I've returned from Chuzhou. After three days there, I really wouldn't recommend going in August.
Don't be deterred by the rumors of sweltering heat in eastern Anhui in August! I just returned from a three-night in-depth leisurely trip to Chuzhou💨, and I sincerely don't recommend visiting in August. You might just fall in love with this lesser-known, poetic town! In August, Chuzhou's mountains and forests are lush and green, with cool breezes in the mornings and evenings. There are few tourists, no over-commercialization, and it boasts both ancient pavilions and charming ancient architecture, as well as affordable and authentic eastern Anhui cuisine. This unfiltered, honest three-day itinerary is a must-read for those looking for a less-traveled, cool escape from the heat📝✨
1️⃣ My Real Three-Day Experience
Day 1: Langya Mountain - A Healing Journey🌳
I arrived at Langya Mountain Scenic Area at 8 am. The mountain forest coverage is incredibly high in August, and the cool morning breeze completely avoids the midday heat. The entrance ticket is valid throughout the entire scenic area, which is spacious and tranquil.
For your outfit, opt for light-colored solid-color dresses or skirts in light white or light green 👗. They complement the lush green mountains and waters, and the Drunken Old Man's Pavilion, ancient stone bridge, and forest boardwalks offer excellent photo opportunities. The soft morning light will create stunning, classically styled photos with a fresh atmosphere. 📸
At 11:00 AM, descend the mountain and check out a long-established local restaurant 🍽️. A must-try is the Chuzhou salted goose – crispy skin, tender meat, and a rich, flavorful broth, paired with a delicious goose blood and vermicelli soup. Also, try a bowl of authentic Machang mutton noodles – the noodles are chewy, spicy, and satisfying. For just 35 yuan per person, you can enjoy authentic eastern Anhui flavors.
At 2:00 PM, avoid the crowds and visit the core attraction, the Drunken Old Man's Pavilion. As the foremost of the four famous pavilions, it exudes ancient charm. The pavilions, flowing water, inscribed steles, and ancient trees create a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for slowly appreciating the sentiments of Ouyang Xiu's timeless masterpiece.
Along the way, we visited Langya Temple and Shenxiu Lake. The lake water was crystal clear, surrounded by lush greenery, and a boardwalk stretched along the lake, offering a tranquil and healing experience. The mountain forest was rich in negative oxygen ions, making it an excellent place to escape the summer heat.
At 6 PM, we descended the mountain to explore the Zunyang Street Ancient Night Market. The old street was softly lit, and a wide variety of snacks were available, including fermented rice balls, fried tofu, and savory potstickers. The prices were reasonable and the portions were generous, providing an immersive experience of Chuzhou's everyday life.
Day Two: A Lesser-Known Cultural Route on Ming Culture
At 9 AM, we headed to the Ming Zhongdu Drum Tower & Imperial City Ruins. The scenic area is free to enter and represents the unfinished Forbidden City built by Zhu Yuanzhang. The blue brick walls and ruins hold a century of historical significance. The park is spacious, sparsely populated, and minimally commercialized.
Simple and casual clothing complemented the texture of the ancient city's brick walls. We took photos along the ancient city paths and at the Drum Tower gate, capturing a retro and sophisticated look that was unique and not something you'd see everywhere else.
At noon, check out Fengyang's local delicacies 🥘, including must-try Fengyang stuffed tofu and Liu's large intestine noodles. The tofu is tender and flavorful, the large intestine is thoroughly cleaned and has no fishy smell, and the broth is rich and flavorful—a local favorite.
In the afternoon, explore Langxiang Migu (Wolf Alley Valley). In August, the cave maintains a cool, constant temperature. The unique karst landforms, winding and deep alleys, and the breathtaking "One Line Sky" view offer a thrilling and unique experience. The entire route combines shade from trees with caves, making it a perfect way to escape the heat and enjoy a relaxing visit.
In the evening, return to the city and stroll along Sihe Road's snack street 🍢. Try Grandma's barbecue and special oyster sauce skewers—a lively and delicious experience with far better value than trendy street food.
Day 3: A relaxing lakeside stroll and food adventure to wrap things up 💦
At 8 am, visit Lingxi Lake Park, a free urban ecological haven. In August, a gentle breeze ripples across the lake, lotus leaves sway, and lush greenery abounds. The lakeside path is clean and tidy, quiet and peaceful in the early morning, perfect for a leisurely walk, breathing in the fresh air, and relaxing.
The lakeside lawn and waterfront boardwalk are perfect for taking heartwarming, lifestyle photos, easily capturing the gentle charm of this small town.
For lunch, try a classic Chuzhou breakfast combo: Shi Po Po's oil tea with crispy fried dough sticks, paired with Jin Yuan's juicy soup dumplings—thin-skinned, generously filled, and bursting with flavor in every bite. A satisfying and affordable meal for just over ten yuan, authentic and delicious.
In the afternoon, stroll along Chuzhou's cultural and creative old street, picking up affordable souvenirs like Langya crispy candy and vacuum-packed salted goose. Authentic and no hidden costs, perfect for taking home and sharing.
In the evening, leisurely wrap up your trip. A three-day tour that's both relaxing and enjoyable, covering mountains, rivers, culture, and cuisine in one go, with no disappointments.
2️⃣ Transportation Guide 🚄 For out-of-town visitors, take the high-speed rail directly to Chuzhou Station or Chuzhou North Station. From the station, a taxi ride takes you to the city's core scenic areas in ten minutes—convenient transportation.
The city's attractions are close together; for short distances, shared electric bikes are available – cool, flexible, and perfect for summer outings with easy stops for photos.
Direct buses are available to Langya Mountain, with shared rides offering better value. For Fengyang Ancient City and Langxiang Migu Valley, driving or reputable carpooling is recommended, as the roads are smooth and time-saving.
Taxi fares within the city are low, making commuting and sightseeing stress-free – ideal for those who prefer a relaxed travel experience.
3️⃣ Real Accommodation Review🏨
Accommodation Address: Boutique guesthouse near Zunyang Street, Langya District, Chuzhou City
Price: 200-260 RMB/night for a standard double room during peak August season
Highlights: Located in the heart of the old city, within walking distance of the night market and old streets, and very close to Langya Mountain Scenic Area. Rooms are clean, well-lit, and well-ventilated, with complete facilities. Quiet and comfortable at night. A variety of breakfast shops and traditional restaurants are located downstairs, making it a one-stop shop for all your shopping and travel needs – excellent value for money.
4️⃣ Travel Tips to Avoid Pitfalls⚠️ In August, Chuzhou experiences strong UV rays and high temperatures at midday. It's best to go out early and explore late, avoiding the midday sun. Pack sunscreen and mosquito repellent, as there are many mosquitoes in the mountains and forests.
When visiting Langya Mountain, avoid cheap roadside guides and quick ascents. A leisurely stroll and slow experience is more comfortable.
Be cautious about overpriced souvenirs around scenic areas. For authentic and affordable treats like crispy candy and braised food, choose established shops in the city center.
The interior of Langxiang Migu Cave is slippery; wear non-slip shoes and be careful of falls.
The cuisine in eastern Anhui tends to be salty, fragrant, and slightly spicy. If you don't eat spicy food, please specify your preference in advance.
Personal Travel Experience & Summary
I was truly amazed by Chuzhou in August! 🌿 This is a seriously underrated, less-traveled, and less commercialized town, free from crowds, exorbitant prices, and excessive commercialization. With the serene beauty of Langya Mountain, the rich history of Ming Dynasty capital, and endless affordable local delicacies, plus the gentle breezes of dawn and dusk, Chuzhou offers a perfect summer retreat.
The "not recommending August" part is simply a personal preference to keep this charming and hidden gem from the crowds! No need to rush, no need to brave the crowds; leisurely stroll through the mountains and rivers, savoring delicious food – a truly relaxing and therapeutic experience.
Perfect for a weekend getaway from the city, a chance to unwind and rejuvenate! This personally tested and foolproof guide is a must-save! For a summer off-the-beaten-path trip, Chuzhou is the place to be!