Vibrant Taizhou | A 3-Day, 2-Night Family-Friendly Slow Travel Guide Amidst the Mountains and Seas of Eastern Zhejiang
Taizhou, a coastal city in Zhejiang Province, boasts unique mountain and sea scenery, a rich history and culture, and authentic cuisine, making it an ideal destination for families seeking a leisurely getaway. This curated guide presents a relaxed and enriching three-day, two-night itinerary in Taizhou, designed to allow you and your family to experience the city's charm through exploration.
Day 1: Sightseeing in the ancient city and savoring its local flavors
On your first day in Taizhou, it's recommended to focus your itinerary on Linhai, a historical and cultural city. Linhai is the location of Taizhou's former capital and boasts numerous historical sites and vibrant, lively streets and alleys.
Morning: After arriving at Taizhou Station or Linhai Station, proceed to your booked hotel for check-in. After a short rest, you can head directly to the Taizhou Ancient City Cultural Tourism Area . The core attraction here is the Jiangnan Great Wall (Taizhou Ancient City Wall) , which is not only one of the best-preserved ancient city walls in southern China, but also a military fortress used by Qi Jiguang to resist Japanese pirates. For families with children, there's no need to climb the entire wall; you can choose to enter from Lansheng Gate or Xingshan Gate, stroll along a short section of the wall, and experience the weight of history and the unique perspective overlooking the ancient city. Donghu Park, located inside the city wall, is also a great place to relax, with its beautiful lake and mountain scenery, suitable for children to play in.
Afternoon: After visiting the city wall, you can head to Ziyang Ancient Street at its foot. This historic street retains the architectural style of the Ming and Qing dynasties, with various shops selling local snacks and handicrafts lining the stone-paved streets. Here, you can taste Taizhou's unique wheat shrimp, seaweed cakes, ginger soup noodles, and more, giving your taste buds a full experience of Taizhou's vibrant atmosphere. The street also features some intangible cultural heritage displays and traditional workshops, allowing children to learn about traditional culture up close.
Dinner: Choose a local specialty restaurant in or around Ziyang Ancient Street to enjoy Taizhou seafood and home-style dishes, ending a fulfilling day.
Day 2: Hidden Gems or Amusement Parks
On the second day, we offer two distinct experience options that you can choose based on the interests and preferences of your family members.
Option 1: Fairy Abode, Explore Natural Wonders
If your family prefers natural scenery and outdoor experiences, then Shenxianju Scenic Area in Xianju County is an ideal choice. Shenxianju features typical volcanic rhyolite landforms, with unique peaks and rocks, and deep valleys. The scenic area has two cable cars, one to the north and one to the south, greatly facilitating travel for families with children. Taking the cable car directly to the summit saves much of the hiking effort, allowing children more energy to appreciate the unique mountain scenery.
Morning: Depart from Linhai or Taizhou city center, drive approximately 1.5-2 hours to Shenxianju Scenic Area. It is recommended to purchase entrance tickets and cable car tickets in advance. Take the Nantian Cableway up the mountain, stroll along the boardwalk, and appreciate the breathtaking natural formations such as "Guanyin Rock" and "General Rock." The boardwalk is gentle, with some sections featuring glass walkways, offering a thrilling yet safe experience.
Lunch: You can have lunch at the restaurants in the scenic area, or bring your own dry food for a picnic and enjoy the tranquility of the mountains and forests.
Afternoon: Continue exploring the Beihai Cableway area, experiencing the Via Ferrata or strolling on the viewing platform, before taking the Beihai Cableway down the mountain. The entire tour takes approximately 4-5 hours, offering a manageable pace suitable for families with children.
Option 2: Huangyan Fantawild Oriental Heritage, an immersive themed experience.
If your child is more interested in theme parks, then Taizhou Fantawild Oriental Heritage in Huangyan District will provide a day full of fun. This is a theme park with a background in traditional Chinese culture, blending high-tech amusement rides with cultural performances.
In the morning: Depart from Linhai or Taizhou city center and drive for about 1 hour to reach Fantawild Oriental Heritage. The park includes several themed areas such as "Nuwa Mending the Sky", "The Charm of China", and "The Butterfly Lovers", which vividly present myths and historical stories through VR, AR and other technologies.
Full Day: Choose suitable rides and shows based on your child's age and preferences. For example, carousels and bumper cars are suitable for younger children, while some large indoor attractions offer an immersive experience. The park has a full range of dining options, making it convenient to have lunch and dinner. It is recommended to plan your itinerary in advance to maximize your enjoyment.
Accommodation: Regardless of which option you choose, you can return to Linhai or Taizhou city for the night to facilitate the connection of the third day's itinerary.
Day 3: Sea Erosion Wonders or Ancient Temples and Zen Charm
The third day is the return trip day. You can choose a reasonably priced attraction with local characteristics for a morning visit.
Option 1: Wenling Changyu Grottoes - Exploring the Coastal Erosion Landforms
If you are interested in geological wonders, you can visit Changyu Grottoes in Wenling City. This is a large-scale quarry site. After thousands of years of excavation, it has formed 28 quarry clusters and 1,314 quarries, and is known as "China's No. 1 Quarry".
Morning: Depart from Taizhou city center and drive for about 1 hour to reach Changyu Grottoes. Choose one or two of the most representative grottoes to visit, such as Guanxi Grotto or Shuiyun Grotto. The caves are warm in winter and cool in summer, with towering stone walls and interplay of light and shadow, creating a unique world. Some grottoes feature stone culture displays or small performances. The tour will take approximately 2-3 hours.
Option 2: Guoqing Temple in Tiantai, experience a thousand years of Zen.
If you wish to experience tranquility and historical depth before your return journey, then Guoqing Temple in Tiantai County is an excellent choice. Guoqing Temple is the birthplace of the Tiantai school of Chinese Buddhism, originally built in the Sui Dynasty. The temple grounds are filled with ancient trees, magnificent halls, and a serene environment.
Morning: Depart from Taizhou city center and drive approximately 40-50 minutes to Guoqing Temple. The temple architecture is simple and elegant, offering opportunities for children to learn about Buddhist culture and experience the solemnity and Zen spirit of this ancient temple. The temple contains historical sites such as the Sui Dynasty Plum Blossom and the Seven Buddha Pagoda. The visit will take approximately 2-2.5 hours. Please maintain quiet and respect religious customs.
Afternoon: Depending on your return travel arrangements, depart from Wenling or Tiantai and head to Taizhou Station, Luqiao Airport, or Linhai Station to conclude your pleasant Taizhou trip.
Transportation and Avoidance Tips
- Transportation: Taizhou has several high-speed rail stations, including Taizhou Station, Linhai Station, and Wenling Station, as well as Taizhou Luqiao Airport. It is recommended to choose the nearest station based on your itinerary. Within the city, you can choose taxis, ride-hailing services, or rent a car. Driving is more convenient for traveling between various attractions in Taizhou, especially suitable for families with children.
- Accommodation options: It is recommended to choose hotels in Linhai City or Jiaojiang District (Taizhou City proper), as transportation is relatively convenient and dining options are plentiful. If you choose Shenxianju or Fantawild, you can also consider staying overnight near the attractions to reduce commuting time.
- Dining Experience: Taizhou is famous for its seafood, which is not to be missed. Local snacks such as wheat shrimp, wontons, rice cake rolls, and ginger soup noodles are also worth trying. Choose restaurants with good reputations and that meet hygiene standards.
- Weather and Clothing: Taizhou experiences four distinct seasons. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and are the best times to visit. Summers are hot and rainy, so be sure to protect yourself from the sun and rain. Winters are damp and cold, so bring warm clothing. Temperatures can vary significantly in mountainous areas, so a jacket is recommended.
- Ticket booking: For popular attractions (such as Shenxianju and Fantawild), it is recommended to book tickets online in advance to save queuing time. Some platforms may offer discounts.
- Family preparation: Families with children should prepare commonly used children's medicines, sunscreen, rain gear, snacks, and drinking water. There will be a lot of walking within the scenic area, so comfortable shoes for children are recommended.
- Itinerary Pace: This itinerary is designed to be relatively relaxed, but it should still be adjusted flexibly according to the child's physical condition and interests. Avoid over-fatigue and allow sufficient rest time.