Quzhou Travel Guide
City City in Zhejiang province, known for culture
Quzhou invites slow walks along stone streets, visits to hilltop temples and tea houses, and excursions into Zhejiang’s backroads for temple architecture and local snacks.
Why Visit Quzhou? #
Quzhou blends Zhejiang’s rural charm with off‑the‑beaten‑path history that draws heritage-minded travelers. The Longyou Caves offer a mysterious, large‑scale underground site nearby, while Quzhou’s Kecheng district reflects traditional streets, stone bridges and local ceramic workshops. Tea culture and riverside promenades provide quieter daytime pursuits, and small museums plus countryside hiking make the area rewarding for travelers seeking hands‑on craft experiences and countryside vistas away from China’s major tourist corridors.
Who's Quzhou For?
Quzhou is surrounded by green hills, tea terraces and temple-dotted countryside that suit hikers and slow nature rambles. The region’s small trails and scenic rural vistas are best experienced by car or local bus on spring and autumn days.
Local Zhejiang snacks, noodle shops and market stalls offer hearty regional flavours at low prices. Quzhou’s food scene focuses on traditional comfort dishes and street bites rather than contemporary fine dining.
Quzhou’s compact city center, parks and cultural sites provide easy family outings. Museums, Taoist and Buddhist temples and weekend markets create accessible educational experiences for children and older relatives.
Nearby hills and forested areas give options for day hikes and countryside exploration. Trails are typically low-key and suit independent walkers looking for quiet routes rather than heavily signed or commercialized adventure tours.
Top Things to Do in Quzhou
All Attractions ›
- Jianglang Mountain National Geopark - Three dramatic granite peaks rising above terraced valleys, UNESCO Global Geopark with cliffside paths.
- Longyou Caves (Longyou Grottoes) - Huge hand-excavated underground caverns dating to ancient times, eerie chambers and stonework.
- Quzhou Museum - Local history and archaeology displays tracing Quzhou's regional culture and traditional crafts.
- Qianjiangyuan National Forest Park - Remote watershed forest, waterfalls and hiking trails where locals go to escape city.
- Qianjiangyuan National Forest Park - Remote watershed forest, waterfalls and hiking trails where locals go to escape city.
- Quzhou Confucian Temple (Quzhou Kongmiao) - Quiet courtyards and carved stone tablets reflecting the city's scholarly traditions.
- Jiangshan Old Street - A cluster of preserved lanes with Qing-era shops, tea houses and local snacks.
- Quzhou Museum - Local history and archaeology displays tracing Quzhou's regional culture and traditional crafts.
- Jianglang Mountain National Geopark - About one to two hours' drive from Quzhou; dramatic hiking and panoramic viewpoints.
- Longyou Caves (Longyou Grottoes) - Roughly an hour's drive; explore gigantic subterranean chambers and local museum exhibits.
- Qianjiangyuan National Forest Park - Up to two hours by car, excellent for day hikes, waterfalls and birdwatching.
- Jiangshan Old Street - Historic lanes with traditional shops, tea houses and regional snacks favored by locals.
Plan Your Visit to Quzhou #
Best Time to Visit Quzhou #
Visit Quzhou in spring or autumn for mild temperatures, blooming hills and clearer skies - perfect for hiking and temple visits. Summers are hot, humid and typhoon-prone; winters are cool, damp and gray.
Best Time to Visit Quzhou #
Quzhou's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 34°C. Abundant rainfall (1608 mm/year), wettest in June.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (162 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (176 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C. Heavy rain (233 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (281 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is the hottest month, feeling like 36°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (159 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 35°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (108 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (117 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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How to Get to Quzhou
Quzhou is easiest to reach by rail from nearby hubs, with Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) and Shanghai's airports used by most air travelers. The city's main rail gateway is Quzhou Railway Station (衢州站), which links to high‑speed services to Hangzhou and Shanghai.
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH): From HGH you typically transfer to Hangzhou East Railway Station by airport shuttle bus or metro (shuttle ~¥20, 35-50 min; metro fare ~¥3-8, 40-60 min depending on route). From Hangzhou East catch a high‑speed train to Quzhou (second‑class seat typically around ¥60-90, about 1-1.5 hours). Some travelers also use long‑distance coaches from the airport to Quzhou (when available) for roughly ¥80-120 and 2.5-3.5 hours.
Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) / Shanghai Pudong (PVG): The fastest land option from Shanghai is Shanghai Hongqiao: high‑speed trains to Quzhou take about 2-2.5 hours (second‑class ~¥120-160). From Pudong add a transfer to Hongqiao by metro or maglev (metro ¥5-10; maglev ~¥50) or take a direct coach-total travel time from PVG is commonly 3-4 hours and total cost ~¥150-220 depending on transfers.
Train: Quzhou is served by the national rail network; most visitors arrive at Quzhou Railway Station (衢州站) on high‑speed lines. Regular G/D‑class trains connect Quzhou with Hangzhou East and Shanghai Hongqiao - typical travel times are about 1-1.5 hours from Hangzhou and 2-2.5 hours from Shanghai; second‑class tickets commonly range from ¥50-160 depending on distance and service. Book tickets on China Railway 12306 or reputable agent apps; arrive 20-30 minutes before departure.
Bus: Long‑distance coaches run to Quzhou’s main coach stations (客运中心/long‑distance bus station) from nearby cities including Hangzhou, Lishui and Shanghai; journey times vary from ~2.5 to 4 hours and fares commonly fall between ¥40-120. Inside the prefecture, regular city buses are very cheap (typically ¥1-2) and there are airport/coach shuttles linking major transport hubs and the city centre.
How to Get Around Quzhou
Quzhou is easiest to navigate by combining high‑speed rail for intercity travel with taxis or Didi for door‑to‑door transfers. Local buses and shared bikes are cheap and practical for short journeys, while the central districts are pleasant to explore on foot.
- High‑speed rail (¥50-160) - High‑speed trains are the most convenient way to reach Quzhou from regional hubs. Services to/from Hangzhou East and Shanghai Hongqiao are frequent; second‑class fares are modest and travel times are competitive for day trips. Use the 12306 website or apps to check schedules and buy e‑tickets in advance.
- Intercity coach (¥40-120) - Long‑distance coaches serve Quzhou from Hangzhou, Shanghai and neighbouring cities; they're useful if train seats are sold out or if you prefer a direct airport‑to‑city option. Coaches take longer than high‑speed trains but can be cheaper and run from multiple terminals - check the departure station (客运站/coach station) before booking.
- Local buses (¥1-2) - Quzhou's city buses are very inexpensive (typically ¥1-2) and cover most urban and suburban routes. Buses can be slow at peak times; for unfamiliar routes, ask at your hotel or use a map app to identify stops. Cash and local transport cards are commonly accepted.
- Taxis & Didi (¥10-40) - Taxis and ride‑hailing (Didi) are widely available and convenient for last‑mile trips, airport transfers and travel outside bus hours. Flagfall plus per‑kilometre charges mean short rides across town typically cost ¥10-40; expect higher fares at night or for long suburban trips. Confirm the fare or use the app estimate to avoid surprises.
- Bikes & e‑bikes (¥1-10/hr) - Shared bicycles and electric scooters are common for short trips in the centre - convenient for sightseeing and quick errands. Prices are low (usually a few yuan per half hour), but watch for local rules and parking requirements; e‑bikes are especially useful on hilly stretches.
- Walking - Much of Quzhou's central area is compact and walkable, with shops, markets and many attractions reachable on foot. Walking is the best way to explore narrow streets and local neighborhoods; wear comfortable shoes and plan for summer heat or winter chill.
Where to Stay in Quzhou #
- Local guesthouses and inns (Quzhou listings) - Affordable, basic Chinese-style rooms.
- Local economy hotels (Trip.com listings) - Budget options across town.
- Jiutao Hotel Quzhou (local mid-range) - Comfortable, central location.
- Yuelong Hotel Quzhou - Good facilities and service.
- Jinjiang Inn Select / higher-end regional hotels - Upgraded facilities in chain properties.
- Premium hotels in Quzhou listings - Best available local luxury.
- Central Quzhou hotels (Booking listings) - Easy access to transport and sites.
- Jiutao Hotel Quzhou - Good base for initial visits.
- Yuelong Hotel Quzhou - Family rooms and dining.
- Jiutao Hotel Quzhou - Comfortable for families.
- Jiutao Hotel Quzhou - Stable Wi‑Fi and desks.
- Yuelong Hotel Quzhou - Business facilities and internet.
Where to Eat in Quzhou #
Nightlife in Quzhou #
Quzhou is a mid-sized city in Zhejiang with an evening scene built around pedestrian streets, KTV (karaoke) complexes and late-night restaurants. Night markets and riverside promenades are lively in warmer months; KTVs and teahouses keep evenings active. Practical tips: many places accept mobile payments; KTVs are open late and ideal for groups; ride-hailing apps are available for late returns.
Best Bets
- Pedestrian shopping streets - Nighttime street-food stalls, cafés and casual shopping options.
- KTV (karaoke) complexes - Private rooms and late-night singing popular with local groups.
- Riverside promenades and parks - Evening walks and cafés along scenic waterways.
- Night markets and food stalls - Local snacks and bustling stalls during warmer months.
- Tea houses and dessert cafés - Calmer evening spots for conversation and traditional teas.
- Hangzhou/Quzhou regional hubs - Take a regional trip for larger clubs, craft bars and live music.
Shopping in Quzhou #
Quzhou’s shopping mixes contemporary mall culture with a historic old town and local specialty markets. You’ll find national-brand malls for electronics and fashion plus older streets selling regional teas, snacks and traditional crafts. Weeknight and weekend markets offer good value on groceries and local specialties; try local tea and handicrafts as souvenirs. Most urban shopping centers accept mobile payments and offer multi-level food courts.
Best Bets
- Quzhou Wanda Plaza - Large shopping mall with brands, dining and a cinema.
- Quzhou Old Town / Ancient City streets - Historic streets with snack stalls and traditional shops.
- Local tea shops and markets - Shops selling regional teas and tea-related gifts.
- Commercial streets near the train station - Electronics shops, clothes stores and daily conveniences.
- Weekend markets and produce bazaars - Fresh produce, street food and small household goods vendors.
- Local department stores and supermarkets - One-stop shopping for groceries, clothing and home items.
