Things To Do
in Huzhou
Huzhou is a prefecture-level city in northern Zhejiang province on the southern shore of Taihu Lake, known for its silk heritage, water towns and nearby bamboo and mountain scenery. The city blends low-rise urban neighborhoods, historic water towns like Nanxun and rich rural landscapes in counties such as Anji and Deqing. Huzhou is a gateway for outdoor pursuits — bamboo forests, tea terraces and Moganshan’s cool slopes are within easy reach.
It’s quieter and more affordable than nearby Hangzhou or Shanghai, making it ideal for a relaxed cultural-and-nature break.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day by wandering through Huzhou's ancient streets, where traditional architecture and modern life intertwine. Visit the iconic Huzhou Confucius Temple, which showcases intricate carvings and serene gardens, setting a perfect tone for the day. Stop by a local tea house for a refreshing cup of Longjing tea, a specialty of the region.
After lunch, immerse yourself in the local culture at the Huzhou Museum, where exhibits highlight the city’s rich history and artistic heritage. Spend some time at the picturesque West Lake, enjoying a leisurely stroll along its banks and taking in the natural beauty that surrounds you. Capture stunning photographs of the lake's serene waters and surrounding mountains.
As the sun sets, head to the bustling night market in the city center, where you can sample delicious street food such as dumplings and grilled skewers. Join locals as they socialize and shop for unique handicrafts and souvenirs. Conclude your day with a peaceful boat ride on West Lake, allowing the sparkling reflections of city lights to enchant you.
Start your day with a scenic drive to Mogan Mountain, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and lush forests. Upon arrival, embark on a guided hiking trail that meanders through the picturesque hills, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. Breathe in the fresh mountain air while you explore the diverse flora and fauna of the region.
After a morning of hiking, enjoy a picnic lunch at a designated area surrounded by nature’s beauty. Spend your afternoon visiting one of the local tea plantations, where you can learn about the tea-making process and sample some of the finest teas in China. Engage with local farmers and understand their traditional practices while enjoying the serene surroundings.
Return to Huzhou in the early evening and relax at a local hot spring resort, where you can unwind in the therapeutic waters after a day of adventure. Enjoy a delicious dinner at the resort's restaurant, featuring fresh, local ingredients. As night falls, take a leisurely walk in the tranquil gardens, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-7 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $25-45 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $2-4 |
| 🚌Local bus ride | $0.20-0.60 |
| 🚕Taxi start / short ride | $1.50-4 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich combination of water-town culture and nearby natural scenery (bamboo forests, Moganshan).
- Less crowded and more affordable than Hangzhou or Shanghai with authentic local experiences.
- Good base for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling and tea plantation visits.
- Convenient high-speed rail and road links to major cities in the Yangtze River Delta.
- Limited international flight connections — requires transfer via larger airports.
- Fewer English-speaker services outside tourist hubs; language barrier can be noticeable.
- Hot, humid summers and damp winters can be uncomfortable for some travelers.
- Smaller city nightlife and fewer high-end dining options compared with larger nearby cities.
- "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "谢谢 (Xièxiè)" - Thank you
- "多少钱？ (Duōshǎo qián?)" - How much does it cost?
- "我吃素 (Wǒ chī sù)" - I am vegetarian
- "请问厕所在哪里？ (Qǐngwèn cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?)" - Excuse me, where is the restroom?
- "可以刷卡吗？ (Kěyǐ shuākǎ ma?)" - Can I pay by card?
Places to Visit in Huzhou
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic waterways, stone bridges, elegant merchant houses and tranquil canal reflections make this a top spot for golden-hour and street photography.
Expansive lake vistas, fishing boats, reed beds and sunsets provide dramatic landscape and nature shots.
Bamboo groves, colonial-era villas, tea terraces and misty forest trails are ideal for atmospheric nature and architectural photography.
Dense bamboo stands, winding paths and dappled light create striking compositions for both wide landscapes and intimate detail shots.
Everyday life in local markets, street food vendors and traditional storefronts offers candid cultural photo opportunities.
Food in Huzhou
Huzhou Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Young bamboo shoots from Anji are prized for their tenderness and are used in stir-fries, soups and braised dishes; try them fresh at countryside restaurants or seasonal market stalls.
Must-Try!
Fish and small freshwater crustaceans from Lake Tai are served steamed, braised or in soupy preparations at lakeside eateries around Huzhou and neighboring towns.
Typical Zhejiang breakfast items—steamed buns, rice rolls (jianbing-style snacks), and soy milk—are widely available at street stalls and small shops in the morning.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A typical wet market where fresh produce, vegetables, bamboo shoots and freshwater produce are sold; good for sampling small breakfast snacks and buying seasonal ingredients.
Street vendors in Nanxun offer local snacks, sweet pastries and small seafood dishes — great for tasting while exploring the canals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A simple 'nǐ hǎo' (你好) or nod is fine; be polite and modest in conversation. Avoid loud public arguments and maintain a calm, respectful tone.
Dress modestly at temples, speak quietly, and follow any posted rules (no smoking or loud music). Ask before photographing people inside religious sites.
Dishes are often shared family-style; use serving chopsticks if provided and try a little of each dish. Refusing food repeatedly can be seen as impolite—offer a polite explanation if you truly can’t eat something.
Personal space norms are different than in the West; public queuing can be informal in busy markets. Be patient and assertive when necessary but remain courteous.
Safety
Tipping in Huzhou
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in everyday situations and is rarely expected in local restaurants; for upscale hotels or tour guides a small tip or rounding up is appreciated but not mandatory.
Mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are ubiquitous and accepted almost everywhere; cash (RMB) is still useful in rural areas and small stalls. Major credit cards work at bigger hotels and some restaurants, but less so in local shops.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming vegetation make spring a pleasant time to visit; expect occasional rain and humid days, so bring a light rain jacket and layers.
Hot and humid with high temperatures and frequent afternoon thunderstorms; great for escaping to Moganshan’s cooler hills or swimming near lake beaches, but expect crowds on weekends.
Clear skies, comfortable temperatures and the best visibility—autumn is the most pleasant season for hiking, photography and outdoor dining.
Cool and damp rather than extremely cold; occasional cold snaps and overcast days. Mountain areas are chillier—bring warm layers and waterproof footwear.
Huzhou at Night
Hiking in Huzhou
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A network of well-marked trails through bamboo forests, pine woods and historic villas — options for short walks or full-day hikes with scenic viewpoints and tea gardens.
Paths and boardwalks through extensive bamboo groves and eco-parks; popular for gentle hikes, photography and cycling.
Shoreline trails and reed-lined paths around parts of Lake Tai are ideal for easy walks, birdwatching and sunset views.
Smaller local trails near tea plantations and rural villages provide quiet hiking with cultural insights into tea production and village life.
Airports
How to reach Huzhou by plane.
Approximately 60–90 minutes by car or 1–1.5 hours by rail/bus depending on traffic; the most convenient major airport for international and domestic connections.
Around 60–90 minutes by car (north of Huzhou); useful for some domestic and regional flights, often less busy than larger hubs.
About 1.5–2.5 hours by car or 1–2 hours by high-speed train to Shanghai; both provide many international flight options and are reachable as day transfers.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The vast majority of residents are Han Chinese, with local cultural traditions tied to Zhejiang’s water-town and agricultural heritage.
Counties such as Anji maintain strong rural populations involved in bamboo, tea and agriculture, contributing to local food culture and crafts.
Proximity to Hangzhou and improved transport links mean a growing commuter population and increasing presence of professionals and small businesses.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular recreational sports in urban neighborhoods, schools and sports halls.
Widespread pastime across all ages — public facilities and social clubs are common.
Held seasonally on Lake Tai and local waterways, dragon-boat culture is part of the regional water-town tradition.
Outdoor activities like hiking in Moganshan and cycling through Anji’s bamboo lanes are increasingly popular for residents and visitors.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Huzhou.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but may be limited in smaller rural restaurants; order vegetable-based stir-fries, tofu dishes and bamboo-shoot preparations. Use the phrase 'Wǒ chī sù' (我吃素) to explain you are vegetarian and confirm there is no meat or fish stock.
Vegan choices require careful communication (many sauces contain fish or oyster sauce). Gluten-free options are available but less common; carry snacks and learn to ask about soy sauce (contains wheat).
Halal restaurants are not abundant; larger supermarkets in the city sell halal-labeled products and there are occasional Muslim eateries. If strict dietary laws are required, plan ahead and research specific restaurants.