Zhuzhou is located in eastern Hunan Province, downstream of the Xiangjiang River, bordering Changsha to the north and Hengyang to the south. It is an important industrial city in Hunan. With a subtropical monsoon climate, it has four distinct seasons and abundant rainfall, with an average annual temperature of 17.5°C.
Zhuzhou, historically known as Jianning, has a long history. It was established as a county during the Three Kingdoms period and was called Zhuzhou in the Southern Song Dynasty. In modern times, it rose as a railway hub, earning the nickname 'City Built by Railways.' After the founding of New China, it became one of the first batch of key industrial cities.
Zhuzhou is an important birthplace of Yandi culture, with the Mausoleum of Emperor Yan located in its subordinate Yanling County. The local cuisine is rich in Hunan flavors, with specialties such as You County dried tofu and Liling fried rice noodles. Folk arts like Liling underglaze multicolor porcelain and You County paper-cutting have unique charm.
Zhuzhou is a major manufacturing base for rail transit equipment in China, home to leading enterprises like CRRC Zhuzhou, earning it the title 'Capital of Electric Locomotives.' Meanwhile, it is actively developing aviation power, new energy vehicles, and other industries, transitioning from traditional industry to modern intelligent manufacturing.
The best time to visit 株洲 is Spring and autumn (March-May, September-November).
Spring (March-May): Mild weather, everything revives, suitable for outdoor outings. Visit the Mausoleum of Emperor Yan and Shennong Valley to enjoy natural scenery.
Autumn (September-November): Clear and crisp autumn weather with pleasant temperatures, the best season to visit Zhuzhou. Enjoy the Xiangjiang River scenery and autumn colors of the city.
Summer (June-August) is hot, and winter (December-February) is damp and cold. However, for industrial tourism or food, the city is suitable year-round.
In 257 AD, during the Three Kingdoms period, Jianning County was established, marking the beginning of Zhuzhou's administrative history.
With the opening of the Yuehan Railway and Zhejiang-Jiangxi Railway, Zhuzhou became a major railway hub, earning the nickname 'a city pulled by trains.'
Zhuzhou was listed as one of the first eight key industrial cities for national construction, initiating large-scale industrial development.
Recommended places to visit
Located in Yanling County, it is the mausoleum of Emperor Yan (Shennong), the legendary ancestor of the Chinese nation. It is a national 5A-level tourist attraction, including the mausoleum hall, Shennong Hall, and Sacred Fire Platform. Annual sacrificial ceremonies are held here.
Located in Yanling County, formerly known as Taoyuan Cave, it is a national 4A-level tourist attraction and national nature reserve. It features primeval forests, waterfalls, and streams, known as a 'natural oxygen bar.'
Explore rich intangible cultural heritage and traditional crafts
National intangible cultural heritage, a unique ceramic decoration technique invented in Liling. The colors are bright and never fade, known as the 'peak of Eastern ceramic art.'
National intangible cultural heritage, a grand ceremony held annually at the Mausoleum of Emperor Yan to honor the legendary ancestor, including sacrifices, music, and dance.
Must-know transportation for exploring the city
Zhuzhou West Station is on the Beijing-Guangzhou high-speed railway, providing direct access to Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Wuhan, etc. Zhuzhou Station also has regular trains.
About 30 RMB from Changsha to Zhuzhou
Zhuzhou has no civil airport, but it is about 40 km from Changsha Huanghua International Airport. You can take an airport bus or high-speed rail to Changsha South Station and then transfer.
Airport bus about 50 RMB
Zhuzhou city has a well-developed bus network, including regular buses and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). The fare is 2 RMB and mobile payment is supported.
2 RMB
Taste the most authentic and popular local specialties
A specialty of You County, made from dried tofu with a chewy texture and rich bean flavor. It can be stir-fried or served cold, a classic ingredient in Hunan cuisine.
A Liling specialty snack, made from rice noodles stir-fried with shredded pork, eggs, bean sprouts, etc. It has a smooth texture and rich wok aroma.
Located in Yunlong Demonstration Zone, it is a large theme park built by Huaqiang Fantawild Group, featuring attractions such as Dinosaur Crisis and Flying Over the Limit, suitable for family fun.
Located in Liling City, it is a comprehensive scenic area integrating ceramic culture display, artistic creation, and tourism. Visitors can visit the Ceramic Museum and experience pottery making.
A riverside landscape belt built along both banks of the Xiangjiang River, including attractions such as Piano Square and Locomotive Square, a great place for citizens to relax and exercise.
A traditional Zhuzhou famous dish, where duck blood is stir-fried with duck meat. It has a dark red color and a spicy, rich flavor, a must-have dish at local banquets.
A specialty of Yanling County, a national geographical indication product. The flesh is golden, sweet and juicy, rich in vitamins, a seasonal fruit in summer.
A specialty of You County, made from local Ma ducks, salted and smoked. The meat is firm, savory and delicious, can be steamed or stir-fried.