Huzhou is located in the northern part of Zhejiang Province, in the heart of the Yangtze River Delta. It borders Shanghai to the east, Hangzhou to the south, and Taihu Lake to the north. It has a subtropical monsoon climate with four distinct seasons, mild and humid, with an average annual temperature of about 16°C and abundant rainfall.
The history of Huzhou dates back to the Warring States period. In 221 BC, the Qin Dynasty established Wucheng County here. During the Three Kingdoms period, Wu Xing Commandery was established, and it was first called Huzhou in the Sui Dynasty. Historically, it was an important silk production area and commercial center in Jiangnan.
Huzhou's culture is renowned for Huzhou writing brushes, silk, and tea culture. Huzhou brushes are the best among the Four Treasures of the Study, and Huzhou silk is world-famous. Local specialties include Taihu Lake Three Whites, Huzhou wontons, thousand-layer buns, and rose sesame candy.
Modern Huzhou is an important part of the Yangtze River Delta Eco-Green Integrated Development Demonstration Zone. It is vigorously developing high-end equipment, information technology, and other industries while protecting the ecological environment of Taihu Lake to create a livable city.
The best time to visit 湖州 is Best in spring and autumn (March-May, September-November).
Spring (March-May): Pleasant temperatures, flowers in bloom, ideal for enjoying Taihu Lake scenery and ancient towns.
Summer (June-August): Hot and humid, but you can experience water activities on Taihu Lake, and it's the season for lotus flowers.
Autumn (September-November): Cool and crisp, great for outdoor activities, and a good time to taste Taihu Lake crabs.
After the unification of the Qin Dynasty, Wucheng County was established in the Huzhou area, marking the beginning of Huzhou's administrative history.
In 602 AD, during the Sui Dynasty, the area was named Huzhou because it borders Taihu Lake, and the name Huzhou has been used since then.
After the Xinhai Revolution of 1911, Huzhou Prefecture was abolished, and Wucheng and Gui'an counties were retained, later merged into Wuxing County.
Recommended places to visit
A national 5A-level tourist attraction, one of the six major ancient towns in Jiangnan, featuring many Ming and Qing ancient buildings and private gardens, such as Xiaolian Garden and Zhang Shiming's Former Residence.
A national tourist resort centered on Taihu Lake, integrating sightseeing, leisure, and vacation, with attractions like Moon Square and Fisherman's Wharf.
Explore rich intangible cultural heritage and traditional crafts
The Huzhou brush making technique was inscribed on the first batch of National Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Its craftsmanship is exquisite with strict material selection, known as the 'Crown of Brushes'.
Huzhou Opera is one of the local opera genres in Zhejiang Province, sung in Huzhou dialect with beautiful melodies. It was inscribed on the National Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2008.
Must-know transportation for exploring the city
Huzhou Station has high-speed rail connections to major cities like Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Nanjing. From Hangzhou East to Huzhou takes about 20 minutes.
Hangzhou East to Huzhou about 30 yuan
Huzhou's public bus system is comprehensive, covering major attractions and urban areas, with fares starting at 2 yuan.
Starting from 2 yuan
Huzhou has no civil airport. You can fly to Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport or Shanghai Hongqiao Airport, then transfer by high-speed rail or bus to Huzhou.
Airport bus from Hangzhou Xiaoshan to Huzhou about 80 yuan
Taste the most authentic and popular local specialties
Taihu Lake whitefish, white shrimp, and silverfish, steamed or boiled to keep the original flavor, with tender meat.
Thin skin and large filling, with delicious soup, usually served with egg shreds, seaweed, and dried shrimp.
A national scenic area, famous for bamboo forests, clear springs, and villa clusters, one of China's four summer resorts.
A national 4A-level tourist attraction, known for its vast bamboo forest landscape, one of the filming locations for the movie 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon'.
A national first-class museum with rich collections, showcasing Huzhou's history and culture from prehistoric to modern times, especially the culture of Huzhou brush and silk.
Steamed tofu skin wrapped with meat filling, with rich layers of texture, a traditional snack in Huzhou.
Made with maltose, sesame, and roses, sweet and crispy, a traditional tea snack in Huzhou.
Sticky rice, pork belly, salted egg yolk, etc., wrapped in reed leaves, soft and sticky, available in meat and red bean paste flavors.