Key Takeaways:
-
Huzhou offers a perfect blend of ancient water towns, natural beauty, tea culture, and modern architecture year-round.
-
Visitors can explore scenic lakes, traditional silk workshops, mountain trails, and UNESCO-recognized heritage sites.
-
The city’s balance of nature, history, and culture makes Huzhou one of China’s underrated destinations for all types of travelers.
Huzhou, located in northern Zhejiang Province, sits gracefully between Hangzhou and the southern shores of Lake Tai (Taihu). Known as one of China’s historic silk capitals and famous for its ancient water towns, Huzhou combines cultural heritage with breathtaking natural scenery. The city has been a center of commerce, tea cultivation, and artistry for centuries, attracting visitors who seek a quieter, more authentic side of eastern China. Whether you’re exploring ancient villages, hiking through bamboo forests, or relaxing at modern lakefront resorts, Huzhou offers travelers a peaceful yet diverse year-round destination.
Table of Contents
-
Visit Nanxun Ancient Town
-
Explore Lake Tai and the Sheraton Moon Hotel
-
Discover Feiying Pagoda
-
Stroll Through Lotus Garden (Lianhuazhuang Garden)
-
Hike in Mogan Mountain
-
Explore Huzhou’s Bamboo Forests
-
Visit Huzhou Museum and Silk Cultural Center
-
Attend the Taihu Lake Music Festival
-
Discover Anji White Tea Plantations
-
Enjoy the Hot Springs at Yishang Resort
1. Visit Nanxun Ancient Town
Nanxun Ancient Town is one of the best-preserved water towns in the Yangtze River Delta, blending Ming and Qing architecture with traditional canals and stone bridges. As you stroll through its peaceful alleys, you’ll find historic residences, private gardens, and former merchant mansions that tell the story of Nanxun’s wealthy past. Unlike some more commercialized water towns, Nanxun offers a quiet, authentic experience that allows visitors to step back in time. Boating along the narrow canals provides a unique perspective of this historic town.
Open year-round, Nanxun is particularly picturesque during spring and autumn when the weather is mild and gardens are in full bloom. Cultural festivals occasionally bring live performances and traditional ceremonies to the town squares. Cafes, teahouses, and boutique shops offer comfortable spots to relax while soaking in the views. Visiting Nanxun Ancient Town provides an intimate experience of Jiangnan’s timeless water town culture.
2. Explore Lake Tai and the Sheraton Moon Hotel
Lake Tai (Taihu), China’s third-largest freshwater lake, offers stunning lakefront views, leisure cruises, and beautiful parks along its shores. Huzhou’s famous Sheraton Huzhou Hot Spring Resort, also known as the “Moon Hotel” for its iconic ring-shaped design, stands dramatically on the lakefront, blending modern architecture with the surrounding natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy lakeside walks, boat rides, or simply admire the stunning skyline reflected in Taihu’s calm waters. At night, the illuminated Moon Hotel creates a breathtaking sight that attracts photographers from around the world.
Lake Tai offers year-round attractions, with seasonal flower festivals, lakeside cycling routes, and birdwatching opportunities adding variety throughout the year. The area also features several well-maintained parks perfect for family outings or quiet contemplation. Whether you stay at the luxury resort or explore the public waterfront, Lake Tai offers a refreshing combination of nature and design. It’s a must-see highlight that reflects Huzhou’s modern transformation.
3. Discover Feiying Pagoda
Feiying Pagoda, originally built during the Five Dynasties period over 1,000 years ago, is one of Huzhou’s oldest surviving landmarks. The multi-story brick-and-wood structure stands as a striking example of early Chinese pagoda design. Surrounded by ancient temples, gardens, and historical relics, the site offers a glimpse into Huzhou’s rich Buddhist heritage. The quiet atmosphere and well-preserved architecture make it a favorite spot for both history enthusiasts and spiritual visitors.
Open year-round, Feiying Pagoda is especially beautiful during spring when the surrounding gardens are in bloom. Informational plaques and guided tours help explain the pagoda’s historical significance and architectural features. The site also offers peaceful walking paths and shaded areas ideal for quiet reflection. Visiting Feiying Pagoda allows travelers to connect with Huzhou’s ancient spiritual traditions in a serene setting.
4. Stroll Through Lotus Garden (Lianhuazhuang Garden)
Lianhuazhuang Garden, also known as the Lotus Garden, is a classical Chinese garden located near the city center. With traditional pavilions, lotus ponds, stone bridges, and winding pathways, the garden reflects the refined elegance of ancient Chinese landscaping. Visitors can enjoy picturesque views of blooming lotus flowers during summer, while quiet walking paths and teahouses offer tranquility year-round. The garden’s well-preserved design makes it a peaceful retreat within the urban landscape.
Throughout the year, seasonal floral displays and cultural performances occasionally take place within the garden grounds. Springtime offers colorful blossoms, while autumn brings cool, crisp air perfect for leisurely strolls. Educational signage explains the garden’s historical design and symbolism, enriching the experience for curious travelers. Lianhuazhuang Garden provides a perfect blend of beauty, culture, and relaxation right in the heart of Huzhou.
5. Hike in Mogan Mountain
Mogan Mountain, located about an hour from Huzhou’s city center, is a lush retreat known for its bamboo forests, mountain trails, and historic villa resorts. Once a summer escape for Shanghai’s elites and foreign diplomats, the mountain still features elegant stone mansions hidden among the trees. Hikers can explore scenic viewpoints, waterfalls, and quiet trails winding through the dense greenery. The mountain’s natural beauty, combined with its historical charm, creates a perfect balance for outdoor enthusiasts.
Open year-round, Mogan Mountain offers refreshing coolness in summer and misty, mysterious beauty in winter. Boutique hotels and tea plantations scattered across the mountain offer comfortable accommodations for multi-day stays. The area has also grown into a center for wellness retreats, cycling tours, and photography excursions. Mogan Mountain delivers an ideal escape for those seeking both nature and a touch of luxury.
6. Explore Huzhou’s Bamboo Forests
Huzhou’s surrounding countryside is home to expansive bamboo forests, offering peaceful landscapes and clean, fresh air. The Anji Bamboo Forest, located nearby, is one of the largest in China and was famously featured in the film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Visitors can hike through tall bamboo groves, take canopy walks, and enjoy scenic viewpoints overlooking the green hills. The swaying bamboo and dappled sunlight create a calming, almost magical atmosphere.
Open year-round, the bamboo forests are especially pleasant in spring and autumn when the temperatures are mild. Many local guides offer eco-tours that include tea-picking, birdwatching, and cultural demonstrations. The forests also serve as an excellent setting for photography and mindfulness retreats. Visiting Huzhou’s bamboo groves allows travelers to experience one of China’s most iconic and serene natural environments.
7. Visit Huzhou Museum and Silk Cultural Center
The Huzhou Museum showcases the city’s rich cultural history, including its role as one of China’s most important centers for silk production. Exhibits cover topics such as ancient artifacts, local crafts, historical documents, and the evolution of silk weaving. The adjacent Silk Cultural Center offers live demonstrations of traditional silk-making techniques, from mulberry cultivation to spinning and weaving. Visitors can see artisans at work and even purchase locally produced silk products.
The museum and silk center are open year-round, making them perfect indoor attractions during rainy or cold days. Guided tours help explain the deep cultural significance of Huzhou’s silk heritage. Children and adults alike enjoy watching the silk-making process unfold step-by-step. A visit here not only offers insight into Huzhou’s history but also connects visitors to its continuing traditions of craftsmanship.
8. Attend the Taihu Lake Music Festival
Held annually on the shores of Lake Tai, the Taihu Lake Music Festival is one of the most vibrant cultural events in Huzhou. The festival features a wide range of musical genres, including rock, pop, electronic, and traditional Chinese music. Food stalls, art installations, and family-friendly activities create a lively festival atmosphere. Both local and international artists perform, drawing crowds from across China.
Taking place in spring or autumn, the festival benefits from Huzhou’s comfortable seasonal weather. In addition to music, festivalgoers can enjoy boat rides, lakefront camping, and lakeside food courts. The scenic location adds to the charm, offering panoramic views of Lake Tai as a backdrop to the performances. Attending the Taihu Lake Music Festival is a fun way to experience Huzhou’s growing contemporary cultural scene.
9. Discover Anji White Tea Plantations
Anji County, located just north of Huzhou, is famous for producing Anji Bai Cha, or Anji White Tea, a highly prized green tea known for its delicate flavor. The rolling hills of tea plantations provide a picturesque setting for visitors to explore. Many tea farms offer guided tours where guests can learn about tea cultivation, participate in picking leaves, and observe the traditional processing methods. Tasting freshly brewed Anji tea amidst the scenic fields is a highlight for many visitors.
The tea plantations are open year-round, but spring is the most active season when new tea leaves are harvested. Educational experiences offer insight into the history and cultural importance of tea in Chinese society. Some plantations also provide overnight accommodations for those who wish to fully immerse themselves in the tea culture. Visiting Anji’s tea fields offers a peaceful, authentic rural experience that contrasts beautifully with the bustle of city life.
10. Enjoy the Hot Springs at Yishang Resort
Yishang Resort, located near Huzhou’s natural hot spring areas, offers a relaxing spa experience in a peaceful mountain setting. Guests can enjoy multiple hot spring pools, private spa treatments, and wellness programs designed to promote relaxation and rejuvenation. The mineral-rich waters are believed to offer numerous health benefits, making the resort popular for both leisure and therapeutic visits.
The hot springs are open year-round and especially popular during cooler months when soaking in warm pools is most enjoyable. Many visitors pair a stay at the resort with trips to nearby mountains, tea fields, or bamboo forests. The resort’s luxurious facilities and scenic surroundings create a perfect retreat for those looking to unwind. A visit to Yishang Resort adds a touch of comfort and wellness to any Huzhou itinerary.
What to do if you have kids?
Huzhou offers many family-friendly activities that children will enjoy. The bamboo forests, Lotus Garden, and Mogan Mountain provide safe outdoor spaces for exploration and light hiking. Children can enjoy boat rides on Lake Tai, watch silk-weaving demonstrations at the Silk Cultural Center, or explore the interactive exhibits at Huzhou Museum. Many parks and scenic areas have playgrounds and open spaces where kids can run and play freely. With its mix of nature, history, and hands-on cultural experiences, Huzhou is a great destination for families.
Where can i find free events in Huzhou China taking place this weekend?
If you’re looking for free events happening in Huzhou this weekend, the best place to start is PlanMyWeekend.ai. Our platform updates constantly with the latest festivals, concerts, art shows, outdoor markets, and family-friendly events happening all over the city. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, PlanMyWeekend.ai helps you discover hidden gems and spontaneous activities to make the most of your time in Huzhou.
Final thoughts
Huzhou, China offers a perfect combination of rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and modern comforts that can be enjoyed throughout the year. From ancient pagodas and silk-making traditions to mountain hikes, bamboo forests, and lakeside festivals, the city provides endless experiences for every type of traveler. Whether you seek relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, Huzhou delivers a memorable and peaceful getaway any time of year.
Author: Dejon Brooks
Dejon Brooks is an entrepreneur who founded Trend Watchers with his life savings. Aged 24, Dejon has turned Trend Watchers into a successful business. After reaching over 150M+ people on his personal accounts, he now spends his time growing Planmyweekend.ai
