Chuzhou—I'm back, and I want to recommend it to everyone.

🌄 “Spring arrives slowly, spring scenery abounds.” The gentle March winds sweep across the land, awakening the dormant flowers, plants, and trees, and also stirring my yearning for distant places. In this season full of vitality, I embarked on a journey to Chuzhou, starting a three-day dreamy spring trip. Now, I'm sharing this comprehensive Chuzhou travel guide with you, hoping to help you unlock the unique charm of this city.🎈 Travel Itinerary 🗓️Day 1: Langya Mountain Scenic Area - Morning: Arrive at Langya Mountain early in the morning. This is the original site of Ouyang Xiu's "The Story of the Old Drunkard's Pavilion". Stepping into the scenic area is like traveling through a thousand years of time, experiencing the leisurely "joy of mountains and rivers, finding it in the heart and expressing it in wine" with the ancients. First, check in at the Drunkard's Pavilion, one of the four most famous pavilions in China. It has an antique charm, and wearing Hanfu here for photos is really amazing.📸 Don't forget to take a photo under the plaque "The drunkard's intention is not in the wine". - Noon: Have lunch at a farmhouse at the foot of Langya Mountain and taste authentic Chuzhou cuisine, such as Guanba beef. The beef is tender and flavorful, and every bite is full of rich aroma, making it unforgettable. - Afternoon: Visit Langya Temple, a quiet and serene ancient temple with a history of thousands of years. Stroll through it and experience the profound Buddhist culture. Afterwards, head to Shenxiu Lake, where the water is as green as emerald. Take a walk along the lake, admire the beautiful scenery, and breathe in the fresh air, allowing your body and mind to relax completely. If you have enough energy, you can also challenge yourself to climb Nantianmen. Standing on the top of the mountain, you can overlook the entire city of Chuzhou, taking in all the beautiful scenery.🌆 🗓️Day 2: Ming Huang Mausoleum - Chuzhou Museum - Morning: Visit the Ming Huang Mausoleum, the tomb built by Zhu Yuanzhang for his parents. It features grand Ming Dynasty imperial mausoleum architecture and exquisite stone statues. March is the season when rapeseed flowers are in full bloom. The golden rapeseed flowers complement the ancient stone carvings, creating a picturesque idyllic landscape. Be sure to take more photos to commemorate your visit. You can also participate in the "Guardians of the Ming Tomb" murder mystery game for an immersive experience of history.🎭 - Noon: Enjoy a farmhouse meal at a restaurant near the Ming Huang Mausoleum. We recommend trying the local Leiguan pressed duck. Made with a special process, the duck meat is firm, salty, and delicious, offering a unique flavor. - Afternoon: Visit the Chuzhou Museum, which showcases the long history and rich cultural heritage of Chuzhou. Through precious cultural relics and detailed historical materials, you can gain a deeper understanding of the city's past and present. 🗓️Day 3: Zunyang Street - Return Trip - Morning: Stroll along Zunyang Street and experience the charm of Chuzhou's old streets. There are many unique shops and traditional snacks here, so you can enjoy shopping and eating to your heart's content. Try the Zhuangyuan sesame seed cakes and the sesame seed cakes with pork tenderloin. The crispy cake crust combined with the tender pork tenderloin is a bite of pure happiness. Don't miss the rou jia mo (meat sandwich) from Jiao's Liangpi. The fragrant bread and tender meat create an excellent taste.😋 - Noon: Choose a restaurant you like on Zunyang Street for lunch. After lunch, take a short break and prepare for your return trip, concluding your pleasant Chuzhou journey. Food Recommendations 🍜Chuzhou's cuisine blends Jianghuai flavors with eastern Anhui characteristics, and every bite is a delightful surprise. In addition to the previously mentioned Guanba beef and Leiguan pressed duck, these delicacies are also worth trying: - Linqiao Stove-cooked Fish: The fish soup simmered over a wood fire is rich and delicious, and the fish is tender and smooth. The corn cakes around the pot absorb the essence of the fish soup, making them fragrant and crispy. A bite of fish and a bite of cake is simply a heavenly delight. - Machang Mutton Noodles: The noodles are chewy, the mutton is tender, and the soup is rich. Sprinkle some pepper on top, and a sip of the hot soup warms you from the stomach to the heart. It's especially perfect for a cold day. - Tianchang Road Food Street: This street gathers all kinds of Chuzhou specialties. The food street is brightly lit and bustling at night. Here you can taste Langya crisp candy, Qinlan braised goose, Chuzhou morning tea, and other delicacies, experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of Chuzhou. Accommodation Recommendations 🏠Accommodation can be chosen based on your budget and preferences: - High-end hotels: Sheraton Chuzhou Hotel, adjacent to Langya Mountain, offers a beautiful environment, complete facilities, and attentive service, making it ideal for vacations. - Boutique guesthouses: Langya Mountain Residence, a Chinese courtyard hidden in the mountains, offers greenery outside your window, tranquility, and elegance, allowing you to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a moment of peace. - Budget-friendly chain hotels: Hanting and Home Inn are located near Tianchang Road or the high-speed rail station, offering affordable prices, convenient transportation, and excellent value for money. Important Notes ⚠️It's always a good idea to plan ahead before traveling. Please take note of these tips: - Check the weather forecast in advance. The temperature in Chuzhou in March can be unpredictable, so remember to bring appropriate clothing. - There are many mountain roads in the Langya Mountain Scenic Area, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended for easy walking. - Tickets for the Ming Huang Mausoleum need to be booked in advance to avoid delays. - Pay attention to food hygiene when tasting local cuisine to avoid stomach upset. - Follow the rules of the scenic area, travel responsibly, and do not damage cultural relics or the environment. The beauty of Chuzhou needs to be experienced firsthand. I hope this guide can help you embark on an unforgettable Chuzhou trip and create wonderful memories.💕