No need to go abroad! You can experience an Italian seaside fishing village and stroll through a colorful dream world

When it comes to colorful coastal villages in Zhejiang, Xiaoruocun in Shitang Town, Wenling City, Taizhou is definitely a must-visit. Known as the "Oriental Cinque Terre" and the "Macaron Rainbow Village," its colorful houses are built along the mountainside—blue is clear and transparent, yellow is bright, and pink is gentle. When sunlight shines on the walls, even the shadows carry a sweet, healing vibe. The vividness and layers you see with the naked eye are far more moving than what the camera can capture.

Especially under different weather conditions, Xiaoruocun hides many delightful surprises.

2025 Latest Travel Guide

📍Address: Xiaoruocun, Shitang Town, Wenling City, Taizhou, Zhejiang Province (Just search "Xiaoruocun" on navigation; there are clear signs at the village entrance to avoid mistakenly searching for "Xiaonuo Village")

🎫Tickets: Free admission throughout, no entrance fees or hidden charges. Some popular cafes require a purchase to sit (average 30-50 RMB per person)

🚗Transportation (New shuttle services added in 2025)

🚘Self-driving preferred: Recommended to drive yourself as Shitang Peninsula attractions are scattered (Millennium Dawn Park, Shitang Old Street, Golden Beach, Couple Ring Viewing Platform, etc.). Driving allows flexible connections. There are 3 public parking lots at the entrance of Xiaoruocun, with new energy vehicle charging stations added in 2025. Parking fee is 5 RMB/hour, capped at 30 RMB/day.

🚆High-speed rail + taxi: Take the high-speed train to "Wenling Station," then taxi directly to Xiaoruocun. The total distance is about 48 km, with a 1 hour 10 minute ride (some road sections widened in 2025, shortening travel time by 10 minutes compared to previous years). Taxi fare is about 120-150 RMB. Ride-hailing platforms are supported, and there is an official taxi stand at the station exit, so no worries about not finding a ride.

🚞Bus travel: From Wenling Station, take bus 231 (Wenling Station → Shitang Station) or 232 (Wenling Station → Ruoshan Station), both costing 2 RMB per person, with a 1.5-hour ride. After arriving at Shitang Station, transfer to the village-level bus (Shitang → Xiaoruocun), which takes 10 minutes. The frequency has increased to every 20 minutes in 2025 (more frequent than 2024). Real-time arrival information is available at bus stops to avoid long waits.

🏠Accommodation recommendations (Best value options for 2025)

🏡Stay inside Xiaoruocun: Most homestays in the village have colorful themes, some with terraces or sea views, ideal for visitors seeking an immersive experience.

Off-season (Nov-Apr) prices are about 300-500 RMB/night; peak season (May-Oct) rises to 600-1000 RMB/night. Booking 1-2 weeks in advance is recommended.

🏠Stay in Shitang Town: For budget travelers, this is a good choice. Hotels and homestays here are generally 30% cheaper than in Xiaoruocun (off-season about 200-350 RMB/night). It’s only a 15-minute taxi ride to Xiaoruocun, costing 15-20 RMB. The town also offers more dining options and better value.

📷 2025 Photography Guide (Tips to avoid pitfalls + how to get great shots)

1️⃣Outfit matching: For portraits, pure white or light-colored clothes are best to create a sharp contrast with the colorful walls, giving a fresh vibe. Pair with straw hats, woven bags, or light scarves for a full vacation look. Avoid dark or flashy clothes as they clash with the background.

2️⃣Drone shots: Bring a drone if you have one! In 2025, Xiaoruocun has designated drone flying areas (marked at the village entrance). From above, the colorful houses stack like building blocks by the sea, with fishing boats and the ocean in the distance, creating a striking image.

3️⃣Alternative to drones: Climb the "Viewing Hill" opposite Xiaoruocun (free entry, stone steps, about 10 minutes to the top). This is the best spot to overlook the whole village. In the early morning, you can capture the sea sunrise with Xiaoruocun as the foreground. Check the "Wenling Sunrise Schedule" in advance and arrive 20 minutes early to secure your spot.

4️⃣Pitfall warning: No need to wait for night scenes! Although the village upgraded its lighting in 2025, the colorful walls become less distinguishable at night, losing the daytime charm. If you want to see the night view, shoot the "colorful houses + starry sky" from the seaside at the village entrance, but be cautious as it can be windy and dark by the sea at night.

5️⃣Popular photo spots: The village’s "Rainbow Staircase," "Blue Mailbox," and "Colorful Fishing Boat Pier" are classic spots with no queues. Popular cafes like "Xiaoru Impression" and "Haiyu Coffee" have seaside seats and scenic setups. Order a drink (about 40 RMB per person) to take photos. Window seats require early arrival to reserve.

Xiaoruocun is small; a leisurely 2-3 hour stroll covers it all. Its romance lies in the fact that any casual photo can remind you of the sea breeze, colorful walls, and that undisturbed healing feeling.

If you’re looking for a seaside destination with fewer crowds, beautiful scenery, and high photo potential, this place is worth a visit.