Chuzhou Travel Guide: Unlocking the Poetic Charm and Vibrant Life of the "Pearl of Jianghuai"

✅Think Chuzhou is only about *The Pavilion of the Drunken Old Man* from your textbooks? This underrated city in eastern Anhui hides millennia-old poetic landscapes and trendy, fun experiences! Save this guide to discover N surprises in Chuzhou! **City Snapshot** ✅With 4.529 million residents (2023 data), Chuzhou ranks among the top three in GDP growth in Anhui, driven by its new energy and cultural tourism sectors. Here, rapid urban development coexists with a laid-back, fulfilling lifestyle. 📍 **Must-Visit Attractions** 1. **Langya Mountain** The inspiration for *The Pavilion of the Drunken Old Man*, Langya Mountain is Chuzhou’s cultural icon. Stroll through ancient sites like the Drunken Old Man Pavilion, Langya Tower, and Shenxiu Lake. Dress in Hanfu for stunning vintage photos! Combo ticket: ¥65 (student discounts available). 2. **Ming Imperial Mausoleum** Built by Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang for his parents, this mausoleum boasts the largest collection of stone statues in China. Its grand Ming-era architecture is a must-see for history buffs and photographers! Ticket: ¥50. 3. **Chishan Lake Wetland** East China’s largest bald cypress forest! In autumn/winter, red cypresses reflect on the lake like a vibrant oil painting. Boat rides and birdwatching make for a serene escape. Straddling Jiangsu and Anhui, it’s worth the trip! Ticket: ¥120. 4. **Zunyang Street** Chuzhou’s version of "Laomendong," where historic charm meets neon lights. By day, explore the old street; by night, hit Sihe Road Food Street for local bites like oyster sauce skewers and stuffed pancakes. Free entry, with unbeatable nighttime photo ops! ✅ **Great Wall Dream Film Park** A "mini world landmarks collection"! Snap pics at replicas of the Egyptian Temple, Presidential Palace, and Temple of Heaven—no passport needed! Ticket: ¥50, perfect for photo enthusiasts. ✅ **Cultural Charms** ✅Chuzhou’s rich history spans from Ouyang Xiu’s Drunken Old Man Pavilion to Xiaogang Village, the birthplace of China’s rural reforms. It’s also the hometown of *The Scholars* author Wu Jingzi and Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang—a blend of literary and imperial legacy. With an average education level of 10.52 years, it’s eastern Anhui’s academic hub. 📌 **Trendy Experiences** • **Nightlife:** Feast on crayfish at Songcheng Food Street, join glow-in-the-dark runs at Qingliu River Park, or catch concerts at the Olympic Center. • **Photo Spots:** Cloud-sea views from Langya Tower, exotic backdrops at the film park, or forest treks at Huangfu Mountain. • **Hangouts:** Cafés near Chuzhou University, retro bike rides at Longgang Anti-Japanese Military-Political University, or picnics at Huaboyuan Park. 📌 **Travel Tips** 🚗 **Transport:** A 20-minute high-speed train ride from Nanjing, ideal for weekend getaways! ⏰ **Best Time:** Spring for Langya Mountain’s apricot blossoms, autumn for Huangfu Mountain’s red leaves—fewer crowds, better photos! ✅Chuzhou’s magic goes beyond the surface. Dance with swans at Chishan Lake by day, savor street food on Zunyang Street at dusk, and devour oyster sauce skewers on Sihe Road by night. This city, where tradition meets vibrancy, awaits your discovery! Drop a comment to share your top pick!