An ancient city in eastern Anhui celebrated for the legendary Drunkard Old Pavilion (Zuiweng Ting) made famous by Ouyang Xiu, and its scenic Langya Mountain.
Chuzhou is a prefecture-level city in eastern Anhui Province, situated on the northern bank of the Yangtze River delta, bordering the provincial capital Nanjing to the east. With a population of approximately 4 million and an area of 13,398 square kilometers, Chuzhou is a city of profound literary heritage and growing economic significance.
The city occupies an exalted place in Chinese literary history thanks to Ouyang Xiu, the great Song dynasty poet, historian, and statesman. During his tenure as magistrate of Chuzhou, Ouyang Xiu wrote "The Story of Drunkard Pavilion" (Zuiweng Ting Ji), an essay that has been memorized by Chinese schoolchildren for nearly a thousand years. The essay describes the pavilion on Langya Mountain where the magistrate would drink wine, enjoy the mountain scenery, and rejoice in the people's happiness. The Zuiweng Ting complex, with its pavilions, springs, and winding corridors, remains the city's most beloved cultural landmark.
Langya Mountain, the scenic setting of Ouyang Xiu's essay, is a national forest park that combines natural beauty with cultural treasures. Ancient temples, calligraphy inscriptions carved into cliffs by famous literati, and serene forest paths make it a perfect destination for cultural tourism and nature appreciation.
Chuzhou also holds a significant place in modern Chinese history. Xiaogang Village, within the city's jurisdiction, is where 18 farmers signed a secret contract in 1978 to divide collective land into household plots — an act that catalyzed China's nationwide rural reform and lifted hundreds of millions out of poverty.
Economically, Chuzhou has developed rapidly as a manufacturing and logistics hub, leveraging its proximity to Nanjing and its position within the Yangtze River Delta integration zone. Key industries include home appliances, automotive parts, new materials, and food processing. The city's GDP reached approximately 360 billion yuan in 2025.
Chuzhou has emerged as one of the fastest-growing economies in Anhui Province, driven by its strategic location on the Nanjing metropolitan area periphery. The city has positioned itself as a manufacturing base for companies relocating from more expensive coastal cities.
The home appliance industry is a pillar sector, with major manufacturers such as Haier and Skyworth operating large production facilities in Chuzhou. Automotive parts manufacturing is another key industry, supplying major automakers across the Yangtze River Delta region. New materials, photovoltaic equipment, and food processing are growth sectors.
The city's industrial parks near the Nanjing border have attracted substantial investment. Chuzhou benefits from lower land and labor costs compared to Nanjing while maintaining excellent connectivity through high-speed rail and expressways.
Agriculture remains significant, with specializations in high-quality mung beans from Mingguang, crabapples from Lai'an, and various grains and oilseeds. Tourism centered on Langya Mountain, Xiaogang Village, and the Ming Imperial Tomb contributes a growing share of the economy. In 2025, Chuzhou's GDP reached 360 billion yuan, ranking among the top cities in Anhui.
Discover the culinary treasures of Chuzhou, from traditional street food to imperial cuisine.
Chuzhou does not have its own airport. The nearest major airport is Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG, about 80 km southeast), accessible by high-speed rail or expressway.
Chuzhou Railway Station with frequent high-speed trains to Nanjing (18 min), Hefei (45 min), Shanghai (1.5h), Beijing (3h)
City buses and long-distance buses connect all districts and counties. Direct buses to Langya Mountain.
Available throughout the city
Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) offer the best weather for most destinations in China.
Read Ouyang Xiu's "Story of Drunkard Pavilion" before visiting — it will enrich your experience immensely.
Langya Mountain is best explored in the morning when it is less crowded.
Buy Langya Su Tang as a souvenir — it is a 200-year-old local specialty.
Visit Xiaogang Village to understand the dramatic story of China's rural reform.
Capital of Anhui province and China's rising innovation hub—...
UNESCO World Heritage Site—famous for peculiar pines, strang...
A Yangtze River port city and China's auto export capital — ...
Home of the sacred Mount Jiuhua (Jiuhuashan), one of China's...
A historic city in southwestern Anhui known for the stunning...
A historic city in southeastern Anhui famous as the home of ...
The "Pearl City" on the Huai River — a historic railway hub ...
An industrial and cultural city on the south bank of the Yan...
Discover more cities, food guides, and travel inspiration.
