How to Enjoy Jiangsu Xinghua? Unlocking the Most Enchanting Spring
In sunny March, it's a perfect time to go out and enjoy the blossoms. This spring, I returned to the poetic and picturesque water town Xinghua. It is a water town, but not in the traditional sense. Here you can find one-of-a-kind water-borne rape flowers, even recognized by the FAO as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System. There's the unique Lizhong Water Forest, where a bamboo raft ride feels like a dream.
As a historical and cultural city of Jiangsu Province, Xinghua also boasts attractions like Shi Nai'an's former residence, Zheng Banqiao's former residence, and Jindongmen Old Street, the number one old street from the Ming and Qing dynasties in central Jiangsu. How to enjoy Jiangsu Xinghua? Follow my footsteps and unlock the most enchanting spring.
This trip started from Hangzhou, Zhejiang, taking a high-speed train to Taizhou Station in Jiangsu, then driving for just over an hour to Xinghua city. The whole journey lasted three days and two nights, with the main itinerary as follows:
Day 1: Hangzhou – Taizhou Station – Zemu Yunju Homestay in Xinghua (overnight)
Day 2: Qianduo Scenic Area – Bishui Dongluo – Xinghua Museum – Sipailou – Bazi Bridge Square – Jindongmen Old Street – Zhuangyuan Archway – Zheng Banqiao Former Residence – Langting Hotel (dinner)
Day 3: Langting Hotel (Xinghua specialty breakfast) – Lizhong Water Forest – return trip
Transportation: Self-driving or chartering a car is recommended. The high-speed train to Taizhou Station then to downtown Xinghua takes about an hour.
Accommodation: Rooms are tight during the peak season for water rape flowers at Qianduo Scenic Area, so it's advisable to book in advance.
Food: Xinghua offers diverse cuisine, especially the unique morning tea—make sure you experience it.
Have you ever seen a water-borne rape flower field composed of over a thousand flower islands? The water rape flower sea at Qianduo Scenic Area is truly stunning. Unlike the common rape flowers you see, Qianduo's rape flowers grow on raised fields amid the water. The crisscrossing waterways have created over a thousand unique polders, each blanketed in golden rape blossoms.
Known as the 'Land of Ten Thousand Islands,' it is also one of the world's four great flower seas. You can stroll along the field paths to admire the flowers up close, climb the observation tower for a panoramic view of the spectacular sea of gold, or take a boat tour for a completely different way to appreciate the blossoms and enjoy a unique rape flower experience.
If you look closely, you'll notice many holes at the base of the polders—these are actually crab holes. Come see the rape flowers at Qianduo in spring, and return in autumn for Xinghua river crabs. What could be better?
Tips for Qianduo Scenic Area:
Address: Dongwang Village, Ganggu Township, Xinghua, Taizhou, Jiangsu.
Getting there: Self-driving or chartering a car is recommended; from Taizhou Station by car, it takes over an hour.
Opening hours: Daytime.
Tickets: Entrance ticket and boat ticket are 50 yuan each. We strongly recommend getting the boat ticket—the boat tour is well worth it. Online tickets often have discounts.
Highlights: Water-borne rape flowers.
Insider tip: The peak season runs from late March to mid-to-late April, so plan your trip in advance.
Beyond the unique water polder rape flowers, Xinghua also hides a breathtaking 'Wizard of Oz'—Lizhong Water Forest, where water flows through the woods, fish swim in the water, and birds inhabit the trees. It's a true hidden gem, celebrated as the 'Jiuzhaigou of Central Jiangsu' and the 'Bird Paradise of East China.' In the Lixiahe region, Lizhong Water Forest is also the largest artificial wetland forest ecological reserve.
The whole scenic area is densely covered with over 100,000 flourishing bald cypress and metasequoia trees—a magnificent sight! Tens of thousands of birds of various species make their home here. As you walk along the paths, you'll see birds flitting overhead. This pristine environment also attracts many visitors who enjoy fishing, sketching, and relaxing getaways.
Right now, the ground is carpeted with blooming February orchids, drawing visitors into a sea of blue-purple flowers. Lizhong Water Forest is made even more beautiful by these delicate blossoms. Don't miss the popular photo spot, the Mist Forest Fantasyland—it's especially photogenic!
But the most magical experience is drifting through the forest on a bamboo raft, taking in nature's gift in serene silence. Apart from the lovely natural scenery and the Mist Forest Fantasyland, the scenic area also features a forest maze, water lanes in the woods, and a Banqiao plank path, among other highlights.
Tips for Lizhong Water Forest Scenic Area:
Address: East of Shunchuan Road, Lizhong Town, Xinghua, Taizhou, Jiangsu.
Getting there: Self-driving or chartering a car is recommended; from Taizhou Station by car, it takes over an hour.
Opening hours: Daytime.
Tickets: Entrance ticket alone is 50 yuan; a combo ticket including the bamboo raft ride is 80 yuan.
Highlights: Unique water forest, the Instagrammable Mist Forest Fantasyland photo spot, and more.
Insider tip: We highly recommend getting the bamboo raft ticket—the rafting is absolutely worth it. The artificial mist at the Mist Forest Fantasyland is usually released on the hour, so don't miss out.
Bishui Dongluo is a distinctive pastoral village. Embraced by two rivers and two lakes, it features a village canteen, a cultural hall, and various charming guesthouses. Its location is excellent—both Qianduo Scenic Area and Lizhong Water Forest Scenic Area are within a 10-minute drive.
In the village, besides the ubiquitous rape flowers, there is also the Dongluo Qiushi Exhibition Hall. Old photos, farming tools, and an ancient firefighting device called a 'water dragon' not only tell the long history but also showcase the tremendous changes in Dongluo.
Tips for Bishui Dongluo:
Address: Dongluo Village, Ganggu Township, Qianduo Town, Xinghua, Taizhou, Jiangsu.
Getting there: Self-driving is recommended.
Opening hours: All day.
Tickets: Free.
Highlights: A distinctive pastoral village.
Insider tip: Besides its proximity to Qianduo Scenic Area, the village itself is well worth a visit.
The best window into a city is its local museum. As a national-level museum, it houses numerous attractions and exhibition halls, including the Shi Nai'an Memorial Hall, Fan Zhongyan Memorial Hall, Zheng Banqiao Memorial Hall, Liyuan Boat Hall, and the Xinghua County Government Office, among others.
The highlights inside are too many and too splendid to list. Zheng Banqiao's famous saying 'It's hard to be muddled,' the exquisitely carved Liyuan Boat Hall with its unique structure, and the Xinghua County Government Office dating back to the Chunhua period of the Northern Song Dynasty—these and many other attractions worth visiting are deeply loved by tourists. Don't miss them.
Tips for Xinghua Museum:
Address: No. 2 Fuqian Road, Xinghua, Taizhou, Jiangsu.
Getting there: Located in the city center with convenient transportation.
Opening hours: Daytime.
Tickets: 20 yuan.
Highlights: A national-level museum with rich collections.
Insider tip: It's recommended to listen carefully to the guide's explanation.
The landmark Sipailou (Four-Archway) is most eye-catching for the 47 invaluable plaques hanging under its upturned eaves. As a historical and cultural city of Jiangsu Province, Xinghua has a long history and has produced many talented individuals. This small Sipailou is not only a product of history and culture but also a treasure of contemporary Chinese calligraphy art.
Next to Sipailou is Bazi Bridge Square. In history, Bazi Bridge held a prominent position as Xinghua's most renowned ancient bridge, but it was later demolished. It was called 'Bazi Bridge' (eight-shaped bridge) because it intersected with Yongfu Bridge to form the shape of the Chinese character for 'eight' (八).
Tips for Sipailou and Bazi Bridge:
Address: No. 29 Pailou Middle Road, Xinghua, Taizhou, Jiangsu.
Getting there: Located in the city center with convenient transportation.
Opening hours: All day.
Tickets: Free.
Highlights: Landmark buildings.
Insider tip: There are night views here in the evening.
Jindongmen Old Street, with a history spanning a thousand years, is the premier old street from the Ming and Qing dynasties in central Jiangsu. It is home to historical sites like Shangchizhai Pharmacy, Zhao Haixian's Western-style Mansion, and Zhuangyuan Archway. Today, as a designated historical block of Jiangsu Province, it remains bustling with shops and commerce. Large clusters of Ming and Qing architecture have been preserved relatively intact.
Further inside, there is Zhuangyuan Alley, where Li Chunfang, the top imperial scholar (zhuangyuan) from the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty, spent his early years. The Zhuangyuan Archway, a single-gate, double-pillar stone memorial archway, stands right here.
Tips for Jindongmen Old Street:
Address: 100 meters east of the intersection of Deshenghu Road and Wenfeng Road, Xinghua, Taizhou, Jiangsu.
Getting there: Located in the city center with convenient transportation.
Opening hours: All day.
Tickets: Free.
Highlights: Large, well-preserved clusters of Ming and Qing architecture.
Insider tip: There are many small attractions here, so you can take your time exploring.
Zheng Banqiao, the most famous of the Eight Eccentrics of Yangzhou, is a household name. His former residence is elegantly laid out, fresh and tasteful. Taking a tour and listening to the guide's commentary will give you a good understanding of Zheng Banqiao's life and artistic achievements—it's very meaningful. Behind the residence lies a large back garden with a lovely environment.
Tips for Zheng Banqiao Former Residence:
Address: No. 7 Banqiao Road, Xinghua, Taizhou, Jiangsu.
Getting there: Located in the city center with convenient transportation.
Opening hours: Daytime.
Tickets: 10 yuan.
Highlights: Experience the charm of Zheng Banqiao.
Insider tip: The staff take a lunch break, so the residence is closed to visitors during that time.
'A morning feast of savory buns and tea, an evening soak to wash the day away.' Just like Cantonese morning tea, Xinghua's specialty breakfast tea will truly open your eyes. blanched dried tofu strips, braised dried tofu strips, crab roe buns, siu mai, red dates, jellyfish, sugar-pickled ginger, beef with vermicelli, sweet sticky rice cakes, egg and scallion pancakes... the dizzying array is a foodie's paradise.
I had my morning tea at the Langting Hotel. On the ground floor, the vast banquet hall usually used for weddings and conferences was packed with locals enjoying their breakfast tea. The staff told us that peak time for breakfast tea is around 8 a.m., winding down around 9:30 a.m.
Tips for breakfast tea at Langting Hotel:
Address: About 50 meters northeast of the intersection of Gongji Road and Yingwu Road, Xinghua, Taizhou, Jiangsu.
Getting there: Located in the city center with convenient transportation.
Opening hours: Basically before 9:30 a.m.
Highlights: Xinghua's specialty breakfast tea with great variety and excellent flavors.
Recommended dishes: Crab roe buns, blanched dried tofu strips, plain noodles in broth, etc.
Xinghua has many interesting homestays, and this time I stayed at Zemu Yunju Homestay in Liuze Village. The homestay stretches along the river, embracing a pastoral village style with modern urban touches. Step outside and you'll find rivers, small bridges, and rape flowers—it's wonderful. The most fun part is that the homestay has two wooden boats; if you wish, you can row out and explore the beautiful Liuze Village.
The guest rooms are comfortable, with cozy bedding and all necessary amenities. The balconies are very spacious and have sun umbrellas. The riverside area on the first floor and the terrace on the second floor are perfect for sitting back, enjoying the scenery, and soaking up the sun. Across from the lobby, there's also a lounge where you can read, sip tea, or play cards—utterly relaxing.
Tips for Zemu Yunju Homestay:
Address: Liuze Village, Xinghua, Taizhou, Jiangsu.
Getting there: Self-driving or taking a taxi is recommended.
Highlights: Well-equipped, beautiful environment, and a 20-minute drive to Qianduo Scenic Area.
Insider tip: It's best to park your car in the village parking lot and then walk to the homestay.
Xinghua is a hidden gem of a city. Its food and scenery are truly unique and unforgettable.
Travelogue Directory: 1. 【Watery Xinghua】 2. 【Itinerary Overview】 3. 【Practical Tips】 4. 【Qianduo Water Rape Flowers】 5. 【Lizhong Water Forest】 6. 【Bishui Dongluo】 7. 【Xinghua Museum】 8. 【Sipailou and Bazi Bridge】 9. 【Jindongmen Old Street】 10. 【Zheng Banqiao Former Residence】 11. 【Xinghua Special Breakfast】 12. 【Zemu Yunju Homestay】 13. 【Postscript】 Travel Information Hotel Index Strategy Index Flight Ticket Index Website Navigation Travel Index Cruise Index Corporate Travel Index Join Cooperation Distribution Alliance Friendly Links Corporate Gift Card Purchase Insurance Agency Agency Cooperation Hotel Joining Destination and Scenic Spot Cooperation More Join Cooperation About Ctrip About Ctrip Ctrip Hot Topics Contact Us Talent Recruitment User Agreement Privacy Policy Business License Security Center Ctrip Content Center Intellectual Property Trip.com Group Algorithm Disclosure
