Authentic China Travel: Discover Zhejiang's Hidden Coastal Towns
- sinomate
- Mar 2
- 8 min read
Updated: Mar 26
Hey friends! Let me share a place I've recently fallen in love with: Taizhou, a hidden gem on Zhejiang's coast.
Taizhou rests on the beautiful coast of Zhejiang. It offers stunning views, rich history, and delicious food you’ll want to share with everyone. Keep reading if you want a real China travel experience away from busy tourist spots. You’re in for a treat!
Kiki's videos capture the essence of Taizhou with remarkable accuracy, don't they? From the vibrant port city of Jiaojiang to the serene ancient city of Linhai, time seems to slow down here. Taizhou is a treasure chest filled with experiences for every taste.
What makes Taizhou unique is its perfect mix of nature and culture. Imagine this: on one side, tall mountains shrouded in mist. On the other, the ocean glimmers in the sunlight. This unique place has shaped Taizhou's character. It influences everything, from its food to its traditions.
The Charm of Jiangnan: Zhejiang's Water Towns
Taizhou is on the coast of Zhejiang. It shows the beauty of "Jiangnan," the water town in southern China. This rich land has sparked many stories of wealth and the quest for a good life for thousands of years. Jiangnan is often seen as romantic in poems and art. It brings to mind calm rivers, beautiful gardens, and classic buildings. Yes, Taizhou is a small city. It shows the rich history and culture of Jiangnan. Imagine a calm, old-world charm like rural Italy. Here, time slows down, and life moves at a relaxed pace. If you are looking for the best ancient towns in Zhejiang, you should visit Taizhou.
A Journey Through Time: Song Dynasty (960-1279 CE) Cities
Taizhou bears the imprint of the Song Dynasty (960-1279 CE), a golden age in Chinese history. During this time, several cities thrived. They enjoyed economic growth, artistic achievements, and a rich culture.
They were hubs for trade, innovation, and fun. They drew in merchants, scholars, and artists from everywhere. Song Dynasty cities had smart designs, detailed buildings, and lively streets. They were places where people came together. It was Taizhou is home to Linhai, an ancient city. It highlights the greatness of cities from the Song Dynasty that have stood the test of time. Strolling through Linhai's narrow streets and alleys feels like a step back in time. You’ll experience a different era's sights, sounds, and smells. The city walls are well-preserved. They show their skill in building and planning from the Song Dynasty. These walls weren’t decorated. They protected this key coastal city. For an authentic Chinese cultural experience, visit Taizhou. It's a unique coastal destination in Zhejiang.
Kiki's videos highlight Taizhou's Jiangnan and Song Dynasty heritage. They do this with vibrant details and artistic flair. Taizhou shows off China's rich history and culture. You can see traces of the past at the busy port of Jiaojiang. Then, visit the peaceful ancient city of Linhai to feel the Song Dynasty's influence.
Linhai is the heart of Taizhou's experience of the Song Dynasty and the charm of its ancient cities. It's a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring China's rich history and culture. This ancient city has well-preserved walls. They show the architectural skills and urban planning of the Song Dynasty.
Picture walking through the calm courtyard of Longxing Temple. Here, time feels like it stops. This ancient Song Dynasty temple is a peaceful oasis in the heart of Linhai. Walk through the detailed architecture and calm gardens. You may hear monks chanting. You can also feel the presence of centuries gone by.
Stroll down Ziyang Street. This historic road has seen Linhai’s ups and downs for centuries. This street is lined with Ming and Qing dynasty buildings and shows the city's unique charm. While you explore local shops, tea houses, and restaurants, you'll see how the locals live. You might smell "Maotou" being cooked. It’s a crispy, tasty pancake loved by locals. Farmers likely invented it for a quick meal.
While wandering Linhai, you may hear enchanting stories from the past. One tale is about the six Sheng sisters who longed for their own courtyard. Another tells of Pan'er, who treasured her moments of leisure. These stories remind us of the ancient city's rich cultural heritage. Linhai's stories, temples, and buildings connect it to a rich history. There's so much to explore.
If you love food, you'll want to hear this! Linhai is where "Xin Rong Ji" started. It's one of China's top Michelin-starred restaurants. Xin Rong Ji is famous for its delectable Taizhou cuisine. The old location of this culinary gem shows a lot about the city's tasty history. When it comes to food, Linhai is a paradise for snack lovers. Known as the "Capital of Chinese Snacks," this city offers many mouthwatering treats. From the crispy "Maotou" to the sweet "Tangyuan," Linhai's snacks are a must-try for any visitor.
"Tangyuan," those sweet, glutinous rice balls, are especially delicious during festivals. I remember my first bite. The soft, chewy texture and sweet, warm filling were a nice surprise.
"Don't let its cool look trick you. Bite softly; the hot, sweet filling may surprise you. Trust me, it's a taste and experience you'll remember."
Taizhou's coastal location means incredibly fresh and uniquely prepared seafood. I remember my first taste of the local clams. They were fresh and full of flavor. It was unlike anything I had ever eaten! They cook them here in a special way. Usually, they steam them with garlic and soy sauce. This method brings out the seafood's natural sweetness. This local cooking method is called "Jiashao"（The taste of home-cooked meals）, which means it tastes like home cooking. It's a culinary experience you won't want to miss. Taizhou's cuisine stands out because of its fresh seafood and unique cooking methods. "Shibingtong" is a must-try dish. It’s like a spring roll and is packed with tasty ingredients. How you roll it up and eat it is an experience! If you are looking for the best seafood in Zhejiang, Taizhou is the place to be.
Taizhou has many delicious dishes. I need to write a separate article to introduce them all.
"Taizhou is a foodie paradise! The seafood is fresh and tasty. Many unique local dishes are ready for you to explore. I especially love the 'maotou' pancakes and the sweet 'tangyuan' dumplings." - Rickshaw Travel
These exciting videos and descriptions should give you many reasons to visit Taizhou! I’ve created two sample itineraries. They help you take full advantage of China’s 144-hour and 240-hour visa-free transit policy. Of course, if they don't quite fit your plans, let me know, and we'll find a way to make your dream trip a reality.
10-Day Visa-Free Itinerary:
Day 1: Shanghai (Arrival)
Morning: Arrive at Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Then, complete the 10-day visa-free transit process.
Afternoon: Head to the Bund and admire the stunning views of both sides of the Huangpu River. Visit the iconic Waibaidu Bridge and experience Shanghai's lane culture. For a unique Zhejiang itinerary, follow this travel plan.
Evening: Take a walk on Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street. Enjoy the lively nightlife of Shanghai.
Day 2: Shanghai
Morning: Visit the Shanghai Museum to explore China's rich history and culture.
Afternoon: Head to Shanghai Disneyland for a fairytale-like experience (optional).
Evening: Return to the city center and enjoy Shanghai's nightlife.
Day 3: Shanghai - Hangzhou
In the morning, take a high-speed train to Hangzhou (approximately 1 hour).
In the afternoon, visit West Lake. Enjoy the stunning views of Su Causeway Spring Dawn and Broken Bridge Remnant Snow.
Evening: Stroll along Hefang Street and experience Hangzhou's traditional culture.
Day 4: Hangzhou
Morning: Visit Lingyin Temple and experience the tranquility of this ancient temple.
Afternoon: Head to Longjing Village, enjoy tea and scenery, and experience tea culture.
Evening: Have dinner at Hefang Street and experience Hangzhou's nightlife.
Day 5: Hangzhou - Taizhou
Morning: Take a high-speed train to Taizhou (approximately 1 hour).
Afternoon: Arrive in Taizhou. Then, go to the Taizhou Prefectural City Cultural Tourism Area. Visit the Taizhou Prefectural City Wall and Ziyang Ancient Street.
Evening: Sample local snacks at Linhai Old Street.
Day 6: Taizhou
Morning: Visit Wenling Changyu Grottoes. Explore the amazing underground karst caves.
Afternoon: Keep exploring the Changyu Grottoes. Enjoy the mix of nature and culture.
Evening: Return to the city for rest.
Day 7: Taizhou
Morning: Visit Tiantai Mountain Scenic Area. See Guoqing Temple and explore Buddhist culture. Or go to the Xianju Scenic Area to enjoy the stunning, fairyland-like landscape.
Afternoon: Visit Jigong's Former House and learn about Jigong's legendary stories.
Evening: Return to the city and enjoy Taizhou's nightlife.
Day 8: Taizhou - Nanjing
Morning: Take a high-speed train to Nanjing (approximately 3 hours).
Afternoon: Arrive in Nanjing. Then, visit Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum to honor Mr. Sun Yat-sen's achievements.
Evening: Visit the Qinhuai River. Enjoy the ancient charm of the Confucius Temple.
Day 9: Nanjing
Morning: Visit the Nanjing Museum to learn about Chinese history and culture.
Afternoon: Visit the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum. Enjoy the beauty of the ancient royal tombs.
Evening: Have dinner by the Qinhuai River and experience the night view of Nanjing.
Day 10: Nanjing - Shanghai (Departure)
Morning: Take a high-speed train back to Shanghai.
Afternoon: Complete departure procedures at Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Then, end the trip.
10-Day Itinerary Summary:
This itinerary combines the essence of modern China and historical centers. Explore the bright cityscape of Shanghai. Enjoy the calm beauty of modern China at West Lake in Hangzhou. Visit Taizhou to see the ancient charm of Jiangnan. Finally, head to Nanjing, the old capital, to taste the Republic of China’s unique style. This itinerary makes full use of the 240-hour visa-free transit policy. Picture this: You start in the modern skyline of Shanghai. Then, you can relax on the peaceful West Lake in Hangzhou. Step back in time in Linhai, an ancient city. Here, you can see the graceful style of the Republic of China—all in a few days! This is an excellent tour that showcases the diversity of China.
144-Hour Itinerary (6 Days):
Day 1: Shanghai (Arrival)
Morning: Arrive at Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Then, complete the six-day visa-free transit process.
Afternoon: Head to the Bund and admire the stunning views of both sides of the Huangpu River. Visit the iconic Waibaidu Bridge and experience Shanghai's lane culture.
Evening: Take a walk on Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street. Enjoy the lively nightlife of Shanghai.
Day 2: Shanghai - Hangzhou
Morning: Take a high-speed train to Hangzhou (approximately 1 hour).
Afternoon: Visit West Lake. Enjoy the views of Su Causeway, Spring Dawn, and Broken Bridge Remnant Snow.
Evening: Stroll along Hefang Street and experience Hangzhou's traditional culture.
Day 3: Hangzhou - Taizhou
Morning: Take a high-speed train to Taizhou (approximately 1 hour).
Afternoon: Arrive in Taizhou. Then, go to the Taizhou Prefectural City Cultural Tourism Area. Visit the Taizhou Prefectural City Wall and Ziyang Ancient Street.
Evening: Sample local snacks such as Maixia and Shibingtong at Linhai Old Street.
Day 4: Taizhou
Morning: Visit Wenling Changyu Grottoes to explore the amazing underground karst caves.
Afternoon: Keep exploring the Changyu Grottoes. Enjoy the mix of nature and culture.
Evening: Returning to the city to relax and try Taizhou's famous dishes, like Egg White Sheep Tail.
Day 5: Taizhou - Ningbo
Morning: Take a high-speed train to Ningbo (approximately 1 hour).
Afternoon: Visit Tianyi Pavilion Museum to learn about Ningbo's history and culture.
Evening: Head to the Bund and experience Ningbo's night view and cuisine.
Day 6: Ningbo - Shanghai (Departure)
Morning: Take a high-speed train back to Shanghai (approximately 1 hour).
Afternoon: Complete departure procedures at Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Then, finish the trip.
144-Hour Itinerary Summary:
Travel from Shanghai, China's trendiest city, to Hangzhou. Enjoy the stunning scenery around West Lake and soak in the culture. Next, head to Taizhou to taste ancient China. Finally, visit Ningbo, Zhejiang's second-largest city, where modern and traditional styles blend. Experience the vibrant dock culture there. Many people in Shanghai came from Ningbo, so you can sense the city's old cultural heritage here. This is a great option for those using the 144-hour visa-free transit policy. It’s a valuable way to make the most of your time.
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