Longquan Sword Village

龙泉

A renowned artisan town in Lishui famous for its sword-making craft spanning over 2,500 years, producing the legendary Longquan swords. Visitors can watch master craftsmen at work and explore the town's mountain setting and surrounding natural beauty.

Things to do

• Watch Master Sword Forging — Observe skilled craftsmen at traditional workshops hammering and shaping Longquan swords using ancient techniques passed down through generations.
• Visit Longquan Sword Museum — Explore the museum's collection of historical and contemporary Longquan swords, learning about the 2,500-year heritage and evolution of the craft.
• Tour Sword-Making Workshops — Walk through family-run workshops where artisans demonstrate grinding, polishing, and handle-fitting of legendary Longquan blades.
• Hike Surrounding Mountain Trails — Trek through the bamboo forests and peaks surrounding the village to experience the natural landscape that has inspired sword-makers for centuries.
• Purchase Authentic Longquan Swords — Buy directly from workshops and certified dealers to acquire authentic functional or decorative swords with certificates of authenticity.
• Attend Sword-Making Workshops — Participate in hands-on classes where visitors learn basic metalworking and can create a simple blade or decorative piece under expert guidance.

Food to try

• Lishui Bamboo Shoots — Fresh local bamboo shoots prepared in spring, grilled or stir-fried, reflecting the region's abundant mountain bamboo forests.
• Stone Fish (石鱼) — A local delicacy of tiny fresh-water fish from mountain streams, typically dried and cooked in soups or stir-fried with greens.
• Mountain Game and Wild Herbs — Rustic dishes featuring local game like wild boar or venison paired with foraged mountain herbs and vegetables.
• Lishui Glutinous Rice Cakes — Traditional sticky rice cakes filled with sesame or bean paste, a regional specialty often served as breakfast or dessert.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Workshop Photography Rules — Some master craftsmen prefer limited photography during sensitive shaping stages; always ask permission before photographing artisans at work.
• Learn Basic Sword Terminology — Familiarize yourself with terms like 'tang,' 'blade,' and 'temper' to better engage with craftsmen who take pride in explaining their techniques.
• Visit During Off-Peak Hours — Morning visits on weekdays offer more intimate access to artisans who are less busy and more willing to demonstrate their craft and share stories.
• Understand Certification Importance — Authentic Longquan swords come with certificates verifying the maker and materials; verify credentials before purchasing to avoid counterfeit products.