Taizhou
Taizhou is an ancient city with a history dating back 5,000 years, when early inhabitants thrived in the area. Historically known as the land of Ouyue, it underwent several administrative changes and was designated as a prefecture-level city in 1994. Taizhou is not only a city rich in historical and cultural significance but also renowned for its unique geographical location and abundant cultural heritage.
Introduction to Attractions
Shuitong Ao Beach
Here, there aren’t many outside visitors, with mountains on three sides and the sea on one. The distant island is known as the “Fuji Mountain of the Sea.” The hiking trails here are also referred to as the “Mairehau Trail of Zhejiang.”
Couple’s Ring Viewing Platform
You must go on a sunny day. The sea is a deep blue. Two huge circular viewing platforms extend towards the sea level, named the “Wedding Ring Viewing Platforms” because of their ring-like shape. One side overlooks the mountains, while the other faces the sea.
Xiao Ruo Village
Everyone knows the colorful Xiao Ruo Village, but few realize that the best viewpoint is on the opposite Qilin Mountain. A 20-minute climb to Qilin Mountain offers a stunning view of Xiao Ruo Village, giving you a glimpse of the scenery similar to Italy’s Cinque Terre without leaving the country. Tip: The sunset view from Qilin Mountain overlooking the entire Xiao Ruo Village is especially beautiful!
Three Garlic Island
Taking a boat to Three Garlic Island, which is most famous for its black sand beach, but I didn’t expect this island to resemble a world from a Miyazaki fairy tale. 🌈 It’s a secluded paradise, where only the sea and the wind accompany you. 💕
Food recommendations
Martyrs’ Mountain Lü’s Prawn
Local friends highly recommend it! Add meat, shrimp, and spice for an incredible taste! The outer layer is crispy but not greasy, while the filling is fresh and flavorful—truly amazing!
Maluku Bridge Ginger Soup Noodles
Local friends recommend this! The seafood ginger soup noodles for 42 yuan a bowl are enough for two people. The rich seafood broth has a slight ginger spiciness that lingers, and the ginger flavor is well-balanced—it’s really enjoyable!
Tao Hu Ji
The texture is soft and glutinous, paired with a light syrup, which I personally find average. The fried sweet potato balls coated in sugar are crispy and sweet.
Baita Bridge Restaurant
“Egg white tail” is a light version of a bean bun made with whipped egg whites wrapped around red bean paste. Here are a few points to note: 1. It has an eggy taste, 2. It’s quite oily, 3. It’s very sweet. The first bite is novel and delicious, but eating too many can get a bit overwhelming. I still recommend giving it a try. The green pepper and pork slices and sweet and sour ribs are also quite good.
Old Lady’s Wheat Cake at Vegetable Washing Bridge
I ordered a cold rice dish with meat and egg, which is pickled vegetables and rice wrapped in a pancake—carbs on carbs, with a surprisingly interesting texture and a slightly salty taste. I also tried the potato and meat filling; the smooth mashed potatoes inside the pancake were quite fragrant but a bit oily. A hidden way to enjoy it is to layer the two together, one salty and one mild. It’s not breathtaking but has a simple, hearty deliciousness.
Hongchi Embedded Cake Shop
A giant rice cake dumpling for 10 yuan each, filled with braised meat, crispy fried dough sticks, cabbage, shredded potatoes, carrots, pickled vegetables, vermicelli, and bean sprouts. Don’t forget to add a spoonful of meat broth inside—it’s incredibly satisfying with every bite!
Luo Ji Ten-Year Ginger Sauce
(This is in Luqiao) Ginger walnut steamed egg features steamed eggs topped with crushed walnuts, creating a spicy flavor similar to brown sugar ginger tea. The ginger taste is quite strong, so it depends on personal preference.
Old Huang Fried Glutinous Rice Cake
The glutinous rice cake can be stretched so long! It’s prepared similarly to fried noodles, with plenty of ingredients added, giving it a very homey flavor.
Aunt Wang’s Plum Blossom Cake
The cake has a texture similar to slightly sour steamed rice cake, filled with sesame and brown sugar fillings, giving it a more traditional flavor.
Precautions
About Transportation:Most districts and counties in Taizhou are connected by high-speed rail, with Xianju Station expected to open in August 2024. Taizhou West Station, located in Huangyan District, operates on the Hangzhou-Shenzhen line, while Taizhou Station connects Hangzhou and Shaoxing on the Hangtai high-speed rail in Jiaojiang District. A taxi ride between the two stations is estimated to cost around 30 yuan. Remember to choose the appropriate station based on your destination!
About Accommodation:Many people choose to stay in Linhai or Jiaojiang, as these areas offer more convenient transportation. If you plan to visit Shenxianju or Guoqing Temple, it’s recommended to stay locally for a night.
