A Blissful Slow Life in Water City Taizhou: 2 Days 1 Night

DAY1: Xinghua Lizhong Water Forest Park — Mei Garden — Taizhou Old Street — Fengcheng River Night Tour

DAY2: Morning Tea — Wanghai Tower — Qinhu Wetland Park — Qintong Ancient Town — Naval Vessel Culture Park

Taizhou is a water city, with a quarter of its area covered by water. The city is crisscrossed by the Zhongshi River, Yudai River, Dongshi River, and Xishi River, and has water areas such as Xiaoxihu and Taigang Port. Hence the saying, "The city is less than three li around, yet a waterway connects it all." So when visiting Taizhou, you must choose attractions related to water.

【Xinghua Lizhong Water Forest Park】

Covering an area of 1,050 mu, Xinghua Lizhong Water Forest Park is currently the largest artificial wetland forest ecosystem in the Lixiahe region. It is planted with over 100,000 trees such as metasequoia and pond cypress, forming a natural landscape of "forests with water, fish in the water, birds in the forest, and winding rivers." Riding a small boat slowly through the water, every shot looks like a masterpiece.

Tips: This time I chose to travel in the off-season. While it avoided the crowds, I also missed the opportunity to watch birds, which was a slight regret. If you want to experience the spectacular sight of thousands of birds flying together, you should come before October!

【Mei Garden】

In Mei Lanfang Park, there are "Four Wonders" worth seeing. The Mei Pavilion is the first wonder; the second is the large half-length white marble statue of Mei Lanfang; the third is the large white marble artistic image of Yang Taizhen, played by Mei Lanfang in the play "The Legend of Taizhen," located in the pool in front of the exhibition hall; the fourth is a giant stone tablet inscribed with the poem "Pounded in the Sand" written by Zhao Puchu during his visit to Taizhou.

【Morning Tea】

Delicious morning tea doesn't have to be in Guangdong. With a cup of clear tea, a plate of dried tofu shreds, and a basket of soup dumplings, you can also enjoy a leisurely life of "one tea, three dishes, and one noodle" in Taizhou. The key is that it's both delicious and affordable, making you want to try everything. If you don't eat until you can't walk, you've wasted your visit. Here are a few unique and personal favorites:

Dried tofu shreds (Gan Si): There are both versions drizzled with soy sauce and cooked in fresh soup, but both are rich in ingredients and incredibly tender. If you can only eat one dish in Taizhou, choose dried tofu shreds! You won't regret it.

Fish soup noodles (Yu Tang Mian): Although it's a plain noodle dish, its strength lies in the thick, milky white soup with a strong white pepper flavor. Drinking a bowl of this hot soup in winter is very warming.

Crab roe buns (Xie Huang Bao): Large and thick, filled with a mixture of pork and crab. Even though they're not soup buns, they're still delicious.

Vegetarian soup buns (Su Tang Bao): An innovative dish with vegetable filling, but still great in taste. Served on a tall small pedestal, it feels very ceremonial.

There are also other delicious large buns, soup dumplings, shaomai, etc. I'll explore them slowly next time...

Location: There are many morning tea shops at the entrance of Taizhou Old Street, such as Zhezheju and Haitangchun. This time I chose Geyue Tower above the Morning Tea Museum.

【Fengcheng River Night Tour】

The most famous water area in Taizhou is the Fengcheng River, and its night scenery is especially enchanting. Stepping into the night of Fengcheng River, colorful lights line both banks, reflecting off the trees and creating a riot of colors. The pavilions and towers in the distance, with their neon lights, add a touch of modernity. The lights are reflected on the Fengcheng River, making the water shimmer and glitter. Many citizens are night fishing by the riverbank, making the Fengcheng River a splendid painting.

When the cruise ship reaches Mei Garden, you can hear melodious Beijing opera and Kunqu opera, with sleeves dancing in the wind, shaking the shadows of the river lights.

【Wanghai Tower】

Wanghai Tower is a landmark building in Taizhou. Taizhou was called Hailing in ancient times, and although the sea has long receded, the name "Wanghai" (Sea-Viewing) remains. The tower has a simple and elegant design, located within the Fengcheng River Scenic Area. First built in the Southern Song Dynasty, it is known as the "First Tower of Jianghuai." Climbing the stairs and standing by the window, you can overlook the entire Taizhou city.

【Jiangyan Qinhu National Wetland Park】

Qinhu National Wetland Park is located in the Lixiahe area, one of the three famous lowlands in China, and is a national 5A-level tourist attraction. The park features a network of rivers, abundant reeds, and fresh air. It is home to many aquatic organisms, wetland organisms, and terrestrial organisms, including elk. The best way to visit is by taking a sculling boat, listening to folk songs, and watching water birds and wild ducks gather beside the boat. Connecting with nature is as simple as that.