Things To Do
in Taizhou
Taizhou is a coastal prefecture-level city in Zhejiang Province known for its long coastline, seafood culture, and a mix of historic towns and modern industry. The region combines dramatic natural scenery — including Tiantai Mountain and Xianju’s cliffs — with centuries-old towns such as Linhai and vibrant fishing harbors. Taizhou has a practical, down-to-earth vibe: less touristy than Zhejiang’s big cities, it offers authentic local life, fresh seafood and affordable travel.
Good transport links (high-speed rail and a regional airport) make it an accessible base for exploring eastern Zhejiang’s coast and mountains.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Taizhou Ancient Street, where you can wander through cobbled streets lined with traditional architecture. Stop by a local teahouse for a refreshing cup of jasmine tea while soaking in the morning ambiance. Don’t miss the chance to explore the small shops selling unique handicrafts and souvenirs.
After a delightful lunch at a nearby restaurant serving fresh seafood, head to the Taizhou Museum to delve into the rich history of the region. The museum features a variety of exhibits, including ancient artifacts and contemporary art, offering insights into local culture. Spend some time in the museum’s tranquil garden, perfect for reflection and relaxation.
As the sun sets, stroll along the banks of the Yangtze River, taking in the beautiful views of the water and the city skyline. Find a local restaurant specializing in Taizhou cuisine for dinner, where you can indulge in signature dishes like fried shrimp and steamed fish. Cap off the evening with a leisurely walk through the lively night market, where you can enjoy street food and local snacks.
Take an early morning trip to Tiantai Mountain, known for its breathtaking scenery and Buddhist heritage. Begin your visit at the Guoqing Temple, one of the most important temples in Chinese Buddhism, where you can witness morning prayers and rituals. The surrounding nature trails offer a peaceful environment for a refreshing hike.
After exploring the temple, enjoy a packed lunch while taking in the panoramic views from the mountain summit. Spend the afternoon hiking through the lush landscapes, discovering various shrines and scenic viewpoints along the way. The area is dotted with beautiful waterfalls and ancient trees that provide perfect spots for photography.
Return to Taizhou in the evening and visit a local restaurant where you can taste traditional Buddhist vegetarian dishes. Engage in conversation with locals or fellow travelers about your day’s adventures over dinner. Wrap up your day with a calming stroll around the nearby park, where you can see families enjoying the evening air.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee (local cafe) | $2-4 |
| 🚇Local bus/short taxi | $0.50-3 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $35-80 |
| 🍺Drink at a bar | $3-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic coastal Zhejiang culture and excellent fresh seafood
- Dramatic natural scenery nearby (Tiantai, Xianju) for hiking and photography
- Less crowded and more affordable than bigger tourist cities
- Good rail and road links to Ningbo, Wenzhou and Hangzhou
- Limited English signage and fewer English-speaking services than major cities
- Hot, humid summers and typhoon risk in late summer
- Fewer direct international flight options — often requires a transfer
- Nightlife and international dining choices are modest compared with big cities
- "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "谢谢 (Xièxiè)" - Thank you
- "请问...在哪里? (Qǐngwèn... zài nǎlǐ?)" - Excuse me, where is...?
- "多少钱? (Duōshǎo qián?)" - How much is this?
- "我吃素 (Wǒ chī sù)" - I am vegetarian
- "救命! (Jiùmìng!)" - Help!
Places to Visit in Taizhou
Visit one of these nice places.
Dramatic Buddhist temples, misty peaks and scenic ridgelines make for atmospheric landscape and cultural photography, especially at sunrise or on foggy days.
Granite cliffs, waterfalls, narrow valleys and suspension bridges provide dramatic compositions and great perspectives for nature photography.
Well-preserved city walls, gates and old streets give excellent architectural and street-scene opportunities, particularly in golden-hour light.
Coastal fishing harbors, tidal flats and sunset views over the bay are perfect for seascapes and local life photography.
River scenes, bridges and modern urban waterfronts are good for evening and night photography when lights reflect on the water.
Food in Taizhou
Taizhou Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Simple, fresh seafood steamed with ginger and scallions is everywhere — ideal at seaside restaurants and fish markets where catch-of-the-day is prepared on the spot.
Must-Try!
Bouncy fish or seafood-based balls served in soup or stir-fried; a common local snack and comfort food found at small restaurants and market stalls.
Small-batch preserved items like salted fish or marinated shellfish sold at wet markets and specialty shops — good as accompaniments or local souvenirs.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local food streets and wet markets are the best place to sample quick bites: skewers, dumplings, seafood bowls, and fresh shellfish; vendors often prepare dishes to order.
Evening markets near riverfronts and railway stations offer grilled seafood, pancakes, soups and desserts — ideal for sampling a range of local flavors in one walk.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A simple 你好 (Nǐ hǎo) or 请问 (Qǐngwèn, excuse me) is a good start. Use modest and respectful behavior in temples and older neighborhoods.
Family-style sharing is common; avoid sticking chopsticks upright in a rice bowl (it evokes funerary rituals). Offer toasting etiquette when sharing alcohol — slight nod or cup touch is common.
Defer to older people in queues or seating; polite small gestures (standing when elders enter) are appreciated.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially inside temples or in private fishing villages; be sensitive to religious sites.
Safety
Tipping in Taizhou
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not widely expected in Taizhou; service charges may appear in higher-end hotels. Small tips or rounding up are appreciated but not required. For guides or drivers, a modest tip is acceptable for exceptional service.
Mobile payments (Alipay and WeChat Pay) dominate for small purchases; major restaurants and shops accept UnionPay cards and increasingly global credit cards. Carry some cash (RMB) for small market vendors and rural areas that may not accept cards or mobile payments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming landscapes make spring pleasant for hiking; expect occasional rain and lingering humidity. Good season for temple visits and avoiding summer crowds.
Hot, humid and rainy — late summer is typhoon season (July–September) so monitor forecasts. Coastal areas are busy; beaches and seafood are in full swing.
Generally the best time to visit: cooler, drier weather, clear skies and comfortable hiking conditions. Seafood remains good and the landscapes look sharp for photography.
Mild to cool and damp with occasional cold snaps; inland hills can be chilly. Fewer tourists and lower prices, but some mountain trails may be wet or slippery.
Taizhou at Night
Hiking in Taizhou
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Well-marked trails, temple visits (Guoqing Temple) and panoramic ridgelines; ideal for half-day to full-day hikes and sunrise photography.
A network of trails passing cliffs, waterfalls, forested valleys and dramatic rock formations — great for adventurous day hikes.
Gentler walks around the ancient city, along the historic walls and nearby hills — good for culture-oriented short hikes and photography.
Low-elevation seaside walks and coastal trails with views of fishing harbors, rocky shores and tidal scenery — best in calmer weather.
Airports
How to reach Taizhou by plane.
The regional Taizhou airport with domestic flights to major Chinese cities; shuttle buses and taxis connect it to Taizhou city center (short drive).
About 1–2 hours by road or train depending on route; more international and domestic flight options and good rail links to Taizhou.
South of Taizhou with domestic connections; reachable by road and useful if combining travel in southern Zhejiang.
Larger international hub about 2–3 hours away by high-speed rail or car; convenient for international connections and onward travel.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The vast majority of residents are Han Chinese, with local families, fishermen, farmers and urban professionals forming the main communities.
Coastal fishing villages and inland agricultural towns maintain distinct local traditions and livelihoods tied to the sea and mountains.
As an industrial and coastal city, Taizhou attracts migrant labor for factories and construction, alongside a growing urban professional class in city centers.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular recreational and school sport; you’ll see many outdoor courts in neighborhoods.
Common at schools and community fields; local amateur leagues and youth programs are active.
Widely played indoor sports with many community centers and clubs catering to all ages.
Regional coastal tradition and festival sport — especially visible around the Dragon Boat Festival with local teams and events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Taizhou.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but can be limited outside major restaurants. Many places will prepare vegetable stir-fries, tofu dishes and simple noodle or rice dishes. Use the phrase “我吃素” (Wǒ chī sù) to explain vegetarian needs and specify no fish/seafood if needed.
Seafood is common; state allergies clearly in Mandarin or show a translated allergy card. Halal options and Muslim restaurants are limited — major cities nearby (e.g., Ningbo) have more choices. Bakery and international chains are options for strict dietary needs.