, Jianglang Mountain and Nianbadu Tourist Area ticket prices vary by package, Gengong Buddha Kingdom Cultural Tourism Area ticket around 120 yuan.
- Dining: Snacks like baked cakes and duck heads on snack streets average 5-10 yuan, average restaurant meals cost 50-80 yuan per person, high-end restaurants over 100 yuan per person.
- Accommodation: Cost-effective hotels like Quzhou Central Radisson Manor offer packages at 399 yuan for two nights, homestays range from 100-300 yuan.

Cost-Effective Accommodation Recommendations

1. Quzhou Central Radisson Manor: Affordable prices, comfortable rooms, includes breakfast, chess room, gym, and other facilities.
2. Huazhu Luxury · Xuanjingge Family Vacation Homestay: Rated 5.0 stars, with a 2000㎡ outdoor leisure pool and lawn, ideal for family trips.
3. Feiniaoji X Zaoxue Jiayin Homestay: Rated 4.9 stars, located at the foot of Jianglang Mountain, offering a pastoral poetic lifestyle.

Avoidance Tips

1. Quzhou cuisine is mainly spicy; visitors who cannot eat spicy food should inform the staff in advance and choose mildly spicy or non-spicy dishes.
2. Some attractions are far from the city center, such as Jianglang Mountain and Nianbadu Ancient Town. It is recommended to plan transportation in advance, either by self-driving or taking tourist shuttle buses.
3. When purchasing local specialties at scenic spots, be careful to distinguish authenticity and prices to avoid being overcharged.