Choose wisely. Connect locally.Add your business 
Mountains wrapped in Buddhist legend, a crenellated city wall climbing over green hills and a rugged coastline that catches the earliest sunrise in eastern China give Taizhou a surprising range for a city best known for its factories and tangerines. This prefecture-level city on the central coast of Zhejiang takes in the Jiaojiang, Huangyan and Luqiao districts as well as the historic towns of Linhai, Tiantai, Xianju and Wenling.
The region's history runs deep. Mount Tiantai gave its name to the Tiantai school of Buddhism, which developed here in the 6th century and was later carried to Japan. In the 16th century the general Qi Jiguang defended this coast against pirate raids from the walled prefectural city at Linhai, whose ramparts still stand above Ziyang Street.
Today visitors combine temple visits and mountain walks with seaside villages and modern parks. Taizhou is also known for its seafood, its fine mandarins from Huangyan and its local snacks, and high-speed trains link it with Hangzhou, Ningbo and Wenzhou.
Often called the Great Wall of southern China, the old prefectural wall in Linhai follows the river and climbs over Beigu Hill with gates, towers and battlements. The Ming general Qi Jiguang strengthened it against pirate raids. Walk the hill section for views, early in summer.
Below the Linhai city wall, this long, narrow old street is lined with restored wooden shophouses, traditional workshops and snack stalls. It is the best place to taste local treats and see the layout of a historic Zhejiang town. Walk its full length, then climb onto the wall at the end.
This memorial shrine in Jiaojiang honours Qi Jiguang, the Ming dynasty general who won a string of victories over the pirates raiding the Zhejiang coast in the 16th century. Traditional halls and courtyards tell the story of his campaigns and the soldiers he trained. A visit takes under an hour.
In the old town of Huangyan, this centuries-old stone bridge crosses the water on five graceful arches, its weathered blocks softened by ferns and moss. It has been a protected heritage site of Zhejiang province since 1999. Come in soft morning light, when the arches reflect in the still water.
Founded in 598 at the foot of Mount Tiantai, this temple is the birthplace of the Tiantai school of Buddhism and a pilgrimage site for Japan's Tendai school, whose founder studied here. A Sui-era brick pagoda stands by the entrance, with halls and ancient trees beyond. Keep a quiet pace.
The forested peaks of Mount Tiantai have drawn monks, poets and painters for centuries. Trails lead to Huading Peak and to Shiliang, where a natural stone bridge spans a gorge above a waterfall. Allow a full day, wear proper walking shoes and check the weather and transport before setting out.
In Xianju County, this mountain reserve is famed for towering volcanic cliffs, needle-like rock pillars, waterfalls and plank walkways bolted to sheer rock. Cable cars and good paths bring the high viewpoints within reach. Plan most of a day and bring layers, as the tops are often misty.
Tucked into a wooded valley of Mount Tiantai, Gaoming Temple is one of the historic monasteries of the Tiantai school, far calmer than its famous neighbour Guoqing. A stone gateway set in ochre walls opens onto quiet halls, and old cobbled paths wind off into the bamboo. Visit respectfully.
On the Wenling coast, this fishing town of stone houses stacked on rocky slopes is famous as the place where mainland China greeted the first sunrise of 2000. Lanes climb between stone cottages to lookouts over a harbour full of boats. Stay overnight for the dawn and eat fresh seafood.
Reached by ferry from Jiaojiang, the Dachen Islands offer rugged sea cliffs, quiet coves and small temples such as a hillside shrine to Tianhou, the sea goddess. The islands' modern history includes the 1955 evacuation of their residents to Taiwan. Check the ferry times and the forecast first.
Near Wenling, centuries of stone quarrying hollowed the hills into a vast network of man-made caves, chambers and pools, now open as the Changyu Cave scenic area. Walkways pass deep green pools and halls where chisel marks still show. Bring a light jacket, as the caves stay cool in summer.
In Huangyan, landscape architect Kongjian Yu and his firm Turenscape turned a concrete river embankment into this park, restoring natural banks and wetlands along the Yongning River. Paths, boardwalks and red pavilions wind through native plants. It is a calm walk and a fine piece of modern design.
No reviews yet. Been to Taizhou? Be the first to share your experience.
Share what you loved, what to skip and tips for other travelers.
Log in to write a reviewBeen to Taizhou? Add your best shots to the gallery.
Log in to add photosPhoto: Peter in s, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: 猫猫的日记本, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Siyuwj, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Siyuwj, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: 黑揍红, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.5
Photo: me, Joshtinho, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: rheins, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Michael Tyler, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Siyuwj, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Marcus Hsu talk , Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Siyuwj, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: 猫猫的日记本, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Siyuwj, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Siyuwj, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Siyuwj, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Siyuwj, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Jdefriez, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Huangdan2060, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Huangdan2060, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: 钉钉, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Huangdan2060, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Kejunorg, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Yumeto, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Likaihua, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
