Taizhou

Taizhou is a seriously underrated treasure of a mountain-and-sea city, with both the everyday charm of an old Jiangnan town and fairyland-like landscapes and soothing islands. Tickets here are reasonably priced, and the food scene is dense, especially for chewy, glutinous snacks, making it ideal for a weekend or short holiday break.

Essential Highlights

• Shenxianju: A 5A-rated scenic area known as “the place where immortals live.” Strange peaks and rock formations seem to float in the clouds and mist, and the viral Ruyi Bridge and Nantian Summit glass viewing platform are spectacular. With cable cars and escalators throughout the route, it is very friendly for visitors who want to save energy.

• Guoqing Temple: A free-to-enter, thousand-year-old Sui dynasty temple and the ancestral home of the Tiantai school of Chinese Buddhism. Inside, the Sui Plum Tree, ancient pagoda, and historic details are everywhere. It is not overly commercialized, and the quiet incense-filled atmosphere makes it perfect for calming the mind.

• Ziyang Ancient Street: Stretching 1,080 meters, this street preserves the layout of lanes and alleys from the Tang and Song dynasties. The whole street is packed with local snacks, including seaweed cakes, egg-white “lamb tails,” and wheat-shrimp noodles, all in one place, while retaining the everyday market atmosphere of old Taizhou.

• Taizhou Prefecture City Wall: Known as the “Badaling of Jiangnan,” the wall winds along the mountain terrain. It is recommended to enter from Xingshan Gate; the full route is gentle without major climbs, and from the top you can overlook the old city and the scenery along the Lingjiang River.

• Colorful Xiaoruo Village: Located on the Shitang Peninsula in Wenling, this village has colorful stone houses scattered across the hillside and is surrounded by the sea on three sides. Known as “China’s version of the Cinque Terre,” it looks healing and cinematic no matter where you point your camera.

Classic 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Linhai Old City Culture Route
  • Morning: Head to the Taizhou Prefecture City Wall. It is recommended to enter from Xingshan Gate, take the gentler section, check in at the most beautiful S-curve, and overlook the old city scenery.
  • Afternoon: Stroll through East Lake Park, known as a smaller West Lake of Jiangnan, with pavilions, towers, and waterside structures scattered throughout, making it great for walking and photos. Afterward, visit Longxing Temple to experience its Zen atmosphere.

• Evening: Walk and eat your way along Ziyang Ancient Street, trying snacks such as seaweed cakes and egg-white “lamb tails.” When the lanterns light up at night, the atmosphere is at its fullest.

• Day 2: Xianju Fairyland Route
  • Morning: Go straight to Shenxianju. It is recommended to enter from the north gate and exit from the south gate. After taking the cable car up the mountain, walk along the cloud-level plank road and check in at Ruyi Bridge and Guanyin Peak. When mist surrounds the area, the fairyland feeling is at its peak.
  • Afternoon: Continue exploring Shenxianju, or head to Potan Ancient Town to see the boneless needle-punched lanterns.

• Night: Stay in Xianju County or head to Linhai for accommodation, and try local specialties such as Xianju Eight Bowls and bayberry chicken.

• Day 3: Wenling Island Route
  • Morning: Visit Colorful Xiaoruo Village to take fairytale-like photos of colorful houses against the sea. Qilin Mountain Viewing Platform is recommended for sunset.

• Afternoon: Stroll along the Coastal Greenway, with the blue sea on one side and lush green hills on the other, or go to Golden Beach to wade in the water and pick up shells.

• Evening: Return home, or stay longer in Shitang to eat seafood and spend the night in a stone-house guesthouse listening to the waves.

Taizhou Must-Eat Food List

Taizhou is a true paradise for chewy, glutinous snacks, and its seafood is also exceptionally fresh. Be sure to try these local specialties:

• Seaweed Cake: A must-buy on Ziyang Street. The crust is crisp and flaky, the filling has a rich seaweed flavor, and the taste balances savory and sweet. It is best fresh from the oven.

• Egg-White “Lamb Tail”: An intangible cultural heritage snack made by wrapping red bean paste in whipped egg whites and deep-frying it. Golden and round, it has a soft, sweet, fragrant texture.

• Sand Garlic with Bean Noodles: A classic Taizhou dish. The sand garlic is fresh and aromatic, while the bean noodles, or glass noodles, are springy and flavorful. The thick broth is perfect with rice.

• QiangaO Stuffed Rice Cake: A favorite Taizhou breakfast. Softened rice cake dough is wrapped around fillings such as braised pork and shredded dried tofu, making it soft, chewy, and filling.

• Egg Steamed with Ginger Juice: Made by simmering ginger juice, egg, brown sugar, and crushed walnuts. It has a strong ginger aroma and silky texture, and is good for warming and nourishing the body.

• Black Rice Mochi: Made by soaking glutinous rice in juice from black rice tree leaves, then steaming and pounding it. Dark green-black in color, it is soft, chewy, springy, and carries a fresh plant fragrance.

• Pao Xia: Crisp on the outside and tender inside, with generous fillings. Add meat and egg for an especially satisfying version, available throughout the streets and alleys.

• Sanmen Mud Crab: A local seafood specialty. The meat is at its freshest in October, and it is delicious whether steamed or made into crab paste.

Practical Transport and Pitfall-Avoidance Tips

• Transport: High-speed rail can take you directly to Taizhou Station, Linhai Station, Tiantaishan Station, and Xianju Station, with convenient rail connections between cities and counties. Driving is more flexible, but note that Shitang may have traffic restrictions on weekends.
• Accommodation: It is recommended to stay near Linhai Old City on Day 1, which is convenient for eating and exploring, and in Xianju County or by the sea in Shitang on Day 2 for a different atmosphere. Avoid changing hotels every day.
• Tickets: Guoqing Temple is free, Shenxianju is 110 yuan, and the Taizhou Prefecture City Wall is 60 yuan. Most attractions offer half-price or free admission for visitors over 60, so remember to bring your ID card.
• Pitfall Avoidance: Be sure to take the cable car and escalator at Shenxianju to save your energy. When buying seaweed cakes on Ziyang Street, choose established old shops and avoid overly internet-famous stores on the main street. For seafood, buy it fresh at the fishing port and have it cooked on-site, and watch the weighing carefully to prevent swaps. Check the tide table in advance before going to the seaside.