Things To Do
in Chizhou
Chizhou is a prefecture-level city in southern Anhui province on the southern bank of the Yangtze River, known for its scenic landscapes and rich Buddhist heritage. The city is the gateway to Mount Jiuhua, one of China's four sacred Buddhist mountains, and surrounded by lakes, rivers and karst hills that make it attractive for outdoor activities. Chizhou's urban center blends quieter, traditional streets and teahouses with modern infrastructure and easy access to regional rail and road networks.
Visitors come for temple pilgrimages, lake cruises, local Anhui cuisine and a slower-paced, less-touristed experience compared with nearby Huangshan or Hangzhou.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Chizhou Museum, where you can immerse yourself in local history and culture through fascinating exhibits. Afterward, stroll through the ancient streets of the city center, admiring the traditional architecture and charming tea houses. Don't forget to stop by the local market to sample fresh produce and regional snacks.
In the afternoon, head to the picturesque Dongzhi Ancient Town, where you can explore the well-preserved traditional buildings and enjoy the serene atmosphere. Take a leisurely walk along the riverside and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding hills. As you wander, keep an eye out for local artisans showcasing their crafts.
As the sun sets, find a cozy restaurant in the historic center to indulge in a sumptuous dinner of regional specialties. After your meal, take a leisurely evening stroll along the Huashan River, where the reflections of the city lights create a magical ambiance. Conclude your night with a visit to a local tea house, enjoying a cup of fragrant tea while listening to traditional music.
Set off early to the stunning Huangshan Mountains, known for their breathtaking views and unique granite peaks. Hike along well-marked trails, soaking in the beauty of the lush landscapes and diverse flora. Don't miss the chance to capture the sunrise from one of the mountain's famous viewpoints, a sight that will leave you in awe.
After a morning of hiking, take a break at one of the mountain lodges for a hearty lunch. Continue your exploration by visiting the iconic 'Beginning-to-Believe Peak' and enjoy the panoramic vistas it offers. As you hike, keep your eyes peeled for the famous pine trees that cling to the cliffs, adding to the ethereal beauty of the mountains.
As evening falls, make your way back down the mountain and return to Chizhou. Treat yourself to a relaxing dinner at a local restaurant, savoring fresh ingredients and regional dishes. After dinner, take a leisurely walk through a nearby park to reflect on your day's adventures under the stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| 🍽️Meal at mid-range restaurant (two people) | $18-40 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel (per night) | $40-80 |
| 🚕Local taxi start / short ride | $1-3 |
| 🚌Local bus fare | $0.30-0.70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Scenic natural landscapes and Mount Jiuhua pilgrimage sites
- Less crowded than big tourist hubs—more authentic local experiences
- Good value for money on food and accommodation
- Convenient access to lakes, temples and riverside scenery
- Fewer international amenities and English speakers compared to major cities
- Limited nightlife and fewer large attractions beyond natural and cultural sites
- Summer rainfall and humidity can affect outdoor plans
- Mobile payment dominance can be tricky for visitors without local accounts
- "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "谢谢 (Xièxie)" - Thank you
- "请问……在哪里？ (Qǐngwèn... zài nǎlǐ?)" - Excuse me, where is...?
- "这个多少钱？ (Zhège duōshǎo qián?)" - How much is this?
- "我不吃肉 (Wǒ bù chī ròu)" - I don't eat meat
- "厕所在哪里？ (Cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?)" - Where is the restroom?
- "去九华山怎么走？ (Qù Jiǔhuáshān zěnme zǒu?)" - How do I get to Mount Jiuhua?
Places to Visit in Chizhou
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic Buddhist temples, winding mountain trails and dramatic mist-filled valleys—excellent for sunrise, temple architecture and mountain-cloud photography.
Clear water, tree-lined shores and rocky islets provide reflections and wide-water vistas; boat trips give varied photo angles.
Traditional streets, local life scenes, river views at dusk and illuminated bridges —good for street and architectural photography.
Views of the broad Yangtze River and passing river traffic, especially atmospheric at sunrise or sunset with river mist.
Candid shots of daily life—tea preparation, market vendors and food stalls offer vibrant cultural imagery.
Food in Chizhou
Chizhou Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Freshwater fish from Taiping Lake, usually steamed or braised simply with soy, ginger and spring onion; best at lakeside restaurants around Taipinghu.
Must-Try!
Silky local-style tofu prepared with local broths and seasonings; available in family restaurants and market stalls.
Seasonal wild greens and bamboo shoots harvested from surrounding hills, often stir-fried or stewed with mushrooms and local sauces.
Slow-braised meats and poultry with soy and local spices; hearty comfort food commonly found in mid-range restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market where locals buy fresh produce, tofu, snacks and breakfast items—great for trying steamed buns, youtiao (fried dough) and fresh soy milk.
Evening stalls along the river offering skewers, fried snacks and sweet treats; try local-style skewered freshwater seafood and pancakes.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly, speak quietly and follow temple rules—avoid climbing on altars, photography bans and touching sacred objects. Remove hats and shoes where requested.
A simple 'nǐ hǎo' (你好) and 'xièxie' (谢谢) go a long way; use both hands when giving/receiving gifts or business cards for extra politeness.
Queueing is generally expected for services and transport; avoid loud phone calls in tight public spaces and be courteous on crowded sidewalks.
Haggling is common in markets but not in fixed-price stores or restaurants—start with a friendly tone and be prepared to accept the vendor’s final price.
Shared dishes are common—wait to be invited to start, and try a bit of everything. Avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice (it resembles funeral rites).
Safety
Tipping in Chizhou
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in most local-eateries, markets or taxis. In higher-end hotels, tourist guides or for exceptional service you may tip a small amount, but it’s not expected.
Mobile payments (Alipay and WeChat Pay) dominate local transactions; many small vendors and taxis may not accept international cards, so carry some cash (RMB). Major hotels, chains and larger restaurants accept UnionPay and international credit cards, and ATMs are widely available in the city.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming rhododendrons and wildflowers on the mountains; unpredictable showers are possible—bring a light rain jacket and layers.
Hot, humid and rainy (monsoon season) with July often the wettest month; good time for lush landscapes but expect mosquitoes and occasional flooding on rural trails.
Crisp, dry and pleasant weather with clear skies and excellent visibility—generally the best season for hiking and photography, with cooler mornings and warm afternoons.
Cool and damp with occasional cold snaps; higher elevations on Mount Jiuhua can be chilly and foggy—pack warm layers and waterproof shoes.
Chizhou at Night
Hiking in Chizhou
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Famous pilgrimage trails connecting monasteries, viewing platforms and scenic ridgelines; trails vary from easy walks to steep climbs with stone steps.
Moderate lakeside routes ideal for walking, running and cycling with frequent scenic viewpoints and picnic spots.
Network of rural footpaths around Guichi and nearby counties offering quieter, less-crowded hikes through farmland, tea terraces and small hamlets.
Airports
How to reach Chizhou by plane.
Regional airport serving Chizhou and Mount Jiuhua with domestic flights to major Chinese cities; convenient for direct access to the area.
Larger regional airport (Huangshan area) reachable by road or rail—useful as an alternative for international connections and travelers combining visits to Huangshan and Chizhou.
Major international hub with wide flight options; reachable by high-speed rail or a several-hours drive from Chizhou, suitable for international arrivals or departures.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The vast majority of residents are Han Chinese, with local Anhui cultural traditions and dialect influences.
Many surrounding counties have older demographic profiles as younger people often move to larger cities for work, giving villages a quieter, traditional character.
Mount Jiuhua supports a significant Buddhist monastic community and associated pilgrims and visitors year-round.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball is widely played and visible in schoolyards, parks and community courts—casual pickup games are common.
Indoor racket sports like badminton and table tennis are popular across age groups and easily accessible at community centers.
Dragon boat activities occur seasonally on local rivers and lakes, especially around traditional festival times.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Chizhou.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Temples and teahouses often offer vegetarian meals (zhai fan); ask for 'sù' (素) dishes. Many vegetable and tofu dishes are available, but ensure no meat stocks are used by specifying 'bú yòng ròu gāng' (不要肉汤) meaning 'no meat broth'.
Vegan options are more limited outside temples—confirm dairy and egg ingredients, and explain 'wǒ bú chī ròu, jiǎn dān fù' (我不吃肉, 也不吃蛋奶) if needed. Carry snacks as backup.
Rice-based dishes and plain steamed rice are safe; many sauces contain wheat—ask 'Zhège yǒu miàn ma?' (这个有面吗？) to check for wheat/noodles or soy sauce made with wheat.
Language can be a barrier—use a translated allergy card and mention common allergens like peanuts 'huāshēng' and shellfish 'hǎixiān'.