
Yanguan is a thousand-year-old ancient city located in the Hangzhou-Jiaxing-Huzhou Plain on the north bank of Hangzhou Bay in Zhejiang Province. The ancient city has a long history, splendid culture, moving legends and spectacular tidal bores. It can be said that you can tour a thousand years in a day and see the whole city full of wonders.
The scenic area combines natural wonders and cultural landscapes, and wins with the Haining Tidal Scenic Spot and the style of Yanguan Ancient Town. The Haining Tidal Scenic Spot: Yanguan is extraordinary because it is a world-famous tide-watching spot. Since ancient times, the "first-line tide" has been praised as a wonder of the world, and its unique grandeur and magnificence are fascinating.
The scenic area also features the spectacular Qiantang River Tide, which is unparalleled in the world; the Temple of the Sea God, known as the "Forbidden City of Jiangnan"; the Jin Yong Academy, where one can experience Mr. Jin Yong's elegant temperament and chivalrous spirit; and the former residence of Wang Guowei, the "first person in Chinese studies"... The ancient city of Yanguan has a long history, splendid culture, moving legends and spectacular tidal bores. It can be said that one can travel through a thousand years in a day and see the whole city full of wonders.
Tides occur twice a day, 12 hours apart
The first to sixth day and the fifteenth to twentieth day of the lunar calendar are all good days for tide watching.
Tide-viewing Park, Jin Yong Academy, Temple of the Sea God, Wang Guowei's former residence, Zhan'ao Tower, Confucius Temple, Baishitai, Mao Zedong Poetry Pavilion, Zhongshan Pavilion, Tianfeng Haitao Pavilion, Qianlong's hand-planted ancient pavilion, etc.
Recommended play time: 2-3 hours
Haining Yanguan Scenic Area combined ticket price: 80 yuan/person
During the Tide Watching Festival (September 22nd - October 1st), a combined ticket for the scenic area is priced at 150 yuan per person. This ticket includes admission to the Tide Watching Park (the best viewing spot for the tides), the Temple of Poseidon, Wang Guowei's Former Residence, the Confucius Temple, and the Jin Yong Academy (excluding Zhan'ao Tower and tide-watching seats).
The 8:00-16:30 Yanguan Tide Watching Scenic Area combined ticket includes five attractions: Tide Watching Park (the best viewing point for the tide), Temple of Poseidon, Wang Guowei's former residence, Confucius Temple and Jin Yong Academy (excluding Zhan'ao Tower, tide watching seats, etc.).
The Yanguan Tide Watching Scenic Area is famous for its tidal bore, an extraordinary natural phenomenon where the incoming tide creates a wave that travels upstream. This area has been a key site for observing the tides since ancient times and holds cultural significance as a historical town.
Yanguan Tide Watching Scenic Area is located in Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province. To get there, you can take a bus or taxi from Jiaxing City center, which is about 30 km away. There are no direct metro connections to this area.
The area is open year-round. The best times to visit are during the tidal events, which usually occur in the morning or evening depending on the moon cycle. Early spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather for visiting.
The entrance fee to the scenic area is typically around 50-80 RMB. Tickets can be bought on-site or in advance through local tourism websites.
It is not necessary to book tickets in advance, but booking ahead is recommended during peak tourist seasons or for guided tours. A few days in advance should be sufficient.
To fully explore the scenic area, including watching the tidal phenomenon, visiting the ancient town, and enjoying a boat tour, you will need around 3-4 hours.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. English-speaking guides may be available by request, though it is advisable to arrange them in advance.
Start by visiting the tidal observation platforms early in the day to catch the tidal event, then explore Yanguan Ancient Town. End your visit with a boat tour along the river to see the area from a different perspective.
There are no light shows, but the area can be visited at night for a peaceful stroll along the riverbanks. Special tours can be arranged, especially for photography or tidal bore observation.
The area can be crowded during weekends and holidays, especially during the peak tidal bore seasons. The least crowded times are weekdays during the off-season months, particularly in winter or early spring.
There are public toilets, water fountains, and a few snack shops within the scenic area. Restaurants and rest areas are available in the nearby Yanguan Ancient Town.
The area is generally accessible, with paved paths and observation areas. However, some boat tours and the tidal observation platforms may be challenging for visitors with mobility issues.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments (e.g., Alipay, WeChat Pay) are commonly used and preferred in the area. Credit card facilities may be limited.
There are local restaurants and cafes in the nearby Yanguan Ancient Town offering traditional Zhejiang cuisine, including fresh seafood, noodles, and dumplings.
Vegetarian options are available in most local restaurants, but halal food options may be limited. It is advisable to check in advance or look for vegetarian-friendly dishes.
There are a few guesthouses and hotels in Jiaxing city, as well as some local inns in Yanguan Ancient Town. For more options, staying in Jiaxing offers greater variety and convenience.
Yes, souvenir shops are available in the area, selling local crafts, tea, and Zhejiang-themed products such as silk scarves, pottery, and bamboo products.