Chuzhou 3-Day Guide: Langya Mountain & Zuiweng Pavilion
Schwarz
Article
Chuzhou 3-Day Guide: Langya Mountain & Zuiweng Pavilion
Chuzhou 3-Day Guide: The Old Drunkard's Pavilion and the Poetry of Langya Mountain
Chuzhou, a thousand-year-old city in eastern Anhui Province, was immortalized by the Northern Song dynasty literary giant Ouyang Xiu in his timeless essay "Record of the Old Drunkard's Pavilion" (Zuiweng Ting Ji). The opening line — "The district of Chu is surrounded by mountains" — captures the essence of this poetic city nestled between the Yangtze and Huaihe Rivers. Situated on the western edge of the Yangtze River Delta, just 60 kilometers from Nanjing (an 18-minute high-speed train ride), Chuzhou offers a tranquil, cultured escape from the bustle of metropolitan China.
📍 City Profile
- Chinese Name: 滁州市 (Chúzhōu Shì)
- Nickname: "City of Pavilions" (亭城)
- Location: Eastern Anhui Province, western Yangtze River Delta
- Area: Approximately 13,500 km²
- Population: ~3.94 million (2020 census)
- Language: Jianghuai Mandarin (江淮官话)
- Climate: Subtropical monsoon, four distinct seasons, annual average ~16°C (61°F)
- Best Time to Visit: April–May and September–October — pleasant weather, scenery at its finest
- Area Code: 0550
- License Plate: 皖M
🚄 Transportation Guide
🚄 High-Speed Train
Chuzhou sits on the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway corridor, served by Chuzhou Station (高铁站) and Chuzhou North Station (普速站).
- Nanjing South → Chuzhou: ~18 minutes, second-class ¥30
- Hefei South → Chuzhou: ~40 minutes, second-class ¥70
- Shanghai Hongqiao → Chuzhou: ~2 hours, second-class ¥160
- Beijing South → Chuzhou: ~4 hours, second-class ¥450
✈️ Air Travel
Chuzhou currently has no civilian airport (Langya Airport is under planning). Fly into these nearby hubs:
- Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG): 60 km away, ~1 hour by car
- Hefei Xinqiao International Airport (HFE): 120 km away, ~2 hours by car
🚌 Long-Distance Bus
- Nanjing → Chuzhou: Xiaguan Bus Station, departs every 15 minutes, ¥25, ~40-minute trip
- Hefei → Chuzhou: Hefei Bus Terminal, departs every 30 minutes, ¥55, ~2.5-hour trip
🏙️ Getting Around
- Public Bus: ¥1–2 per ride, covers all major attractions
- Taxi: Flag-down rate ¥7 (includes 2 km)
- Ride-Hailing: Didi and other platforms widely available
- Bike-Sharing: Hello Bike, Meituan Bike available in urban areas
🗺️ Recommended 3-Day Itinerary
🚶 Day 1: Langya Mountain — Tracing the Drunkard's Footsteps
Morning (8:00 AM–12:00 PM): Langya Mountain Scenic Area Begin at Chuzhou's crown jewel — Langya Mountain National Scenic Area. The largest tourist destination in eastern Anhui, spanning 115 km², it combines breathtaking natural scenery with profound cultural heritage.
- Admission: Peak season (Mar–Nov) ¥95, off-peak ¥80
- Hours: 8:00 AM–5:30 PM
- Suggested duration: 4–6 hours
Head straight to the Zuiweng Pavilion (Old Drunkard's Pavilion) — hailed as the "Number One Pavilion Under Heaven." This iconic structure became a symbol of Chinese literati spirit thanks to Ouyang Xiu's masterpiece. Beside the pavilion stands a stone tablet bearing Su Shi's calligraphic transcription of the essay — a double treasure of literature and art. Stand before the pavilion and recite the famous line: "The Old Drunkard's interest lies not in wine, but in the landscape of mountains and rivers" — and you'll feel the elegance of a thousand years past.
Next, visit Langya Temple, founded during the Tang Dynasty's Dali era (766–779 CE). Ancient trees tower overhead as temple bells echo through the valley. The Mahavira Hall commands attention with its grandeur. Don't miss the Beamless Hall (Wuliang Dian) — an architectural marvel built entirely of brick and stone, without a single piece of wood.
Lunch (12:00 PM–1:30 PM): Vegetarian fare or downtown dining Sample temple vegetarian cuisine at Jixin Zhai beside Langya Temple (¥30–50 per person), or head downtown for local specialties.
Afternoon (2:00 PM–5:00 PM): Shenxiu Lake + South Heaven Gate Continue to Shenxiu Lake (Deep Elegance Lake), its jade-green waters surrounded by verdant hills — the very scene Ouyang Xiu described as "luxuriantly deep and elegantly beautiful." Stroll along the shore, capture photos, and soak in the harmony of mountain, water, and forest.
Climb to South Heaven Gate (Nantianmen) — the highest point on Langya Mountain at approximately 317 meters above sea level. The panoramic view from the summit encompasses all of Chuzhou, with the distant Yangtze River shimmering like a silver ribbon.
Evening (5:30 PM–7:30 PM): Riverside Stroll + Dinner Return to the city center and take a leisurely walk through Qingliu River Park. Tree-lined paths along the river offer a perfect setting to unwind. For dinner, savor Chuzhou specialties:
- Qinlan Braised Goose (秦栏卤鹅, ¥35/half)
- Nüshan Lake Hairy Crab (女山湖大闸蟹, ¥50–80 each, autumn seasonal)
- Guanba Braised Beef (管坝牛肉, ¥58 per serving)
Recommended Accommodation:
- Wanda Realm Chuzhou (5-star, ¥380–600/night)
- Jinpeng Plaza Hotel Chuzhou (4-star, ¥220–350/night)
- Guesthouses at the foot of Langya Mountain (boutique, ¥150–280/night)
🚶 Day 2: Fengyang — Imperial Hometown and Flower Drum Rhythms
Morning (8:30 AM–12:00 PM): Ming Imperial Mausoleum (Ming Huangling) Head to Fengyang County (~60 km from downtown Chuzhou, 1-hour drive). Fengyang is the birthplace of Zhu Yuanzhang, founder of the Ming Dynasty, and also the cradle of China's rural reforms. Visit the Ming Imperial Mausoleum — built by Zhu Yuanzhang for his parents and elder siblings. The grand Sacred Way features exquisitely carved stone statues, ranking among China's most significant imperial tombs.
- Admission: ¥50
- Hours: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Suggested duration: 1.5–2 hours
Lunch (12:00 PM–1:00 PM): Fengyang local cuisine Try Fengyang's signature dishes: Fengyang Stuffed Tofu (凤阳酿豆腐, ¥28) — crispy on the outside, tender within, said to be Zhu Yuanzhang's favorite dish — and cold dishes dressed with imperial-grade sesame oil.
Afternoon (1:30 PM–4:30 PM): Ming Zhongdu Drum Tower + Longxing Temple Visit the Ming Zhongdu Drum Tower (admission ¥30), a surviving structure from the Ming Dynasty's planned "Central Capital." Standing approximately 20 meters tall, it offers views over Fengyang and evokes the grandeur of a would-be imperial capital.
Then proceed to Longxing Temple (admission ¥20), originally named Yuhuang Temple, where the young Zhu Yuanzhang once served as a novice monk. The temple houses a statue of the emperor and stone inscriptions chronicling his early life.
Late Afternoon (5:00 PM–6:00 PM): Xiaogang Village (Optional) If time permits, visit Xiaogang Village — the "First Village of China's Rural Reform." In 1978, 18 farmers secretly signed a contract with their fingerprints here, triggering China's reform and opening-up. The "Big Contract" Memorial Hall (free admission) tells this pivotal chapter of Chinese history.
Return to downtown Chuzhou in the evening. Dinner recommendations: Leiguan Pressed Salted Duck (雷官板鸭, ¥48/whole), Chihe Snowflake Cake (池河雪片糕, ¥12/box) for dessert. Explore Wanda Plaza or Tianchang Road Pedestrian Street to experience Chuzhou's modern side.
🚶 Day 3: Forest Bathing + Karst Wonders
Morning (8:30 AM–12:00 PM): Huangfushan National Forest Park Journey to Huangfushan National Forest Park in Nanqiao District (~30 km, 40-minute drive). Straddling the Yangtze-Huaihe watershed, this pristine forest boasts 96% coverage and is known as the "Natural Oxygen Bar of Eastern Anhui."
- Admission: ¥40
- Hours: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Suggested duration: 3–4 hours
The park features rolling hills, murmuring streams, and well-maintained trails. Spring brings azaleas blanketing the slopes, while autumn transforms the landscape into a sea of crimson. Climb Huangfu Peak (399 m) for sweeping views of the Yangtze-Huaihe divide. Watch for rare flora and birds along the way.
Lunch (12:00 PM–1:00 PM): Farmhouse Dining Enjoy authentic farmhouse cuisine at the foot of Huangfu Mountain (¥40–60/person): free-range chicken soup, wild mountain vegetables, and reservoir fish head stew — fresh, rustic, and deeply satisfying.
Afternoon (2:00 PM–4:30 PM): Jiushan Cave + Return Head to Jiushan Cave in Dingyuan County (admission ¥50), a magnificent karst cave system. Stalactites, stalagmites, stone curtains, and stone flowers adorn the 1,500-meter-long cavern, alongside a crystal-clear underground river. Known as the "Number One Cave North of the Yangtze," it astonishes with nature's subterranean artistry (allow ~1.5 hours).
Before departure, pick up souvenirs:
- Chu Chrysanthemum Tea (滁菊, ¥30–80/box): One of China's Four Famous Chrysanthemums — fragrant and sweet
- Langya Crisp Candy (琅琊酥糖, ¥15–25/box): A century-old traditional confection
- Mingguang Mung Beans (明光绿豆, ¥20/jin): Premium quality, perfect for congee
- Tianchang Gorgon Fruit (天长芡实, ¥35/bag): An aquatic health tonic
🍜 Must-Eat Food
🥇 Signature Dishes
| Dish | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Qinlan Braised Goose | ¥35–50/half | Tianchang's pride — rich braising liquid, succulent meat |
| Guanba Beef | ¥58–68/serving | Quanjiao specialty — intensely aromatic, melt-in-your-mouth tender |
| Leiguan Pressed Duck | ¥45–55/whole | Lai'an traditional dish — white skin, tender meat, perfectly salted |
| Nüshan Lake Hairy Crab | ¥50–120 each | Mingguang's autumnal treasure — rich roe, sweet flesh |
🥈 Local Snacks
- Fengyang Stuffed Tofu (凤阳酿豆腐): Tofu stuffed with seasoned minced meat, pan-fried golden — crispy outside, tender inside. ¥25–30
- Langya Crisp Candy (琅琊酥糖): Crunchy, sweet, melts in your mouth — Chuzhou's most famous souvenir. ¥15–25/box
- Chihe Snowflake Cake (池河雪片糕): White as snow, thin as paper, delicately sweet. ¥10–15/box
- Tianchang Sweet Cake (天长甘露饼): Flaky layered pastry, sweet or savory. ¥12–18/bag
- Lai'an Flower Cake (来安花红): Traditional rice confection shaped like blossoms. ¥8–12
🍵 Local Drinks
- Chu Chrysanthemum Tea (滁菊茶): One of China's top four chrysanthemums — clears heat, brightens eyes. ¥5–15/cup
- Langya Spring Water: Mountain spring water brewed with local tea — a distinctive flavor
- Mingguang Mung Bean Soup (明光绿豆汤): Perfect cooling drink for summer. ¥5–8/bowl
💡 Practical Tips
📅 Best Time to Visit
- Spring (April–May): Azaleas bloom on Langya Mountain, mild weather — peak travel season
- Autumn (September–October): Clear skies, crisp air, hairy crab season
- Summer (June–August): Hot and rainy, but the mountains offer cool respite
- Winter (December–February): Chilly, but Langya Mountain after snowfall is enchanting
🎭 Festivals & Events
- Langya Mountain Temple Fair (9th day of 1st lunar month, usually February): The largest folk festival in eastern Anhui, bustling with worshippers and vendors
- Fengyang Flower Drum Cultural Tourism Festival (September–October): Enjoy authentic Fengyang Flower Drum performances — an intangible cultural heritage
- China Farmers' Song Festival (irregular): Held in Xiaogang Village, celebrating the new countryside
💰 Budget Reference (per person/day)
- Budget: ¥150–250 (hostel + simple meals + public bus)
- Mid-range: ¥350–600 (3-star hotel + proper meals + taxi)
- Premium: ¥700–1,200 (5-star hotel + specialty dining + chartered car)
📝 Important Notes
- Langya Mountain is extensive — wear comfortable walking shoes and bring plenty of water
- In summer, bring mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and rain gear
- Attractions in Fengyang and Dingyuan are spread out — chartered car recommended (¥300–500/day)
- For farmhouse meals, call ahead to reserve
- Buy Chu Chrysanthemum and other specialties from reputable shops — check quality carefully
- Temple Fair draws enormous crowds — mind your safety and belongings
📱 Useful Information
- Tourist Hotline: 0550-12301
- Emergency/Ambulance: 120
- Police: 110
- Recommended Apps: Amap (Gaode) for navigation, Meituan/Dianping for dining, 12306 for train tickets, Ctrip for hotels
Chuzhou is a vastly underrated travel destination. It lacks the dramatic peaks of Huangshan or the refined beauty of Hongcun Village, but Langya Mountain's literary soul, the Zuiweng Pavilion's timeless prose, Fengyang's imperial legacy, and the authentic local cuisine hidden among hills and rivers create a Chuzhou that is uniquely itself — a city that rewards those who take three days to savor it slowly.
As Ouyang Xiu wrote: "When drunk, I share their joy; when sober, I record it in writing." Come to Chuzhou — get drunk on its landscapes, and awaken to its literature. This is travel at its finest.