Things To Do
in Jinhua
Jinhua is a prefecture-level city in central Zhejiang province known for its mix of industrial development, historical neighborhoods and agricultural hinterland. The city is famed for Jinhua ham, a long culinary tradition, and sits within reach of popular regional destinations such as Yiwu (trade markets) and the Hengdian film studios. Visitors will find a quieter urban experience compared with Hangzhou or Ningbo, with traditional markets, local temples and riverside old streets to explore.
Jinhua serves well as a base for short cultural day trips, food-focused visits and light outdoor excursions in surrounding hills and parks.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the picturesque Jinhua Old Town, where ancient architecture and cobblestone streets transport you back in time. Visit the iconic Jinhua Temple of Confucius, where you can admire intricate carvings and learn about Confucian philosophy. Enjoy a traditional breakfast at a nearby tea house, savoring local dumplings and fragrant tea.
In the afternoon, wander through the vibrant local markets, where vendors sell everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. Stop by the Jinhua Museum to delve into the city's rich history, showcasing artifacts from various dynasties. Conclude your exploration at the stunning Dongyang Stone Carving Park, where you can marvel at intricate stone sculptures and enjoy the serene surroundings.
As the sun sets, find a cozy restaurant in the historic center to experience authentic Jinhua cuisine, such as the famous Jinhua ham. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll along the riverside promenade, where you can enjoy the cool evening breeze and the illuminated cityscape. End your night by sipping tea at a local teahouse, reflecting on the day's discoveries.
Head to Yiwu International Trade City, one of the largest wholesale markets in the world, to explore a dizzying array of products. Spend your morning wandering through the vast halls, where you can find everything from electronics to clothing. Don’t miss the chance to interact with vendors and discover unique souvenirs to take home.
After a delicious lunch at a nearby restaurant, continue your shopping adventure in Yiwu, focusing on specialty items like toys and crafts. Take breaks in between to sample local snacks, such as sweet dumplings and fried pastries. The vibrant atmosphere and endless stalls will keep you engaged throughout the afternoon.
As evening approaches, unwind at a local café in Yiwu, enjoying a cup of green tea while people-watching. Consider visiting a nearby night market, where you can indulge in street food and experience the local nightlife. The lively ambiance and colorful lights will make for a perfect end to your exciting day.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee at a cafe | $2.5-5 |
| 🚕Taxi start / short ride | $1-3 |
| 🍺Beer at a bar | $2-4 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $30-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic local Zhejiang cuisine and the famous Jinhua ham.
- Good base for day trips to Yiwu markets and Hengdian World Studios.
- Lower travel costs and fewer crowds than major tourist cities.
- Fewer English-speaking services and signage than larger cities.
- Less international flight connectivity; often requires a transfer via Hangzhou or Yiwu.
- Limited nightlife and fewer high-end tourist attractions compared with regional hubs.
- "你好 (nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "谢谢 (xièxie)" - Thank you
- "请问…在哪里？ (qǐngwèn... zài nǎlǐ?)" - Excuse me, where is ...?
- "多少钱？ (duōshǎo qián?)" - How much?
- "我吃素 (wǒ chī sù)" - I am vegetarian
- "对不起 (duìbuqǐ)" - Sorry / Excuse me
Places to Visit in Jinhua
Visit one of these nice places.
Picturesque alleys, bridges and low-rise traditional buildings along the river are good for morning and evening light, street-life scenes and market photography.
Colorful stalls, cured meats, vegetables and busy vendors offer excellent candid and detail shots; early morning is the best time.
Large-scale film sets and period architecture provide dramatic backdrops and unique photo opportunities — best to check filming schedules and access rules.
Public parks and nearby low hills offer views over the cityscape, particularly attractive at sunrise and sunset.
Food in Jinhua
Jinhua Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Cured ham with a rich, umami flavor used in soups, stews and stir-fries; try it at specialty shops, local markets and restaurants that feature ham-based dishes.
Must-Try!
Seasonal preparations pairing sliced or shredded Jinhua ham with fresh bamboo shoots, common in spring and available at local restaurants and home-cooking stalls.
Hearty noodle soups or braised pork dishes flavored with local cured meats and soy-based sauces; easy to find at neighborhood eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Early morning markets around the old town sell breakfast items, dumplings, soy milk, and freshly sliced ham; great for sampling quick local bites and photographing busy market life.
If you travel to Yiwu (under the Jinhua administration), the markets are vast and include plentiful street-food vendors — an excellent place to try diverse Zhejiang snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A simple 'nǐ hǎo' (你好) or a nod is appropriate when greeting strangers. Respect for elders is important—allow older people to go first or be offered seats in public transport.
Meals are often communal; use shared chopsticks or serving spoons if provided. Avoid sticking chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice and do not point chopsticks at others.
Personal space can be smaller in public; avoid loud confrontations and be polite in negotiations at markets. Asking direct personal questions may be more acceptable than in some Western cultures but exercise sensitivity.
Always ask permission before photographing people up close, especially inside temples or private properties. Respect signs that prohibit photos.
Safety
Tipping in Jinhua
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not commonly expected in everyday situations in mainland China; in Jinhua you generally won’t tip at local restaurants or taxis. In higher-end hotels or for exceptional guided services, a small tip is sometimes appreciated but not obligatory.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) dominate urban China and are widely accepted in shops, restaurants and markets; cash (RMB) is still useful for small vendors and taxis, and major credit cards work at larger hotels and some restaurants.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
March–May brings mild temperatures and blooming greenery; occasional rain and pollen. Pack a light jacket and an umbrella; spring festivals may offer local cultural events.
June–August is hot and humid with high humidity and frequent showers, including the East Asian rainy (Meiyu) period around early summer. Stay hydrated, plan indoor activities for the hottest hours and expect afternoon thunderstorms.
September–November is the most comfortable season: cooler, drier and great for outdoor activities and photography. Bring layers for chilly mornings and evenings.
December–February is cool to cold but usually milder than northern China; occasional cold snaps and light rain. Pack a warm coat and be prepared for overcast days.
Jinhua at Night
Hiking in Jinhua
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Several municipal parks and nearby low hills offer short, accessible trails for casual hikes, photography and city views—good for half-day outings.
Rural lanes and forested areas outside the city are suitable for longer walks, cycling and exploring traditional villages; ideal as day trips combined with cultural visits.
Areas surrounding Hengdian World Studios include scenic and semi-rural paths that visitors can explore when combining a studio visit with light hiking and exploration.
Airports
How to reach Jinhua by plane.
The closest commercial airport serving Yiwu and surrounding areas with domestic flights; convenient for travelers to Jinhua with short road transfers.
Major international airport for Zhejiang province with extensive domestic and international connections; reachable by high-speed rail or bus in a few hours from Jinhua.
Regional airport to the west of Jinhua offering limited domestic services; useful depending on flight routes and schedules.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Jinhua, comprising most of the population with a wide range of urban and rural communities.
Like many Chinese cities, Jinhua has internal migrants from rural areas and smaller towns who work in manufacturing, retail and services; this contributes to a diverse linguistic and cultural urban environment.
Smaller cities in Zhejiang often have a noticeable elderly demographic presence in parks and daytime public spaces, reflecting national aging trends and family migration patterns.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and followed at amateur and school levels; public courts are common in parks and residential areas.
A popular indoor sport across China, with recreational play available at community centers and sports halls.
Common for recreational and competitive play; many indoor badminton halls welcome drop-in players.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Jinhua.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but can be limited in smaller eateries because many dishes use meat, broths, or ham for flavor. Look for vegetable stir-fries, tofu dishes and simple noodle or rice dishes; communicate 'wǒ chīsù' (我吃素) and point to dishes to confirm ingredients.
Cross-contamination with animal products is common because broths and sauces often contain meat. Use simple phrases to explain allergies and carry translated notes listing ingredients to avoid. Larger restaurants in the city are more likely to accommodate requests.
Dedicated Halal or Kosher venues are limited; in most cases, seek out Muslim restaurants in larger nearby cities or choose vegetarian options if dietary laws must be observed strictly.