Longyou County, Quzhou City, Zhejiang – Travel Guide

Longyou County, Quzhou, Zhejiang — a millennia-old county, home to the Eighth Wonder of the World Longyou Grottoes, Ming and Qing ancient architectural complexes and other attractions. Unlock the mystery of the grottoes and the beauty of ancient architecture in a 2-day 1-night trip.

2200+
County History (years)
13
National Key Cultural Relic Protection Units
1
Unsolved World Mystery (Longyou Grottoes)
4
Number of A-Level Scenic Areas
Interior view of Longyou Grottoes, Longyou County
Longyou Grottoes Wonder – Landmark of Longyou County
The Longyou Grottoes are among the highest level of ancient underground man-made structures in China, hailed as the "Eighth Wonder of the World". Their construction date and purpose remain a mystery to this day.

Longyou County Two-Day One-Night Exploration Tour

Mystery of the grottoes, beauty of ancient architecture, legend of rosewood

Duration
2 Days 1 Night
Main Destinations
Longyou Grottoes, Longyou Folk Residence Garden, Longtian Rosewood Town, Sanmenyuan Ancient Village, Jiming Mountain Park
Suitable For
History enthusiasts, architecture lovers, families, photography fans
Budget per Person
¥450-¥900
01
Grotto Exploration & Ancient Architecture Tour
Longyou Grottoes · Longyou Folk Residence Garden · Jiming Mountain Park
Highlights

Morning: Explore the Longyou Grottoes and unravel the millennia-old mystery. Noon: Taste Longyou specialty dishes. Afternoon: Stroll through the Folk Residence Garden to admire ancient architecture. Evening: Climb Jiming Mountain for a panoramic view of the county town.

Attractions
Longyou Grottoes
National AAAA-level scenic area, consisting of 24 grottoes of varying sizes. The caves feature exquisite chisel marks and well-arranged stone pillars. Their construction date and purpose remain a mystery, earning them the title "Eighth Wonder of the World".
Longyou Folk Residence Garden
National key cultural relic protection unit, centrally protecting and relocating over 30 Ming and Qing ancient buildings, including ancestral halls, residences, academies, etc., providing important physical materials for the study of Jiangnan ancient architecture.
Jiming Mountain Park
Located on the north side of Longyou county town, named for its rooster-like shape. Features Jiming Pagoda, Martyrs Cemetery and other attractions. From the summit, you can overlook the entire county town and the Qujiang River scenery.
Practical Info
Accommodation
  • Hotels in Longyou county town
  • B&Bs near Folk Residence Garden
  • Farm stays near the Grottoes scenic area
Food Recommendations
  • Longyou Fermented Rice Cake (Fa Gao)
  • Longyou Rice Paste (Mi Hu)
  • Three Heads and One Paw
  • Longyou Small Wontons
  • Beixiang Tangyuan (Glutinous Rice Balls)
Travel Tips
  • Hiring a guide (¥50) at Longyou Grottoes is recommended to understand the history
  • The grottoes are relatively cool inside; bring a light jacket
  • Attractions are close to each other; taxis or shared bikes are convenient
  • Use a wide-angle lens for photography at the Folk Residence Garden
02
Rosewood Art & Ancient Village Charm
Longtian Rosewood Town · Sanmenyuan Ancient Village · Return
Highlights

Morning: Tour Longtian Rosewood Town to experience traditional craftsmanship. Noon: Taste ancient village folk cuisine. Afternoon: Explore Sanmenyuan Ancient Village. Evening: End the trip and return.

Attractions
Longtian Rosewood Town
National AAAA-level scenic area, centered on rosewood culture, integrating rosewood crafting, display, tourism and leisure. Features a rosewood palace, rosewood corridor and other characteristic buildings, grand in scale.
Sanmenyuan Ancient Village
A provincial historical and cultural village, first built in the Song Dynasty. The village preserves a large number of Ming and Qing buildings, most notably the Ye Family Residence. Nestled between mountains and rivers, it boasts beautiful scenery and rich folk culture.
Practical Info
Transportation
  • Take bus 501 from county town to Longtian Rosewood Town (about 40 minutes)
  • Self-driving recommended from Rosewood Town to Sanmenyuan Ancient Village (about 1 hour)
  • Roads in Sanmenyuan Ancient Village are narrow; park at the village entrance
  • Return to county town and take high-speed rail to various destinations
Ticket Info
  • Longyou Grottoes: ¥85
  • Longyou Folk Residence Garden: ¥50
  • Longtian Rosewood Town: ¥60
  • Sanmenyuan Ancient Village: Free
  • Jiming Mountain Park: Free
Featured Experiences
  • 3D Light Show at Longyou Grottoes
  • Rubbing activity on ancient buildings at Folk Residence Garden
  • Handmade wood carving experience at Rosewood Town
  • Paper-cutting workshop in Sanmenyuan Ancient Village
  • Taste freshly made Longyou Fermented Rice Cake

Must-Try Foods in Longyou County

Longyou Fermented Rice Cake (Fa Gao)

A landmark traditional food of Longyou County, made from glutinous rice with sugar, lard and other ingredients steamed to perfection. Soft texture, sweet and delicious, a festive staple, known as the "No.1 Cake in Jiangnan".

Longyou Rice Paste (Mi Hu)

A Longyou specialty breakfast, made by mixing rice flour into a paste and cooking with dried bamboo shoots, dried shrimp, pork and other ingredients. Smooth texture and delicious flavor, a beloved traditional morning meal for locals.

Beixiang Tangyuan (Glutinous Rice Balls)

A specialty snack from Beixiang, Longyou. The tangyuan skin is made from glutinous rice with various fillings such as sesame, red bean paste, and pork. Cooked and served with a special broth, offering a unique flavor.

Longyou Small Wontons

A Longyou traditional snack, with wonton wrappers as thin as paper, tender fillings, and a delicious broth. Often served with chopped green onions, dried shrimp and other condiments, it is a common local delicacy.

Longyou County Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Spring (Mar-May): Pleasant weather, ideal for spring outings and historical visits
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Night-time Grottoes Light Show experience available
  • Autumn (Sep-Nov): Clear skies, great for photography and sketching
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Taste New Year specialty Longyou Fermented Rice Cake
Must-Do Experiences
  • Explore the millennia-old mystery of Longyou Grottoes
  • Admire Jiangnan ancient architecture at Folk Residence Garden
  • Experience wood carving craftsmanship at Rosewood Town
  • Feel traditional folk customs in Sanmenyuan Ancient Village
  • Taste authentic Longyou Fermented Rice Cake making process
Budget Reference
  • Tickets & Experiences: approx. ¥200-250
  • Accommodation: ¥120-300 (1 night)
  • Meals: ¥80-150/day
  • Transport: ¥50-100
  • Total: ¥450-900
FAQ
  • How to get to Longyou County? → Direct high-speed rail to Longyou Station on Shanghai-Kunming line; convenient transportation
  • How long to visit Longyou Grottoes? → Recommended 2-3 hours
  • Where can I buy authentic Longyou Fermented Rice Cake? → Several time-honored shops on the county town's old street
  • What specialties are worth buying in Longyou? → Longyou Fermented Rice Cake, Longyou White Lotus, Zhitang White Lotus

Explore Districts & Counties in Quzhou City