Just got back from Quzhou, here’s some honest advice! A nanny-level travel guide

9 Selected Attractions and Highlights in Quzhou ✅ Jianglang Mountain Scenic Area 💸 Tickets: Peak season (March-November) 90 RMB, off-season (December-February) 70 RMB, shuttle bus 15 RMB 🍎 Highlights: World Natural Heritage site, the top peak of Danxia landform in China, Sanpanshi rock rising steeply, one of the most spectacular “One Line Sky” gorges in the country, perfect panoramic views from Xiake Pavilion, most beautiful in early morning or after rain with mist swirling. ✅ Nianbadu Ancient Town 💸 Tickets: Free Monday to Friday, 80 RMB on weekends and holidays 🍎 Highlights: The “Dialect Kingdom” spanning three provinces, well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture museum, historic Zhu Po Bridge and Wenchang Palace, traces of 142 surnames, 9 dialects to hear, try Nianbadu tofu and copper gong cake. ✅ Longyou Grottoes 💸 Tickets: 85 RMB 🍎 Highlights: The ninth wonder of the world, mysterious underground palace complex, giant stone pillars and exquisite chisel marks inside the caves are stunning, rich light and shadow atmosphere, only mural located in Cave No. 1. ✅ Gen Palace Buddhist Kingdom Cultural Tourism Area 💸 Tickets: 120 RMB (discounts available for online advance purchase) 🍎 Highlights: The world’s only root culture theme park, breathtaking giant root-carved Buddha statues, unique exhibition halls including the Chinese Root Culture Main Hall, Drunken Root Craft Museum, and Fortune Gate Auspicious Light. ✅ Quzhou Confucius Southern Clan Ancestral Temple 💸 Tickets: 10 RMB 🍎 Highlights: One of only two Confucius family temples nationwide, birthplace of Southern Confucian culture, admire the Confucius statue in Dacheng Hall, learn about Kong Zhu and Rang Jue history in Silu Pavilion, great for shooting with red walls and black tiles in ancient style. ✅ Shuitingmen Historical and Cultural Street District 💸 Tickets: Free 🍎 Highlights: Core landmark of Quzhou ancient city, retains the layout of three streets and seven alleys, city walls and Tianwang Tower tell history, climb the city wall to see Qu River flowing, visit intangible cultural heritage museum, dazzling light show at night. ✅ Tianji Longmen 💸 Tickets: 65 RMB 🍎 Highlights: The first canyon in western Zhejiang, the highest cliffside plank road in East China, waterfalls and deep pools like a landscape painting, challenge the “Flying Dragon in the Sky” thousand-meter plank road, overlook the canyon scenery. ✅ Yaowang Mountain Scenic Area 💸 Tickets: 65 RMB 🍎 Highlights: Legend says Shennong, Bian Que, and Li Shizhen once gathered herbs here, quiet valleys with clusters of waterfalls, rich medicinal plants, waterfalls like Mawei Waterfall and Yaowang Spring cascade down, air filled with herbal fragrance. ✅ Sanqu Stone Forest Scenic Area 💸 Tickets: 80 RMB 🍎 Highlights: Huge Ordovician period ancient biological reef, diverse karst stone forest maze, explore the stone forest maze, admire shaped stone landscapes, sinkholes, Wisteria Canyon, climb the viewing platform for a panoramic view. Accommodation Guide High-end Options Quzhou Hilton DoubleTree Hotel: International brand, high-quality service and facilities, suitable for travelers seeking comfort and convenience. Jiangshan Overseas Crown Hotel: Luxurious five-star hotel with modern facilities, ideal for business or upscale leisure travel. Cost-effective Choices All Seasons Quzhou Railway Station Hotel: Affordable price, convenient location, suitable for budget travelers. Hanting Quzhou Qujiang Yintai City Hotel: Economy hotel, clean and comfortable, great value. Unique Experiences Gengdu Resort (Jiangshan): Water house homestay with distinctive features, cooking and mahjong available, enjoy the tranquility of Jiangnan’s misty rain. Old Granary Converted Homestay (Quzhou Kecheng District): Preserves original brick walls and wooden beams, blends industrial style with modern aesthetics, features outdoor pool and green courtyard. June 4 Quzhou 4-Day Tour Itinerary Theme: Natural Wonders + History & Culture + Folk Customs Day 1: Cultural Exploration in the City Morning: Visit Shuitingmen Historical and Cultural Street District, climb city wall to watch Qu River flow, visit intangible cultural heritage museum, experience old brand shops. Noon: Taste Quzhou rice noodles and “Three Heads One Palm” snacks in Shuitingmen area. Afternoon: Visit Quzhou Confucius Southern Clan Ancestral Temple, feel Southern Confucian culture, admire Confucius statue in Dacheng Hall, learn Kong Zhu and Rang Jue history in Silu Pavilion. Evening: Stroll Quzhou Museum, learn about Quzhou’s history and culture, admire the Heaven and Earth Chessboard, Lixian Jiangshan Dragon dinosaur fossil. Day 2: Jianglang Mountain and Nianbadu Ancient Town Morning: Head to Jianglang Mountain Scenic Area, visit Sanpanshi rock, One Line Sky, climb Langfeng Tianyou for panoramic mountain views. Noon: Dine at a local farmhouse restaurant near Jianglang Mountain, taste local dishes. Afternoon: Drive to Nianbadu Ancient Town, stroll Zhu Po Bridge and Wenchang Palace, soak in the ancient town’s charm, try Nianbadu tofu and copper gong cake. Evening: Stay overnight in a characteristic homestay in Nianbadu Ancient Town, experience the peaceful night. Day 3: Longyou Grottoes and Gen Palace Buddhist Kingdom Morning: Visit Longyou Grottoes, explore the mysterious underground palace complex, admire giant stone pillars and exquisite chisel marks. Noon: Eat at a restaurant in Longyou County, try local specialties like Longyou steamed cake. Afternoon: Tour Gen Palace Buddhist Kingdom Cultural Tourism Area, see giant root-carved Buddha statues, experience the perfect blend of art and nature. Evening: Return to Quzhou city, check into city hotel, free time. Day 4: Tianji Longmen and Departure Morning: Visit Tianji Longmen, challenge the “Flying Dragon in the Sky” plank road, overlook canyon views, cross the suspension bridge for thrills. Noon: Dine at a restaurant near Tianji Longmen, taste local mountain delicacies. Afternoon: Depending on departure time, enjoy free time in the city, shop for Quzhou specialties like Kaihua green snails and Longyou small chili peppers. Evening: End a pleasant Quzhou trip and depart. Transportation Tips: Quzhou attractions are scattered; self-driving or chartering a car is recommended for flexible itinerary adjustments. City attractions can be reached by taxi or bus; for distant spots like Jianglang Mountain and Nianbadu Ancient Town, book direct shuttle or charter services in advance. Notes: June in Quzhou has a high chance of showers; carry an umbrella and waterproof shoe covers. Temperatures are high; wear light, breathable clothing and take sun protection measures. Jianglang Mountain and Tianji Longmen require hiking; wear comfortable sports shoes and bring enough drinking water. Nianbadu Ancient Town charges tickets on weekends and holidays; plan ahead to avoid peak times.