Chuzhou Travel Guide

Chinese Name: 滁州市 (chú zhōu shì)
Population: 4,537,000
Area: 13,500 square kilometers (5,212 square miles)
Location: in the east of Anhui, eastern China
Administrative Division: 2 districts (Langya, Nanqiao); 4 counties (Lai'an, Quanjiao, Dingyuan, Fengyang); 2 county-level cities (Mingguan, Tianchang)
Area Code: 0550
Zip Code: 239000
GDP (2018): CNY 180.17 billion (USD 27.23 billion)

Situated in eastern Anhui Province at the west fringe of the Yangtze River Delta, Chuzhou neighbors the capital of the province, Hefei and Jiangsu Province. It is 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Hefei and about 60 kilometers (37 miles) from Nanjing of Jiangsu. It takes about an hour from Chuzhou to Nanjing Lukou International Airport and about 2 hours to Hefei Xinqiao International Airport. Chuzhou boasts more than 100 natural and cultural sites including mountains, pavilions, passes, and temples. Langya Mountain Scenic Area is a must-see scenic spot featuring beautiful scenery and a great number of historical attractions.

Langya Mountain Scenic Area is located in the southwest outskirt of the City. Covering a total area of 115 square kilometers (58 square miles), the mountain resort is the largest tourist scenic spot in eastern Anhui. The Langya Temple built in the Tang Dynasty, the number one pavilion in China, Zuiwong (Old Drunkard) Pavilion, the South Heaven Gate and Shenxiu Lake are top scenic treasures of the mountain.

Other Scenic Spots: Huangfushan National Forest Park, Jiushan Cave, Zhongdu Drum Tower

Nanjing is separated from Chuzhou by the Yangtze River. It is wise to go to Nanjing first by air, express bus or train before visiting Chuzhou. Note that it is only one hour's drive to Nanjing Lukou International Airport. 

Among the eight bus stations in Nanjing city proper, buses to Chuzhou are only in Xiaguan Station in 10, Jiangbian Lu, leaving every fifteen minutes. Today, the time between these two cities has been shortened from one and a half hours to half an hour. In addition, buses from Hefei to the city depart every half an hour for the three-hour trip.

Note: The city's long-distance bus station is located in the west end of Tianchang Dong Lu, just opposite the railway station.

Chuzhou Langya Airport is scheduled to serve the public in 2022. Currently, passengers can transfer at Hefei Xinqiao International Airport or Nanjing Lukou International Airport firstly, then travel to Chuzhou by intercity bus or train.

Chuzhou enjoys a subtropical monsoon climate, featuring torrid summer and chilly winter. Generally speaking, It has abundant rainfall, especially during the mid-June to early July.
     
 When to Go: Given the weather, May is the best month for visiting the city.    

 History: Prior to the Qin Dynasty (221BC-206BC), this area was inhabited by several tribes and states. Through hundreds years of wars, the administrative division of the city basically take form during the Sui (581-618) and Tang (618-907) dynasties. The name Chuzhou has been used since 589 for the Chushui River flowing through the city.        
 
 Physical Features: Situated in the hilly area between the Yangtze and Huaihe Rivers, the terrain of the city declines from west to east. Hills and plains make up the main part of the city's territory.                

 Special Local Products: Snowflake cake, Langya crisp candy, Chu chrysanthemum, whitebait

 Local Highlights: Fengyang County is a famous town of folk art in China, reputed as the hometown of flower drum. Fengyang Drum Dance and Fengyang folk songs are well-known to Chinese people. In addition, the Langya Mountain Temple Fair is held annually on the ninth day of the first lunar month.

If living temporarily in Langya Mountain, the distinctive lenten fare of Jixin Zhai is suggested.