[2025 Tiantai Attraction] Travel Guide for Guoqing Scenic Area (Updated Jun)

Taizhou, located on the central coast of Zhejiang Province, is a city with a rich history and culture. It is also a blessed land where mountains, sea, and water coexist harmoniously. Not only does it boast abundant natural landscapes, but it also possesses a profound historical and cultural heritage, earning it the titles of "Little Zoulu" and "Land of Culture." ✨Taizhou in March-April Taizhou enjoys a mild climate in March and April, with average temperatures ranging from 10°C to 15°C. With plenty of sunshine and fresh air, it's ideal for outdoor activities. During this time, Taizhou is in full bloom, making it the best time to experience the fusion of nature and culture. 🗓Transportation Guide • High-speed Rail: Take the high-speed train to Taizhou Station or Linhai Station, transportation is very convenient. • Airplane: Fly to Ningbo Lishe International Airport or Wenzhou Longwan International Airport, then transfer to high-speed rail or long-distance bus to Taizhou. • Car: From Shanghai or Hangzhou, take the G15 Shenyang-Haikou Expressway to Taizhou, the journey takes about 3 hours. ✨Three Days and Two Nights Itinerary ✅Day 1: History and Culture Tour • Morning: Arrive in Taizhou and check in to your hotel. We recommend choosing a hotel in Linhai city center for convenient transportation. • Noon: Visit the Taizhou Fu City Wall and experience the unique charm of the "Great Wall of Southern China." • Afternoon: Stroll along Ziyang Street, savoring local snacks such as seaweed cakes and egg white sheep tails. • Evening: Explore Ziyang Street and experience the local nightlife. ✅Day 2: Nature and Culture Tour • Morning: Visit the Tiantai Mountain Grand Waterfall and admire the spectacular view of China's highest waterfall. • Noon: Enjoy local farmhouse dishes near the scenic area, such as stir-fried steamed pork with rice flour. • Afternoon: Visit Guoqing Temple, the ancestral temple of the Tiantai Sect of Chinese Buddhism. • Evening: Return to Linhai city center and check in to your hotel. ✅Day 3: Island and Leisure Tour • Morning: Visit Dachen Island and enjoy the coastal scenery by boat. • Noon: Savor seafood barbecue on the island. • Afternoon: Explore attractions such as Jiawu Rock and Langtong Gate. • Evening: Conclude your pleasant Taizhou trip and prepare for your return journey. ✨Recommended Attractions 1. Taizhou Fu City Wall: Experience the unique charm of the "Great Wall of Southern China." 2. Ziyang Street: Savor local snacks and experience the charm of the ancient city. 3. Tiantai Mountain Grand Waterfall: The highest waterfall in China, a spectacular sight. 4. Guoqing Temple: The ancestral temple of the Tiantai Sect of Chinese Buddhism, with towering ancient trees. 5. Dachen Island: A national first-class fishing port and a maritime forest park. 6. Shenxianju: A national 5A-level tourist attraction, known as the "First City of Mist and Clouds." 7. Changyu Dongtian: Natural limestone caves, shrouded in mystery. 🏨Hotel Recommendations • Linhai Riverview International Hotel: Riverfront views and comprehensive facilities. • Linhai Atour Hotel: Close to Linhai Yintai City, convenient for travel. • Taizhou Yaoda International Hotel: Located in the city center, convenient for transportation. 🍲Local Food Recommendations • Seaweed Cakes: Freshly baked, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. • Egg White Sheep Tails: Crispy, sweet, and delicious. • Linhai Zao Geng: A traditional snack with a unique flavor. • Ginger Steamed Eggs: A nourishing delicacy that warms the body and soul. • Seafood Feast: Fresh seafood prepared in various ways. 💡Tips • Sun Protection: The early spring sunshine is strong, so please take sun protection measures when traveling. • Warm Clothing: There is a large temperature difference between day and night, so bring a light jacket. • Respect Local Culture: Respect local customs and traditions when visiting historical sites. • Plan Your Itinerary: Plan your itinerary in advance and avoid peak seasons. • Pay Attention to Safety: Observe relevant regulations when visiting scenic areas.

Taizhou is really a treasure city The Spring Festival is coming, if you don't know where to go, keep this 2-day and 1-night Taizhou travel guide · 🗺️About the attractions 1️⃣Ziyang Ancient Street •Location: Ziyang Ancient Street, Linhai City, Taizhou City •How to get there: Take the high-speed rail to Linhai Station, and then take a taxi for 50 minutes · Don't miss the sticky rice here and the super delicious seaweed cake, the queue is long but worth it. The whole street is long, with a strong cultural atmosphere, very suitable for taking pictures 2️⃣Wenling •Location: Wenling City, Taizhou City •How to get there: Take the high-speed rail to Wenling Station, and then take a taxi for 1 hour •Xiaoruo Village: Known as the Zhejiang version of the Five Fishing Villages, the colorful houses are super fairy tale •Ring Viewing Platform: From the aerial view, it is a pair of rings, so romantic that I cried •Golden Beach: Unexpectedly, Taizhou also has such a healing blue •Pearl Beach: Super long coastline, very suitable for weekend relaxation • "Little Mount Fuji": A lonely island, very atmospheric 3️⃣Guoqing Temple •Location: Guoqing Scenic Area, Tiantai County, Taizhou City •How to get there: Take the high-speed rail to Tiantai Mountain Station, and then take a taxi for 15 minutes • If the temple is established, the country will be clear Every inch of land, you can see the traces of the years There is also a 1400-year-old Sui Mei in the temple, which is very spectacular 4️⃣Taizhou City Wall 📍Location: Just next to Ziyang Ancient Street, within walking distance Half a circle, surrounding the ancient city of Taizhou · From Xingshan Gate, walk to Wangtiantai. Standing at a high place, you can enjoy the scenery of Linhai · ✅Floating Island: An island floating above the clouds, super shocking ✅Miyazaki Hayao's anime world: Anime elements can be seen everywhere, cute to explode ✅Little Train: Take the train to spring, there are many cute surprises along the way ✅Mirror of the Sky: A huge mirror, reflecting the blue sky, white clouds and sunrise ✅Lake View Tent Room: Super large tent, independent balcony, lake view in full view, and the same starry sky bubble room as in 'Youth Around' • Come to the City of the Sky for the Spring Festival, there are also handmade dragon lanterns, writing couplets, surrounding the stove to make tea and other New Year activities • 🍲About food Tianwang Shun Seaweed Cake, Hongchi Embedded Cake Shop, Anling Sweet Potato Strips, Chen's Black Rice Glutinous Rice Cake, Aunt Wang's Plum Cake, Aunt Zhu's Egg White Lamb Tail, Lishi Mountain Style Shrimp

🌈Before going to Tiantai Mountain, I imagined that I would quietly visit the ancient temples for thousands of years, slowly wait for the cows to get off work, leisurely watch the green mountains and waterfalls, happily take pictures of Zen landscapes, stroke cats, drink tea and eat vegetarian meals. After the trip, everything was as I wished, but the adjectives were a bit off. I walked 25 kilometers in three days, and on the last day I sat on the high-speed train back with two muddy trouser legs, but I was happier than the planned trip, especially the Xiagu Ancient Road, the beautiful mountains and waters of Tiantai Mountain are real. 🚴‍♀️Because several scenic spots are basically all the way, so there are many problems in transportation and tour routes, the number of words is limited, detailed strategies will be divided later, first simply say the total itinerary 1⃣Day1: Departure—Tiantai Station—Big Waterfall—Qiongtai Fairy Valley 2⃣Day2: Guoqing Temple—Tiantai Museum—Shiliang 3⃣Day3: Xiagu Ancient Road Loop—Tiantai Station Return 📍✔️First afternoon: Big Waterfall + Qiongtai Fairy Valley (Pictures 1-5) 🔸Bought a joint ticket, walked all the way, took 3 hours, the route track is 9 kilometers (only more than 7 kilometers on the two-step track, has been synchronized), the big waterfall is indeed spectacular, but after climbing to the top of the mountain all the way to Qiongtai Fairy Valley, it is the mountain and water show, worth the ticket price. This attraction is near, it is convenient for one person to take a taxi. 📍✔️Second morning: Guoqing Temple + Tiantai Museum, afternoon: Shiliang (Pictures 6-11) 🔸Guoqing Temple is as everyone says, quiet and simple, even the plants have Buddha nature, the entrance of Tiantai Museum is very inconspicuous, but the cultural exhibits inside are very rich. 🔸Shiliang Feipu is rushing to the last bus of the scenic spot to go back to the last bus, about 3 kilometers from the entrance to the exit, it takes 1 and a half hours, completely different from the big waterfall Qiongtai Fairy Valley, it is a place to brush again. This attraction is far away, it is more convenient for one person to take the scenic bus. 📍✔️Third day: Xiagu Ancient Road Loop (Pictures 12-16) 🔸Start timing from near Tiantai Hotel, the whole journey is 13 kilometers, it takes 5 hours (only more than 12 kilometers on the two-step track, has been synchronized), all the way through the mountains, villages, ancient temples, quiet and natural, the second half of the journey met rain, so I brought two trouser legs out of the mountain. There are several wild roads in this loop, it is not recommended for women to hike alone, especially when the weather is bad. 🌟If the weather is bad in Tiantai Mountain, it is easy to fog up the mountain, self-driving around the mountain road should pay attention to safety, novice drivers are not recommended. 🌟I won't go out for food, I've been hiking all the way, the most I eat is dry food, but I ate at the earth stove, I feel average, and the random He Wei stir-fry on the side of the road, unexpectedly suits my taste, I ate it for two days. 🌟The temples in Tiantai Mountain are really beautiful, and the three-day deep tour makes me feel that the mountains and waters here are more spiritual.

🔥 Li Bai didn't lie! 3-day 2-night Taizhou guide: Shenxianju + Guoqing Temple + Xin Rong Ji, the ultimate weekend getaway from Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai! Bookmark this🌟 【Transport Guide】 🚗 Best by car: Scenic spots are scattered, with 1-2 hours drive between Shitang/Tiantai/Xianju 🚄 High-speed rail options: • Tiantai Mountain Station (near Guoqing Temple) • Linhai Station (Ancient City Wall/Ziyang Street) • Yongjia Station (near Xianju) Direct trains from Shanghai (2.5h)/Hangzhou (1.5h), recommend renting a car 【3-Day Etinerary】 ☀️ DAY1 Buddhist-Daoist Wonders·Tiantai Secrets • 07:00 Guoqing Temple (Sui Dynasty ancient temple with farming monks) • 11:00 Tiantai Mountain vegetarian meal (try Buddhist "Five Flavors Harmony") • 14:00 Shiliang Waterfall (starting point of Xu Xiake's Travel Notes) • 18:00 Stay at Tiantai Mountain B&B (recommend Lujing Tiantai) ☀️ DAY2 Linhai Ancient City·Culinary Feast • 08:00 Taizhou Ancient City Wall (Jiangnan Great Wall, Qi Jiguang's anti-pirate site) • 10:00 Ziyang Street (try Egg White Lamb Tail/Seaweed Cake/Wheat Shrimp) • 14:00 East Lake (Song Dynasty garden, called "Little West Lake") • 17:00 Xin Rong Ji Linghu Branch (reserve 1 month in advance) ☀️ DAY3 Divine Mountains·Xianju Wonders • 09:00 Shenxianju (glass viewing platform for sea of clouds) • 12:00 Yong'an River bamboo rafting (through ink painting scenery) • 16:00 Return (can visit Potan Ancient Town on the way) 【Food Guide】 🦀 Seafood trio: Sea cucumber bean noodles/home-style yellow croaker/scallion oil swimming crab 🍡 Snack trio: Stuffed rice cake/ginger juice egg/steamed rice dumpling 🍵 Desserts: Agar jelly/herbal jelly (with ancient brown sugar) ❗️ Note: Xin Rong Ji alternatives "Rong Xiaoguan" "Rong Zhuang" 【Accommodation】 • Tiantai: Tiantai He Hotel (Zen design) • Linhai: Yufengli B&B (converted from century-old bank) • Xianju: Leyuye B&B (facing Shenxianju) 【Hidden Gems】 1️⃣ Shitang Town: Millennium Sunrise Monument + Colorful Xiaoluo Village 2️⃣ Dachen Island: Jiawu Rock Cliff Walkway + Meihua Bay seafood 3️⃣ Huangyan: Budai Mountain ancient village + Changtan Reservoir fish head 💡 Travel tips: • Shenxianju: Enter from south exit to avoid crowds • Ancient City Wall: Lansheng Gate has steep steps, enter from Xingshan Gate • Xin Rong Ji must-order: Golden crispy belt fish/butterfish with rice cakes Taizhou's beauty lies in the mountain-sea atmosphere and slow-paced temple bell moments. This weekend, follow the poet's footsteps for a "Zen" yet "delicious" journey!

🌈Xiapu Named "China's Most Beautiful Place" by CNN, it boasts "the world's most stunning tidal flats" - a must-visit for photography enthusiasts! - 🌈Enshi The "Pingshan Grand Canyon" was rated by National Geographic as China's most beautiful fairyland, going viral for its iconic floating wooden boat photo. The "Enshi Grand Canyon" is a karst landscape museum and China's answer to Semporna. - 🌈Mangshi Few crowds, exquisite scenery, and a slow pace - that's Mangshi. This city offers rich natural and cultural landscapes with diverse ethnic characteristics. - 🌈Taizhou Famed as "Below Tiantai Mountain, Where Peace Dwells," this ancient city carries millennia of history. The Sui Dynasty-era Guoqing Temple stands here, worth visiting. The colorful Xiaoruo Village at sunset rivals Italy's coastal towns 🇮🇹. - 🌈Wuyuan Straddling Anhui, Jiangxi and Zhejiang provinces, Wuyuan is hailed as "China's Most Beautiful Countryside." Enjoy different seasonal views, explore ancient towns, witness "sun-drying autumn harvests," and admire Huizhou-style architecture. - 🌈Libo Called "The Wizard of Oz's Emerald City," "Earth's Green Gem," and "The Emerald on Earth's Belt," Libo in southern Guizhou offers pristine ecology and pleasant climate. Wolong Pond and Xiaoqikong will make your trip unforgettable. - 🌈Zhangye Experience Silk Road history along the Hexi Corridor. Try local beef noodles and spicy soup while marveling at grand canyons and the colorful Danxia landforms. - 🌈Zhangzhou The ancient town preserves Minnan culture's old streets. Sample local snacks, admire tulou earthen buildings and Yunshuiyao's customs, visit cliffside Yuantong Temple - Zhangzhou's culinary scene is worth exploring. - 🌈Kashgar Where the Kunlun Mountains meet the ancient Silk Road - Kashgar offers living answers to cultural wonders. Don't miss naan bread and yogurt!

🌄 Location: Shenxianju, Taizhou, Zhejiang After the rain, Shenxianju is shrouded in mist, as if you've stepped into a fantasy drama set! Not only does it feature the viral "Buddha's Shadow and Lotus Rhythm," but it's also packed with countless fairyland photo spots—every shot is wallpaper-worthy! ⏰ Opening Hours - Scenic Area: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM (opens at 6:30 AM on major holidays), last entry at 3:30 PM - 🚠 Cable Car: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM. Arrive early to avoid peak crowds! 🎫 Ticket Guide - Entrance Fee: ¥100/person - ❗ Heads-up: The optional ¥99 "Nantian Summit" add-on isn’t worth it—skip it! - Cable Car: ¥65/person (up), ¥55/person (down) 🚗 Transportation Tips - 🚙 Drive: Navigate to "Shenxianju South Gate Parking Lot," then walk 500m to the entrance - 🚌 Public Transport: Take the shuttle bus (¥10 round-trip) from Shenxianju Visitor Center to the South Gate (check schedules!) 🌟 Time-Saving Route (Counterclockwise · South Entry & Exit) 1️⃣ Enter South Gate → Take Nantian Cable Car up 🚠 2️⃣ After exiting, turn right for the prime photo spot at Buddha's Shadow and Lotus Rhythm 📸 3️⃣ Return to take the escalator to Star Picking Platform 4️⃣ Pass by Nanhai Bridge → Lotus Platform → Peak Viewing Platform → Hongmeng Bridge → Qingyun Stairs 5️⃣ Must-see spots: Tianmu Tower → Taibai Tower → Wolong Bridge → Dream Fulfillment Bridge → Ruyi Pavilion → Ruyi Bridge → Pantao Garden → Laojun Platform 6️⃣ Return via cable car 🚠 ⚠️ Pro Tips ✅ Almost no hiking required—perfect for lazy travelers! ✅ Summer essentials: Sunscreen + hat (UV rays are intense!) ✅ Plenty of rest stops on the mountain—travel light! ✅ Side trip: Drive 1h to Guoqing Temple, a breathtaking ancient monastery!

Hi~ I'm Xiao Xu~ Just returned from Tiantai Mountain, and the withdrawal symptoms are too strong! "One Tiantai Mountain holds half of the Tang poetry collection" Truly a fairyland praised by Xu Xiake, Li Bai, and other great masters. ✨✨✨ Tiantai Mountain 2-Day 1-Night Travel Guide Day 1: Tiantai Mountain Grand Waterfall ➡️ Tongbai Palace ➡️ Jigong’s Former Residence ➡️ Zhexi Old Street ➡️ Shifeng Lake Night Cruise Day 2: Guoqing Temple ➡️ Shiliang Waterfall ➡️ Huading Peak ➡️ Return Trip ⛰️ Tiantai Mountain Grand Waterfall: A spectacular waterfall where you can see rainbows on sunny days—highly scenic! 🎫 100 RMB 🏯 Tongbai Palace: The ancestral temple of the Southern Branch of the Quanzhen School, where Taoist priests cultivate immortality. Free vegetarian meals are available after 11:15 AM~ Surrounded by water on three sides, remember to climb high for a distant view—the best scenery is at the top! 🏯 Jigong’s Former Residence: It’s said the fortune-telling slips at Jigong Hall are especially accurate! Between ambition and work, I choose to pray! 🎫 30 RMB 🌉 Zhexi Old Street: Stroll through the night scenery, enjoy various snacks, and experience the lively atmosphere of Tiantai Mountain’s residents. 🚢 Shifeng Lake Night Cruise: Highly recommended! Beautiful! The night cruise on Shifeng Lake is a must, especially the water performances! 🎫 100 RMB ⛩️ Guoqing Temple: A free 5A-level scenic spot—highly recommended! A must-visit! It’s the ancestral temple of the Japanese Tendai sect of Buddhism. ⛰️ Shiliang Waterfall: A naturally formed waterfall, the area is more suited for hiking and stream exploration. Smaller in scale compared to Tiantai Mountain Grand Waterfall, but you can get closer to the waterfall and play in the water. 👍 What to Do: ▪ Guoqing Temple: A 1,400-year-old Sui Dynasty ancient temple, serene and rustic in the deep mountains, with a thousand-year-old Sui plum tree. If you visit in early spring and catch the buds blooming, it’s an extra treat. . ▪ Tiantai Mountain Grand Waterfall: China’s highest waterfall is no exaggeration. Looking up, it truly feels like "the Milky Way pouring from the heavens." Climbing the steps beside the waterfall is refreshing with the splashing water, but you might get wet—bring a raincoat if you mind. . ▪ Tiantai Mountain Poetry Road Digital Museum: A perfect blend of traditional culture and modern technology, filled with poetic beauty. Walk alongside ancient poets, retracing the poetic and culturally rich East Zhejiang Tang Poetry Road, and admire the beauty of Tiantai Mountain—visually stunning! . ▪ Shifeng Lake Night Cruise: Enjoy the summer night breeze, listen to the sounds across the lake, and watch the dance lights with soft music—a perfect end to the day. The unexpected delight of my Taizhou trip was the Shifeng Lake Night Cruise. Turns out, it’s the same team behind the "Meet Xishi" show I saw in Zhuji—no wonder the format felt familiar! After watching the promo at the entrance, I realized this team excels at night cruise planning. I’ll definitely return if they have more shows! Regular 🚢 100 RMB/person, VIP 🚢 130 RMB/person. VIP offers better views and snacks onboard—we chose VIP. Shifeng Lake is unique: after booking, you must call customer service to reserve seats (don’t forget!). They’ll help you pick (VIP seats are four to a table, facing each other, with similar views on both sides). Upon arrival, exchange tickets at the cruise visitor center near Zhexi Old Street, then arrive 15 minutes early at the dock in Shifeng Lake Park. The cruise lasts about 50 minutes, with performances on both shores showcasing Tiantai’s historical and cultural stories—Xu Xiake, Li Bai, the Twin Immortals of Harmony, Jianzhen, and more! The boat is air-conditioned, making it very comfortable!

Tiantai Mountain is a famous mountain scenic area in China. However, it's important to note that there are multiple mountains named "Tiantai Mountain" in China, primarily located in Taizhou, Zhejiang, and Qionglai, Sichuan. Below are travel guides for these two Tiantai Mountains for your reference: --- ## **1. Tiantai Mountain in Taizhou, Zhejiang (5A-level Scenic Area)** **Features**: A sacred site of Buddhism and Taoism, renowned for its stunning landscapes, including the ancestral temple of the Tiantai Buddhist sect—Guoqing Temple, Tiantai Mountain Grand Waterfall, and Shiliang Flying Waterfall. ### **1. Pre-Trip Preparation** - **Documents**: ID card, student ID (for discounted tickets). - **Clothing**: Light jacket for spring and autumn (March-May, September-November); sun-protective clothing and hat for summer (June-August); warm clothing for winter (December-February). - **Gear**: Non-slip shoes, rain gear, power bank, and some cash. ### **2. Transportation Guide** - **High-Speed Rail**: Take the train to "Tiantai Mountain Station," then transfer to a tourist shuttle or taxi (about 20 minutes). - **Self-Driving**: From Hangzhou (via Hangyong Expressway → Changtai Expressway, about 2 hours); from Shanghai (via Huhang Expressway → Changtai Expressway, about 4 hours). - **In-Scenic Area Transport**: Shuttle between attractions; some require separate tickets (e.g., Grand Waterfall + Qiongtai Immortal Valley combo ticket: ¥165). ### **3. Must-Visit Attractions** - **Guoqing Temple** (Free): A Sui Dynasty ancient temple, the birthplace of the Tiantai Buddhist sect; best visited in the early morning. - **Tiantai Mountain Grand Waterfall** (¥100): A 325-meter-high waterfall with access to Huixian Bridge (glass bridge). - **Shiliang Flying Waterfall** (¥60): A natural stone bridge intertwined with waterfalls; visited three times by Xu Xiake. - **Qiongtai Immortal Valley** (¥65): A scenic canyon ideal for hiking. - **Huading National Forest Park** (¥50): Features Lotus Peak, the main peak, with breathtaking sea of clouds and sunrise views. ### **4. Recommended Itineraries** - **1-Day Highlights Tour**: Guoqing Temple → Tiantai Mountain Grand Waterfall → Qiongtai Immortal Valley. - **2-Day In-Depth Tour**: - **Day1**: Guoqing Temple → Chicheng Mountain → Jigong’s Former Residence → Zhexu Old Street (night tour). - **Day2**: Shiliang Flying Waterfall → Huading National Forest Park. ### **5. Accommodation Recommendations** - **Luxury**: Lujing Tiantai Resort Hotel, Tiantai Mountain Hot Spring Resort. - **Budget-Friendly**: Homestays near Guoqing Temple, such as "Tiantai Mountain Bamboo Garden." ### **6. Food Recommendations** - **Tiantai Flat Dumplings**: Similar to wontons, with thin wrappers and fresh fillings. - **Jiaobing Rolls**: Pancakes wrapped with various dishes, a local specialty. - **Cloud Mist Tea**: A fragrant and mellow local tea. --- ## **2. Tiantai Mountain in Qionglai, Sichuan (5A-level Scenic Area)** **Features**: High-altitude water activities and firefly watching, known for its pristine forests, waterfalls, and streams. ### **1. Pre-Trip Preparation** - **Clothing**: Extra clothes for summer (June-August, as water activities may get you wet); warm jacket for winter (December-February). - **Gear**: Water shoes, flashlight (for firefly watching at night), and mosquito repellent. ### **2. Transportation Guide** - **Bus**: Direct buses from Chengdu Xinnanmen Station to the scenic area (about 2 hours). - **Self-Driving**: Chengdu → Chengwenqiong Expressway → Qionglai → Tiantai Mountain (about 2.5 hours). - **In-Scenic Area Transport**: Segmented sightseeing bus fares (¥10-30 per ride). ### **3. Must-Visit Attractions** - **Eighteen-Mile Fragrant Grass Gully**: A high-altitude water playground, great for families. - **Little Jiuzhai**: Crystal-clear streams with picturesque views. - **Panlong Waterfall**: A serene waterfall perfect for photography. - **Firefly Watching** (Summer): One of the world's top eight firefly habitats. ### **4. Recommended Itineraries** - **1-Day Tour**: Visitor Center → Yitiantai (Rainbow Waterfall, Xiangshuitan Waterfall) → Zhengtiantai (Eighteen-Mile Fragrant Grass Gully). - **2-Day Tour**: - **Day1**: Xiaojiawan → Little Jiuzhai → Night firefly watching. - **Day2**: Zhengtiantai → Panlong Waterfall → Return. ### **5. Accommodation Recommendations** - **Mountain-Top Stays**: Farm stays near Zhengtiantai (book in advance). - **Mountain-Base Stays**: Hotels in Tangkou Town or Qionglai city. ### **6. Tips** - **Firefly Watching**: Turn off lights and observe quietly; avoid strong light interference. - **Water Safety**: Some streams are slippery; be cautious. --- ## **Summary** - **Zhejiang Tiantai Mountain**: Ideal for cultural and natural scenery, featuring Guoqing Temple, Grand Waterfall, and Shiliang Flying Waterfall. - **Sichuan Tiantai Mountain**: Perfect for summer water fun and eco-tours, highlighting Eighteen-Mile Fragrant Grass Gully and firefly watching.

Here’s a comprehensive travel guide with the latest information on Tiantai Mountain, covering two popular destinations: Zhejiang Tiantai Mountain (Buddhist culture & scenic landscapes) and Sichuan Tiantai Mountain (summer retreats & fireflies), helping you plan your trip efficiently: --- ### **I. Zhejiang Tiantai Mountain (Taizhou) Guide** **Features**: The birthplace of the Tiantai School of Buddhism and the Southern Taoist Sect, renowned as the "Source of Buddhism and Taoism, Divine Landscapes," ideal for cultural exploration and nature lovers. **Must-Visit Attractions** 1. **Guoqing Temple** - **Highlights**: A Sui Dynasty ancient temple, the ancestral home of the Tiantai School of Buddhism, free admission. Must-sees include the Sui Pagoda (59.4 meters tall), Wang Xizhi's "Goose Character Stele," and the white marble lions transplanted from the Forbidden City. - **Tips**: Visit early in the morning for a serene experience; inquire in advance about the vegetarian meal service (11:00-12:30). 2. **Tiantai Mountain Grand Waterfall** - **Highlights**: The tallest waterfall in East China (325-meter drop), featuring a walk-through water curtain cave and frequent rainbows on sunny days. A combo ticket with Qiongtai Immortal Valley is recommended. - **Route**: Visitor Center → Waterfall Base → Water Curtain Cave → Lingyun Plank Road (overlooking Qiongtai Immortal Valley) → Qiongtai Immortal Valley Exit, approx. 4-5 hours total. 3. **Shiliang Waterfall** - **Highlights**: A natural wonder where a stone bridge merges with a waterfall, visited three times by Xu Xiake. Perfect for photography. - **Tips**: Water volume increases after rain; pair with the Tonghu Drip Pot scenic area below for a better experience. 4. **Chicheng Mountain / Jigong’s Former Residence** - **Highlights**: Chicheng Mountain’s Danxia landform (where Jigong studied as a youth); Jigong’s Former Residence in the county town showcases Taizhou-style "Three Terraces and Nine Courtyards" architecture. **Recommended Itinerary (2 Days, 1 Night)** - **Day 1**: Morning at Guoqing Temple (2 hours) → Afternoon at Tiantai Mountain Grand Waterfall + Qiongtai Immortal Valley (4 hours) → Stay in Tiantai County (recommended **Kaiyuan Manju Hotel** from ¥230 or **Senran Wutong Hotel**). - **Day 2**: Chicheng Mountain (1.5 hours) → Shiliang Waterfall (2 hours) → Return. *Energy-saving version*: Skip Qiongtai Immortal Valley and visit Huading National Forest Park instead (May for azaleas/winter for rime). **Transportation Guide** - **High-Speed Rail**: From Shanghai/Hangzhou to Tiantai Mountain Station, then taxi to the scenic area. - **Self-Driving**: 3 hours from Hangzhou; parking available at scenic spots. **Food Recommendations** - **Local Dishes**: Jiaobingtong (pancake rolls), Tiantai Bianshi (steamed dumplings), and cloud mist tea. - **Restaurants**: "Tuzhaotou" in the county town (locals’ favorite, arrive before 16:30 to avoid queues). ### **II. Sichuan Tiantai Mountain (Qionglai) Guide** **Features**: 95% covered by virgin forests, famous for highland water activities and Asia’s largest firefly habitat, ideal for family summer retreats. **Must-Visit Attractions** 1. **Zhengtiantai Scenic Area** - **Highlights**: Core water play zone, featuring 20+ activities like water swings and bamboo rafts in Shibali Xiangcao Gully; summer hydrangea blooms (June-August). 2. **Firefly Watching** - **Best Spots**: Xiaojiawan, Denglean, and Heshang Yamen (8:00 PM-10:00 PM, April-October). - **Tips**: Wear long sleeves for mosquito protection; cover flashlights with red cloth to avoid disturbing the fireflies. 3. **Red Army Long March Memorial Hall** - **Highlights**: A free red culture education site, great for family learning. **Recommended Itinerary (2 Days, 1 Night)** - **Day 1**: Visitor Center → Shuttle to Zhengtiantai → Water activities/hydrangea fields → Stay at a mid-mountain farmhouse (**recommend Denglean area** for firefly viewing) → Evening firefly observation. - **Day 2**: Hike to Xiangshuitan Waterfall (No. 1 Waterfall in West Sichuan) → Red Army Long March Memorial Hall → Return. **Transportation Guide** - **From Chengdu**: - Self-driving: Chengdu-Wenjiang-Qionglai Expressway → Qionglai West Exit → Tiantai Mountain (2 hours). - Bus: Xinnanmen Station direct to scenic area (¥45, 2.5 hours) or Chadianzi Station to Qionglai, then transfer. **Accommodation Recommendations** - **Mid-Mountain Farmhouses**: Include breakfast (recommend areas opposite Tiantai Mountain Hotel for shuttle convenience). ### **III. General Tips** 1. **Ticket Discounts**: Guoqing Temple in Zhejiang is free; Sichuan tickets (students half-price); book combo tickets online in advance for savings. 2. **Gear Suggestions**: - Zhejiang: Non-slip hiking shoes, sun hat (waterproof jacket for waterfall areas). - Sichuan: Water shoes, change of clothes, strong mosquito repellent, flashlight. 3. **Peak Avoidance**: - Zhejiang: Avoid holidays; Qiongtai Immortal Valley combo tickets may sell out in the afternoon. - Sichuan: Drive up before 7 AM on weekends to avoid traffic limits. ### **Summary** - **Culture + Landscapes (Zhejiang)**: 2-day highlights (budget per person includes meals/accommodation), focus on Guoqing Temple, Grand Waterfall, and Shiliang. - **Summer + Family Fun (Sichuan)**: Water play and fireflies are the highlights. Check Tiantai Mountain’s official website for updates (e.g., waterfall volume after heavy rain). Wishing you a journey as poetic as Xu Xiake’s words: "Every step a view, every moment filled with Zen!" 🌄🐉

When spring arrives in Jiangnan, one must stay with spring. This year's spring getaway was chosen in Tiantai Mountain. Four of us traveled together, creating this 6-day journey through Tiantai Mountain, Ninghai, and Shanghai. **Day 1: Beijing - Tiantai Mountain, Zhexi Old Street** Taking the high-speed rail to Tiantai Mountain requires transfers, and the journey isn’t short. After arrival, we rented a car and headed to Zhexi Old Street for a stroll. No spectacular scenery here, but it’s nice for photos by the water. We found a local snack shop called Deyuezhai and tried regional specialties like *jiao tong bing* (stuffed pancake rolls), *bai yao jiu* (herbal wine), and *hula tai*—all delicious. We stayed at Tiantai He Hotel, which had a fantastic environment, spacious rooms, and comfortable amenities. The breakfast was unique, and the courtyard was perfect for photos. The hotel also offers travel photography services. The off-peak package price was very cost-effective. **Day 2: Guoqing Temple - Gaoming Lecture Temple - Zhizhe Pagoda Courtyard** We entered Guoqing Temple around 7 a.m. The fresh tea and curling incense smoke set the mood, and with no tourist crowds yet, we enjoyed the temple’s tranquility. Gaoming Lecture Temple required a winding mountain drive, and there were almost no tourists. We arrived just in time for the noon vegetarian meal—20 RMB per ticket, straight to the dining hall. The dishes—radish, cabbage, tofu, bamboo shoots—were light and tasty, but the standout was the stuffed rice cake dumplings, absolutely delicious. At Zhizhe Pagoda Courtyard, after climbing two short flights of steps, we were parched and stumbled upon a juice stall. Iced sour plum soup and passionfruit-orange juice refreshed us in the mountain air. The courtyard was small, with cherry blossoms carpeting the ground—a zen-like atmosphere. Dinner was at the famous local *Tuzhaotou* restaurant: sweet and sour ribs, Sichuan-style beef shank, crispy mulberry leaves, signature baked cakes, and rice cake with yellow croaker—every dish was a delight. **Day 3: Shiliang Waterfall - Mountain Top Coffee - Ninghai** Choosing between the grand waterfall and Shiliang Waterfall, I picked the latter. The quiet plank walkway allowed for leisurely photos. For lunch, we chose *Zuixianchi* farmhouse restaurant under wisteria flowers. Homemade plum cakes, braised free-range chicken, taro stir-fry, fried rice cakes, and wisteria flower omelet—simple yet quintessentially Jiangnan. We visited the famous mountain-top coffee spot for sunset. The coffee was average, but the views were photogenic. Drove to Ninghai and stayed at Orange Crystal Hotel. **Day 4: Ninghai Ancient Stages - Seafood Feast** Ninghai’s ancient stages include ten nationally protected sites; we picked six for a day trip: - Daihu Village Hu Clan Ancestral Hall - Chongxing Temple - Dacai Village Hu Clan Ancestral Hall - Shuangzhi Temple - Longgong Village Chen Clan Ancestral Hall - Ma’ao Village Yu Clan Ancestral Hall The most magnificent was Daihu Village’s triple-tiered caisson ceiling, though I personally loved Shuangzhi Temple. Dinner was at the time-honored *Ziweiguan* for a friend’s birthday. The seafood was fresh and abundant, especially the plump, juicy razor clams. **Day 5: Ten-Mile Red Dowry Museum - Qiangjiao Town Seaside Coffee** There are two Ten-Mile Red Dowry sites. We visited the museum first, with its rich exhibits. The Ten-Mile Red Dowry Cultural Park, designed by Wang Peng, had an artistic vibe and great photo spots. Qiangjiao Town is by the sea, and its coffee shops offer decent views—adding a coastal touch to the trip. Sadly, we missed the seafood market’s famous noodle soup. Took an evening train to Shanghai. **Day 6: Shanghai FOTO Art Pioneer Exhibition - Sihang Warehouse** Met up with Shanghai friends for the FOTO Art Pioneer Exhibition. The city’s avant-garde atmosphere made the experience extra enjoyable. A local photographer friend arranged a shoot—natural and stylish. We also revisited history at Sihang Warehouse. Lunch was at *Beishi* Chinese Restaurant for authentic old-Shanghai flavors: eel in hot oil, braised bream, wine-scented *caotou*, shrimp with gorgon fruit, and *malantou* with dried tofu—satisfying our Jiangnan cravings. A final stop at People’s Café for nostalgic enamel-cup ice cream, savoring the taste of time. Reunions are a ritual. **Epilogue** Pilgrimage in Tiantai, nature’s symphony, ancient architecture, coastal charm, Shanghai strolls—each day a new theme, each day a cherished gathering. May 2025

Taizhou • Attractions: ◦ Sea Viewing: Shepan Island in Sanmen offers exploration of millennia-old quarry caves; Muqiao Beach is perfect for wading and capturing sunset shots; Daludao Island in Yuhuan features coastal forests and, with some luck, you can encounter the "blue tears" phenomenon; Jishan Island has colorful fishing villages ideal for photography; Qicai Xiaoruocun in Wenling boasts macaron-colored houses perfect for photos; Shitang Peninsula offers stone house homestays and cliffside sea views. ◦ Culture: The Taizhou Prefecture City Wall in Linhai provides a panoramic view of the ancient city; Ziyang Street offers seaweed cakes and other delicacies, along with occasional intangible cultural heritage performances; Donghu is a microcosm of Jiangnan gardens; Guoqing Temple in Tiantai is an ancient temple from the Sui Dynasty; Shiliang Waterfall features beautiful forest valleys; Tongbai Palace is the ancestral site of Southern Taoism; Shenxianju in Xianju, shrouded in mist, looks like a fairyland; Danzhu is great for water activities. ◦ Others: Changyu Dongtian offers a natural reverberation experience known as the "cave concert." • Food: ◦ Jiaojiang: Breakfast options include Zhangyuan steamed rice and Zhanji egg pancakes; for main meals, try the old street stalls and Hehe Dayuan; for late-night snacks, visit Pingqiao Snack Street and Taowang Market for local specialties. ◦ Luqiao: The ten-li long street offers ginger walnut stewed eggs and pickled shrimp worth trying; Zhongsheng Night Market features trendy fried dough sticks wrapped with glutinous rice cakes. ◦ Huangyan: Recommended dishes include Ningxi wheat shrimp and sweet potato rice cakes; during the Dragon Boat Festival, special foods like rice cake tubes and black rice glutinous cakes are available. • Transportation and Accommodation: High-speed trains directly reach "Taizhou Station" (Jiaojiang) or "Linhai Station." Attractions are scattered, so renting a car or hiring a driver is recommended. Accommodation is best chosen in Linhai for convenient transportation. Shaoxing • Must-visit Attractions: Lu Xun's Former Residence Scenic Area (explore anecdotes from Lu Xun's childhood), Shenyuan Garden (where Lu You met Tang Wan), Shaoxing Keyan Scenic Area (experience the charm of Luzhen). • Family-friendly Attractions: Shaoxing Wupeng Boat tours to experience water town features; Wuxie Scenic Area to see majestic waterfalls; Shusheng's Former Residence to feel the style of Ming and Qing dynasty old streets. • Free Attractions: Lu Xun's Former Residence Scenic Area, Anchang Ancient Town (taste sausages and soy sauce featured on "A Bite of China"), Shaoxing Lu Xun's Former Residence. • Accommodation: Luxury options include Shaoxing Lanting Pushen Hotel; family-friendly choices include Shaoxing Oriental Landscape Jinsha Hotel; for scenic views, stay at Shaoxing Fuyue Wyndham Hotel. • Food: Local flavors include Xunbao Ji Shaoxing cuisine, Kong Yiji Restaurant, Shaoxing Xianheng Grand Hotel Chinese Restaurant; specialty snacks include Huijingxuan Duanyun Youmeng (yellow wine products), Tongxinlou (pan-fried buns), Luji Xiaoxian crispy chicken and baked cakes; luxury dining options include Lanting Pushen Hotel's Shenlu Restaurant. • Nearby: You can visit Shanghai Disney Resort, West Lake Scenic Area, The Bund, and more. Quanzhou • Must-visit Attractions: Qingyuan Mountain (one of Quanzhou's eighteen scenic spots), Kaiyuan Temple (a thousand-year-old temple), Quanzhou West Street Puppet Show (experience national intangible cultural heritage). • Family-friendly Attractions: Besides Kaiyuan Temple and West Street Puppet Show, visit Nanshaolin Temple for martial arts performances. • Free Attractions: Kaiyuan Temple, West Street (preserving many historic buildings), Nanshaolin Temple. • Accommodation: Luxury options include Quanzhou Qixu Bell Tower Hotel (view East and West Twin Towers), Quanzhou Taihe Intercontinental Hotel (overlooking Jinjiang scenery), Quanzhou Binjiang Crowne Plaza Hotel (enjoy Minnan landscape); for scenic views, choose Taihe Intercontinental or Qixu Bell Tower Hotel; for local flavor, stay at Quanzhou Hotel. • Food: Local specialties include Sidan Ginger Duck, Linjia Minnan Cuisine, Jinpo Old Brand Ginger Duck; specialty snacks include Hou A Po roasted meat rice dumplings, Yuanbao Taiwanese snacks, Lanshi Bell Tower rice dumplings; luxury restaurants include Nawan French Cuisine and Jiu Le Japanese Restaurant. • Nearby: You can visit Gulangyu Island, Xiamen Botanical Garden, Zhonggu Cableway, and more. Jinzhong • Must-visit Attractions: Pingyao Ancient City (rich in history and culture, experience Jin merchants' culture), Wang Family Courtyard (a large residential complex), Qiao Family Courtyard (unique architectural style), Mianshan Mountain (combines natural scenery and cultural sites), Zhangbi Ancient Fortress (ancient military fortress with unique tunnel system), Shuanglin Temple (famous for polychrome sculptures), Zhenguo Temple (a temple from the Five Dynasties Northern Han period), Yuci Old Town (ancient city district), Hongya Canyon (beautiful natural scenery), Hougou Ancient Village (showcasing ancient village style). Yanji • Family-friendly Attractions: Yanji Dinosaur Kingdom, Mao'er Mountain National Forest Park (hike to the summit for panoramic views), Yanji City History and Culture Museum. • Flower Viewing and Outings: Mao'er Mountain National Forest Park, People's Park (a century-old urban leisure park). • Free Attractions: Mao'er Mountain National Forest Park, People's Park, Yanji Bridge (charming night views). • Accommodation: Luxury options include Yanji Hongju Hotel (near the popular mural wall), Yanji Huayi Kairos Hotel (high-rise city views), Yanji Yanbian Hotel (Korean Ethnic Folk Garden branch); for local flavor, choose Yanbian Wulijia Huansen Homestay (Korean Ethnic Folk Garden branch). • Food: Local flavors include Xingdou Restaurant, Quanzhou Bibimbap, Jindalai Cold Noodles; recommended bars include July Lounge Whiskey Cocktail Bar, Zuixiang Huotang Folk Music Tavern. • Nearby: You can visit Changbai Mountain Scenic Area (view Tianchi Lake and other natural wonders), Jingpo Lake Scenic Area (high mountain barrier lake), Liuding Mountain Cultural Tourism Area, and more. Chongqing • Must-visit Attractions: Wulong Tiankeng Three Bridges (movie filming location), Yangtze River Cableway (overlook mountain city views), Chongqing Zoo (see rare animals). • Recently Popular: Heishangu Scenic Area (natural oxygen bar), Chongqing Shibatian Traditional Style Area, Chongqing Guanghuan Shopping Park Indoor Botanical Garden "Muguang Forest." • Free Attractions: Ciqikou Ancient Town (experience ancient town charm), Hongyadong Folk Style Area (enjoy Bayu-style stilt houses and river views), Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street (bustling commercial district). • Accommodation: Luxury options include Chongqing Raffles Intercontinental Hotel (view the confluence of two rivers), Chongqing Regent Hotel (enjoy Jialing River and other night views), Chongqing Niyigelu Hotel; family-friendly options include Ascott Raffles Serviced Apartments; for scenic views, stay at Chongqing Raffles Intercontinental Hotel, Chongqing Ritz-Carlton Hotel, and more. • Food: Local flavors include Yangji Longfu, Mafangwan No. 66 Jianghu Cuisine, Shancheng Laotangkou 1636 Chongqing Old Dishes; specialty snacks recommended are Jiujiu Douhua Restaurant, Laoma Chao Shou Chongqing Noodles, Shibatian Dengdeng Noodles; luxury dining includes Yanshe Hotpot Cuisine, Yutu Cultural Restaurant. • Nearby: You can visit Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, Sanxingdui Museum, Du Fu Thatched Cottage, and more.

Perfect for family trips! Below is a comprehensive travel guide to Taizhou, covering its natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and unique experiences for your reference. --- ### **Taizhou Travel Guide: A City of Mountains and Seas, Poetic Living** Located on the southeastern coast of Zhejiang, Taizhou is a city blessed with both majestic mountains and stunning seas. It boasts breathtaking natural scenery, profound historical culture, and mouthwatering seafood. Whether you love nature, ancient relics, or culinary adventures, Taizhou has it all! --- **🌄 Natural Landscapes** 1. **Tiantai Mountain** - **Why Visit**: A national 5A-level scenic area and the birthplace of the Tiantai sect of Buddhism, renowned for its "divine landscapes." - **Must-See**: Guoqing Temple (a millennium-old monastery), Shiliang Waterfall (a natural wonder), and Qiongtai Immortal Valley (a hidden canyon). - **Tips**: Ideal for hiking enthusiasts; best visited in spring, summer, or autumn. 2. **Shenxianju (Immortal Abode)** - **Why Visit**: Famous for its "sea of clouds, peculiar peaks, and cascading waterfalls," it feels like a fairyland. - **Must-See**: Guanyin Peak, Ruyi Bridge, and the Nantian Glass Viewing Platform. - **Tips**: Take the cable car to save energy; misty days enhance its mystical charm. 3. **Dachen Island** - **Why Visit**: The "Pearl of the East China Sea," with azure waters, blue skies, and a strong fishing village vibe. - **Must-See**: Jiawu Rock (cliffside sea views), the Reclamation Monument (historical site), and beach strolls. - **Tips**: Take a ferry from Jiaojiang's No. 7 Pier; perfect for a 2-day, 1-night getaway. 4. **Changyu Cave** - **Why Visit**: A world-class artificial quarry site with awe-inspiring cave wonders. - **Must-See**: Guanxi Cave, Shuiyun Cave, and the Cave Concert Hall. - **Tips**: Cool inside, great for summer escapes. --- **🏯 Cultural Heritage** 1. **Linhai Ancient City** - **Why Visit**: The preserved Ming-Qing era old streets and city walls of Taizhou's former capital. - **Must-See**: Ziyang Ancient Street (food hub), Jiangnan Great Wall (Taizhou's "Badaling"), and Longxing Temple. - **Tips**: The city lights up beautifully at night. 2. **Guoqing Temple** - **Why Visit**: A serene Sui Dynasty temple, the ancestral home of Tiantai Buddhism. - **Must-See**: Sui Pagoda, thousand-year-old plum trees, and temple vegetarian meals. - **Tips**: Free entry; perfect for quiet reflection. 3. **Wenling Shitang** - **Why Visit**: A colorful fishing village, the first place in mainland China to greet the sunrise. - **Must-See**: Xiaoluo Village (colorful houses), Millennium Sunrise Park, and the coastal greenway. - **Tips**: Sunrise is especially romantic; great for photos. --- **🍜 Food Experiences** Taizhou is a "seafood paradise" and "snack kingdom." Don’t miss: - **Seafood**: Sanmen blue crabs, Dachen yellow croaker, and "tofu fish" (water shrimp). - **Snacks**: Egg white puff pastries, stuffed rice cakes, ginger noodle soup, wheat shrimp, and seaweed cakes. - **Recommended Spots**: Jiaojiang Garden Market, Linhai Ziyang Ancient Street, Luqiao Ten-Mile Long Street. --- **📌 Itinerary Suggestions** - **2-Day, 1-Night Classic Trip**: Day 1: Tiantai Mountain (Guoqing Temple + Shiliang Waterfall) → Linhai Ancient City (night stroll on Ziyang Street) Day 2: Shenxianju (hiking and views) - **3-Day, 2-Night In-Depth Trip**: Day 1: Tiantai Mountain → Guoqing Temple Day 2: Shenxianju → Wenling Shitang Day 3: Dachen Island (island relaxation) --- **🚗 Transportation Guide** - **High-Speed Rail**: ~1.5 hours from Hangzhou, ~2.5 hours from Shanghai. - **Driving**: Scenic spots are spread out; driving is more convenient (e.g., to Shenxianju or Shitang). - **Island Transport**: Ferries to Dachen Island; check schedules in advance. --- **💡 Travel Tips** - Taizhou’s mountainous and coastal weather is unpredictable; pack windproof jackets and sunscreen. - Popular spots (e.g., Shenxianju) get crowded during holidays; visit off-peak if possible. - Seafood is fresh but cooling; pair with ginger tea to warm up. --- Taizhou is a city worth savoring slowly—whether you're hiking, exploring ancient temples, or enjoying sea breezes and seafood, its unique charm will captivate you!

Walking into Guoqing Temple in Tiantai County, Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province, it feels like traveling through time and space and finding yourself in a thousand-year-old temple filled with Zen atmosphere. Guoqing Temple was first built in the Sui Dynasty and is the birthplace of Tiantai Sect. In the temple, there are towering ancient trees and Sui plum blossoms still blooming with fragrance. History and nature blend into poetry. The buildings in the temple are arranged layer by layer along the mountainside. From the mountain gate, Yuhua Hall to the Main Hall, every step is a display of the aesthetics of ancient buildings. Between the morning bells and evening drums, the monks practice peacefully, and visitors can sit quietly in the Yuleguo courtyard and feel the tranquility of the soul. With its pious and peaceful atmosphere, it is an ideal place to escape from the hustle and bustle and find inner peace. 📿🌲 📍Address: Guoqing Scenic Area, Tiantai County, Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province 🗓️Itinerary: You can park at the parking lot at the foot of the mountain, about 20 RMB a day #Guoqing Temple #Tiantai Mountain #Millennium Temple #Zen Travel #Must-visit Taizhou

Sisters, check this out! Just returned from Taizhou with my little one Discovered this hidden gem in Zhejiang that's absolutely magical 🤯 Feed koi fish at thousand-year-old temples 🐟 Touch rainbows by cliffside waterfalls 🌈 Best part? Prices so low they'll make you cry❗️ My kid said it's more fun than Universal Studios (exact words!) Local-approved secret guide below 👇 🚗【2-Day Chill Itinerary】 Day1: Guoqing Temple → Hanyan → Mingyan Ancient Temple Day2: Shiliang Waterfall → Zhexu Old Street 🏯【Kid-Approved Secret Spots】 ✔️Guoqing Temple is a MUST! Free! Free! Free! Say it three times 🎉 Feed chubby koi under the Sui Dynasty Pagoda 🐠 ¥2 fish food attracts hundreds of fish The Buddhist artifacts shop is incredible Get a lotus bracelet for ¥10 Monks will bless your child 🙏 ✔️Shiliang Waterfall is legendary! Hold hands crossing slippery stone paths Suddenly a waterfall crashes down from giant boulders 💦 Mist instantly cools you by 10°C Kids think they've entered Monkey King's cave 🐒 ✔️Hanyan treasure hunt = abs workout! ¥30 ticket starts the "find turtle & snake" game When sunset paints rocks gold-red Jump for silhouette photos at "Hanyan Sunset" 🤣 🍜【Foodie Heaven】 ✅Guoqing vegetarian meal: ¥2 all-you-can-eat! Mushroom tofu to die for ✅Tiantai jiaobingtong: ¥5! Stuffed with pork belly & veggies ✅Hulatai: ¥3! Crispy potato pancake rolls ✅Old street plum cakes: ¥2! Oozing red bean filling 👅 🏡【Stay in a Tang Poem】 Lujing Tiantai Resort is perfect! Tang-style courtyard next to Guoqing Temple 🏮 Family rooms with tatami & calligraphy sets Copy Buddhist scriptures with kids at night 📜 Morning hanfu photos under Sui Dynasty plum blossoms 🌸 Free plant-dyeing activity included Turn kids' shirts into indigo masterpieces 🎨【Cultural Easter Eggs】 ✔️Mingyan Temple treasure hunt: ¥5 to find "mantis fishing toad" rock ✔️Zhexu Old Street stamp collection: 15 free specialty stamps ✔️Hanshanzi poetry class: Learn "Misty Cold Mountain Path" at homestays ⚠️【Pro Tips】 1️⃣Arrive at Guoqing Temple by 8am! Get Sui Pagoda photos without crowds 2️⃣Bring mosquito repellent to Hanyan! Cave entrance swarms are brutal 🦟 3️⃣Wear water shoes at Shiliang! Mossy paths are slippery 4️⃣Buy "Tiantai Cloud Tea" as souvenir 🍵 Don't get fooled by fancy packaging 5️⃣Reserve scripture copying at Lujing! Limited to 20 daily My kid hugged his messy tie-dye shirt all the way home This magical, wild yet affordable paradise Might get overcrowded next year 😭 Before tour groups discover it Take your kids to live like Tang Dynasty immortals for two days!

First Impressions As the first Hoshino Resorts property in mainland China, Hoshino Resorts KAI Tiantai opened in 2021. Nestled at an altitude of 800 meters in Shiliang Town, Zhejiang’s Tiantai Mountain, it blends seamlessly into the natural surroundings with understated elegance. The mountain road is adorned with blooming Litsea cubeba, adding a splash of color to the journey. Upon arrival, the hotel’s unique design immediately stands out. It features separate reception and lobby areas, offering a private space for check-in. Stepping through the entrance feels like leaving the mundane world behind. Staff at the reception converse in Japanese and the soft local dialect, while refreshing wagashi (Japanese sweets) and tea are served to ease travel fatigue. Room Ambiance Each guestroom embodies the Zen concept of "purifying the six senses," free from excessive details or bold colors, allowing guests to unwind from daily stresses and rejuvenate amidst history and nature. The rooms are tranquil and comfortable, with floor-to-ceiling windows, elegant Chinese-style furniture, and warm lighting that promotes relaxation. Pre-placed on the bed are handmade ramie homewear (a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage item), along with matching shoes and soft socks, showcasing thoughtful attention to detail. Zen Activities Morning Baduanjin: In the morning, I changed into the hotel-provided meditation attire and joined the Baduanjin session. By the Yangyun Pool, where the sky meets the water, I overlooked the rolling mountains and followed the instructor’s rhythm. The fresh air and serene environment immersed me fully, energizing and calming me for the day ahead. Evening Zen Meditation: At night, I participated in a Zen meditation session in a tranquil setting. Closing my eyes, I let go of distractions, focused on my breath, and embraced inner peace. This return to the natural rhythm of "rising with the sun and resting at sunset" revitalized both body and mind through ancient timekeeping practices. Trip to Guoqing Temple Itinerary The hotel’s prime location makes Guoqing Temple easily accessible, with a 20–30 minute drive. The hotel also arranges transportation for guests. The winding mountain road offers scenic views, and the temple is reached swiftly. Impressions of Guoqing Temple Guoqing Temple is the birthplace of the Tiantai School, the earliest Buddhist sect in China, founded here during the Sui Dynasty. The renowned monk Jianzhen visited before his voyage to Japan, where he later established the Japanese Tiantai School. Thus, Guoqing Temple is revered as the ancestral temple by Japanese Buddhists. The temple’s architecture is simple yet majestic, with a solemn atmosphere and bustling incense offerings. Strolling through, one can feel the weight of its millennia-old history and the profundity of Buddhist culture. Other Hotel Experiences Culinary Delights Breakfast: Guests can select their breakfast the day before, choosing from Chinese, Japanese, or Western set menus. A semi-buffet station offers fruits, vegetables, mains, and desserts to cater to all tastes. Signature Dish: The Chinese restaurant’s sand garlic bean noodles are a must-try, delicious enough to order every meal. Leisure Activities Tea Lounge and Library: The lobby lounge provides panoramic mountain views and all-day tea service. The library houses over 1,500 volumes of the Siku Quanshu, perfect for cultural immersion during downtime. Photo Experience: The hotel offers complimentary photoshoots. Dressing in traditional attire transports you back in time, with meticulous makeup and photography creating unforgettable memories. This stay at Hoshino Resorts KAI Tiantai, combining Zen practices and a visit to Guoqing Temple, was profoundly rewarding. The hotel’s exceptional service, unique design, and diverse activities allowed me to unwind in nature and culture, while the temple’s deep history and spiritual heritage cleansed my soul. An unforgettable journey—I eagerly await my next visit.

Taizhou Two Days and One Night ✅ A small town that needs to bring stomach-healthy digestive tablets ✅ Day 1: Day trip by the sea 🚶citywalk: Hotel Collection - Donghu - Taizhou Fucheng - Yaoxin Hotel - Ziyang Street Day2: Rooftop day trip 🗺️ Linhai - Wisdom Tower Courtyard Suzai - Guoqing Temple - Rooftop Museum - Jigong Culture Exhibition Hall (Specifically discussed in the next article                  —— 🏨About accommodation Loved the hotel I stayed at this time 📍Location On the edge of East Lake, near Chonghe Gate There are several cheap cheongsam shops of the same style in Suzhou in the back streets of Dongmen Several specialty snacks in the collection are within a radius of 100 meters 📍Facilities Room, bedding very new and clean There are common areas on the first and top floors Especially like the top floor, overlooking the East Lake, full of new green 📍Service Each room is equipped with afternoon tea Bath bath sets and bath salts are provided Exquisite nine-square grid breakfast You can also help buy 99 seaweed cakes It's too time-saving and labor-saving to avoid queuing                  —— 🍃About the attractions 🌟East Lake The pavilions, pavilions and lakes complement each other, the water view of the south of the Yangtze River, the Chinese style is very popular 🌟Taizhou Fucheng Yongshengmen - Baiyun Tower - Chenghuang Temple - Wangtiantai - Chaotianmen - Zhuangyuandi - Wen Temple Climb to the top and overlook the whole East Lake Quite expensive, takes 2h, easy tour do not go up the city wall 🥹 🌟 Ziyang Street Eat delicious food while walking around humanities Exhibition Hall of the former Taizhou Branch of the People's Bank of China Zhu Ziqing Memorial Hall Taizhou City Wall Museum Longxing Temple 🎆 Don’t miss Ziyang Street at night Modern drama performance of Zhu Ziqing's prose Neighborhood melodrama performances learn about Taizhou The downstairs of the city is full of relaxing street playing and singing                  —— 🌸Ziyang Street Food 1️⃣ Old Town Lane Chinese cabbage paste, herb paste, black rice and sweet rice dumplings 2️⃣Aunt Wang’s plum blossom cake Crispy on the outside and glutinous on the inside, with the aroma of wine 3️⃣ Lee's bubble shrimp It looks like fried dumplings, with shrimp and meat added inside It tastes good with vinegar, but it will be greasy if you don't 4️⃣ Wang Tianshun Seaweed Cake 5️⃣ Ninety-nine seaweed cake I prefer ninety-nine in comparison The seaweed flavor is richer and the crust is more crispy Wang Tianshun is a bit sweet, with less seaweed fiber 6️⃣ Ziyang beef wheat shrimp Must eat! The wheat shrimp has a bit of glutinous texture The soup was fresh, with plenty of beef and shrimp 7️⃣Egg white sheep tail Taizhou version of Xueyi bean paste The egg white on the outside is tender and delicious 8️⃣ Copper Building · Chen Yiju The location of the upper room and tea room on the first floor is very impressive 9️⃣ZcCafe Egg white sheep tail coffee White water tofu coffee 🔟18reserva Grass-paste coffee iced latte Thousand layers of black rice dumplings Several cups of coffee combine local characteristics, suitable for photography                  —— Other delicacies by the sea 1️⃣ White tower cooking rice Sauce glutinous rice, fried dough sticks must be added 2️⃣ Old yellow fried mochi The texture is glutinous and charred 3️⃣Big mouth snacks The sweet and sour flavor of Teppanyaki is very delicious 4️⃣ Soup Auntie famous snacks Taizhou specialty roasted ginger juice and flat food 5️⃣ Liu Wenshan Local brand milk tea, red sugar pearls are very Q                  ——

The most worthwhile historical ancient city to visit so far—Tiantai Mountain, nothing compares! Even Li Bai would visit twice! A 5A scenic area with no entrance fee, no noisy crowds, no artificial photo spots like other tourist attractions—perfect for casual, relaxing getaways. 👉Two-day tour route: D1: Guoqing Temple - Tongbai Palace - Tiantai Mountain Grand Waterfall D2: Mingyan Ancient Temple - Hou'an Village ✅Guoqing Temple: Monks grow their own crops, thousand-year-old Sui Dynasty pagoda, Qianlong-era "Longevity Without Boundaries" bronze incense burner, white marble guardian lions at the entrance, Wang Xizhi's original "Goose" calligraphy, and the thousand-year-old "Fenggan Bridge" single-arch stone bridge ✅Tongbai Palace: Ancestral court of Southern Taoism, filming location for "Tiantai Mountain," Wang Chongyang's cultivation site, the only remaining Song Dynasty Taoist architectural complex in southern China, where you can see Taoist masters teaching ✅Tiantai Mountain Grand Waterfall: China's tallest waterfall with a 325-meter drop, rare high-drop tiered waterfall group with water access, standing beneath it is breathtaking ✅Mingyan Ancient Temple: Sui Dynasty temple beneath a cliff, surrounded by sheer cliffs on three sides, quiet and mysterious ✅Hou'an Village: Ancient village surrounded by mountains and water, few people and peaceful, feels like a hidden paradise 🏠Accommodation: Most Tiantai Mountain attractions are in the county town, so staying there is convenient for dining and transportation 🚗Transportation: Take high-speed rail to Tiantai Mountain Station; all major attractions except Mingyan Ancient Temple and Hou'an Village have shuttle services from the station, and taxis are readily available 📣Travel tips: 1. No need to buy incense outside; temples provide three sticks of clean incense 2. The scenic areas are quite large, so wear comfortable shoes 3. If you go to Guoqing Temple before 6 AM, you can see a herd of cattle crossing the ancient bridge

This is my favorite hiking route I've explored in 2025‼️||From Ten-Mile Iron Dragon to Mingyan Ancient Temple Experience the many faces of Tiantai Ten-Mile Iron Dragon showcases nature's magnificent craftsmanship Make wishes at the thousand-year-old Mingyan Temple Explore mysterious caves and hidden forest realms No wonder the poet-monk Hanshan chose this place as his hermitage Strange rocks and mysterious caves along the Ten-Mile Iron Dragon 【Ten-Mile Iron Dragon】 Formed by dozens of naturally arranged giant rocks, their iron-black color resembles the scales on a black dragon's body, hence the name "Ten-Mile Iron Dragon." Either hike along cliff walkways to explore various caves, or take ridge paths for panoramic views of villages and farmland below. 【Hou'an Village】 Surrounded by mountains and embraced by water, local residents of Hou'an Village work from sunrise to sunset at a slow pace of life. With few people and peaceful surroundings, it truly feels like a paradise away from the world. 【Hanshan Temple】 Hanyan Cave is the largest cave in Tiantai Mountain and was the hermitage of Tang Dynasty poet-monk Hanshan, one of the "Two Harmonious Immortals." Follow the CCTV program "The Courtyard That Sings" to this filming location. With mountains as the backdrop, take silhouette photos at the cave entrance - every casual shot looks spectacular. 【Mingyan Ancient Temple】 Mingyan Ancient Temple was first built during the Later Zhou Dynasty. This cave temple nestled between steep cliffs was built along the mountainside. The main hall is surrounded by mountain peaks, and winding paths lead deep into the cave temple, making you feel like you've entered a world of immortals. There's also a waterfall cave that stays wonderfully cool in summer. 【Hiking Route】 Hou'an Village - Ten-Mile Iron Dragon - Hanyan Cave - Mingyan Temple Hiking distance: 6 km Total ascent: 260 meters Difficulty level: ★ (1 star) Route intensity: Light hiking with scenic views, boardwalks throughout scenic areas 【Trip Highlights】 Hike the Ten-Mile Iron Dragon, visit caves and ancient temples ✔ Check out the Hanyan Cave featured in variety shows ✔ Make wishes at Mingyan Ancient Temple Taste Taizhou flavors, enjoy all kinds of sticky delicious foods ✔ Culinary journey ✔ Sample all Tiantai snacks 【Must-Visit Spots】 ⛰️ Ten-Mile Iron Dragon —Unique karst rock formations, fun passage through cliff caves 🕳️ Hanyan Cave —Tang Dynasty poet Hanshan's hermitage, popular photo spot featured in variety shows 🌸 Hou'an Village —Beautiful peach orchards, popular flower-viewing spot 🛕 Mingyan Temple —Thousand-year-old temple, cliff monastery with a tranquil Zen atmosphere 💯 Route Options: 👉 From Hangzhou, a day trip is possible 8:00 Depart from Hangzhou, visit Mingyan Ancient Temple - Hanshan Scenic Area - Ten-Mile Iron Dragon - Hanshan Cave - return to Hangzhou 👉 From Shanghai, we recommend a two-day trip Day 1 Morning: Depart from Shanghai Afternoon: Hike the Ten-Mile Iron Dragon Day 2 Morning: Visit Guoqing Temple Noon: Tongbai Palace Afternoon: Return to Shanghai

Located on the southeastern coast of Zhejiang, this small city offers both mountains and sea, and is an underestimated food paradise! It's the birthplace of Xinrongji restaurant, a heaven for glutinous snacks, with seafood so cheap it'll make you cry, and sunny beaches that rival Italy's~ Here's your travel guide, save it now❗️ ❗【👇Click below to visit the hidden gem of Taizhou this May Day holiday】 ❗ 【🌟Must-Visit Attractions】 ✨Tiantai Mountain & Guoqing Temple: Birthplace of the Tiantai Buddhist sect, a thousand-year-old temple featuring Sui Dynasty architecture ✨Shenxianju: National 5A-level scenic area, famous for its unique peaks, sea of clouds, and suspended walkways ✨Dachen Island: Pearl of the East China Sea, preserving the original fishing village style, perfect for cycling and fishing~ ✨Linhai Ziyang Ancient Street: A microcosm of the thousand-year-old city, traditional atmosphere with delicious food! 【🌟Must-Eat List】 1️⃣ Xinrongji Original Restaurant (Linghu Branch) 🍴Must-order: Crispy golden hairtail fish, sand clam noodles 2️⃣ Tiantai Mountain Street Food 🍡Dumpling pancake rolls, Hulata, wheat pancakes 【🏨Accommodation Recommendation】Hoshino Resorts KAI Tiantai, every room offers mountain views, with excellent Japanese-style hot springs and cuisine~ ❗【👇Click below to visit the hidden gem of Taizhou this May Day holiday】 ❗

[Taizhou Travel Guide: A Happy Home Between Mountains and Sea] Hey friends! If you're tired of crowded tourist traps, Taizhou is the perfect escape! This hidden gem, nestled between mountains and sea, is full of surprises that will leave you saying "wow"! Top 3 Must-See Spots: 1. Shenxianju: Do immortals really live here? Well, no, but the misty cliffside walkways will definitely make you feel like you're floating! Wear sneakers, don't be like me and wear flip-flops. My feet still remember the pain... 2. Tiantai Mountain Guoqing Temple: An ancient temple from the Sui Dynasty, with incredibly popular incense offerings! The vegetarian cuisine here is so good it can make carnivores forget they're carnivores (don't ask me how I know). 3. Dachen Island: A "mini Kenting" just an hour's boat ride away, where the seafood is so fresh it'll do a jig on your plate! Bring motion sickness medicine, don't ask me how I know... again. Foodie Alert: - Mai Bing: The shining star of Taizhou breakfasts, thin, crispy, and fragrant. Pair it with a bowl of tofu pudding for a perfect day! - Ginger Soup Noodles: A bowl of this, and your cold will be halfway gone! The intense ginger flavor will make you forget your ex (just kidding... maybe). - Sanmen Green Crab: A must-try in autumn! Full of roe and fat, just dig in with your hands. Worry about being ladylike after you're done. Accommodation Tips: The old town offers great value for money with its charming guesthouses, and you can stroll to Ziyang Street for late-night snacks. For ocean views, stay in Jiaojiang or Wenling, but book in advance! Peak season prices rise faster than my salary... Transportation Tips: Taxis are affordable within the city, but chartering or renting a car is recommended for sightseeing. Take the high-speed train to Taizhou Station or Taizhou West Station—it beats being stuck in traffic! Final Reminders: Taizhou people sound like they're arguing when they're actually being friendly. Don't overdo it on the seafood (gout alert!), and... bring an umbrella! Don't be like me, caught in a downpour, yet still taking photos for social media.

This year's Sui plum blossom season is almost over. I just finished organizing the photos and came here late. The photos were taken on February 24th. Although the sun was not strong, the flowers were in full bloom and the fragrance was everywhere. What a beautiful temple! I will never get tired of coming here every year. Guoqing Temple, located at the foot of Mount Tiantai in Zhejiang Province, was built in the 18th year of Kaihuang in the Sui Dynasty (598 AD) and has a history of more than 1,400 years. It is the birthplace of the Tiantai School of Chinese Buddhism and the ancestral temple of the Tiantai School of Japan and South Korea. The ancient temple is built on the mountain, surrounded by five peaks, with two winding streams, towering ancient trees and lingering Buddhist sounds, just like a fairyland on earth. ⛩️Ancient temple from the Sui Dynasty, royal style Guoqing Temple was built by Emperor Yang of Sui for Master Zhizhe. The name of the temple was taken from the meaning of "If the temple is built, the country will be peaceful." The architectural style is simple and solemn, and the palaces are majestic, reflecting the grandeur of the royal temples during the Sui and Tang Dynasties. 🛕Tiantai ancestral temple, the origin of Buddhism Master Zhizhe founded the Tiantai Sect here, promoting ideas such as "One Thought, Three Thousand" and "The Harmony of Three Truths", which had a profound impact on the development of Chinese Buddhism. The temple houses a large number of Buddhist cultural relics, including the real relics of Master Zhizhe, palm-leaf scriptures, etc., which can be called a treasure house of Buddhist culture. 💎Literati and poets linger here Guoqing Temple has been a place longed for by literati and poets since ancient times. Li Bai, Du Fu, Su Shi and other literati of past dynasties have left many poems and songs here, adding a strong cultural atmosphere to the ancient temple. 🌸The plum blossoms of Sui Dynasty stand proudly in the snow, with a subtle fragrance floating in the air There is a Sui Dynasty plum tree on the east side of the Main Hall of Guoqing Temple. It is said to have been planted by Master Zhizhe himself. It has a history of more than 1,400 years and is one of the oldest existing plum trees in China. Every year in the cold winter, the Sui plum blossoms bloom proudly in the snow, with a subtle fragrance floating in the air, adding a touch of brightness to the ancient temple and attracting countless tourists to come and watch. After thousands of years of wind and rain, the Sui plum tree is still lush and full of vitality, symbolizing the long history and vigorous vitality of Guoqing Temple. I would also like to remind you that the white one is Suimei, not the red one. 💡Visit Highlights 💝Mahaprajnaparamita Hall: The main hall of the temple, enshrining three great Buddhas: Sakyamuni Buddha, Medicine Buddha and Amitabha Buddha, which are solemn and majestic. 💝Sui plum: A thousand-year-old plum tree, witnessing history, not to be missed. 💝Master Zhizhe Memorial Hall: Learn about Master Zhizhe’s life and Tiantai Sect’s thoughts. 💝Stele Gallery: Appreciate the poetry and inscriptions left by literati and poets of all dynasties. 🚗Transportation to Tiantaishan City ✈️Plane: You can fly to Taizhou Luqiao Airport, and then take the airport bus or taxi to Tiantaishan City. 🚄High-speed rail: You can take the high-speed rail to Tiantaishan Station, and then take a bus or taxi to Guoqing Temple. 🚘Bus: There are long-distance buses from Shanghai, Hangzhou, Ningbo and other places that go directly to Tiantaishan City. 🏤Accommodation recommendations 🏫Tiantaishan Hotel: Located directly opposite Guoqing Temple, within walking distance of the temple, it has convenient transportation and complete facilities. Kind tips: Guoqing Temple is open from 7:00 to 17:00. Guoqing Temple

So far!! My favorite hidden gem in Zhejiang has appeared. Xu Xiake once visited this place and recorded his travel experience in Tiantai Mountain in detail in the opening chapter of his *The Travel Diaries of Xu Xiake*, *Diary of Tiantai Mountain*. Standing in front of the Tiantai Mountain Grand Waterfall, I finally understood the breathtaking scene described by Li Bai in his poem: "Its torrent dashes down three thousand feet from on high, as if the Milky Way were falling from the ninth heaven." The cascading water curtain truly resembles the Milky Way pouring down from the heavens, leaving people in awe. Location: Tiantai County, Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province One-Day Itinerary Guoqing Temple → Tiantai Mountain Grand Waterfall → Tongbai Palace → Tongxuan Temple Transportation Each scenic spot is very close, less than half an hour by taxi. Guoqing Temple Free, 1-hour visit This is the birthplace of the Japanese Tendai Buddhist sect. At the entrance, there is a well-preserved thousand-year-old Sui Dynasty pagoda. Inside the courtyard, there is a thousand-year-old plum tree from the Sui Dynasty, a bronze censer from the Qianlong period with the inscription "Long Live the Emperor," two large white marble guardian lions, the thousand-year-old single-hole stone arch bridge "Fenggan Bridge," a screen wall of the Sui Dynasty temple, and cliff inscriptions by Wang Xizhi, Liu Gongquan, Zhu Xi, and others. Tiantai Mountain Grand Waterfall ¥100, 3-hour visit Those who don't want to climb the mountain can view the waterfall from below. The waterfall is very high, with a drop of 325 meters and a width of up to 100 meters in some areas. The nine connected waterfalls are truly spectacular. Those who are tired can return from the Water Curtain Cave. There are buses available for the descent. Tongxuan Temple Free, 1-hour visit Actresses Zhao Liying and Liu Shishi have filmed here and stayed in the courtyard. This is a Tang Dynasty-style Zen courtyard. You can also pet Shiba Inus and kittens in the courtyard, which is adorable. Tongbai Palace Free, 1-hour visit This is the ancestral home of the Southern School of Taoism, with a beautiful setting surrounded by mountains and water. Accommodation I stayed at the Home Inn Neo City Square. It's 1 minute from the bus station, 7 minutes from the high-speed rail station, and 15 minutes from Guoqing Temple. It felt different from the ones I've stayed in before; the lobby and rooms were cleaner and brighter. The semi-open layout of the lobby felt very relaxing and welcoming. The warm and blue color scheme in the room made me feel comfortable and at ease. I slept in the "Deep Sleep" double room, which was equipped with a zero-pressure deep sleep pillow and mattress. I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow. For breakfast, I recommend the "Home Inn Noodles," which are tomato and egg noodles at this hotel.

Day 1: Ancient Temple Zen and a Feast in the Clouds In the early morning, I arrived at Tiantai by high-speed rail, and upon exiting the station, I was immediately enveloped by the fragrance of gardenia blossoms in April. My first stop was Guoqing Temple. This thousand-year-old temple, shaded by ancient plum trees, is as serene as a poem. The fact that it's free to enter made it even more appealing. Strolling among the shadows of the Seven Buddha Pagodas, I happened upon a monk sweeping fallen leaves. The rustling sound of his robe brushing against the moss transported me back to the prosperous Tang Dynasty, when Master Zhiyi gave his lectures. In the afternoon, I drove to Shiliang Waterfall. The natural wonder, accessible for a 60-yuan entrance fee, is truly breathtaking. A hundred-meter waterfall plunges into an emerald-green pool, sending up a mist of water infused with the fresh scent of vegetation. I recommend wearing non-slip shoes to explore the valley trail. You might even encounter wild macaques, adding a touch of surprise to your journey. In the evening, I checked in to a guesthouse at the foot of Tiantai Mountain. From my window, I could see the misty peak of Huading. For dinner, the Dendrobium stewed chicken is a must-try. The richness of the medicinal herbs blends perfectly with the sweetness of the mountain delicacies. The owner cheerfully told me, "This is our secret recipe for energy when working in the mountains!" Day 2: The Magical Theater of Shenxianju and the Bustle of the Ancient Street The next morning, I took the shuttle bus to Shenxianju. The 100-yuan entrance ticket unlocks a visual feast: a suspension bridge spans a hundred-meter abyss, and clouds swirl around the "Ruyi Bridge," making you feel like you've stepped into the mythical world of the "Classic of Mountains and Seas." I recommend taking the cable car up from the north gate. The 720° view from the "Nantian Peak" glass observation deck is definitely worth a scream. Those afraid of heights can close their eyes and feel the mountain breeze caress their ears. In the afternoon, I drove two hours to Linhai and headed straight for Ziyang Ancient Street. The cobblestone road winds towards Beigu Mountain, lined with century-old shops emitting the aroma of seaweed cakes. Biting into the freshly baked golden crust, the sweet and savory seaweed filling instantly awakens the taste buds. Turning into an alley, I encountered 76-year-old Mr. Zhan singing "In a Foreign Land" beneath the city wall. His silver hair glowed softly in the setting sun, and onlookers spontaneously joined in the chorus. A warm resonance flowed through the twilight of the ancient city. For dinner, I chose the "Ziyang Hutong Music Restaurant" and ordered a serving of egg white sheep's tail. The fluffy, cloud-like egg white wrapped around bean paste and drizzled with osmanthus honey is a sweet but not greasy treat, reminiscent of the gentle nature of a Jiangnan woman. After a satisfying meal, I took a night cruise along the Ling River, watching the lights of fishing boats dance with the reflection of the ancient city walls. Day 3: Speed and Passion on the Coastal Highway In the morning, I drove 1.5 hours to Shitang, Wenling, to embark on a self-drive adventure along Taizhou Highway No. 1. My first stop was Jinsha Beach. I walked on the fine white sand and watched fishermen mending their nets as the sea breeze carried the salty scent of the ocean. Following the navigation to the "Couple Rings" viewing platform, two circular walkways hover between the sea and the sky. From a drone's perspective, the magnificent embrace of mountains and sea is breathtaking. In the afternoon, I headed straight to the newly popular "Little Inner Mongolia of Taizhou"—a 343-acre grassland in Hongjia Street, Jiaojiang District. Running freely across the grassland, the wind turbines and blue sky create a healing landscape. I recommend wearing a light-colored long dress for atmospheric photos in the evening backlight. Before returning, I stopped by the North Latitude 30 Degrees Motorcycle Theme Park in Luqiao. The motorcycle wall and the sunset over Feilong Lake complement each other perfectly. I ordered a specialty coffee and watched the riders roar past, experiencing the collision of speed and romance. ✨ Practical Tips ✨ - Transportation: Tiantai High-Speed Rail Station now has direct trains to Hangzhou and Shanghai, with the new G7736 early morning train allowing for a leisurely start. The Yuhuan section of Taizhou Highway No. 1 is now fully open, and I recommend renting an SUV to experience the stunning coastal mountain ridge. - Food: Wang Tianshun's seaweed cakes on Ziyang Ancient Street require a half-hour wait, but the freshly baked crispiness is worth it. For Wenling stuffed cakes, I recommend "Nian Gao Xi Shi," which includes braised pork and a flavorful broth, making it both filling and heartwarming. - Accommodation: The "Zi Hongyang Guesthouse" in Linhai is only a five-minute walk from the ancient street, and its intelligent voice control system adds a touch of technology to the ancient-style residence. The "Sheye Yizhai" in Shitang faces the sea directly, allowing you to fall asleep to the sound of waves from the terrace, offering a truly healing experience. - Pitfalls to Avoid: It's advisable to purchase cable car tickets for Shenxianju in advance on the official WeChat account, as the queue can exceed one hour during peak season. The night tour of Changyu Dongtian is currently suspended. For daytime visits, prioritize Guanyi Dongtian, where the thousand-year-old quarrying spectacle is truly awe-inspiring. 📌 Travel Philosophy The beauty of Taizhou lies in the gentle ringing of the copper bells on the eaves of Guoqing Temple, in the salty sea breeze of Shitang Fishing Port, and even more so in the impromptu singing of the elderly gentleman on Ziyang Ancient Street. This city of mountains and sea, with its thousand-year-old charm, gently dissolves the anxieties of city dwellers. If you're yearning for an escape, come to Taizhou—let the temple bells cleanse your weariness, awaken your taste buds with the freshness of seafood, and discover your true self as you drive along the coastal highway.

🌄April is the perfect time to travel with its pleasant spring scenery and gentle breeze. Taizhou, a charming city with beautiful mountain and sea views, a rich history and culture, and mouth-watering cuisine, is definitely your top choice for April travel. Here is the most comprehensive travel guide for your trip to Taizhou in April! 📌Introduction: Taizhou is a shining pearl on the coast of Zhejiang, where mountains, sea, and city blend perfectly. With its ancient city with a thousand-year history, ethereal landscapes, and romantic and charming islands, it can fulfill all your travel fantasies. 📅Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive in Taizhou in the morning, head to Linhai, and visit the Taizhou Fucheng Wall to feel the weight of history; in the afternoon, stroll along Ziyang Street and sample various local snacks. Day 2: Head to Tiantai Mountain, visit Guoqing Temple, an ancient temple from the Sui Dynasty, and feel the peaceful atmosphere; then go to Tiantai Mountain Waterfall to experience the grandeur of nature. Day 3: Go to Shenxianju, admire the strange peaks and rocks, as if you are in a fairyland; in the afternoon, go to Wenling and stroll around the Shītáng Ancient Town. Day 4: Go to Dachen Island, enjoy a leisurely time in the sea breeze, and admire the beautiful island scenery. 📍Must-visit attractions: 1. Taizhou Fucheng Wall: Known as the "Great Wall of the South of the Yangtze River", it was built in the Eastern Jin Dynasty and has a long history. It is a model of ancient coastal defense and city defense projects. Strolling along the city wall, you can overlook the beautiful scenery of the ancient city. 2. Ziyang Street: A famous Chinese historical and cultural street, quaint and antique, with shops lining the street, offering a variety of traditional snacks and handicrafts, allowing you to experience the rich Taizhou customs. 3. Guoqing Temple: The birthplace of the Tiantai sect of Buddhism, an ancient temple with a thousand years of history. The temple is full of ancient trees, and the architecture is simple and elegant, full of a peaceful atmosphere. 4. Tiantai Mountain Waterfall: With a huge drop and majestic momentum, the water splashed by the waterfall forms a beautiful rainbow under the sunlight, which is very spectacular. 5. Shenxianju: Strange peaks and rocks, surrounded by clouds and mist, as if it is the place where gods live. Attractions such as Ruyi Bridge and Nantian Peak make people marvel at the supernatural craftsmanship of nature. 6. Shītáng Ancient Town: A small town full of exotic customs. The houses built with stones are unique. Here, you can watch the sunrise, eat seafood, and feel the comfortable coastal life. 7. Dachen Island: With charming island scenery, it is a national first-class fishing port, a provincial forest park, and a provincial sea fishing base. Here, you can stroll on the beach and admire the sunset over the sea. 8. Changyu Cave: The essence of Chinese stone culture, the cave landscape is unique, making people marvel at the wisdom and perseverance of the ancients. 🚗City Transportation: - Bus: Taizhou's bus network is well-developed, making it convenient to travel. You can get an electronic bus card on Alipay or WeChat. - Taxi: It is also very convenient to call a taxi, and the price is relatively reasonable. - Car rental: If there are many people traveling together and you want to arrange your itinerary freely, renting a car is also a good choice. 🍜Local Cuisine and Specialties: - Ginger Soup Noodles: Taizhou's special noodles, the rich aroma of ginger soup is matched with chewy noodles and rich side dishes, which is warm and delicious. - Laver Cake: The crispy crust is combined with the sweet laver filling. One bite is full of happiness. - Qiāngāo: Wrap various ingredients in soft and glutinous rice cakes, then pour a spoonful of soup, the taste is rich and unforgettable. - Egg White Sheep Tail: Cute in shape, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, sweet but not greasy, it is a traditional Taizhou dessert. - Specialties: Xianju bayberry, Linhai tangerines and other fruits are also very famous. Although April is not the season for bayberry and tangerines to mature, you can also taste other fresh seasonal fruits. 🏠Accommodation: - Linhai: It is recommended to live near Ziyang Street, which is convenient for travel, and you can also feel the night view and lively atmosphere of the ancient street at night. - Taizhou City: You can choose to stay in Jiaojiang District, which is very convenient for transportation and life. - Around the scenic spot: If you are going to visit the scenic spot the next day, you can also choose to live near the scenic spot to reduce travel. 📌Travel tips: - Pay attention to the opening hours and ticket information of each scenic spot in advance to avoid delaying the itinerary. - The weather in Taizhou in April is changeable, remember to bring rain gear and suitable clothes. - When tasting local delicacies, you can ask the locals about some hidden shops in the alleys, and you can often discover more delicacies. - Dachen Island needs to be reached by boat. Book your tickets in advance. Remember to prepare motion sickness medicine for those who are prone to motion sickness. 🌼Taizhou in April is full of vitality. Whether it is natural scenery or cultural cuisine, it can bring you an unforgettable travel experience. Pack your bags and come to Taizhou for a spring date!

**A Day of Zen at the Sui Plum Temple: A Photo Tour Guide to Guoqing Temple, Taizhou** **A Millennium of Zen: Where History and Art Intertwine** Guoqing Scenic Area In the 18th year of the Sui Dynasty's Kaihuang era, before Grand Master Zhiyi passed away, he drew a blueprint for a temple on Mount Tiantai. Emperor Yang of Sui ordered the construction of "Guoqing Temple," named with the wish for "national peace and temple purity." The temple's 1,400-year-old Sui Plum was planted by Master Guanding, the fifth patriarch of the Tiantai school of Buddhism. Its gnarled branches lean aslant, like an old monk in meditation. Wang Wei once praised, "Tiantai Guoqing Temple, where mountains and rivers gather spiritual wonders." In the southeast corner of the Grand Hall, a fragment of Liu Gongquan's stele inscription "Great China Guoqing Temple" is hidden. On the Lotus Sutra Stone Pillar, Song Dynasty line carvings of flying apsaras flutter gracefully. Along the Ancient Trail of Xu Xiake, one can still find the "dense clouds and mist" described in his "Diary of Travels on Mount Tiantai." **Transportation Tips** - Take the high-speed train to "Tiantai Mountain Station," then a 15-minute taxi ride directly to the temple (approx. CNY 20). - A 2.5-hour drive from Hangzhou. Free parking lot at the scenic area, but it is recommended to arrive before 8:30 am on weekends. **Stay in a Zen Ambience** ▲ **Lujing Tiantai** Lujing Tiantai Resort Hotel: A Zen hotel next to Guoqing Temple. Guest rooms are named after the seven volumes of the "Lotus Sutra." Wake up in the morning and see the silhouette of the Sui Pagoda through the window. Includes vegetarian breakfast for two. ▲ **Tiantai He Hotel**: A quality choice in the county town, a 5-minute walk to the Former Residence of Ji Gong, with Hanfu rental services available. **Secret Realm Experience** - The best time to visit the temple is on a rainy day, when the moss-covered Seven Buddha Pagoda and the misty distant mountains form a long ink painting. - At the Dharma Artifact Circulation Center, ask for a handwritten copy of "Hanshan's Poems." The stamping location is next to the Sangharama Palace. - In the afternoon, visit the "Sanmu Yu Shi" café outside the temple. Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, the old Sui Plum wall and rice fields create a wabi-sabi aesthetic. **Tips** Admission is free, with three complimentary incense sticks. Vegetarian meals are served at 11:10 am (CNY 2/person, cash only). There is a "Pilgrimage Shuttle" bus at the high-speed train station, with the last bus departing at 5:30 pm.

Tiantaishan in Zhejiang Province has a lot of variety in a relatively compact area. The two main attractions are the Tiantaishan Waterfall and the Guoqing Temple with its iconic pagoda. The combo ticket (165 RMB) for the Tiantaishan Waterfall and Qiongtai Fairy Canyon (天台山大瀑布，琼台仙谷) will allow you to do a complete circuit of both areas. I started at the waterfall. After taking photos at the base, I hiked up the waterfall and around the top of Qiongtai Fairy Canyon on a plank walk. The hike includes passage across the glass bridge. I then hiked down to the river at the canyon bottom. Took me about 4-5 hours total with plenty of time stopping to take photos. Then I took a cab to Guoqing Temple (国清寺). Entrance is free. I spent about 2-3 hours wandering around the grounds and through the temple buildings. #zhejiang #china #Tiantaishan #waterfall #temple

Inspired by a photo, I decided to go on a whim! I came across a picture of the Ruyi Bridge in Taizhou Shenxianju, a glass bridge shrouded in clouds and mist, seemingly suspended in mid-air. I was instantly captivated! After some research, I discovered Taizhou not only boasts mountains and seas, but is also a paradise for soft and chewy delicacies. I immediately grabbed my friends, booked tickets, and set off! Day 1: A Day of Exploring Natural Wonders 📍 Tiantai Mountain Grand Waterfall The "Grandest Waterfall in China" lives up to its name! Standing on the viewing platform, the mist sprays your face, and rainbows appear and disappear. Wearing a *hanfu* here makes for stunning photos (non-slip shoes recommended). After descending the mountain, I stopped by the former residence of Ji Gong and listened to the fascinating stories of the Living Buddha. 📍 Guoqing Temple A Sui Dynasty temple with a 1,400-year history, it's bustling with worshippers yet tranquil. The temple grounds are filled with ancient trees, and the vegetarian meal is only ¥5 for all you can eat, adding to the Zen-like atmosphere. Photo tip: The temple's yellow walls + rice paddies make for perfect ancient-style photos! Day 2: Shenxianju + Xiaoruo Village 📍 Shenxianju The Nantian Peak glass viewing platform offers a panoramic view of the surrounding peaks, and the Ruyi Bridge stretches across the valley like a jade *ruyi*. Adventurous friends can challenge themselves on the high-altitude rope bridge! I recommend taking the cable car up the mountain to save energy and walking down the cliffside plank road. The whole trip takes about 4 hours. 📍 Wenling Xiaoruo Village In the evening, I rushed to the "Chinese Cinque Terre"! Colorful houses + sunset fishing boats, add a creamy filter, and the photos are divine! Stay at a nearby B&B and wake up early to watch the first rays of sunlight hit the sea at Millennium Dawn Park. It's incredibly romantic! Day 3: Slow Living in the Ancient City 📍 Taizhou Fu City Wall (Jiangnan Great Wall) Even more beautiful than the Great Wall of Beijing! Climb the 198 steps from Lansheng Gate to the top for a panoramic view of Linhai. The ¥70 combined ticket includes East Lake, where the Jiangnan gardens and the reflection of the ancient pagoda make for stunning photos in a *qipao*! 📍 Ziyang Old Street A paradise for lovers of soft and chewy treats! Seaweed cakes, egg white sheep tails, *wufan machi*... ¥10 will get you more than enough to eat! I recommend the time-honored brand "Wang Tianshun" for freshly baked, crispy, and fragrant cakes. Tips: 1️⃣ Transportation: 2-hour direct high-speed train from Shanghai/Hangzhou. Carpooling or renting a car is recommended for traveling between attractions. 2️⃣ Accommodation: B&Bs near Ziyang Street in Linhai are highly recommended, averaging ¥150/night. 3️⃣ Things to avoid: Changyu Dongtian is quite far, so you can skip it if time is tight. Be sure to ask about prices before ordering at seafood restaurants! Taizhou, a city of "mountains, seas, and cityscapes," is truly worthwhile! Whether you're an introvert enjoying the scenery alone or an extrovert having fun with friends, you can find your own sense of relaxation here.

🌊 48 Hours of Effortless Fun in Taizhou: Even the Fish is Pre-Marinated for You (Local Grandma: "Young one, the waves in Shitang sing lullabies.") 🚗 Transportation Formulas for Dummies Self-drive + Ferry = Island Freedom ▸ Jiaojiang → Dachen Island: Choose the slow boat! You can see fluorescent jellyfish from the deck. (Seasickness medicine is hidden in the third yangmei.) ▸ Parking at Shenxianju South Gate: Aim for Zone 2! Save yourself 20 minutes on the "despair slope." ▸ Renting an electric scooter near Ziyang Street: Use the code "I need one that can go up Mount Kuocang"! The owner will adjust the tires for better grip. 🏔️ Foolproof Shenxianju Operations Cheat code to reach the summit: 🚠 North-South Cable Car Combo! Perfectly avoids 99% of tour groups. 🌉 Lie down when taking photos at Lotus Terrace! You can capture the entire Ruyi Bridge. 🍙 Don't throw away the pickled radish from your lunchbox! It's a talisman against monkey attacks. 🍜 Taizhou Food Survival Guide A foodie bible written by locals: 🔥 Zhangyuan Steamed Rice: Double the minced meat topping! Pair it with eel soup to unlock an endless cycle of savory and umami flavors. 🌮 Wenling Qian Gao: Say "I want it with both lean and fatty meat"! Grandma will stuff a whole piece of braised large intestine in there. 🍤 Secret code at the fried shrimp stalls: "Half sugar, less ice"! It's actually code for "more shrimp, less batter." 🏯 Ziyang Street's Time Warp Become a time assassin in the kingdom of carbs: 🕰️ 6 am: Head to the seaweed cake stall! The first batch from Jiujiu's has a morning dew-kissed savory aroma. 📸 Don't stand straight against the red walls of Longxing Temple! Lean at a 45-degree angle to capture that Kyoto vibe. 🎎 Tell the heritage craft shops "I want something to pass down through generations"! They might bring out a master craftsman to demonstrate their skills. 🌿 Cheating Your Way to Zen at Guoqing Temple Master the art of Buddhist aesthetics at this ancient Sui Dynasty temple: ☕ Order "Suiyuan (Follow Fate)" at Xide Coffee! The barista will inscribe a passage from the Heart Sutra in your latte art. 📿 There's free incense in the corner of the Rain Flower Hall! Don't buy the 20-yuan set at the entrance. 🌾 Take photos against the light in the rice paddies! The 4 pm rice stalks have their own soft-focus filter. 🚢 Wild Times on Dachen Island The East China Sea has pickled romance into dried seafood: 🌅 Bring a plastic bag for sunrise at Jiawu Rock! Protecting your phone from moisture is more important than image stabilization. 🐚 After low tide, stake out Jilongtou! You can find singing snails in the crevices of the rocks. 🚴 Choose a pink electric scooter for rent! You'll automatically get a tailwind buff when circling the island. 🧳 Rebellious Luggage Essentials ▪️ Bring a bag of dried shrimp! Sprinkle some into your instant noodles at the homestay for an instant seafood feast. ▪️ A foldable foot bath! Revive your tired feet with a ginger soak after a long day of walking. ▪️ A waterproof phone case! Capture "Life of Pi" perspectives while rafting.

Taizhou in March is covered with rape flowers, and Guoqing Temple is awakened by the golden color, as beautiful as a poetic spring painting. 📍Guoqing Temple This thousand-year-old temple, which was built in the 18th year of Kaihuang in the Sui Dynasty, is full of rich historical charm. With red walls, black tiles, flying eaves and brackets, the ancient temple stands quietly in time, telling stories of the past. Here, every brick and stone bears the traces of time, and every building exudes an ancient atmosphere. 🚗Transportation Guide 🚄High-speed rail: First arrive at Tiantaishan Station. After exiting the station, take a taxi to Guoqing Temple in about 15 minutes, and the fare is about 20-30 yuan. 🚘Self-driving: Navigate directly to "Guoqing Temple", which is about a 3-hour drive from Hangzhou. The parking lot is free, but it is recommended to arrive early during holidays, otherwise parking will be a problem. Tour route: Sui Pagoda➡️Mountain Gate➡️Maitreya Hall➡️Yuhua Hall➡️Mahatma Hall➡️Sui Plum➡️Pharmacist Hall➡️Guanyin Hall➡️China-Korea Tiantai Master Memorial Hall 🌼The rapeseed field in front of Guoqing Temple Walking out of the ancient temple, you will see the stunning rapeseed field. The rape flowers bloomed wildly, forming a golden ocean, which contrasted with the quiet and tranquility of the ancient temple. As the breeze blows, the flowers sway and the rich fragrance of flowers fills the air, making people intoxicated. Surrounded by a sea of ​​flowers, the Sui Tower appears even more simple and solemn, with its shadow swaying among the flowers, like a beautiful pastoral landscape painting. 📸Photography tips: ✅In terms of dressing, it is recommended to choose light-colored or ancient-style clothing. White and light blue long skirts go well with rape flowers and ancient temples. Ancient-style Hanfu can better capture the charm of a thousand years. ✅You can choose to take photos in the morning or evening, when the light is soft and can add atmosphere to the photos. ✅The photo poses can also be diverse, such as standing on the ridge of the field, holding rape flowers in your hands; or sitting among the flowers, smiling with your side face; you can also use the ancient temple and Sui pagoda as the background to take large-scale photos that blend people and scenery into one. Come to Guoqing Temple and have a spring date with rapeseed flowers. Feel the tenderness and beauty of spring in this golden color.