Situated along the coast of Zhejiang Province, Taizhou (台州) is celebrated for its distinctive natural beauty, rich historical and cultural legacy, and diverse tourist attractions. The city harmoniously blends the ruggedness of mountains and seas with a sense of poetic grace, merging natural splendor with historical significance to reveal the unique allure of “the origin of Buddhist and Taoist culture.” As both the beginning of the travelogue by the renowned Ming Dynasty explorer Xu Xiake and the ancient wellspring of Chinese “Harmony Culture,” Taizhou is a place where antiquity and charm converge.
In the west, the Shenxianju Scenic Area showcases towering peaks and rolling sea of clouds. The Ruyi Bridge stretches across the mountain stream, epitomizing the perfect balance of thrill and beauty. Heading north, Tiantai Mountain, the cradle of the Buddhist Tiantai Sect and the starting point of Xu Xiake’s travels, features ancient temple of the Sui Dynasty - Guoqing Temple and the spectacular Tiantai Waterfall. To the east, Linhai in Taizhou is home to historical landmarks such as the Jiangnan Great Wall and Ziyang Ancient Street, as well as remarkable geological wonders like Linhai Grand Volcano, which can rival Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway, and the vibrant Xiaoruo Village in Wenling, an alternative to Italy’s Cinque Terre.
Whether it is the magnificent landscapes of mountains and seas or the rich historical and cultural relics, Taizhou can offer travelers unforgettable experiences.
You can spend 1–2 days exploring the main attractions in Taizhou, such as Tiantai Mountain and the Shenxianju Scenic Area (including the Ruyi Bridge). If you have more time, consider visiting the highlights of Linhai city and then spending another 1–2 days in the coastal area to fully experience Taizhou’s unique blend of mountainous and coastal beauty. For a more comprehensive experience, you can combine your Taizhou trip with visits to other popular destinations in Zhejiang, such as Hangzhou, Wuzhen Water Town, Ningbo, and Hengdian.
Additionally, if you have ample time and haven’t explored the Yangtze River Delta region much before, you can also include places like Shanghai, Suzhou, and Huangshan in your itinerary. You’re sure to have an unforgettable travel experience. All our tours can be customized according to your interests, group size, needs, travel time, budget, etc. If you are interested, please feel free to contact us for a personal Taizhou, Zhejiang tour 2025/2026!
To fully experience the natural, historical, and cultural beauty of Taizhou, here are some top recommended attractions:
Shenxianju Scenic Area features towering peaks, rolling clouds, and the world’s largest volcanic rhyolite landform cluster. The scenic area is also famous for its ingeniously designed attractions like the Ruyi Bridge (如意桥) and glass-bottomed observation decks, which offer thrilling and panoramic views of the stunning natural scenery.
Tiantai Mountain is a renowned sacred site in China, revered as the birthplace of the Buddhist Tiantai Sect and the starting point of Xu Xiake’s famous travel notes. This mountainous region boasts a rich tapestry of natural beauty, including ancient temples like Guoqing Temple, the scenic Huading National Forest Park, and the iconic Tiantai Mountain Waterfall.
Guoqing Temple is an ancient and significant Buddhist temple located at the foot of Tiantai Mountain. Established during the Sui Dynasty, it is one of the most important temples of the Tiantai Buddhist Sect, featuring traditional Chinese architectural styles and a serene atmosphere that attracts pilgrims and tourists alike.
The Jiangnan Great Wall, also known as Taizhou Prefecture Great Wall is an impressive historical fortification that dates back to the Jin Dynasty. Spanning over 6,000 meters, it is renowned as the prototype for the Great Wall in the north and offers a panoramic view of the ancient city, showcasing its rich historical and cultural significance.
Ziyang Old Street is a historical street in Linhai, Taizhou, known for its well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture. Lining the street are traditional shops and houses, creating a nostalgic atmosphere where visitors can experience the charm of ancient Chinese urban life.
Xiaoruo Village in Wenling is a vibrant coastal village renowned for its colorful houses and unique stone architecture. With its picturesque scenery and rich fishing village culture, it has become a popular destination for tourists seeking a charming and authentic coastal experience.
Shitang in Wenling is a charming coastal town famous for its unique stone houses built by fishermen, which give the area a distinctive architectural style. With its rugged coastline, beautiful sunsets, and vibrant fishing culture, Shitang is often referred to as the "Santorini of the East," attracting both tourists and photographers alike.
Dachen Island is a beautiful island located off the coast of Taizhou, known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich marine biodiversity. The island also holds historical significance as a base for fishermen and a symbol of maritime culture, offering visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Taizhou offers a variety of activities to suit different interests:
Shenxianju Scenic Area, Tiantai Mountain and Linhai Jiangnan Great Wall offer numerous hiking trails with stunning views. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced hiker, you can find a trail that suits your level.
The roots of Taizhou's “Hehe Culture” can be found in the historical background of the harmonious coexistence of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism on Tiantai Mountain. The Tiantai Buddhist Sect was established here during the Tang Dynasty, and figures like Hanshan (寒山子) and Shide (拾得和尚), who lived in seclusion, promoted the concept of harmony and unity, thus shaping the cultural foundation of this region.
Taizhou is celebrated for its diverse and flavorful cuisine, which has won the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide. Signature dishes such as Plum Blossom Cake, Black Rice Glutinous Rice Balls, and Ginger Soup Noodles are must-tries. Ziyang Street is highly recommended for sampling these local delicacies at traditional restaurants and street food stalls.
Taizhou is home to a rich array of intangible cultural heritage. Traditional crafts such as Taizhou embroidery and wood carving showcase the exquisite skills of local artisans. Additionally, the region’s vibrant folk performances, including Taizhou Luantan (Taizhou Opera), a local opera with a history of nearly 400 years.
Taizhou is located along the southeast coast of Zhejiang Province and features a subtropical monsoon climate with distinct seasons. The city enjoys mild temperatures and abundant rainfall throughout the year, with an average annual precipitation of about 1583.8 mm. The precipitation is unevenly distributed across seasons, with 3 main rainy periods: the spring rain from March to May, the plum rain in June, and the typhoon-related rain from July to September. These rainy seasons account for over 75% of the annual precipitation. The best times to visit are spring (March to May; High 23°C, Low 9°C) and autumn (September to November; High 27°C, Low 13°C), when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is beautiful.
Summer is the peak season for rainfall, especially in June and July. The average high temperature reaches 31°C in July. Beaches in Wenling are popular destinations during this time. However, be prepared for occasional heavy rains and typhoons. Winter in Taizhou is relatively mild, with average temperatures ranging from 5°C to 13°C. The precipitation is the lowest during this season, making it a good time for a food tour.
Taizhou’s tourist attractions are scattered. For foreign travelers, the most convenient option is to book a private tour or hire a private car, which saves time and effort and allows you to better enjoy the highlights.
For independent travelers, you can choose to take high-speed trains and then use local public transportation (taxi/public bus) according to your intended destinations. (Note: In smaller cities, there may be issues with irregular taxi services with high prices. It is recommended that solo travelers download ride-hailing apps in advance.)
Taizhou is well-connected by train to major cities in China. You can take a high-speed train from Shanghai (2.5-3 hrs), Hangzhou (1.5-2 hrs), Yiwu (35-45 mins), Fuzhou (2.5-3 hrs), Xiamen (4-5 hrs), and other cities. Taizhou’s high-speed railway stations are spread out across different districts, allowing travelers to conveniently organize their transport according to where they’re heading, for instance:
Xianju Railway Station 仙居站 | Shenxianju Scenic Area
Tiantaishan Railway Station 天台山站 | Tiantai Mountain, Guoqing Temple…
Linhai Railway Station 临海站 | Jiangnan Great Wall, Ziyang Old Street…
Wenling Railway Station 温岭站 | Shitang Town, Changyu Dongtian…
The distance from Shanghai to the Shenxianju Scenic Area is approximately 380 km. Everyday, there are over 10 runs of high-speed train departure from Shanghai Hongqiao (上海虹桥)/Shanghai Songjiang (上海松江)/Shanghainan Railway Station (上海南站) to Xianju Railway Station, which takes about 2.5-3 hrs. After arriving at Xianju Railway Station, you can take a car (30 mins) or public buses (40-50 mins) to the scenic area. Discover more about Shanghai to Shenxianju Real-time Train Schedule, Tickets and more >>
If you are troubled by transportation and sightseeing arrangements, you can choose to customize a Xianju tour with us. In this way, you can focus on enjoying the scenic views, while we take care of everything else, from booking high-speed train tickets to arranging private transportation, hotels, foreign language guides, and local cuisine.
Taizhou boasts a wealth of tourism attractions and a diverse range of accommodation choices. Taizhou city center is well-connected with convenient transportation and a vibrant commercial scene, perfect for shopping and savoring local delicacies. It also serves as a convenient starting point for visiting various scenic spots. Travelers who prioritize high-quality hotels and infrastructure can opt for international brands like Hilton or Sheraton. For those who prefer natural beauty, there are numerous upscale hotels and charming guesthouses in serene environments around major attractions such as Shenxianju Scenic Area and Tiantai Mountain. Examples include the DoubleTree by Hilton Taizhou Shenxianju, Shenxianju Narada Resert & Spa near Shenxianju, and the Hoshino Resorts KASUKE Tiantai located within the Tiantai Mountain Scenic Area.
To help you know the location and transportation of Taizhou as well as its tourist spots clearly, we have selected the detailed and overall Taizhou maps for you, including Zhejiang Taizhou Map, Taizhou Attractions Map, Shenxianju Scenic Area Map, etc. All maps are downloadable. Please feel free to use them when planning your Taizhou, Zhejiang tour! For more Zhejiang maps. please check 2025 Updated Zhejiang Maps.
Zhejiang Taizhou Map
Taizhou Railway Stations & Attractions Map
Zhangjiajie Attraction Map
After exploring Taizhou, consider visiting other nearby destinations such as Wenzhou (Yiwu, Hengdian World Studios), Hangzhou (West Lake, Lingyin Temple), Shaoxing (Luxun Native Place, Bazi Bridge), Jiaxing (Wuzhen Water Town), etc. These cities offer additional attractions and cultural experiences.
We have helped numerous global travelers create unforgettable memories in Zhejiang over the past few years. Among them, the Winnie Family from Canada enjoyed an 11-day Southern China trip, which included a memorable stay in Zhejiang. They shared their travel story with us, highlighting the beauty and charm of this region. Travel with China Discovery to create your wonderful Zhejiang trip memories! Our best Zhejiang tours include classic trip to West Lake, Longjing Tea Plantations, Wuzhen Water Town, Mount Putuo, Shaoxing, Ningbo, etc., and Yangtze River Delta tours with Shanghai, Suzhou, Huangshan, etc.
All itineraries and side trips can be customized privately, so please feel free to contact with our travel consultants if you have this kind of need.
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