Things to do in Tiantai County
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Top 10 attractions in Tiantai County
Guoqing Scenic Area
The Guoqing scenic area is located at the southern foot of Tiantai Mountain, surrounded by five peaks and flanked by two winding streams. It is the birthplace of the Tiantai school, a major Buddhist sect in China, and serves as the ancestral temple for Tiantai Buddhism in Korea, Japan, and around the world. The Guoqing scenic area was constructed in 598 AD during the Sui Dynasty under the supervision of Sima Wang Hong, based on the blueprint personally drawn by Master Zhiyi. The initial temple complex, named "Tiantai Temple," was completed in 601 AD. In 605 AD, Emperor Yang of Sui renamed it "Guoqing Temple" after a prophecy came true, personally inscribing the temple's name in seal script. During the Tang Dynasty, it was renowned as one of the "Four Great Temples of China," alongside Lingyan Temple in Qizhou, Qixia Temple in Runzhou, and Yuquan Temple in Jingzhou. Rebuilt in 851 AD, calligrapher Liu Gongquan wrote the plaque "Great China Guoqing Temple." In 1005 AD, Emperor Zhenzong of the Northern Song Dynasty funded major renovations and renamed it "Jingde Guoqing Temple." In 1130 AD, it was converted to a Chan (Zen) Buddhist temple and became one of the "Five Mountains and Ten Temples" of Chan Buddhism. The current main structures date back to the 1734 renovation during the Qing Dynasty. During the Cultural Revolution, the temple's statues and ritual objects suffered severe damage. In 1973, the State Council allocated significant funds for comprehensive restoration, reopening it to the public. Covering 72,000 square meters with a built-up area of 28,000 square meters, the temple complex features five main axes, comprising over 800 halls and rooms in a grand architectural layout. It is now listed as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.Tiantai County · 4.8km from downtown
Guoqing Temple
Taizhou Guoqing Temple, located in Chengguan Town, Tiantai County, Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province, was built in the 18th year of Kaihuang in the Sui Dynasty (598 AD) and is the birthplace of Tiantai Sect of Chinese Buddhism. The temple covers an area of 73,000 square meters, with simple and elegant architecture and a quiet environment. The temple houses a large number of Buddhist cultural relics and has produced many eminent monks. It is a tourist destination that perfectly integrates religious culture and natural landscape. It was listed as a national key cultural relic protection unit in 2006, attracting countless believers and tourists to visit.Tiantai County · 4.9km from downtown
Zhexi Old Street
Zhexi Old Street is located on both sides of the Zhexi River in the ancient city of Tiantai, covering an area of about 9.47 hectares and a total construction area of about 223,500 square meters. Strolling along Zhexi Old Street, the "Ten Scenic Spots of Zhexi" such as Yaowang Temple, Liji Bridge, Jin Juren's House, Xu-style Residence, Sima Pavilion, Jixian Bridge, Jixian Pavilion, Wendao Bridge, Linchuan Bridge, and Tongyue Gate integrate the past and the present, and start a journey through the Tang and Song styles; tour Zhexi Old Street at night and check in at the nightlife center of Tiantai City. The Linchuan Bridge in the morning mist and the Thousand Lights Corridor at dusk are unique in charm. At night, you can experience the clear waters around the city and people walking in the scenery by boat on Shifeng Lake. Zhexi Old Street not only shows the unique architectural style of the Jiangnan water town, but also incorporates rich folk culture and food traditions. This is an ideal place to experience the interweaving of old and new history, taste local customs and enjoy quiet time.Tiantai County · 2.2km from downtown
Tiantai Mountain Tongbaigong
Tongbai Palace is located on Tongbai Mountain, about 20 kilometers northwest of the county seat. It is surrounded by nine peaks and has a clear stream flowing in front of it. It is the ancestral home of the Southern School of Taoism in China. Tongbai Palace, the entrance from Poker Mountain Gate is Lingguan Hall, Zhenwu Hall, Imperial Monument Pavilion, Main Hall, Ziyang Tower. There are side halls on both sides. To the left of the main hall is Taiji Hall, where Ge Xianweng (Xuan) is enshrined, and to the right is Youbi Zhenjun Wang Zijin. Ziyang Tower has a statue of Zhang Boduan, and there are three halls on each side. The front and back of the East and West Taoist temples also have three halls, connected by corridors. Dormitories and kitchens are outside the walls. There are a total of 100 halls, with more than 800 incense fields. The tenth generation master of the Longmen School, Qing Yu (Dongli), is the abbot, and his disciples Fang Yiding (Lanfei), Min Yide (Lanyun) and dozens of others assist in the management. The ancestral temple of the Southern School is prosperous. In 1973, the Tongbai Reservoir was completed and water was stored. The site of Tongbai Palace sank to the bottom of the water, and some buildings and cultural relics were moved to Minghe Temple.Tiantai County · 7.5km from downtown
Sui Pagoda
Tiantai County · 4.8km from downtown
nan huang gu dao
Tiantai County · 9.9km from downtown
West Lake
West Lake is undoubtedly the epitome of Hangzhou's beauty. The famous "Ten scenes of West Lake" surround its shores, where nature and culture complement each other, forming the core area of Hangzhou tourism. You don't need to visit every attraction - instead, spend half a day or a full day strolling along the lake. However you choose to enjoy it, the experience will surely lift your spirits. West Lake is the core attraction of Hangzhou, surrounded by clouds and mountains on three sides and the city on one side. The Su Causeway and Bai Causeway stretch across the lake, dividing it into several water areas. The lakeside scenery is highlighted by the "Ten Scenes of West Lake" from the Southern Song Dynasty, along with the later "New Ten Scenes" and "Three Additional Scenes," featuring over a hundred attractions along the shore and mountains. Pavilions, temples, pagodas, gardens, causeways, and islands complement the distant mountains and nearby waters, while legends like the Broken Bridge where Lady White Snake met Xu Xian add a layer of storytelling to the landscape. West Lake extends east from Songmuchang in Hangzhou and the north of Baolu Road turning to Shaoniangong Square, passing Baisha Road, Huancheng West Road, Hubin Road, and Nanshan Road to the south of Wansong Ridge, covering all attractions including Wu Mountain, Ziyang Mountain, and Yunju Mountain. To the south, it stretches from Gulou along the eastern foothills of Wu Mountain, Ziyang Mountain, and Yunju Mountain, passing Fengshanmen and Fenghuangshan Road, then following the West Lake water diversion channel to the north bank of the Qiantang River, turning to the Coral Sand Reservoir and ending north of Liufangling. To the west, it runs from Liufangling, Zhugan Mountain, Jiuqu Ridge, and Mingren Ridge to Meiren Peak, Beigaofeng, Lingfeng Mountain, and east of the ridge line of Laohe Mountain. To the north, it follows the foothills of Laohe Mountain (west wall of Zhejiang University), turns 30 m north of Qingzhiwu Road, connects to Yugu Road, Zhejiang University Road, and Shuguang Road, ending south of Songmuchang. West Lake has over 100 attractions, renowned for its "Ten scenes of West Lake", "New ten scenes of West Lake" and "Three reviews · Ten scenes of West Lake". West Lake overview You can explore West Lake on foot, by cruise, on electric bikes, via self-drive, or by riding. Among these, electric bikes are the most convenient and effortless option, with hop-on-hop-off sightseeing vehicles circling the entire lake. Riding along the lakeshore is romantic and leisurely, with many public bike rental spots available. For a boat tour, there are nearly 10 docks around the lake offering various vessels and routes. We highly recommend taking a cruise to Three Pools Mirroring the Moon at the lake center while enjoying the scenic views. Alternatively, you can hail a hand-rowed boat for a more flexible experience with a boatman guiding your tour. North line scenery The north shore of West Lake gathers quite a few attractions, usually starting from the remnant snow on broken bridge at the northeast corner and heading west all the way to Yuewang Temple. You can walk along Bai Causeway to Solitary Hill, visiting cultural attractions like Xiling Seal Engravers' Society, Zhejiang Provincial Museum, Chinese Seal Art Museum, and Zhongshan Park's Crane Pavilion. Enjoy authentic West Lake vinegar fish at Louwailou Restaurant, then cross Xiling Bridge to leave the island - Yuewang Temple and Breeze-ruffled lotus at Quyuan Garden are just a short distance away. If it's a summer day with strong sunlight, it is recommended to stroll along Beishan road, hiding under the dense shade of trees to admire the curve of Broken bridge and the swaying weeping willows on Bai causeway opposite. There are many entrances along the way leading to Precious stone hill, where you can hike for views, and descend to reach Yuewang temple. Yuewang square has many small shops for snacks, and the Impression West Lake show here in the evening is also worth watching. If you have ample time and energy, you can also head to Su causeway from here for a walk to enjoy the panoramic view of West Lake. Southeast coast (Lakeside-Nanshan Road) Another area with a concentration of attractions is the Hubin Road-Nanshan Road along the southeastern coast. Hubin Road is located at the junction between Hangzhou's urban area and the attraction, offering views of West Lake, a dock for West Lake cruises, and the iconic music fountain. The advantage of Hubin Road is its quick access from the attraction to the downtown business district, making it suitable for travelers with a tight itinerary to make a short stop. Head south from Hubin road and walk along Nanshan road, where you can visit attractions like Orioles singing in the willows, Long bridge, Leifeng pagoda, Evening bell at Nanping hill, and Viewing fish at flower harbor. The distance between adjacent attractions is not far, so you can walk or take a sightseeing bus or public transport, which are also convenient. You can arrange a day to visit a few of them according to your preference. Among them, Leifeng pagoda and Evening bell at Nanping hill can be visited in the evening. Listening to the bell at Jingci temple and overlooking the night view of West lake from Leifeng pagoda are both great experiences.China · Hangzhou
The Bund
The Bund is located along the Huangpu River, stretching approx. 1.5 km in length. As a symbolic attraction of Shanghai, it features a diverse collection of international architectural styles and the stunning night view of the Huangpu River as its highlights. The Bund stands with dozens of classical revival buildings in diverse styles, including the renowned Bank of China building, Shanghai Peace Hotel, Customs House, and HSBC building, recreating the former glory of the "Wall Street of the Far East." Surprisingly, these structures were neither designed by the same architect nor built in the same period, yet they possess a unique harmonious beauty. The Bund showcases various architectural styles, such as French classical, French chateau, and Gothic, which are significant historical sites and representative buildings of modern China, forming a stunning scenic line along the Huangpu River. As night falls, the neon lights on both banks illuminate the sky. Board a Huangpu River cruise or ferry and glide along the river, feeling the gentle breeze. On one side is The Bund, a witness to historical development, while on the other stands Lujiazui, Shanghai's modern landmark. The graceful silhouette of Waibaidu Bridge offers a fresh perspective to admire the beauty of this vibrant metropolis.China · Shanghai
Hanshan Lake
Hanshan Lake, named after Hanshanzi once roamed here, is 32 kilometers east of Tiantai County. The area of the scenic spot is 8.9 square kilometers, and the lake surface is 9,600 mu, which is 6 times that of the West Lake. There are 37 harbors and 9 islands with picturesque scenery. It is a rare large-scale water activity area in Tiantai Mountain Scenic Spot. The lake is rippling with blue waves and the mountains are like daisies. The mountains, rivers and waters here are inhabited by a variety of migratory birds under the international joint protection and rare birds and animals under the national first-class protection. The mountains and waters here are blue and green in four seasons, and you can go boating on the lake. The mountains are surrounded by water, sparkling and the scenery is infinite. The main buildings in the lake area are dams, water transmission and power generation tunnels and power stations. The double-curved arch dam is 74.3 meters high and 266 meters long. Whenever the water is released, eight silver dragons descend from the sky, thundering and snowing, which is extremely spectacular. The mountains around the lake are ups and downs, the bamboos are lush, the birds sing and the flowers are fragrant. Lufeng on the north bank is named after the high road Ge Xuan planted reeds here at the end of the Han Dynasty. There is a stalagmite on the Shimen Ridge on the south bank. It has been struck by lightning and is called "Tian Dayan".Tiantai County · 27.2km from downtown
Lingyin Feilai Peak Scenic Area
Lingyin Feilai Peak Scenic Area is located west of West Lake Scenic Area, including Lingyin Temple andFeilai peakTwo main views.Feilai peakNot large or tall, yet it gathers hundreds of statues of bodhisattvas and eminent monks from different dynasties, creating a beauty of fusion. The Lingyin Temple in the mountains is a famous ancient temple in Hangzhou, bustling with incense offerings. Lingyin Feilai Peak Scenic Area itself is not very large, and you can explore it on foot. After entering the main gate, turn left, and you'll see it in no time.Feilai peak, following the forest trail for less than 5 minutes, you'll see the entrance to Qinglin Cave. It's said that the stone slab in front of the cave was once the sleeping bed of Ji Gong, and lying on it is believed to free one from worldly troubles, attracting many travelers to take a rest here. Heading north, the Yuru Cave houses exquisite statues of the Eighteen Arhats from the Northern Song Dynasty, with additional finely crafted statues of the Six Patriarchs of Zen Buddhism on both sides of the cave's eastern entrance. The Longhong cave ahead is commonly known asGuanyin caveInside, there is a rock crevice known as "a thread of sky." Not everyone can see the light passing through the crevice, so you often see people craning their necks to look up. The cliff outside the cave is covered with stone carvings of Buddha statues. At the lower part, you can see the Song Dynasty carving of "the white horse carrying scriptures." The Ligong Pagoda at the entrance of Longhong Cave is the only remaining Ming Dynasty pagoda in Hangzhou. Following the Cold Spring Stream from here, you can also see the big-bellied Maitreya. Opposite the stone carvings stands the famous Lingyin Temple, which is open to the public free of charge but requires real-name reservation in advance, and is still well worth a visit. The statue of Skanda in the heavenly king hall is a relic from the Southern Song dynasty, carved from a single piece of camphor wood, making it extremely precious. The newly renovated Yongfu Temple in Hangzhou is located next to Lingyin Temple. Follow the signs uphill to reach it. Besides the serene ancient architecture, the temple grounds also feature a tea plantation and many ancient trees, offering quite a scenic view. Visitors must return the same way from Yongfu Temple. For those who wish to hike, there is a fork in the path halfway back to Lingyin Temple, leading to Taoguang Temple's exit and onward to Beigao Peak. This route is quiet with few people, making for a pleasant walk. Beigao Peak can be reached by hiking or taking a cable car. At the summit, the Temple of the First Wealth God under Heaven is one of Hangzhou's famous ancient temples.China · Hangzhou
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Free things to do in Tiantai County
Guoqing Scenic Area
Tiantai County · 4.8km from downtownGuoqing Temple
Tiantai County · 4.9km from downtownZhexi Old Street
Tiantai County · 2.2km from downtownTiantai Mountain Tongbaigong
Tiantai County · 7.5km from downtownSui Pagoda
Tiantai County · 4.8km from downtownnan huang gu dao
Tiantai County · 9.9km from downtownWest Lake
China · HangzhouThe Bund
China · ShanghaiHanshan Lake
Tiantai County · 27.2km from downtownLingyin Feilai Peak Scenic Area
China · Hangzhou
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Private Tours in Tiantai County
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What travellers say about Tiantai County
99bubu4 July 2026
5.0
A specially booked 2-hour in-depth guided tour was well worth the wait. The guide, deeply knowledgeable about the thousand-year-old cultural heritage of Guoqing Temple, eloquently recounted the temple's founding by Master Zhiyi and the aesthetic beauty of its ancient architecture, brick by brick. The two-hour tour allowed for a leisurely walk through the entire temple grounds, away from the crowds, offering a tranquil and immersive experience. Shedding the superficiality of a rushed tour, the guide helped participants understand the profound meaning of "If the temple is established, the country will be at peace." The gentle and unhurried explanation provided a healing and Zen-like journey, highly recommended.
Guoqing Scenic Area
Julia J. Dezotti20 July 2026
5.0
Guoqing Temple is a must-visit in Zhejiang Province! If you are into Buddhist culture, you should consider visiting. This temple has a tremendous peace and deep history of over 1400 years. The temple area requires not more than an hour to explore.
Guoqing Temple
@顺俪(慈利)3 May 2026
5.0
Very clean!
Arrived before the holiday. The crowds in the old street dispersed around 9 PM.
There's a takoyaki (octopus balls) vendor nearby; the price wasn't higher just because it's in the old street—6 for 10 yuan.
There's also a Jiang Ji night-time steamed bun shop nearby, which is also good.
However, there's road construction near the old street, making travel inconvenient.
Also, the rooftop bus is free!
Zhexi Old Street
137***076 October 2024
5.0
A place with few people and beautiful scenery. The Taoist holy place is in a beautiful place with clear water and mountains, which is suitable for meditation. After burning incense, I drank coffee in the coffee shop at the door, which felt very good.
Tiantai Mountain Tongbaigong
山在穷游18 December 2024
5.0
Many people look at the Sui Dynasty pagoda in Guoqing Temple from a distance. In fact, they don't know that we can go inside and take a look. It is not difficult to go in. There are only a few steps. Although it feels very high and we are very small when standing at the bottom of the pagoda, we still have to sigh that it is amazing that this pagoda has been here for thousands of years without falling.
Sui Pagoda
andygao19849 October 2026
5.0
Accompanying the elderly to see West Lake, we bought tickets to go to the small island to see Three Pools Mirroring the Moon. We boarded the boat at Yue Temple Wharf and disembarked at Flower Harbor Viewing Fish Wharf, which also allowed us to visit Leifeng Pagoda and Jingci Temple.
West Lake
Aлi13 October 2026
5.0
Shanghai After Dark — The Bund Never Sleeps ✨“Where the river reflects a thousand city lights and the future rises above a timeless waterfront. The Bund is more than a view — it’s Shanghai at its most magical, where elegance, ambition, and endless dreams meet.” 🌃❤
The Bund
爱旅行的仙仙女10 August 2025
4.0
Hanshan Lake is a relatively small lakeside scenic area renowned for its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and ideal for relaxation. For travelers who enjoy this type of experience, its tranquility, beauty, and sense of detachment are its value. The lake boasts stunning natural scenery, a vast expanse of clear water, and is surrounded by verdant mountains and dotted with islands, creating a quintessential Jiangnan landscape. The scenery is tranquil and beautiful, especially in the early morning or evening, when mist lingers or the setting sun creates a captivating atmosphere, perfect for photographing and relaxing. Driving is recommended. Use the navigation system to "Tiantai Hanshan Lake" or "Hanshan Lake Resort." Avoid rainy days or high tides, as the bridge will be submerged in the lake.
Hanshan Lake
Anonymous user7 September 2026
5.0
Lingyin Temple is a must-visit when in Hangzhou, and it's easily worth spending a full day here. Our tour guide was very experienced and provided clear, insightful explanations throughout the tour. However, keep in mind that the flowers and candles offered for purchase through the guide were on the pricier side.A few critical planning tips if you are visiting soon:1) Temporary Closures: The cable car is closed from July 19 to September 20, and the First Wealth Temple (第一财神殿) is closed from May 25 to November 25.2) Entry Policy: Entry passes are strictly single-use—you cannot re-enter once you leave.3) Timing & Traffic: Plan to arrive before 8:00 AM and leave before 5:00 PM to avoid heavy traffic jams.4) reservation: While there is no separate entrance fee beyond the ticket, you must reserve a slot via WeChat in advance (or secure your reservation directly by purchasing this ticket).Overall, a wonderful experience—make sure to plan your timeline and expectations ahead of time!
Lingyin Feilai Peak Scenic Area
