Kaihua County, Quzhou City, Zhejiang – Travel Guide

Kaihua County, Quzhou, Zhejiang — the source of the Qiantang River, home to the Root Palace Buddha Country, Qianjiangyuan and other famous attractions. A 3-day 2-night trip to experience the unique charm of root carving art and pristine landscape.

80.4%
Forest Coverage Rate
1
National 5A Scenic Area (Root Palace Buddha Country)
2
National Nature Reserves
1
Hometown of Chinese Root Carving Art
Root carving Buddha statue landscape at Root Palace Buddha Country, Kaihua County
Root Palace Buddha Country Root Carving Art – Landmark of Kaihua County
The Root Palace Buddha Country Cultural Tourism Zone is a national 5A scenic area, housing thousands of root carving artworks, acclaimed as the "No.1 Marvelous Garden Under Heaven", a masterpiece of root carving art.

Kaihua County Three-Day Two-Night Eco-Cultural Tour

Root carving art, source of the Qiantang River, primeval secret realm

Duration
3 Days 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Root Palace Buddha Country, Qianjiangyuan, Gutian Mountain, Colorful Changhong, Nanhua Mountain
Suitable For
Culture lovers, ecology explorers, photography enthusiasts, families with children
Budget per Person
¥700–¥1500
01
Root Carving Art & Mountain City Charm
Root Palace Buddha Country Cultural Tourism Zone · Nanhua Mountain Scenic Area
Highlights

Morning: Explore the Root Palace Buddha Country to appreciate root carving art. Noon: Taste Kaihua specialties. Afternoon: Visit Nanhua Mountain to enjoy mountain city scenery. Evening: Check into the county town and experience the night view.

Attractions
Root Palace Buddha Country Cultural Tourism Zone
National AAAAA-level scenic area, centered on root carving art, integrating root carving creation, exhibition and research. Houses thousands of large-scale root carving works, among which the "Future Buddha" and other pieces are considered world-class wonders.
Nanhua Mountain Scenic Area
Provincial-level scenic area, characterized by "danger, wonder, seclusion, antiquity". Forest coverage rate as high as 95%, featuring waterfalls, strange peaks, ancient temples and other landscapes, an ideal place for leisure and summer escape.
Practical Info
Accommodation
  • Hotels in Kaihua county town
  • B&Bs near Root Palace Buddha Country
  • Farm stays at Nanhua Mountain Scenic Area
Food Recommendations
  • Kaihua Clear Water Fish
  • Kaihua Green Snail
  • Eighteen Caves Smoked Pork
  • Rice Cake
  • Steamed Rice Sponge Cake (Qi Gao)
Travel Tips
  • Hiring a guide (¥80) at Root Palace Buddha Country is recommended to understand the works' backgrounds
  • Flash photography is prohibited inside the scenic area
  • Wear non-slip shoes for hiking at Nanhua Mountain
  • Protect against mosquitoes in summer
02
Qianjiangyuan Tracing & Rural Charm
Qianjiangyuan National Forest Park · Colorful Changhong Scenic Area
Highlights

Morning: Visit Qianjiangyuan to trace the source of the mother river. Noon: Taste organic farmhouse cuisine. Afternoon: Explore Colorful Changhong to experience rural charm. Evening: Stay in a rural guesthouse.

Attractions
Qianjiangyuan National Forest Park
National forest park, the source of the Qiantang River, with a forest coverage rate as high as 97%, known as the "Amazon Rainforest of China". The area is abundant with streams and waterfalls, maintaining a pristine ecosystem.
Colorful Changhong Scenic Area
National AAAA-level scenic area, featuring rural tourism. Composed of several ancient villages, with terraced fields, waterfalls, ancient bridges and other landscapes, a great place for experiencing rural life and photography.
Practical Info
Transportation
  • About 1.5 hours drive from county town to Qianjiangyuan
  • Self-driving or tourist shuttle recommended
  • Cycling is suitable for touring Colorful Changhong Scenic Area
  • Some sections are winding mountain roads; drive cautiously
Ticket Info
  • Root Palace Buddha Country Cultural Tourism Zone: ¥120
  • Nanhua Mountain Scenic Area: ¥50
  • Qianjiangyuan National Forest Park: ¥60
  • Gutian Mountain National Nature Reserve: ¥70
  • Colorful Changhong Scenic Area: Free
Featured Experiences
  • Root carving workshop experience at Root Palace Buddha Country
  • Stream tracing adventure at Qianjiangyuan
  • Terraced field photography at Colorful Changhong
  • Farm picking activities (seasonal)
  • Taste freshly made Kaihua Steamed Rice Sponge Cake (Qi Gao)
03
Primeval Secret Realm & Return
Gutian Mountain National Nature Reserve · Return Journey
Highlights

Morning: Explore Gutian Mountain to experience primeval forest. Noon: Taste forest-area specialties. Afternoon: End the trip and return.

Attractions
Gutian Mountain National Nature Reserve
National nature reserve, preserving a large area of primary secondary forest with rich biodiversity, known as the "Greater Khingan Range of Western Zhejiang", an important base for scientific research and ecotourism.
Practical Info
Shopping Recommendations
  • Kaihua Longding Tea
  • Root Carving Crafts
  • Kaihua Clear Water Fish Jerky
  • Green Snail Sauce
  • Gutian Mountain Dried Bamboo Shoots
Return Tips
  • About 1.5 hours drive from Gutian Mountain to Kaihua county town
  • Kaihua Station has direct high-speed trains to Hangzhou, Shanghai, etc.
  • Depart for the station 2 hours in advance
  • Weak signal in forest area; inform others of your itinerary before departure
In-depth Experience Suggestions
  • If time permits, add "Golden Creek Peach Blossom Charm Scenic Area"
  • Experience the process of making Kaihua Longding Tea
  • Participate in root carving art study courses
  • Visit the ancient village "Xiashan Ancient Residential Houses"

Must-Try Foods in Kaihua County

Kaihua Clear Water Fish

The iconic dish of Kaihua County, made from high-quality fish farmed in the clear waters of Qianjiangyuan, steamed or braised. The flesh is tender and delicious, a signature dish at local banquets.

Kaihua Green Snail

A Kaihua specialty snack, made from green snails collected from local streams, stir-fried with perilla, chili and other seasonings. Delicious in taste, it is a favorite appetizer among locals.

Kaihua Steamed Rice Sponge Cake (Qi Gao)

A traditional Kaihua specialty snack, made from rice flour fermented with distiller's grains and steamed. Meat, vegetables and other toppings can be added according to preference. Soft texture with a unique flavor.

Eighteen Caves Smoked Pork

A specialty dish from the mountainous area of Kaihua, made from local free-range pork cured and smoked. The meat is firm with a rich aroma, a traditional winter delicacy in the region.

Kaihua County Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Spring (Mar-May): Mountains full of flowers, ideal for spring outings and flower appreciation
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Cool climate, perfect for escaping the heat and stream tracing
  • Autumn (Sep-Nov): Layers of colorful forests, great for photography and sightseeing
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Fewer tourists, can experience mountain snow scenery
Must-Do Experiences
  • Appreciate giant root carving art at Root Palace Buddha Country
  • Explore the source of the Qiantang River at Qianjiangyuan
  • Hike in the primeval forest of Gutian Mountain
  • Taste authentic Kaihua Clear Water Fish
  • Experience root carving craftsmanship
Budget Reference
  • Tickets & Experiences: approx. ¥300–¥400
  • Accommodation: ¥150–¥400/night (2 nights total)
  • Meals: ¥80–¥150/day
  • Transport: ¥100–¥200
  • Total: ¥700–¥1500
FAQ
  • How to get to Kaihua County? → Kaihua Station by high-speed rail; about 1.5 hours from Hangzhou
  • How long to visit Root Palace Buddha Country? → Recommended 3-4 hours
  • Is Qianjiangyuan hiking difficult? → Routes of varying difficulty levels available, suitable for all types of visitors
  • What specialties are worth buying in Kaihua? → Kaihua Longding Tea, root carving crafts, Clear Water Fish jerky

Explore Districts & Counties in Quzhou City