Things To Do
in Longquan
Longquan is a small, historic city in southwestern Zhejiang province renowned for its centuries-old celadon pottery and traditional sword-making. Nestled among forested hills and clear streams, it blends craft workshops, tea terraces and quiet old streets where local life continues at an unhurried pace. Visitors come for hands-on craft experiences, hiking in nearby nature reserves, and to sample Zhejiang countryside cuisine.
The city makes a good base for short hikes, photography and learning about Chinese artisanal traditions away from big tourist centers.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the ancient Longquan City Wall, where you can stroll along its impressive structure that dates back centuries. Take in panoramic views of the surrounding areas and the architecture of traditional Longquan homes. A local breakfast at a nearby tea house will give you a taste of the region's culinary delights, featuring fresh rice noodles and tea.
After lunch, head to the Longquan Museum, which showcases the rich history of the region, from its pottery to its role in the ancient trade routes. Engage with interactive exhibits that highlight local culture, and don't forget to explore the beautiful gardens surrounding the museum. As the afternoon sun shines down, enjoy a leisurely walk to the nearby Longquan Confucius Temple, where you can appreciate its tranquil atmosphere and magnificent architecture.
As evening falls, find a cozy local restaurant to savor Longquan's famous tea and traditional dishes like Longquan dumplings. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll through the night market, where you can shop for handmade pottery and sample street food delicacies. End your day by relaxing in a teahouse, soaking in the local ambiance while sipping on fragrant Longquan tea.
Begin your day by visiting a local pottery workshop famous for its Longquan celadon, a unique type of porcelain. Participate in a hands-on pottery-making session with skilled artisans and learn about the intricate techniques that have been passed down through generations. The morning will be filled with creativity as you mold and shape your very own clay piece.
After your morning of crafting, enjoy a guided tour of the Longquan Celadon Museum to delve deeper into the history and significance of this exquisite pottery style. Engage with displays showcasing ancient artifacts and contemporary works, and marvel at the evolution of celadon over the years. A leisurely lunch at a nearby café will allow you to reflect on your morning experience while enjoying local flavors.
In the evening, attend a pottery exhibition featuring both traditional and modern artworks, providing a perfect context for your earlier workshop experience. Engage with local artists and learn about their inspirations and techniques during a casual Q&A session. Wind down your day at a nearby tea house, where you can sip on fragrant teas and chat about your newfound appreciation for Longquan's pottery heritage.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-8 |
| ☕Tea house cup / light snack | $2-6 |
| 🏨Budget hotel / guesthouse (per night) | $20-50 |
| 🚕Short taxi / ride-hailing trip | $2-8 |
| 🎟️Entry fee to local attractions / small museums | $2-10 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich artisan culture (celadon pottery and sword-making) with hands-on experiences
- Close access to forested hills and less-crowded nature for hiking and photography
- Authentic rural Zhejiang cuisine and tea culture
- Laid-back pace and friendly local communities
- Limited nightlife and fewer modern tourist facilities compared with major cities
- Public transport within the area can be sparse; some sites require private transfers
- Language barrier for non-Chinese speakers in smaller establishments
- Weather can be rainy and humid in spring and summer
- "你好 (nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "谢谢 (xiè xie)" - Thank you
- "请问厕所在哪里？(qǐng wèn cè suǒ zài nǎ lǐ?)" - Excuse me, where is the restroom?
- "这道菜含有肉/海鲜吗？(zhè dào cài hán yǒu ròu/hǎi xiān ma?)" - Does this dish contain meat/seafood?
- "我想去……(wǒ xiǎng qù ...)" - I would like to go to...
Places to Visit in Longquan
Visit one of these nice places.
Narrow lanes, tiled roofs and craft workshops provide intimate shots of potters, swordsmiths and everyday life—best early morning or late afternoon for warm light.
Kiln sites, glazed pottery displays and close-ups of hands-on craft make compelling detail and documentary images.
Foggy mornings and layered mountain scenery offer dramatic landscape photography—autumn foliage and spring greens are highlights.
Patterns of planted terraces, farmers at work and seasonal colors provide classic rural compositions.
Food in Longquan
Longquan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Freshwater fish cooked simply with soy, ginger and scallions—commonly found at small restaurants near streams and in market stalls.
Must-Try!
Seasonal wild greens, bamboo shoots or fiddleheads stir-fried with garlic or preserved bean curd; excellent at countryside eateries and teahouses.
Slow-braised pork or duck with soy and local aromatics—rich and warming, frequently served at family-style restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small wet markets where you can find fresh produce, tofu, local pickles and simple breakfast items like steamed buns and rice porridge.
Evening stalls by popular walking lanes offer skewers, fried snacks and steamed buns—great for sampling on the go.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use polite greetings, avoid loud behavior in temples and public transport, and accept host hospitality with modesty; remove shoes when entering some homes.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially in small villages or inside workshops; many artisans are happy to have their work photographed but may expect a small purchase or donation.
Bargaining is normal in markets but do so politely; small gifts like tea or postcards are appreciated in homestays or with hosts.
Safety
Tipping in Longquan
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in most local shops and small restaurants; a small tip may be appreciated in higher-end hotels or for guided services, but it’s not expected.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) are ubiquitous for shops and taxis—carry some cash for very small vendors or remote areas where mobile signals are weak.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blossoming hills; frequent rain showers—bring a lightweight rain jacket and expect muddy hiking trails after rain.
Hot and humid with occasional heavy rain and possible typhoon impacts in late summer; mornings are best for outdoor activities to avoid heat and afternoon storms.
Clearer skies, comfortable temperatures and good visibility for hiking and photography—one of the best times to visit.
Cool to chilly with dampness rather than heavy snow; higher elevations can be colder—pack layers and a warm jacket for early mornings and evenings.
Longquan at Night
Hiking in Longquan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forested ridges and biodiverse trails offering cool, shaded hiking with scenic vistas—best in spring, summer and autumn for different foliage and wildflowers.
Shorter village-to-village loops that pass tea terraces, small waterfalls and rural scenery—suitable for half-day hikes and photography.
Easy-to-moderate trails following streams and valleys; good for families and those seeking relaxed nature time close to town.
Airports
How to reach Longquan by plane.
Approximately 2–3 hours by road depending on traffic; offers domestic flights and some regional connections. From the airport take a long-distance bus or train connections toward Lishui/Longquan, or a private transfer.
Major international hub about 3.5–4.5 hours away by car or a combination of high-speed rail and local bus/taxi. Good option for international travelers connecting to Longquan.
Further afield but an alternative with domestic routes; access to Longquan requires a multi-hour transfer by train or coach.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population, with local families engaged in agriculture, crafts (pottery, metalwork) and small businesses.
Smaller villages around Longquan have aging populations as younger people migrate to larger cities for work; local traditions remain strong.
A visible group involved in celadon pottery, swordsmithing and related trades—important to the town’s cultural identity and economy.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and a popular pastime in schools and communities across the region.
Common indoor sports enjoyed by many residents for recreation and social play.
Given the surrounding hills and nature reserves, hiking and trail activities are locally popular among outdoor enthusiasts.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Longquan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available—ask for dishes with mountain vegetables, tofu and egg-based preparations. Buddhist vegetarian restaurants may be found in or near temples but carry limited menus; carry a translation card for specific restrictions.
Vegan choices are more limited; many dishes use soy sauce (contains wheat) and fish stock. Bring a card explaining restrictions in Chinese and shop at markets for fresh fruit, vegetables and tofu if needed.