Huzhou

Huzhou (湖州) is a historic city in northern Zhejiang Province, located south of Taihu Lake (太湖) and surrounded by Jiangnan landscapes of mountains, rivers, tea gardens, and ancient water towns. With a history of more than 2,000 years, Huzhou is famous for its silk culture, ink brush craftsmanship, tea heritage, traditional arts, and peaceful countryside scenery.

• Nanxun Ancient Town (南浔古镇) – Elegant Jiangnan Water Town: Nanxun is one of the most beautiful ancient towns in the Yangtze River Delta, known for its canals, stone bridges, traditional residences, and wealthy merchant culture. Unlike many water towns, Nanxun combines Jiangnan architecture with Western influences from its historic trading era.
• Moganshan Mountain (莫干山) – Mountain Retreat & Nature Escape: Moganshan is one of Zhejiang’s most famous mountain resorts, offering bamboo forests, fresh air, hiking trails, waterfalls, and historic villas. It is a popular destination for relaxation, wellness holidays, outdoor activities, and eco-tourism.
• Taihu Lake Scenery (太湖风光): Located beside one of China’s largest freshwater lakes, Huzhou offers beautiful waterfront landscapes, wetlands, and leisure areas. Visitors can enjoy lake views, cycling routes, boating, and local seafood experiences.
• Huzhou Ink Brush Culture (湖笔文化): Huzhou is known as the “Hometown of the Ink Brush (毛笔之乡)” and has a long history of brush-making dating back more than 2,000 years. Huzhou brushes (湖笔) are considered among the finest traditional Chinese calligraphy brushes, playing an important role in Chinese painting and calligraphy culture.
• Silk Heritage (丝绸文化): Huzhou is one of the birthplaces of Chinese silk production. With a history dating back to ancient times, Huzhou silk was once an important imperial tribute during the Tang Dynasty and later became famous internationally. Visitors can learn about traditional silk weaving, silk products, and Jiangnan textile culture.
• Tea Culture & Lu Yu Heritage (茶文化与陆羽): Huzhou is closely connected with Chinese tea history. The famous Tea Saint Lu Yu (陆羽) lived in the region and wrote the “Classic of Tea (茶经)”, the world’s first major book on tea culture. Visitors can explore tea gardens, taste local teas, and experience traditional tea culture.
• Traditional Performing Arts: Huzhou has a rich local arts heritage, including Hu Opera (湖剧), Huzhou Qinshu (湖州琴书), and Huzhou Santiao (湖州三跳). These traditional performances reflect the language, lifestyle, and artistic traditions of northern Zhejiang.
• Jiangnan Cuisine & Local Specialties: Huzhou cuisine reflects the delicate flavors of Zhejiang cuisine. Local specialties include Huzhou Zongzi (湖州粽子), freshwater fish dishes, bamboo products, tea-based foods, and traditional Jiangnan snacks.
• Culture, Education & Talents: Thanks to its fertile land and long history, Huzhou has nurtured many scholars, artists, and craftsmen. The city’s culture combines Jiangnan elegance with traditions of literature, calligraphy, tea, and craftsmanship.