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Located approximately 25 kilometers west of Xianju County , Pantan Ancient Town serves as a land-water junction connecting the southeastern coast with the inland areas of western Zhejiang. Once a picturesque commercial port along the Yong'an River, it flourished during the Ming and Qing dynasties, originating in the Tang and Song dynasties.
Its core attraction is the 5-li, nine-curve dragon-shaped ancient street, a testament to its feng shui. The street is lined with shops with numerous signboards, including pawnshops, banks, casinos, Chunhuayuan, teahouses, and wine shops. Nearby is Tongjiang Academy, a center of Southeastern Neo-Confucianism.
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended play time: 1-3 hours
50 yuan/person
8:00-16:10
Paotan Ancient Town has a rich history dating back to the Tang Dynasty, and it is an important historical and cultural site in Zhejiang Province. The town is known for its well-preserved ancient architecture, traditional lifestyle, and scenic surroundings.
Paotan Ancient Town is located in Taizhou, Zhejiang Province. The town can be accessed by bus or taxi from Taizhou city center. There is no metro line directly to the town, but taxis are the most convenient option for visitors.
Paotan Ancient Town is open year-round. The best times to visit are during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild, and the town is not too crowded.
The entrance fee to the town itself is usually free, but some specific sites or activities, such as temple visits or boat tours, may have a small fee. Tickets can be purchased on-site, but advanced booking is not typically required.
Booking in advance is generally not necessary for visiting the town, but it's recommended for specific attractions or tours, especially during peak tourist seasons (holidays, weekends, etc.).
A full exploration of Paotan Ancient Town takes around 2-3 hours, allowing time to explore the streets, visit local temples, and take a boat ride.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. These tours are often offered by local guides at the entrance or through local agencies. Audio guides may be available at some attractions.
The best photography spots are along the river, where visitors can capture the reflection of the town's architecture in the water. The temples and pagodas also provide excellent viewpoints for panoramic shots of the town.
Start by walking along the ancient streets to appreciate the traditional architecture. Then, visit the temples and pagodas before taking a boat ride along the river to see the town from the water.
Paotan Ancient Town does not offer light shows or special tours at night. However, the town is beautifully lit up in the evenings, and a peaceful evening walk along the river is a great way to experience its tranquil ambiance.
Paotan Ancient Town can get crowded on weekends and during public holidays. To avoid the crowds, it is best to visit during weekdays, especially in the early mornings.
Basic facilities such as toilets and rest areas are available throughout the town. There are also small food stalls offering local snacks, as well as shops selling souvenirs and traditional crafts.
While Paotan Ancient Town is generally accessible, some of the old streets and temple areas may have uneven surfaces, which could be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. However, the main pathways are fairly easy to navigate for children and those with limited mobility.
Cash is widely accepted in the town, but mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are commonly used at most shops and attractions.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at some local restaurants, particularly those that serve Zhejiang-style vegetarian dishes. Halal food options may be limited, but it's possible to find vegetarian-friendly dishes.
Souvenir shops in Paotan Ancient Town offer local handicrafts such as pottery, silk items, and traditional Zhejiang tea.
