Tradition by the book

Ah Q (left), one character from famous Chinese author Lu Xun's novel, interacts with tourists in Luzhen.[Photo provided to China Daily]

Walking in the small town, it is easy to be confused about what period of time one lives in.

Luzhen is not the only attraction in Keqiao.

In most places in Zhejiang province, mountains are always accompanied by lakes, and Keqiao is no exception.

Just beside Luzhen, Jianhu Lake is another significant scenic spot. Li Bai, one of the greatest poets in Chinese history, once wrote that the water of Jianhu Lake is as smooth and bright as the moon.

In the middle of the lake, an opera stage awaits audiences. Visitors can also hear Yueju Opera, China's second-largest form of traditional opera, while sitting on a traditional black-topped boat on the lake, with the mountain and the rocks around them.

Transportation

Keqiao is only a half-hour drive away from the province's capital city, Hangzhou.

Tourists coming by plane or high-speed train to Hangzhou can take a bus at Hangzhou South Bus Station or a taxi to Keqiao.

Accommodation

There are three five-star hotels in Keqiao. Among them, Jianhu Hotel is located inside the Jianhu Lack scenic area that has a perfect lake view.

Other four-star and three-star hotels are also available in the area.

Food

Traditional food in Keqiao includes yellow rice wine and aniseed-flavored beans. Since there are more than 5,000 foreign dealers, especially from Middle East and India, in the region, Arabian and Indian restaurants are easily to be found around the textile markets.