Longquan, Zhejiang: A Hidden Gem Recommended by National Geographic

Longquan in Lishui is the capital of celadon, famous for its characteristics of "as green as jade, as bright as a mirror, and as resonant as a chime." Many celadon artworks are exhibited here, and the town's treasure, the "Five Dynasties Overturned Lotus Petal Pattern Five-Tube Vase," is very stunning. There are also celadon making activities in the museum, where you can experience the whole process of pulling blanks and coloring. Main attractions: 1️⃣ Yuandi Village Navigation: Find a place to park your car by the Yuandi Village Party and Mass Service Center in Shangyang Town, Longquan City, and then walk into the alley. The Yuandi Yicang is the most worthwhile place to see and the most photogenic place. This is a granary built by the villagers of Yuandi to commemorate Xu Jingwu, a local sage who founded Yicang to provide disaster relief. The red walls and black tiles, with a round bottom and pointed top, look like entering the dreamlike world of "Big Fish & Begonia" from a drone perspective. 2️⃣ Celadon Town It is near Yicang, a few minutes' drive away. The entrance is a tall celadon vase sculpture. There are celadon cultural parks, handicraft workshops and other places in the town to visit and experience. 3️⃣ Xiazhang Ancient Village Located in a mountain col, it has the unique style of ancient villages in southern Zhejiang, with black tiles and yellow walls, simple and dignified. It is especially beautiful in the season when plum blossoms bloom in early spring. 4️⃣ West Street Located in Longquan City, it is an old alley that best reflects the local atmosphere of Longquan. 5️⃣ Liucha Continent A hundred meters south of West Street, in the middle of the Longquan River, is the Liucha Continent Scenic Area. There is the antique Liucha Pavilion, where you can climb to overlook the distance. ✅ Food recommendations 🔅 Longquan lean meat balls: It is recommended to go to Gongting Lean Meat Balls Cold Noodles to taste. This restaurant is very famous locally. They have also developed a way to eat mixed lean meat balls, and their cold noodles are also amazing! 🔅 Longquan rice noodles: Those who love carbs must not miss it. There are dry mixes and soups. Fried breadsticks soaked in the soup are incredibly delicious. It is really satisfying to have a bowl for breakfast. 🔅 Anren fish head soup: A special delicacy in Anren Ancient Town, Longquan City. The main fish used to cook the fish head is silver carp, which is cooked with a special perilla sauce. The fish soup is fresh and rich, and the meat is delicate and smooth. 🔅 Longquan pork chops: Highly recommend the time-honored Jianxin Deli, where locals are lining up. The price is slightly higher, but the meat is crispy, fragrant, and worth a try! ✅ Accommodation suggestions ❇️ Ancient Village Homestay: Experience a boutique homestay converted from an old house and feel the fusion of ancient and modern. ❇️ Surrounding hotels: There are more choices in Longquan City or Shangyang Town, which are suitable for self-driving travelers.