Quzhou

Quzhou combines the culture of the Southern Confucian tradition with boldly spicy food. Its attractions are fairly spread out, so a 3-day, 2-night trip allows you to explore the city's cultural sites and the surrounding mountains, waterways, and ancient towns separately.

• Nanzong Confucian Temple of the Kong Family: One of only two surviving Confucian temples of the Kong family in China, it is known as the “Qufu of the Southeast.” Red walls, ancient cypress trees, and the Dacheng Hall create a picturesque scene. Admission is 10 yuan and includes a miniature copy of the *Analects*.

• Shuiting Gate Historical and Cultural District: This area brings together the ancient city wall, Tianwang Pagoda, and traditional lanes, making it a convenient place to get a sense of Quzhou's urban character. It is especially pleasant after the lights come on at dusk and is free to visit year-round.

• Jianglang Mountain: Zhejiang's first World Natural Heritage site, known for its Danxia landforms, the Three Stone Peaks, and the One-Line Sky. Three towering rock peaks rise dramatically from the landscape, creating a spectacular view. Allow about 3–4 hours for the full visit and wear slip-resistant athletic shoes.

• Nianbadu Ancient Town: Set among the mountains of the Xianxia Range at the junction of three provinces, the town preserves a relatively complete collection of Ming and Qing architecture. The wood carvings and painted decorations inside Wenchang Palace are finely crafted, making it ideal for a leisurely walk along the stone-paved streets.

• Longyou Grottoes: A large complex of man-made underground chambers, often called the “Ninth Wonder of the World.” The cave walls bear neat chisel marks, and the huge stone pillars are particularly striking. Many questions about how the grottoes were built remain unanswered.

Classic 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1 (City culture and night views): After arriving in Quzhou and checking in, visit the Nanzong Confucian Temple of the Kong Family in the afternoon to learn about the Southern Confucian tradition, then head to the nearby Quzhou Museum and Confucianism Museum. In the evening, sample local snacks on Beimen Street, then climb the ancient city wall at Shuiting Gate at night for views of Tianwang Pagoda and the Qu River.

• Day 2 (Danxia peaks and ancient town): In the morning, drive or hire a car to Jiangshan City to visit the One-Line Sky and Danxia peaks of Jianglang Mountain. In the afternoon, continue to Nianbadu Ancient Town and stroll among the stone-paved streets and old residences to experience life in this border town. Stay in the ancient town overnight or return to central Jiangshan.

• Day 3 (Mysterious grottoes or a relaxed day in the city): If you have time, visit the underground chambers at Longyou Grottoes. For a more relaxed itinerary, stay in the city and head to Luming Prairie for river views, or browse Songyuan Market to experience everyday local life, then buy souvenirs before heading home.

Must-Try Foods

Quzhou cuisine is known for its fresh, spicy flavors. If you cannot eat spicy food, tell the restaurant in advance: “no spice” or “mild spice.”

• Three Heads and One Palm: Rabbit head, duck head, fish head, and duck feet, all richly flavored and tender after being braised. This is a common local late-night snack.

• Quzhou Shaobing: The pastry is baked until crisp and filled with pork and preserved mustard greens. Eat it hot, when it is especially fragrant and juicy.

• Crystal Cake: Cool and springy, it can be served with mint syrup or milk and is a good way to soothe your mouth after spicy food.

• Quzhou Stir-Fried Rice Noodles: Softened rice noodles are stir-fried with lard, chili, and scallions. Fragrant and filling, they are a common everyday staple.

• Nianbadu Tongluo Cake: A specialty pastry from the ancient town with a soft, chewy texture and sweet flavor. Vacuum-packed versions are also available as gifts for friends and family.

Mazhandi Snack Street and Songyuan Market are home to local favorites such as Lao Pei duck heads and Xu Min shaobing, making them good places to sample Quzhou snacks in one stop.

Transportation and Accommodation

• Transportation: Take a high-speed train to Quzhou Station or Jiangshan Station. Shuiting Gate, the Confucian Temple, Beimen Street, and other city attractions are close enough to reach on foot or by taxi. For Jianglang Mountain, Nianbadu, and Longyou Grottoes, driving or hiring a car is recommended, as public transport is relatively infrequent.
• Accommodation: For the first night, stay around Shuiting Gate or Guojin Center for convenient dining and evening sightseeing. When visiting Jiangshan on the second day, choose a guesthouse at the foot of Jianglang Mountain or accommodation in central Jiangshan.

Practical Notes

• Hiking Jianglang Mountain: The trail has many steps and can be slippery in wet weather, so wear slip-resistant athletic shoes. During prolonged rain, Langfeng Tiayou may close; check the scenic area's announcements before setting out.
• Old-town night views: Shuiting Gate and Beimen Street are more atmospheric after the evening lights come on, so aim to arrive around 5 p.m. Visit the Confucian Temple and museum earlier in the day.
• Adjusting spice levels: Quzhou dishes can be very spicy. If you cannot eat spicy food, ask directly for “no spice,” and keep milk or crystal cake on hand to ease the heat.
• Ticket reservations: Jianglang Mountain, Nianbadu, and other attractions sometimes offer temporary free-admission promotions. Check the latest ticket policies and reservation procedures before traveling.