Lanxi In-Depth Travel Guide: Must-Visit Attractions + Local Delicacies + Routes and Accommodation

1. Must-Visit Attractions (with Key Information)

Historical and Cultural

1. Zhuge Bagua Village: The largest settlement of Zhuge Liang’s descendants in China, featuring Ming and Qing architecture arranged in a nine-square and bagua layout. The sea of rapeseed flowers in spring is a highlight. Admission is 80 RMB, open year-round from 8:00 to 17:00. Accessible by navigation or Lanxi Bus Route 305.
2. Youbu Ancient Town: One of Zhejiang’s four major ancient towns with a history of 1,300 years. Famous for the "First Street of Jiangnan Morning Tea," and five well-preserved Song Dynasty ancient bridges. The town is free to enter; the morning tea street is busiest from 5:00 to 10:00. Morning tea experience costs 78 RMB. Accessible by Bus 305.
3. Jiezi Garden: Former residence of playwright Li Yu, a model of Jiangnan miniature gardens themed around Li Yu’s culture, often hosting opera performances like "The Kite Mistake." Free admission, open 8:00 to 18:00. Recommended to visit by car or taxi.
4. Changle Blessed Land: The "Founding Blessed Land" where Zhu Yuanzhang turned defeat into victory. The Yuan and Ming ancient village is laid out in the Big Dipper pattern, preserving the "Seven Star Well" ancient buildings and Jin Lvxian Confucian relics. Open all day for free. Recommended to visit by car.
5. Zhiyan Ancient Village: A Song Dynasty post station village arranged according to feng shui with "Green Dragon on the Left and White Tiger on the Right." You can hike the Xianshi Ancient Trail to explore merchant culture. Free admission, open 8:30 to 17:00. No direct bus; self-driving recommended.

Natural and Ecological

1. Liudong Mountain Scenic Area: Famous for its kilometer-long underground river cave system. The "Qionglin Snow Bell" stalactite is a town treasure and a spectacular sight. A great summer retreat. Cave boat ticket costs 60 RMB. Open 8:30-16:00 in winter, 8:30-16:30 other seasons. Accessible by navigation or Lanxi Tour Bus Route 1.
2. Lanhu Resort Area: A thousand-mu ecological lake intertwined with tea gardens. You can take a small train around the lake or kayak. The tulip sea in spring is stunning. The scenic area is free; internal activities charge separately. Open 9:00 to 17:30. Accessible by Bus 808, about 20 minutes by car from downtown.
3. Bailu Mountain: Climb to the top for panoramic views of the confluence of Lanxi’s three rivers. The thousand-year-old Huijiao Zen Temple is halfway up. Enjoy flower seas in spring and autumn foliage. Open all day for free; the temple is open 8:00 to 17:00. Accessible by Bus 301 or car.
4. Zhongzhou Park: An island park in the middle of the Lan River. "Zhongzhou Fishing Lights" is one of the eight ancient scenic spots of Lanxi. At night, the light show blends beautifully with the river view. Open all day for free. Recommended to visit by car or bus to downtown Lanxi’s Lan River island area.

2. Local Delicacies (with Business Hours)

1. Lanqing Jizi Guo: Signature chicken egg cake freshly baked, crispy on the outside with a filling of lean pork, scallions, and egg. You can also try the meat chenzi. Open 10:00 to 22:00. Average cost 18 RMB.
2. Yueyue Chicken Intestine Noodles: A famous local snack. The soup noodles taste better than fried noodles, with toppings like tofu puffs, dried bean curd sheets, and bamboo shoots. Open 10:00 to 2:00 next day. Average cost 10 RMB. A must-try for chicken intestine lovers.
3. Li Yu Family Banquet: A landmark restaurant in Lanxi offering specialties like Lanjiang white flower fish, Lanxi meatballs, and Li Yu immortal stew. On Saturdays, opera masters perform Li Yu-related operas. Open 10:30 to 21:00. Average cost 20 RMB. Perfect after visiting Jiezi Garden.
4. Taiye Chicken: Whole chicken marinated and then fried, crispy skin topped with scallions and garlic. Costs 20 RMB per chicken, enough for one person. Open 7:30 to 19:30. Average cost 24 RMB.
5. Jingang Handmade Noodles: Hand-rolled noodles with a chewy texture. The chicken intestine and beef stir-fried noodles are exceptional, with a fiery hot oil aroma. Open 8:30-16:00 and 17:00-20:00. Average cost 90 RMB.
6. Liying Snack Shop: Very popular for pan-fried buns with a crispy outer layer due to abundant oil, though the soy milk is average. Open 6:00 to 11:00. Average cost 6 RMB.
7. Old Soup Pancake: Offers scallion pancakes and meat pancakes. The fried dough sticks are extra long and crispy. The meat filling with pickled vegetables is crunchy and flavorful. Open 6:00 to 11:00. Operating for nearly 30 years, very busy at Tongjia Market.
8. Suixiang Porridge Shop: Though called a porridge shop, it mainly serves late-night snacks including cakes, side dishes, rice noodles, and soy milk porridge. Open 16:30 to 3:00. Average cost in double digits, very filling.
9. Youbu Ancient Town Morning Tea: Filming location for the "A Bite of China" team. Try meat chenzi, tofu rice balls, chicken egg cakes, and soy sauce noodles. Peak morning tea time is 5:00 to 8:30.

3. Recommended Routes and Accommodation

2-Day Tour Route (Lazy Copy Version)

- Day 1: West Bus Station → Zhongzhou Park (enjoy river views) → Lanyin Mountain → Juli Tower (overlook city) → Jiezi Garden (appreciate gardens and opera) → Li Yu Family Banquet (eat specialties and watch performances)
- Day 2: Zhuge Bagua Village (explore ancient village culture) → Youbu Ancient Town (visit ancient bridges) → Youbu Morning Tea (taste authentic snacks) → Xia Changhe

Accommodation Recommendations

1. Convenient Downtown: All Seasons Hotel (City Government Square Branch), close to West Bus Station and near city attractions, ideal for efficient city touring.
2. Immersive Ancient Village: Homestays in Zhuge Bagua Village or Changle Village for deep ancient village experience and Ming-Qing architectural atmosphere.
3. Relaxing and Comfortable: Vienna International Hotel, suitable for travelers seeking a comfortable stay and a relaxing vacation.
4. Morning Tea Convenience: Riverside homestay in Youbu Ancient Town, allowing direct access to the morning tea street without rushing in the morning, perfect for a food journey.

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