Taizhou

Taizhou suits a 2-day, 1-night trip focused on its waterways, gardens and historic sites, wetland wildlife, and local food. The city has a relaxed pace, and its attractions are fairly close together.

• Fengcheng River Scenic Area: The moat surrounding Taizhou's old town is a good starting point for exploring the city. Stroll along the willow-lined banks by day, or take a traditional sightseeing boat at night to enjoy the illuminated waterfront. Most parts of the scenic area are free to enter.

• Qinhu National Wetland Park: This 5A-rated wetland park is accessed by boat. The boat passes through extensive reed beds, and you can watch milu deer from a viewing platform. The park is especially peaceful on misty mornings and is best explored at a leisurely pace.

• Qiao Garden: This private garden from the Ming dynasty is known as the “Finest Garden in Huaizuo.” Small but carefully designed, it combines gray roof tiles, white walls, and bamboo groves in a quiet setting.

• Wanghai Tower: One of Taizhou's landmark historic buildings, it is known as the “Finest Tower in the Jianghuai Region.” Climb the tower for views over the Fengcheng River and the city. Visit toward evening to see the tower bathed in sunset light.

• Mei Garden: Home to the Mei Lanfang Memorial Hall, the garden features mainly Ming- and Qing-style buildings and elegantly arranged pavilions. Performances of Peking opera excerpts may be held during holidays, offering an introduction to traditional Chinese opera.

• Taizhou Old Street: This pedestrian area beside the Fengcheng River features Ming- and Qing-style architecture. It becomes livelier at night when the lanterns are lit. With local snack shops and morning tea restaurants throughout, it is a good place to stroll and sample local food.

Suggested Itinerary

• Day 1: Waterways, Local Heritage, and Old Street Flavors
  • Morning: Start at a morning tea restaurant with crab roe soup dumplings and blanched shredded tofu, taking time to experience Taizhou's distinctive morning tea tradition. Then visit Qiao Garden and the Xuezheng Examination Hall to explore garden scenery and learn about the imperial examination system.

• Afternoon: Explore the Fengcheng River Scenic Area, visiting Wanghai Tower and Mei Garden in turn. If time and energy allow, head to Shisheng Street to see its distinctive walls and take a short break at a café.
  • Evening: Sample local snacks on Taizhou Old Street, then take a traditional sightseeing boat along the Fengcheng River to enjoy the illuminated riverbanks.
• Day 2: Wetland Wildlife and Ancient Town Scenery
  • Morning: Head to Qinhu National Wetland Park and take a boat into the reed beds. Watch for milu deer and egrets, and explore the wetland trails at a relaxed pace.
  • Afternoon: Visit nearby Qintong Ancient Town, stroll along its stone-paved lanes, and sample the Eight Delicacies of Qinhu. Enjoy everyday life in the waterside streets before heading home.

Must-Try Food

Taizhou's morning tea and Huaiyang cuisine each have their own appeal. Consider these places when planning your meals:

• Huibinlou: A nationally recognized restaurant serving crab roe soup dumplings, five-flavor blanched shredded tofu, and fish broth noodles. It is a good choice for experiencing local morning tea.

• Fengdeyuan: A morning tea restaurant popular with locals. Its signature yangcao herb buns and pork buns have juicy fillings. Arrive early.

• Haitangchun: A century-old establishment founded in 1925. Its blanched shredded tofu is tender, and its crab roe soup dumplings have a rich, savory flavor. Try a selection of its morning tea dishes.

• Jiemei Stinky Tofu: A common Taizhou street snack. The fermented tofu is fried until crisp outside and soft inside, then served with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce. Expect a strong flavor.

• Hailing No. 1 Flatbread: A large flatbread filled with glass noodles, chives, eggs, vegetables, and meat, then fried until golden. It tastes best eaten hot.

Accommodation and Transport

• Where to Stay: Staying near the Fengcheng River Scenic Area or Taizhou Old Street puts attractions and morning tea restaurants within walking distance, with plenty of guesthouses and hotels to choose from. For a quieter setting, consider an inn in the Daohe Historic Quarter.
• Getting Around: Most visitors arriving from other cities come by high-speed train. From Taizhou Railway Station, take a taxi or bus into the city center. Taizhou has no metro, and shared electric bikes or taxis work well around the main cluster of attractions. For more distant places such as Qinhu Wetland, driving or hiring a car with a driver is more convenient.

Practical Tips

• Morning Tea Timing: Morning tea is an important part of a Taizhou trip, so arrive early. At many long-established restaurants, arriving before 7 a.m. makes it easier to get a seat. After 8 a.m., waits may reach an hour, and some popular dishes may sell out after 9 a.m.
• Book Ahead: Fengcheng River night cruises and Qinhu Wetland Park get busy during holidays, so it is best to buy tickets online in advance.
• What to Wear: The wetland park and ancient town involve plenty of walking, so wear flat shoes. October temperatures can vary considerably between morning and evening; bring a light jacket.
• Buying Local Specialties: Vacuum-packed fish balls or freshwater seafood sold at scenic area entrances may be of poor quality. For gifts to take home, try local supermarkets for freshly made Huangqiao shaobing, a baked pastry available with savory or sweet fillings. They have a short shelf life, so eat them promptly.