This "Namesake" in Zhejiang is Hidden Too Deep, Super Photogenic
When mentioning "Xikou Town," most people's first impression is the town under Fenghua District, Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province. Located on the southern wing of the Yangtze River Delta and at the foot of the Siming Mountains, it was known as the "Penglai on the Sea" as early as the Han Dynasty. It boasts three distinctive scenic systems: the "Millennium Ancient Town of Xikou, the Secluded Valley and Waterfalls of Xuedou Mountain, and the Scenic Lakes of Tingxia," and is also the hometown of modern historical figures!
Today, Xikou Town has become a "Charm of the Republic of China Era," renowned as "Half of the Republic of China's History." It features highlights such as "Xuedou Temple," "Wuling Gate," "Meiling Café," "Wenchang Pavilion," "Western-style Villa," and "Jiang Family Ancestral Hall," all highly favored by tourists!
What many don’t know is that there’s another "namesake" in Zhejiang, also called "Xikou Town," located in Longyou County, Quzhou. Though it may not match the scenery and influence of Fenghua’s Xikou Town, it’s still a super photogenic and incredibly relaxing place worth visiting!
Longyou Xikou Town in Quzhou is situated in the central-southern part of Longyou County, bordering Luojia Township to the east, Dajie Township to the southeast, Muchen She Ethnic Township to the south, Miaoxia Township to the southwest, Quanwang Town of Qujiang District to the west, and Longzhou and Donghua Subdistricts to the northwest and north. It was named after the former Xikou People’s Commune!
Today, Longyou Xikou Town boasts honors such as being listed in the "Sixth Batch of Zhejiang’s Famous Historical and Cultural Towns, Villages, and Blocks," "Zhejiang’s Climate Wellness Villages," "The First Batch of Zhejiang’s Digital Life New Service Characteristic Towns," and "The Second Batch of Zhejiang’s Millennium Ancient Town Revival Pilot Projects," making it truly remarkable!
First-time visitors can follow this itinerary:
Xikou Old Street — Ni Art Museum — Future Community [Huangnishan Community, Xikou Town, Longyou County, Quzhou] — Lingqi Secret Realm
Xikou Old Street is brimming with authentic local life, featuring Ming and Qing-era architecture, traditional snacks, and handmade shops… everything you’d expect! If you want to experience genuine old buildings and cultural charm, this is the place to be! Food lovers can try delicacies like "Xishi Tofu Balls," "Small Wontons," "Fermented Rice Cake," "Mountain Flour Dumplings," and "Paper-thin Wontons," all with unique and fresh flavors!
Ni Art Museum is a magical place, transformed from an abandoned hydropower station. Originally a 1960s water conservancy station, its exposed concrete beams and spiral staircases make the building itself a giant artwork! (Opening hours: 09:00-17:00, closed on Mondays). Walking through it feels like stepping on the imprints of time—every visit is a journey through the past, evoking childhood innocence!
The Future Community, as the name suggests, is extraordinary—the first rural future community in Quzhou to open. Here, you can read, dine, drink coffee, and shop at unmanned stores, all with just a facial scan. Functionally, it expands from the urban "Three Transformations and Nine Scenarios" to a rural version: human-centric, ecological, and integrated, covering health, education, transportation, rural scenery, nostalgia, community, sharing, entrepreneurship, and pastoral life. Don’t miss the delicious "Longyou Fermented Rice Cake, Xikou Salted Pork with Bamboo Shoots, Muchen Reservoir Fish, and Sanqu Stone Forest Chicken" at the Shared Canteen!
Lingqi Secret Realm is a paid attraction (ticket: 68 RMB, including a drink/coffee), known as "Quzhou’s Little Chiang Mai." Surrounded by bamboo forests and crystal-clear streams, lying on a bamboo raft while feeling the mountain breeze and breathing fresh air is pure tranquility. You can also enjoy bamboo rafting and discover rich Thai-inspired elements, making it a perfect spot for photography—every shot is postcard-worthy!
This trip promises "great food, fun, and photos," especially at Xikou Old Street, which took shape during the Ming Dynasty. Once a bustling hub with shops and merchants, it was known as "Little Shanghai" with its "one street, eight alleys, and six docks." Must-visit spots include "Xikou Bamboo Weaving," "Nostalgia Post Office," "Longyou Delicacies," and "Yu Wang Bookstore."
Unlike other places, it’s less crowded yet equally stunning! Nearby, "Liuchun Lake" is also worth a visit for those interested.
Transportation:
By car: Navigate to "Longyou Xikou Food Street," with convenient parking.
By bus: Take Bus 223/221 from Longyou Station to Xikou Town (about 1.5 hours), then explore by bus as distances are short.
Practical Info for Longyou Xikou Town:
Most attractions are free. Located in Longyou County, Quzhou, Zhejiang, self-driving is recommended.
So, are you interested in Longyou Xikou Town? Feel free to share your thoughts!