Spent 3 days in Quzhou, and my spending habits totally collapsed

Babes! I munched on duck heads, climbed Jianglang Mountain, and strolled along the ancient city wall in Quzhou. Three days of hardcore fun, and I actually spent half of what I expected?! The prices in this "Southern Confucius Holy Land" are so friendly, my spending mindset got completely refreshed 🌿 Quick guide! Reasons to Recommend 25℃ summer + a bunch of free attractions! While Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai melt in July heat, this place hidden in the mountains is super cool. The Confucius Southern Clan Ancestral Temple and ancient city wall are all free. You can eat 3 duck heads for 20 yuan, and get stuffed on Quzhou cuisine for 50 yuan. Perfect for students and those escaping the heat! Transportation Guide ✈️ Plane: Quzhou Airport is 3 km from downtown, 10 yuan by taxi or take bus 102 direct 🚄 High-speed rail: Quzhou Station is the main station, 15 minutes by taxi to downtown, tourist shuttle to Jianglang Mountain (20 yuan) 🚌 Local transport: Rent an electric bike (30 yuan/day) to explore the ancient city, buses cover everything for 1 yuan, carpool to Nianbadu Ancient Town recommended (40 yuan per person) Itinerary Day 1: Confucius Southern Clan Ancestral Temple - Shuiting Gate - Quzhou Ancient City Wall Morning: Visit the Confucius Ancestral Temple to see the "Southeast Que Li," ancient cypresses provide shade in July, free with optional guided tour Noon: Eat "Three Heads and One Palm" (duck head, rabbit head, fish head + duck palm), spicy enough to sweat paired with iced drinks Afternoon: Explore handicraft shops at Shuiting Gate, buy Quzhou sesame cake as a snack Evening: Walk along the ancient city wall, the lights reflecting on the city gates create a great atmosphere Day 2: Jianglang Mountain - Nianbadu Ancient Town Morning: Climb the "Three Stone Slabs" at Jianglang Mountain, the narrow sky crack is super cool in July, cable car (60 yuan) saves energy Noon: Eat bamboo tube rice on the mountain, filled with fragrant dried bamboo shoots and cured meat Afternoon: Visit Nianbadu to see the "Dialect Island," fewer tourists in July, the wood carvings at the old bank are exquisite Evening: Stay at a guesthouse in the ancient town, fall asleep to the sound of flowing creek water Day 3: Longyou Grottoes - Return trip Morning: See the "Ancient Mystery" at Longyou Grottoes, 18℃ inside the caves in July, the cool air is stunning Noon: Eat Longyou steamed rice cakes, soft and sweet Afternoon: Buy Quzhou baked cakes and dried pomelo as souvenirs, end the trip Must-Visit Attractions 1. Confucius Southern Clan Ancestral Temple: Free! In July, there are Confucius worship performances, you can pray in front of the Confucius statue, quieter than Qufu 2. Jianglang Mountain: In July, the misty clouds make the Three Stone Slabs look like a fairyland, the narrow sky crack only fits one person at a time, very thrilling 3. Shuiting Gate: Free! July night market, Quzhou duck heads 10 yuan for 3, watch street Wuju opera performances 4. Nianbadu Ancient Town: Cool and comfortable under the covered bridge in July, the old barber shop and post office still look like the 1980s 5. Longyou Grottoes: Perfect for summer cooling in July, 36 caves carved like a maze, purpose still unknown 6. Quzhou Ancient City Wall: Free! Evening cycling in July is super enjoyable, the northern gate’s wengcheng looks like a scene from a historical drama 7. Kaihua Gen Palace Buddhist Kingdom: See giant root-carved Buddha statues in July, 5,000 root carvings so impressive they leave you speechless Local Food Recommendations 1. Quzhou Duck Head: A must-eat! Spicy with freshness, 10 yuan for 3, the "Yili Zhi" old brand is super authentic 🌶️ 2. Longyou Steamed Rice Cake: Made with new rice in July, softer, available sweet or savory, 5 yuan each for breakfast 3. Three Heads and One Palm: Local late-night snack staple, rabbit head is more tender than duck head, perfect with ice-cold beer 4. Quzhou Baked Cake: Pickled mustard greens and meat filling is super fragrant, 1 yuan each, freshly baked on the street 5. Bamboo Tube Rice: Must-eat at Jianglang Mountain, fresh bamboo fragrance in July, 20 yuan each, very filling 6. Changshan Tribute Noodles: Thin as hair, cooked in chicken broth for extra freshness, 10 yuan per bowl, loved by elders and kids Local Accommodation Recommendations 1. Shuiting Gate Guesthouse: 5 minutes walk to the ancient city wall, Huizhou-style architecture, 80 yuan per person to stargaze 2. Jianglang Mountain Farmhouse: The owner cooks local dishes, 60 yuan per person including three meals, sunrise views in the morning 3. Quzhou Train Station Hotel: Standard rooms from 100 yuan, convenient transport to attractions, breakfast included and very generous Tips 1. July in Quzhou has frequent showers! Bring a folding umbrella, after rain Jianglang Mountain often has sea of clouds ☁️ 2. If you can’t handle spicy food, say so in advance! Quzhou cuisine is usually spicy, but you can ask for mild spice 3. Many attractions are free! Confucius Ancestral Temple and ancient city wall have free entry, saving lots on tickets 4. Buy freshly baked cakes! They get hard when cold, vacuum-packed ones are better as souvenirs Quzhou is truly a hidden gem in Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai! Explore mountains, waters, and ancient towns in 3 days, spend less and stay cool. Tag your heat-averse buddy and rush here～ 💕