Rooftop

Introducing Rooftop

Tiantai County is located in the eastern part of Zhejiang Province and is a county within Taizhou City. Named after Tiantai Mountain, it borders Ninghai and Sanmen to the east, Pan'an to the west, Xianju and Linhai to the south, and Xinchang to the north.

Tiantai County has a long history, rich resources and beautiful scenery. It is a famous tourist destination in Zhejiang Province and was once rated as one of the "Top Ten Most Popular Scenic Spots in China for Europeans".

Tiantai Mountain is renowned for its "source of Buddhism and Taoism, and its picturesque landscapes." It is the birthplace of the Tiantai School of Buddhism and the founding site of the Southern School of Taoism. Within the area, visitors can find attractions such as the ancient Guoqing Temple, the Shiliang Scenic Area, the Huading Scenic Area, the Qiongtai Fairy Valley, the Former Residence of Jigong, Hanshan Lake, and the Longchuanxia Scenic Area.

Climate and best time to travel

Tiantai County belongs to the subtropical monsoon climate zone, with four distinct seasons, abundant rainfall and sufficient heat. Spring and autumn are the best time to travel.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Tiantai Mountain

The mountains are extremely steep and towering into the clouds. The peaks bend and extend from north to south, like a sword suddenly inserted into the Yellow River and Kuye River. It is majestic like a dragon entering the sea, forming a magnificent spectacle of one mountain dividing into two waters - on the east side are the Yellow River with huge waves and Shanxi Province, and on the west side are the Kuye River and Shaanxi Province held hostage by deep valleys. It is extremely majestic and enchanting.

Qiongtai Fairy Valley

Located in Tiantai County, Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, this scenic spot is another highlight of the Tiantai Guoqing Scenic Area. This is a typical granite canyon scenic area, known as the Little Huangshan Mountain. Traveling north along the canyon, you'll encounter cliffs, peaks, emerald waters, cascading waterfalls, and springs, all rising higher and deeper into the wonders.

Guoqing Temple

The core of the Tiantai Mountain Scenic Area, this temple is recognized as the oldest and most influential in the region. Located at the southern foot of Tiantai Mountain, it was originally named Tiantai Temple and later renamed Guoqing Temple. During the Southern Song Dynasty, it was recognized as one of the "Ten Temples of Jiangnan." The temple, nestled into the mountainside, rises in layers, showcasing the rigorous symmetry of Buddhist architecture while also conveying a sense of fluidity. Compared to other famous temples, Guoqing Temple boasts a more local character in both its natural and cultural landscapes.

Recommended play time: 1-3 days

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Most Popular FAQs for Rooftop

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Taizhou, located in Zhejiang Province, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. It is the birthplace of the Tiantai school of Mahayana Buddhism, with the Guoqing Temple being a significant historical site. The city is also known for its ancient architecture, such as the Wudong Bridge, and its scenic areas like Tiantai Mountain and Shenxianju Scenic Area.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Taizhou is situated in Zhejiang Province, China. You can reach the city by high-speed train or bus from major cities like Hangzhou or Ningbo. Within the city, taxis and buses are readily available for local transportation.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Most attractions in Taizhou are open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its most beautiful.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

Entrance fees vary by attraction. For example, Guoqing Temple has no entrance fee, while other sites may charge a nominal fee. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online through official tourism websites.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

It's advisable to book tickets in advance for popular attractions, especially during peak tourist seasons. Booking a few days ahead is generally sufficient.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

To fully explore Taizhou's main attractions, plan for 2 to 3 days. This allows time to visit Tiantai Mountain, Guoqing Temple, Shenxianju Scenic Area, and other cultural sites.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

Must-see highlights include Tiantai Mountain, Guoqing Temple, Ruyi Bridge, Ziyang Ancient Street, and the local tea shops offering rooftop tea experiences.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available at most major attractions, with English-speaking guides often available upon request. Audio guides may also be offered at some sites.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

Ruyi Bridge offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, making it a prime spot for photography. Tiantai Mountain also provides excellent vantage points for capturing the natural beauty of the area.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

A recommended itinerary includes starting with a visit to Tiantai Mountain in the morning, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, explore Guoqing Temple and Shenxianju Scenic Area. End the day with a stroll through Ziyang Ancient Street and enjoy rooftop tea at a local tea shop.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Some attractions, like Shenxianju Scenic Area, may offer evening light shows or special tours during peak seasons. It's best to check with the specific attraction for availability and schedules.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Taizhou can be crowded during national holidays and weekends. To avoid crowds, plan your visit during weekdays, especially in the off-peak seasons of spring and autumn.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Most major attractions in Taizhou are equipped with basic facilities such as toilets, food stalls or restaurants, water stations, rest areas, and souvenir shops.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Many attractions in Taizhou are accessible to elderly, children, and disabled visitors. However, some natural sites like Tiantai Mountain may have uneven terrain, so it's advisable to check accessibility in advance.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

While cash is accepted, mobile payments through platforms like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used and convenient for transactions in Taizhou.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There are various local restaurants and cafes near major attractions. For instance, near Guoqing Temple, you can find establishments offering traditional Zhejiang cuisine. Some tea shops also provide rooftop tea experiences.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian and vegan options are available in many restaurants, especially those offering Buddhist cuisine. Halal food options may be limited but can be found in certain areas catering to Muslim communities.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

There are several hotels near major attractions. For example, the Rooftop Aimu Hotel is located in Taizhou and offers convenient access to local sites. It's advisable to book accommodations in advance, especially during peak seasons.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

Nearby attractions include the Huangyan Grottoes, Linhai Ancient Great Wall, and the Taizhou Museum. These can be easily combined into a day trip from Taizhou.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Yes, there are souvenir shops in areas like Ziyang Ancient Street. Typical souvenirs include local handicrafts, tea, and traditional snacks.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After visiting Taizhou, you can continue your trip by high-speed train or bus to nearby cities like Hangzhou, Ningbo, or Shanghai. Local taxis and buses are also available for short-distance travel.