Quzhou

Quzhou (衢州) is a historic city in western Zhejiang Province, located along the upper reaches of the Qiantang River and serving as an important cultural gateway connecting Zhejiang with Fujian, Jiangxi, and Anhui. Known as a National Forest City and an excellent leisure destination, Quzhou combines Confucian heritage, mountains, forests, ancient towns, and diverse regional cultures.

• Confucian Heritage & Southern Confucius Family (南孔文化): Quzhou is famous as the home of the southern branch of the Confucius family. During the Southern Song Dynasty, descendants of Confucius moved south from Qufu to Quzhou, creating a unique cultural tradition known as “Southern Confucianism (南孔文化)”. Today, visitors can explore the Confucius Family Temple of Quzhou (衢州孔氏家庙) and experience centuries-old Confucian traditions.
• Jianglang Mountain (江郎山) – UNESCO Natural Wonder: One of Quzhou’s most spectacular attractions, Jianglang Mountain is famous for its three giant stone peaks rising dramatically from the landscape. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the China Danxia landform, it offers impressive scenery, hiking trails, and unique geological formations.
• Lanke Mountain (烂柯山) – Legendary Cultural Mountain: Lanke Mountain is one of Quzhou’s most famous cultural landmarks and is associated with ancient Chinese legends about chess and immortals. The mountain combines natural scenery with Taoist traditions, caves, temples, and historical stories.
• Beautiful Forests & Natural Landscapes: Quzhou is known for its excellent ecological environment, with forests, rivers, mountains, and countryside landscapes. Scenic areas such as Sanqu Stone Forest (三衢石林) and surrounding mountain regions provide opportunities for hiking, photography, and eco-tourism.
• Ancient Villages & Local Culture: Quzhou preserves many traditional villages and historic neighborhoods featuring old architecture, ancestral halls, and local customs. Its location at the crossroads of Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Anhui, and Fujian has created a unique blend of dialects, food traditions, and lifestyles.
• Rich Food Culture: Quzhou cuisine reflects the influence of neighboring regions and is known for strong flavors. Local specialties include Quzhou San Tou Yi Zhang (衢州三头一掌), featuring rabbit head, duck head, fish head, and duck feet, as well as spicy dishes influenced by western Zhejiang culinary traditions.
• Leisure & Outdoor Experiences: With abundant forests and mountains, Quzhou is ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, nature walks, and countryside exploration. Its clean environment and slower pace make it a relaxing destination away from crowded cities.
• Cultural Diversity & Regional Connections: As a western Zhejiang city bordering multiple provinces, Quzhou has developed a diverse cultural identity influenced by Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Fujian, and Anhui. Visitors can experience different architectural styles, traditions, dialects, and lifestyles in one destination.