Quzhou trip review: Sisters, think twice before you go! I came to this city because of a song.

🎵“Waiting for you under a sky of celadon blue, smoke curling up from kitchen chimneys, thousands of miles across the river…” These poetic lyrics by Vincent Fang, depicting the hazy charm of a Jiangnan water town, always remind me of Quzhou, a small city equally imbued with poetry. In February of this year, I embarked on a leisurely three-day trip to Quzhou, drawn by the allure of ancient Jiangnan. Come along with me! 🌆 Quzhou, located in western Zhejiang, is a city with a rich history and culture. Although there's still a chill in the air in February, the breath of spring is quietly emerging. Here, you'll find Lanke Mountain, the "Immortal Land of Go," where a thousand-year-old legend unfolds; the well-preserved Twenty-Eight Du Ancient Town, where Hui-style and Min-style architecture blend seamlessly; and mouthwatering delicacies like "Three Heads and One Palm" (rabbit head, duck head, fish head, and duck feet) and Quzhou baked pie. Every bite exudes the rich flavors of Quzhou. The perfect harmony of culture and nature gives every corner of this city a unique charm. 🚌 Transportation Guide: ✈️ You can first arrive at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport and then transfer to Quzhou by bus or high-speed rail. Within the city, buses cover almost all the scenic spots. If you want to visit the surrounding ancient towns or mountainous areas, taking a city-country bus or a taxi is very convenient. Enjoy the idyllic scenery of Quzhou along the way and experience the charm of this small Jiangnan city😃. 🎯 Recommended Itinerary: Day1️⃣: Quzhou Ancient City - Confucius Southern Sect Family Temple - Shuiting Gate Historical and Cultural District Morning: Stepping into Quzhou Ancient City is like traveling back in time. Stroll under the ancient city walls and feel the passage of time. Visit the Confucius Southern Sect Family Temple, the ancestral temple of Confucius' descendants in the south. The architecture is solemn and respectful, with red walls, black tiles, and deep courtyards. Here, you can listen to the teachings of the sage and experience the profoundness of Confucian culture. Noon: Try the Quzhou baked pie nearby. The thin and crispy crust is filled with savory pork, scallions, pickled mustard greens, and other ingredients. One bite, and the aroma fills your mouth. Afternoon: Head to the Shuiting Gate Historical and Cultural District. The quaint streets are lined with unique shops, cafes, and restaurants. Various folk activities are often held here. If you're lucky, you can enjoy dragon and lion dance performances and experience the vibrancy of Quzhou. Take a stroll along the Qu River, admire the river view, and watch the shimmering sunset on the water. Day2️⃣: Lanke Mountain - Quzhou Museum Morning: Head to Lanke Mountain, famous for the legend of "Wang Zhi's Rotten Axe Handle." Walk along the mountain paths, surrounded by tranquil forests and fresh air. Climb to the top of the mountain and look out at the rolling hills and swirling clouds, as if you're in a fairyland. The naturally formed stone beam on the mountain is magnificent, a testament to the wonders of nature. Noon: Have lunch at a farmhouse at the foot of the mountain and try the "Three Heads and One Palm." The rabbit head is tender, the duck head is spicy and flavorful, the fish head is fresh, spicy, and rich, and the duck feet are soft and boneless. Pair them with the refreshing Quzhou crystal cake to cool down the spice. Afternoon: Visit the Quzhou Museum, which houses a rich and diverse collection of artifacts, from Neolithic relics to modern art, showcasing the historical changes of Quzhou and immersing you in a sea of knowledge, allowing you to delve into the city's past. Day3️⃣: Twenty-Eight Du Ancient Town Morning: Take a city-country bus to Twenty-Eight Du Ancient Town, enjoying the beautiful scenery of the western Zhejiang mountains along the way. Arriving at the ancient town is like entering a paradise. Hui-style and Min-style dwellings are scattered throughout, and winding bluestone paths lead you through the tranquility and simplicity of the ancient town. Many well-preserved ancient stages and temples stand as witnesses to the town's former prosperity. Noon: Try the local specialty, Tongluo Cake, in the ancient town. Made from glutinous rice flour mixed with various ingredients and steamed, it has a soft texture and a fragrant aroma, offering a unique flavor. Afternoon: Continue strolling through the ancient town, buy some unique handicrafts, such as bamboo weaving and wood carvings, and experience the charm of traditional craftsmanship before concluding this unforgettable journey. 🌟 Must-sees: 📍Shuiting Gate Ancient City Tower: Take a photo in front of the majestic city tower with the Qu River as the backdrop to capture an iconic image of Quzhou's history and culture, leaving a stunning travel memory. The view is particularly beautiful at sunrise and sunset. 📍Lanke Mountain Natural Stone Beam: Take a photo with the unique stone beam and the surrounding forest as the background to create a captivating atmosphere, showcasing the grandeur and wonder of Lanke Mountain. 💕 Travel Experience: This three-day trip to Quzhou was a feast of culture and cuisine. The solemnity of the Confucius Southern Sect Family Temple and the magic of Lanke Mountain immersed me in the charm of Quzhou. The crispy Quzhou baked pie and the fiery "Three Heads and One Palm" made me fall in love with this city. Quzhou in February, with its simplicity and warmth, captivated me. I left with a heavy heart, looking forward to returning and continuing my story with this city. 🍱 Local Food Recommendations: 🥧Quzhou Baked Pie: Thin and crispy crust with a savory filling, leaving a lingering aroma. 🐰Three Heads and One Palm: Diverse ingredients, spicy flavor, and incredibly satisfying. 🥣Quzhou Crystal Cake: Refreshing and sweet, a must-have to cool down the spice. 🥮Tongluo Cake: Soft and glutinous rice, fragrant and unique. 🍜Longyou Steamed Cake: Fluffy and soft, sweet but not greasy, symbolizing good luck. Quzhou's food is as enticing as its scenery. Come and experience it, and you might, like me, fall in love with this city because of a song!