Longquan

Longquan is a remarkable county-level city located in the picturesque Zhejiang Province in southwestern China. Surrounded by dense forests and majestic mountains, this city is world-renowned for its tranquil atmosphere and unique artisanal heritage. With a population of about 310,000, it is a quiet provincial center where life flows at a measured and harmonious pace.

The city's main pride and symbol are the famous Longquan swords. Local blacksmithing has an incredible history dating back more than 2,600 years to the Zhou Dynasty. Longquan is considered the cradle of Chinese forging mastery, and today, visitors can not only witness the process of creating legendary weapons but also feel the spirit of ancient traditions carefully preserved by the local residents.

Beyond the craft workshops, the city attracts tourists with its natural beauty and ethnic flavor. It is home to a settlement of the She people, where you can learn about their unique culture and way of life. If you are looking for a place far from the hustle and bustle of megacities, where every corner is steeped in history and craftsmanship, we invite you to discover the authentic charm of Longquan.

Longquan is located in a subtropical climate zone typical of southeastern China. The city is characterized by mild, cool winters and warm, humid summers. Average temperatures in January range from +5 to +8°C, while in July, the thermometer usually rises to +28...+30°C. You can check the current climate in the city in advance to better prepare for your trip.

One of the main features of the local weather is heavy rainfall, especially during the monsoon season from May to September. June is considered the rainiest month, when air humidity increases significantly. Winters here are cool, but severe frosts are rare. Thanks to the mountain relief and abundance of forests, the air in the city is quite fresh, although high humidity often contributes to the formation of picturesque mists in the morning hours.

Longquan is a city with a deep historical heritage, hiding many amazing details. Here are a few facts that make it special:

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• The first steel blades: It is believed that the first iron swords in Chinese history were forged in Longquan about 2,600 years ago by the legendary master Ouyezi.

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• National treasure: In 2006, the local sword forging technique was officially included in China's list of intangible cultural heritage, and the Shen Guanglong forge has preserved its traditions for over 130 years.

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• World recognition: Longquan swords are so highly valued that they are often presented as gifts to foreign heads of state and used in the filming of martial arts blockbusters.

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• Ethnic flavor: A unique settlement of the She people is located in the suburbs—a rare chance to see the lifestyle of one of the region's few officially recognized ethnic minorities.

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• Magic of the name: The ancient name of the city is Longyuan, which echoes the name of one of Master Ouyezi's most famous swords, symbolizing the city's inseparable connection with the art of blacksmithing.

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Longquan is situated in a picturesque but rather remote mountainous area, so planning your route requires attention. The city does not have direct high-speed rail service, so travelers usually use combined transport options. You can find more details on the page describing how to get to Longquan in the most convenient ways.

The nearest major transport hubs are in neighboring cities. The most common way to reach Longquan is to take a high-speed train to Lishui (travel time from Shanghai is about 3–4 hours) and then transfer to an intercity bus. Buses from Lishui depart every 30–60 minutes, and the journey along mountain roads takes about 2–2.5 hours.

For those who prefer traveling by car, the G25 expressway leads from Hangzhou. The drive takes about 4–5 hours (a distance of approximately 350 km). Keep in mind that due to the mountainous terrain and traffic on weekends, travel time may increase. There are no direct flights to the city itself, so the nearest airports should be sought in Wenzhou or Lishui.

The main pride and primary attraction of Longquan are its legendary sword forges and factories. Visiting places like the Shen Guanglong forge or the Jiaqiang Sword Co. workshops allows tourists to see the authentic forging process without unnecessary theatricality. These are real production facilities where masters create blades recognized as the pinnacle of Chinese weaponry art. Here, you can not only observe the blacksmiths at work but also purchase a souvenir with centuries of history.

For those interested in the culture of China's ethnic minorities, the She ethnic settlement in Zhuyang village is a must-visit. This is one of the few official residential areas for this ethnic group in Zhejiang Province. Visitors can get acquainted with the traditional way of life, vibrant national costumes, and unique customs of the She people, which contrast sharply with the culture of the Han majority.

The city's central squares and specialized sword markets are also of great interest. The city is not geared toward mass tourism, so it maintains the sincere atmosphere of a traditional Chinese town. Strolling through the local market stalls, where metalwork and the famous Longquan celadon (porcelain) are displayed, will be an excellent addition to the cultural program for connoisseurs of history and crafts.

Longquan cuisine is a classic representative of the culinary traditions of southeastern Zhejiang Province. It is based on fresh local products: rice, vegetables, pork, and, of course, river fish caught in the waters of the Ou River (Wujiang). The cooking style leans towards lightness—stewing and steaming are preferred, which preserves the natural flavor of the ingredients.

Dishes with added wild herbs collected in the surrounding mountains are particularly popular. This gives the local food a special aroma and medicinal properties. For street food, you should definitely try traditional rice cakes and hearty soups that locals eat for breakfast. The city's gastronomic scene is simple and authentic: there are no pretentious restaurants, but many small family establishments with very affordable prices.

As for drinks, Longquan is famous for its locally harvested green tea, which has a fresh and clean taste. You can also find homemade rice wine in the forges and restaurants. Often, a visit to the sword workshops is accompanied by a tea tasting with traditional snacks, making the introduction to the city's culture even more complete and pleasant.

Preparing for a trip to a city as unique as Longquan requires knowledge of some local characteristics. We have prepared a list of practical tips to help make your journey as comfortable as possible.

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1. Clothing and Footwear: Since the city is surrounded by mountains, bring comfortable closed shoes for walking. The weather can be changeable, so a light windbreaker or raincoat (especially in summer) will be useful.
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2. Transport: Install the Didi app—it's the easiest way to call a taxi. English is rare here, so it's better to have the addresses of forges or your hotel written in Chinese characters.
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3. Finances: Although digital payments (WeChat Pay) are ubiquitous, cash yuan (RMB) is still necessary in the province, especially in markets and small workshops. International cards are rarely accepted.
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4. Communication: English is not widely spoken in the city. We recommend downloading an offline translator in advance and being patient. Friendliness and gestures will always help you find common ground with the locals.
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5. Health and Safety: The city is very safe, but when visiting active forges, be cautious and use a respirator if you have allergies to dust or smoke.
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6. Etiquette: Chinese people in the province are very hospitable. When visiting workshops, politeness and interest in the master's work will be received with great warmth. Don't forget to nod as a sign of greeting when you meet someone.
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7. What to Avoid: Do not try to export antique swords without special permits—customs rules are very strict. Buy only modern replicas with documentation.
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8. Additional Tip: For planning routes and buying bus tickets, it is best to use the Trip.com service or the help of a guide.
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Longquan is a place for those who value authenticity and quiet. Following these simple rules will help you fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the city of masters and have only positive experiences!

Longquan is primarily a center for crafts and quiet relaxation, so there is practically no vibrant nightlife in the traditional sense. The city goes to sleep quite early, and you won't find noisy nightclubs or large-scale concert venues here. The main focus of evening pastimes is shifted toward traditional Chinese leisure and cozy gatherings.

In the evening, locals and visitors prefer to spend time in tea houses, many of which are located near the famous forges. This is a great opportunity to discuss the day's sights in a calm setting. Walks along the landscaped embankments of the Ou River (Wujiang) are also popular, where the soft light of lanterns reveals beautiful views of the forested mountains surrounding the city.

For family vacations, the city provides small public parks with play areas. Daytime entertainment is mostly related to visiting sword museums and participating in traditional craft workshops. If you crave a more active nightlife, cinemas, or large shopping malls, people usually head to nearby Lishui, which is a couple of hours' drive away.

The main cultural magnets of the city are the museums dedicated to its ancient craft. The Longquan Sword Museum, located in the center, presents an extensive collection of cold weapons—from archaeological finds to modern works of art. Exhibitions in active forges complete the picture, clearly demonstrating the evolution of forging technology from the legendary master Ouyezi to the present day.

The city's nature is no less remarkable than its history. Longquan is literally shrouded in greenery thanks to its mountainous terrain. Instead of large urbanized parks, natural recreation areas predominate here. The picturesque Ou River (Wujiang) embankments are ideal for leisurely strolls, offering guests fresh air and beautiful views of the mountains, which are often shrouded in mist.

For those seeking peace and solitude, small city gardens and squares, popular with local residents, are a good option. Although the city has no large-scale amusement parks, its forest surroundings provide excellent opportunities for light nature walks. It is an ideal place for those who want to take a break from the hustle and bustle and enjoy a quiet, ecologically clean environment.

The public transport system in Longquan consists mainly of buses and shuttle taxis. The city is quite compact, so many attractions and central areas are easy to explore on foot. Bus routes connect the center with industrial zones and remote factories; however, they do not run very frequently—the average interval is 20–30 minutes.

Bus fares are usually paid in cash or through popular Chinese mobile apps. Keep in mind that during peak hours (7 to 9 AM and 5 to 7 PM), transport can be crowded with workers from local enterprises. There is no metro or tram system in the city, which is typical for small provincial centers in China.

The most convenient and affordable way for tourists to get around is by taxi and the Didi service (similar to Uber). A trip around the city is inexpensive—usually within 5–20 yuan. For more active travelers, bicycle and electric scooter rental services are available. Since the city is far from major railway hubs, renting a car or using a taxi is often the best choice for visiting remote forges and ethnic villages.

Longquan's hotel infrastructure is geared mainly towards business travelers and craft enthusiasts, so the choice of accommodation is specific. Most options are budget hotels in the 2–3 star category, offering basic comfort for a reasonable price (averaging from 200 to 400 yuan per night). These hotels are most often located in the central part of the city or near major production centers.

For those who want to dive deeper into the local atmosphere, guesthouses at the forges or small rental apartments are an interesting option. In such places, you can feel the true spirit of provincial China. There are practically no large five-star chain hotels or luxury resorts in the city itself, which emphasizes its status as a quiet craft center.

When planning a trip, especially during national holidays or major weapon exhibitions, it is recommended to book accommodation in advance through popular Chinese services. It is best to choose hotels in the central district, as it is easiest to reach the main museums and workshops from there, and to use taxi and local transport services.

Longquan serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the scenic surroundings of Zhejiang Province. Thanks to its location, the city makes it easy to organize interesting day trips to the region's neighboring cultural and natural centers.

One of the most popular destinations is the city of Lishui, which can be reached by bus in a couple of hours. It is a larger administrative center offering great shopping opportunities and a wide selection of restaurants. Also worth noting is the neighboring Songyang County, known for its ancient villages and tea plantations that have preserved the look of traditional China from past centuries.

Exploring nearby areas such as Jiangshan or Quzhou will allow you to see a variety of landscapes—from steep mountains to fertile valleys. We recommend not limiting yourself to the city alone and taking the time to travel around the region to fully appreciate the beauty and diversity of this part of the country.

Shopping in Longquan is a unique experience, as the city specializes in goods that are difficult to find in such quality anywhere else. Naturally, the main goal for shopping is Longquan swords. Prices range from a couple of hundred yuan for souvenir replicas to several thousand for authentic blades handmade by masters. Factory shops and specialized markets offer a huge selection of weapons for every taste and budget.

In addition to cold weapons, the city is famous for its celadon—a special type of porcelain with a pale green glaze, which also has the status of a national treasure. Local metalware markets and souvenir shops in the city center offer a variety of products made from this ceramic: from elegant tea sets to decorative vases. This is an excellent gift symbolizing the refinement of Chinese culture.

There are few large shopping centers with global brands in the city; they are mainly concentrated in the central district. Shops usually operate from morning until 8–9 PM. When purchasing expensive items like swords, be sure to ask for a certificate of authenticity. Regarding payment, large shops accept WeChat Pay and Alipay, but it is better to have a supply of cash yuan in small workshops and markets.