4 DaysChina
Longquan
Your 4-day travel guide
The best times to visit Longquan are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to early November). Spring brings mild...
Longquan•4D•All
Longquan, China
Duration:4 Days
Activities:12
Best for:All travelers
Celadon and Mountain Air
Longquan is a historic city in Zhejiang province, China, renowned as the birthplace of Longquan celadon, a type of green-glazed porcelain celebrated for over a thousand years. The city is surrounded by forested mountains and offers a serene, culturally rich escape. This itinerary focuses on the deep ceramic heritage and local culinary traditions, perfect for a couple seeking a blend of artistic discovery and authentic tastes. Longquan's pace is relaxed, allowing for immersive experiences in its workshops, temples, and natural settings without the crowds of larger tourist centers.
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1
Celadon Heritage and Introduction
Day 1 of your journey
This modern museum provides a comprehensive overview of Longquan celadon's history, from its origins in the Five Dynasties period to its peak during the Song and Yuan dynasties. You'll see exquisite ancient pieces and learn about firing techniques. The exhibits are well-curated with English explanations. Plan for about two hours to appreciate the collection fully. It's a quiet, air-conditioned space ideal for starting your cultural journey. The museum is typically open from 9:00 to 17:00, closed on Mondays.
Longquan Celadon Museum
Why Visit
As the definitive institution on the city's most famous craft, this museum offers essential context. It showcases the evolution of glazing styles and the global trade of celadon, helping you appreciate the pieces you'll see in workshops later. For a couple, it's a thoughtful, shared learning experience that deepens the significance of everything you'll encounter in Longquan.
Address: 1 Gongyuan Road. After the museum, walk to the nearby Dayao Ancient Kiln Site to see the archaeological remains in a park setting, connecting the history to a physical location.
2
Temples, Swords, and Scenic Views
Day 2 of your journey
3
Hands-On Craft and Local Markets
Day 3 of your journey
4
Nature's Bounty and Farewell Feast
Day 4 of your journey
Before You Go
Essential Travel Tips
Getting There: Longquan is best reached by bus or car from Lishui City, which has a high-speed rail station. Wenzhou Longwan International Airport is the closest major airport, about a 2-hour drive away.
Local Transport: Taxis and ride-hailing apps (like Didi) are available and affordable for getting around the city. The city center is compact enough to explore on foot.
Currency: Use Chinese Yuan (CNY). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels and larger shops, but carry cash for markets, small restaurants, and workshops.
Language: Mandarin is spoken. English is not widely spoken, so having a translation app (like Pleco or Google Translate) downloaded is very helpful.
Cultural Etiquette: Be respectful when visiting temples and workshops. A modest nod is a polite greeting. It's customary to receive business cards or items with both hands.
Safety: Longquan is generally very safe. Standard precautions for securing valuables apply, especially in crowded markets.
Connectivity: Purchase a local SIM card or ensure your international roaming is activated, as Wi-Fi may not be universally available.
When to Go
Best Time to Visit
The best times to visit Longquan are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to early November). Spring brings mild temperatures, around 15-25°C (59-77°F), with blooming flowers and green landscapes, ideal for outdoor activities. Autumn offers clear, cool weather and comfortable hiking conditions. Summers (July-August) can be hot, humid, and rainy, while winters are chilly and damp, with temperatures sometimes near freezing. The city does not have extreme tourist seasons, so crowds are manageable year-round.
Local Insights & Tips
Longquan's identity is deeply tied to its artisan crafts—celadon and swords. Respect for these traditions is paramount. When visiting workshops, observe quietly and ask permission before taking photos. The pace of life is slower than in major Chinese cities; embrace it. Meals are social and shared. Don't be surprised if locals are curious about foreign visitors; a friendly smile goes a long way. Tipping is not expected. When drinking tea or alcohol in a social setting, it's polite to toast others at the table by raising your glass.