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Taizhou, located in the central coastal area of Zhejiang Province, China, is a prefecture-level city under the jurisdiction of the province. Its natural scenery is magnificent, ancient, solemn, and mysterious, while its cultural heritage is rich and unique. Taizhou's tourism is characterized by its five distinctive features: Buddha, mountain, sea, city, and cave. It boasts the national key scenic spots of Tiantai Mountain and Changyu Dongtian, as well as the national historical and cultural city of Linhai.
This is a Jiangnan "water town," where water flows through the city. Historically, Taizhou boasted a dense network of rivers and crisscrossing harbors, its charm rivaling that of Suzhou and Hangzhou. There's a saying, "Traveling through Suzhou and Hangzhou is not as good as visiting Wenzhou and Huangpu." Renowned both domestically and internationally for its Buddhist and Taoist roots, it is the birthplace of the Tiantai School of Buddhism and the Southern School of Taoism. Mount Tiantai, with its profound cultural heritage, has fostered a broad and profound "culture of harmony." Taizhou epitomizes Zhejiang's "seven mountains, one river, and two parts farmland," a paradise of ecological harmony between mountains, sea, and water.
Subtropical monsoon climate;
Best in summer and autumn
Shenxianju
The scenic area boasts stunning natural scenery, with bamboo forests and waterfalls dotting the mountains, preserving much of its pristine wildness. It comprises three major scenic clusters: Xiyan Temple, Weiqiang Mountain, and Juxian Valley. The essence of the entire scenic area is concentrated around the summit, where visitors can explore three separate, inaccessible scenic spots. Every year between May and June, and September and October (peak bloom in June), the lavender at the north entrance of the Shenxianju Scenic Area gradually blooms, creating a truly stunning spectacle.
Guoqing Temple
Located at the foot of Huading Mountain, it is one of my country's most famous ancient temples, revered as the birthplace of Buddhism in both China and Japan. Along with Lingyan Temple in Qizhou (in present-day Changqing County, Shandong Province), Qixia Temple in Runzhou (in present-day Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province), and Yuquan Temple in Jingzhou (in present-day Dangyang County, Hubei Province), it is considered one of the "Four Wonders of the World."
Gongyu Scenic Area
Gongmeng is a little-known place. Its secluded location has earned it the nickname "Shangri-La of East China." Gongmeng Village, divided into Shangping and Xiaping, is nestled at an altitude of 600 meters, surrounded by peaks exceeding 1,000 meters. Here, visitors can admire stone pillars formed by volcanic lava formations, terraced fields lush in summer and golden in autumn, and a dazzling starry sky devoid of light pollution.
Recommended play time: 1-3 days
Taizhou has a history of over 2,000 years, serving as a significant cultural, maritime, and economic hub in Zhejiang. It is famous for its historic temples, traditional crafts, and contributions to Chinese literature and Buddhism. The city played an important role in regional trade and as a center for scholarly and religious development.
Taizhou is located in central Zhejiang Province along the East China Sea coast. It is accessible via Taizhou Railway Station and Taizhou Airport. Within the city, buses, taxis, and ride-hailing apps are convenient, and walking is feasible in downtown areas and scenic spots.
Major attractions like Tiantai Mountain and museums open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) for mild weather and lower rainfall.
Entrance fees vary: Tiantai Mountain Scenic Area is around ¥70–¥100 per person. Tickets can be purchased on-site, through official tourism websites, or via platforms like Trip.com.
Booking is recommended during peak tourist seasons. 1–2 days in advance is usually sufficient, but for holidays or popular attractions, 3–5 days ahead is better.
Plan 2–3 days to explore Taizhou’s main attractions, including natural scenic areas, temples, museums, and historic districts.
Guided tours are available at major attractions. Mandarin is standard; some sites provide English guides or audio guides upon request.
Start with Tiantai Mountain in the morning, then visit Taizhou Museum and Ancient City in the afternoon. Evening stroll along Jiaojiang River Scenic Area or explore local night markets.
Night walks along Jiaojiang River feature illuminated bridges and waterfront lights. Some temples host evening lantern displays during festivals.
Weekdays are less crowded than weekends and public holidays. Early mornings provide the quietest experience, especially at natural scenic areas.
Most attractions have public restrooms, snack shops, water fountains, and souvenir shops. Rest areas and seating are available along trails and museum halls.
Museums and urban parks are accessible. Mountain trails and natural areas may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors; check ahead for accessible routes.
Cards and mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are widely accepted. Carry some cash for small vendors or rural areas.
Vegetarian options are available, especially at Buddhist temples. Halal food can be found in select areas with Muslim communities.
