Jinhua is located in central Zhejiang Province, bordering Taizhou to the east, Lishui to the south, Quzhou to the west, and Shaoxing and Hangzhou to the north. It has a subtropical monsoon climate with four distinct seasons and abundant rainfall, with an average annual temperature of about 17.5°C.
Jinhua, historically known as Wuzhou, has a history of over 1,800 years since its establishment as a county in the Eastern Han Dynasty. It flourished during the Southern Song Dynasty due to its strategic location on transportation routes and became a commercial center in central Zhejiang during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. In modern times, it was an important battlefield for the Taiping Rebellion and the Xinhai Revolution.
Jinhua boasts profound cultural heritage as the birthplace of Wu Opera. Folk arts include Jinhua Daoqing (a form of storytelling) and dragon dances. The city is famous for Jinhua ham, and local specialties include Jinhua crispy cakes, Jinhua clay pot dishes, Dongyang Wo noodles, and Yiwu brown sugar twists.
Modern Jinhua is an important industrial city in Zhejiang, focusing on hardware manufacturing, textiles, and pharmaceuticals. It has convenient transportation with high-speed rail stations and Yiwu Airport, serving as a transportation hub in central Zhejiang. In recent years, it has been vigorously developing the digital economy, and the city's appearance is changing rapidly.
The best time to visit 金华 is Best in spring and autumn with pleasant weather.
Spring (March to May) in Jinhua is mild with blooming flowers, ideal for flower viewing and outdoor activities.
Autumn (September to November) is clear and cool, perfect for visiting ancient villages and tasting autumn delicacies.
Summer is hot and rainy, while winter is damp and cold, but each season has its own charm, such as the Lotus Festival in summer and hot spring experiences in winter.
In 192 AD, Changshan County was established, marking the beginning of Jinhua's county history.
During the Southern Song Dynasty, Jinhua became a major commercial center in central Zhejiang due to its location at the intersection of the Wujiang River and the Zhejiang-Jiangxi post road.
In May 1949, the People's Liberation Army liberated Jinhua, ushering in a new era.
Recommended places to visit
A national AAAA-level scenic area featuring karst caves such as Shuanglong Cave and Binghu Cave, with spectacular stalactites.
The world's largest film and television shooting base, a national AAAAA-level scenic area, including Ming-Qing Palace, Qin Palace, and more.
Explore rich intangible cultural heritage and traditional crafts
A traditional local opera of Jinhua, listed as a national intangible cultural heritage, characterized by high-pitched tunes and various musical styles.
A folk art form of Jinhua, accompanied by a bamboo drum and clappers, combining speaking and singing, often telling folk tales.
The traditional technique for making Jinhua ham, listed as a national intangible cultural heritage, involving complex procedures.
Must-know transportation for exploring the city
Jinhua Station and Jinhua High-speed Rail Station are major railway hubs, connecting to Shanghai, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, etc., with frequent services.
About 50 RMB to Hangzhou, about 120 RMB to Shanghai
Located in Yiwu, about 50 km from downtown Jinhua, with flights to major domestic cities like Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen.
About 800 RMB to Beijing, about 600 RMB to Guangzhou
The bus network in downtown Jinhua is well-developed, covering major attractions and urban areas, with fares starting at 2 RMB. There is also a BRT system.
2-5 RMB
Taste the most authentic and popular local specialties
Famous Chinese ham with bright color and savory flavor, suitable for steaming, stewing, and stir-frying. It is Jinhua's most famous specialty.
Crispy on the outside, soft inside, filled with preserved mustard greens and pork, savory and delicious. A traditional local snack.
A national AAAA-level scenic area, the settlement of descendants of Zhuge Liang, with a Bagua-shaped layout and well-preserved Ming and Qing architecture.
A thousand-year-old temple famous for its giant outdoor Maitreya Buddha statue, set in a serene environment.
Located in downtown Jinhua, built in the Southern Dynasties, with many literary inscriptions. Climbing the tower offers a panoramic view of Jinhua.
A clay pot stew with bone broth base and various ingredients, delicious and perfect for winter.
A specialty noodle dish from Dongyang, with chewy noodles and rich broth, topped with shredded meat and dried bamboo shoots.
A traditional Yiwu snack made from brown sugar and flour, sweet and crispy, a must-have for festivals.