Wenzhou

Wenzhou is a seriously underrated gem of a city, with the mountain-and-sea scenery of Jiangnan as well as a hidden food paradise! Here is a classic 3-day, 2-night itinerary for you, covering city food walks and nearby natural landscapes. Follow it and you won’t get lost.

Classic 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: City Culture and Food Walk

After arriving in the afternoon, first head to Jiangxin Islet and take the ferry to the island. Stroll around the East and West Pagodas and Jiangxin Temple, and soak up a thousand years of cultural heritage on the Ou River. In the evening, go to Wuma Street and Shuangjingfang to take photos among Republican-era buildings, eating your way through snacks such as Changren wontons and dengzhan gao. At night, visit Wutian Old Street for the night views, where blue-gray brick walls, dark roof tiles, and red lanterns make it incredibly photogenic.

• Day 2: Nanxi River Scenery and Ancient Villages

It is recommended to hire a car or drive yourself to the Nanxi River Scenic Area in Yongjia. In the morning, visit Cangpo Ancient Village and experience a thousand-year-old village laid out according to the “Four Treasures of the Study”; in the afternoon, try bamboo rafting at Lion Rock and admire the green forests along both banks. Toward evening, go to Lishui Street and wait for the lanterns along the thousand-year-old stone-slab street to light up, creating a wonderfully lively atmosphere.

• Day 3: The Spectacular Baizhangji Waterfall

Head to Baizhangji in Wencheng County. It is recommended to enter from the North Gate and exit from the South Gate, touring from top to bottom to save your legs. The 207-meter waterfall sends mist rushing toward you from high above, and on sunny days you may even see a rainbow. Walking through the water-curtain cave at the Second Cascade feels truly otherworldly. Return in the afternoon and wrap up a wonderful trip.

Alternative Island Vacation Option

If you prefer a pure island vibe, you can replace the above itinerary with a 2-day trip to Nanji Island, rated by National Geographic as one of the most beautiful islands.

• Transportation: Take the high-speed train to Pingyang Station, then a taxi to Aojiang Wharf to board the boat (about 2 hours). Be sure to buy ferry tickets in advance.
• What to Do: On Day 1, go to Dashao to see the shell beach and drink cliffside coffee while watching the sunset glow; on Day 2, head to Sanpanwei before dawn to watch the sunrise and visit the seaside meadow. The island is heavily affected by weather, so be sure to choose a clear sunny day.

Must-Eat Food List

Wenzhou is truly a paradise for carbs and seafood. Don’t miss these authentic local flavors:

Transportation and Accommodation Tips

• Transportation: Take the high-speed train to Wenzhou South Station. For getting around the city, taxis and buses work well; for Nanxi River and Baizhangji, driving yourself or hiring a car is more convenient and flexible.
• Accommodation: Wuma Street or the area around Wutian Old Street is the top choice, making it easy to eat, drink, and explore, with the added bonus of overlooking Wenzhou’s night views.

Pitfall-Avoidance Tips

• The Wenzhou dialect is hard to understand, so it is completely normal if you can’t follow it. Just use your phone to communicate directly.
• When visiting Baizhangji, remember to buy a 2-yuan raincoat, as you will get wet from the mist when viewing the waterfall up close; wear non-slip shoes, since the paths are damp and slippery.
• Accommodation on Nanji Island is relatively basic. During peak season, be sure to book in advance and prepare sun protection.