2025 Xinghua Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

✨I think this is a must-visit attraction. 🥰 Over 100,000 water cypresses and pond cypresses are planted here. The towering water cypresses are very dense, forming a spectacular water forest park with the ponds. 🏃‍♀️ Stroll along the forest boardwalk, surrounded by lush greenery, and experience a real-life version of the Wizard of Oz. 🎐 [Recommended Activities]: 🧸 Bamboo Rafting Highly recommended! Sit on a small boat and slowly pass through the maze-like water forest, feeling like you are part of this huge oil painting, as if you are "traveling in a painting." ~🔮 Fog Forest Fantasy There are several shows every day. You can ask the staff before entering the park. At that time, artificial fog will rise in the forest, like a fairyland, instantly transporting you to a fairy tale world, perfect for taking photos! 📸 "Single Bamboo Drifting" A folk art performance worth seeing. 📌Tour Route: Egret Bridge - Wo Bo Bridge - Fog Forest Fantasy - Bamboo Rafting - Cypress Forest Jiuzhaigou 🎫Ticket: 50 ⏰Opening Hours: 8:00–17:00 (Note that ticket checking stops at 16:30) ❤[Tips]❤ 1. Light or bright-colored clothes are more photogenic. 2. You can bring a hat or umbrella to protect yourself from the sun and bird droppings. Haha.

#Mainland China Attractions Xinghua Qianduo Rapeseed Flower Scenic Area is located at the east end of Dongwang Village, Gangu Township, Xinghua City, Jiangsu Province. It is an important global agricultural cultural heritage. Qianduo is world-renowned for its unique "Duotian" landform. Every year when spring and summer turn around, the "Duo fields" surrounded by water in Qianduo Scenic Area are full of golden rapeseed flowers. The magnificent scenery of "rapeseed flowers blooming all over the ground" has attracted many tourists. “The river has thousands of bends with clear water, and every field is covered with yellow flowers” ​​is a true portrayal of the cauliflower in Xinghua’s fields. The scenery is really beautiful and worth a visit. The Thousand Island rapeseed flowers, known as "the most beautiful rapeseed flower sea in the country", are known as one of the four major flower seas in the world, along with the world-famous Provence lavender gardens, the Dutch tulip seas, and the Kyoto cherry blossoms.

Luoyang Baiyun Mountain Forest Oxygen Bar. Luoyang Baiyun Mountain Scenic Area has a forest oxygen bar, which is a good place for recreation. The total area of the forest oxygen bar is 80,000 square meters, the altitude of 1490 meters, good climatic conditions, and complete plant community make the Baiyunshan forest Internet cafe become the rare natural forest oxygen bar in the Central Plains. In the forest oxygen bar, the tall and straight Huashan pine and the blooming dry lotus are in harmony, and the refreshing mountain wind hits us with a full heart. Kneeling in the forest oxygen bar, greedily breathing the pure air here, drilling into the woods to take pictures, encountering mysterious animals, when the pace slows down, life becomes much better.

Surrounded by water, it blooms at four o'clock, and the rape blossoms from the spring breeze are dotted between the fields, elegant and elegant; they are rooted in the stream, fashionable and fresh; they accompany the ecological millennium, dignified and elegant. If peach blossoms are suitable for fine appreciation, plum blossoms are worthy of the wind, and the rape blossoms will win over the ground. Seeing peaches, enjoying plums, and enjoying chrysanthemums are more poetic paintings that people have given since ancient times. Looking at rapeseed flowers is much simpler. Simply feeling the vitality of spring, the golden eyes under the spring green is a kind of enjoyment.

This time, I chose to stay at Jiangsu Xinghua Guesthouse during my trip, and the experience far exceeded my expectations! The guesthouse is nestled in the water town of Xinghua, surrounded by a network of rivers. Opening the window reveals picturesque bridges and flowing water, exuding the charm of Jiangnan. The guesthouse boasts modern facilities and attentive service. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, blending traditional and modern elements seamlessly. I highly recommend the rooftop scenic suite, where you can enjoy the stunning night view of the water town with its lights reflecting on the river. The breakfast is diverse and incorporates local delicacies, leaving a lasting impression. The most delightful surprise was the guesthouse's unique offering—a chance to book a traditional boat ride to explore Xinghua's Thousand Islets Rapeseed Flower Fields (seasonal). It truly captures the essence of "sailing on emerald waves, living in a painting." If you're looking to experience the leisure and luxury of a water town, Xinghua Guesthouse is undoubtedly the perfect choice!

This time, I chose to stay at the Hilton Garden Hotel in Xinghua, Taizhou, Jiangsu, and the overall experience exceeded expectations! The hotel is located in the city center of Xinghua, just a 15-minute drive from the Qinduo Rapeseed Flower Scenic Area. The surrounding environment is tranquil, making it an excellent choice for relaxation. The hotel lobby features a modern and elegant design, with warm and attentive reception services. The guest rooms are spacious and comfortable, with soft beds and excellent natural lighting through the windows, offering beautiful morning views of sunlight streaming in. I particularly appreciated the thoughtful details in the room design, including comprehensive amenities and a welcoming fruit platter that made me feel truly at home. The hotel's restaurant serves high-quality breakfast with a wide variety of both Western and Chinese options. I especially recommend the freshly made Yangzhou fried rice and the local specialty morning tea. The gym is well-equipped, and the pool has crystal-clear water, allowing guests to maintain a healthy lifestyle even while traveling. If you're looking to experience the water-town charm of Xinghua while enjoying the quality service of an international hotel chain, the Hilton Garden Hotel is definitely worth recommending!

This time, I chose to stay at the Xizi Junting Hotel in Jiangsu, and the overall experience felt like stepping into a Jiangnan ink painting! The hotel is located by the shores of Taihu Lake in Wuxi, offering a breathtaking view of the vast lake right outside the window. Waking up in the morning, the misty lake view creates a sense of harmony with nature. The hotel's design seamlessly blends modern luxury with Jiangnan garden elements. The high-ceilinged lobby, paired with a circular water feature, exudes grandeur without losing its elegance. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the stunning lake and mountain scenery. The bedding is soft, ensuring a restful night's sleep. I highly recommend the rooftop lake-view terrace, where you can enjoy tea while admiring the view and watching the sunset paint the lake red—truly romantic. As for dining, the hotel's Chinese restaurant specializes in Taihu's "Three Whites" and seasonal river delicacies. The ingredients are fresh, and the dishes are exquisitely prepared, leaving a lasting impression. The staff are friendly and attentive, ensuring a thoughtful experience from check-in to check-out. If you're looking to indulge in the luxury and tranquility of Jiangnan's water towns, Xizi Junting Hotel is undoubtedly the perfect choice!

During my trip to Xinghua, I chose to stay at the "Changjiu International Hotel," and the overall experience exceeded my expectations! The hotel is conveniently located in the heart of the city, just a 15-minute drive from Xinghua Old Street and the Thousand-Islet Rapeseed Flower Scenic Area, making it easy to explore the charm of this "water forest city." What surprised me the most was the hotel's design and ambiance—the lobby boasts an 8-meter-high ceiling adorned with water-town-themed art installations, creating a poetic atmosphere. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the city. The bedding was perfectly soft, ensuring a restful night's sleep. I highly recommend the rooftop "Water Charm Tea Bar," where you can enjoy a drink in the evening while admiring the stunning sunset over Xinghua's islet fields—truly a delightful experience. As for dining, the breakfast buffet offers a wide variety of options, and the local specialty morning tea, "Xinghua Fish Balls," is a must-try! The staff were friendly and even proactively assisted with planning transportation to scenic spots. If you're looking to experience Xinghua's water-town charm combined with modern comfort, this hotel is undoubtedly an ideal choice!

During my trip to Xinghua, Jiangsu, I chose to stay at the Jinling International Hotel, and I was thoroughly impressed! The hotel is conveniently located in the city center, just a 15-minute drive from Xinghua Old Street and the Thousand-Islet Rapeseed Flower Scenic Area, making it easy to plan my itinerary. The hotel lobby is grand and elegant, blending modern and traditional elements to create a comfortable ambiance. The rooms are spacious and clean, with soft and cozy beds and excellent soundproofing, ensuring a restful night's sleep. I particularly loved the floor-to-ceiling windows in the room, which allowed for plenty of natural sunlight and offered a wide-open view in the morning. The hotel restaurant serves local delicacies, such as Xinghua fish balls and rice cakes, which were absolutely delightful. The staff were also warm and attentive. What surprised me the most was the hotel's family-friendly facilities. The children's play area is well-equipped, making it ideal for families traveling with kids. If you're planning a trip to Xinghua and looking for a hotel with convenient transportation and thoughtful service, Jinling International Hotel is definitely the top choice!

📍Address: Qingshan Lake 🗂️Documents: Bring valid ID such as a passport. Visitors eligible for half-price or free admission should carry relevant certificates. 👔 Clothing: Light-colored or low-saturation outfits are recommended for better photos. Also, bring mosquito repellent and sunscreen. 🍝 Extras: Pack snacks and water. Camping gear like tents and picnic mats can also be prepared. 🚗 Transportation Guide 🚗 By Car: Navigate to Liuzhuang Post Station Parking Lot or Water Forest Parking Lot (¥5/hour). 🚄 By Metro: Take Line 16 to Balibali Station (Exit C1) or Qingshan Lake Station (Exit D), then walk 10-15 minutes to the scenic area. 🎫 Ticket Info 🌸🌸 Lakeside Greenway: Free entry. 🌸🌸 Water Forest Ticket: 4⃣0⃣ yuan/person, with discounts or exemptions for eligible groups. 📝 Activities 1⃣ Boat Tours: Options include painted boats, speedboats, kayaks, and gondolas. Depart from Water Forest Pier, Shenghe Pier, or Qinshan Pier. Combo tickets offer better value. 2⃣ Water Sports: The Water Sports Center at Sun Bay Post offers jet skis, paddleboarding, and flyboarding. 3⃣ Lakeside Cycling: Rent bikes at the entrance and ride along the greenway. Recommended route: Water Forest Entrance → Poplar Bay Post → Flower Sea → Sun Bay Post. 4⃣ Camping & BBQ: The large lawn is free for camping. Some areas allow barbecuing—check in advance. 🍝 Food Recommendations 💗 Yuyin Restaurant: Lakeside seating with stunning views. Try steamed white fish and fried shrimp. 💗 Hushanhui Restaurant: Serves local specialties in an elegant setting. 💗 Jiangnan Master Chef: Exquisite dishes catering to diverse tastes. 🏘️ Accommodation 🍁 Yuyuan B&B: The only lakeside homestay in the area (4 rooms only; book early). 🍁 Zhao Jian Cultural Homestay: Beautiful and hospitable, offering a homey vibe. 📸 Photo Spots 🙈 Water Forest Boardwalk: A fairytale-like stroll. 🙈 Autumn Redwoods: Best viewed late November to early December; a picturesque blend of redwoods and lake. 🙈 "Matcha Lake": Duckweed-covered waters create a photogenic green hue. 💗💗 Extra Tips 👉 Safety First: Wear life jackets for water activities. Redwood trails are slippery after rain—opt for anti-slip shoes or rain boots. ​ 👉 Protection: Mosquitoes are abundant, especially in summer evenings. Bring repellent and sun protection (sunscreen, hats, etc.). ​ 👉 Plan Wisely: Avoid weekends/holidays. Arrive before 10 AM on weekdays or 9 AM on weekends. Dining options are limited; pack food and water. Wear comfy shoes for cycling. ​ 👉 Notes: Drone use requires prior approval. E-bikes are banned on the greenway; rent bikes and follow marked routes to avoid getting lost.

𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥｜Slow Life in the Water City❕Taizhou 2 Days 1 Night Travel Guide❕ - Recently, the "Su Super League" has been really popular. Taizhou, the contender of the morning tea culture, can be considered a niche travel destination among the thirteen generals. Spend a weekend here to feel the comfort engraved in your bones❕Guide attached～ - 🌿Day 1: Hailing District・Deep Dive into Old City Culture ▫️ Qiao Garden｜600-Year-Old Garden’s Light and Shadow Magic Arrive at 8 o’clock! The Huangshi rockery in the morning light glows with a bluish-gray hue, and the moon gate draped with vines perfectly frames the distant waterside pavilion. Take a "framed view" photo to post on social media with the caption "Accidentally entering the dream of a Ming Dynasty garden maker." This is the work of Ming Dynasty "Mountain Stacking Master" Zhou Tingce, truly a peaceful oasis amid the bustle. ▫️ Old Street｜Taoyuan Gathering Place of Morning Tea Culture The short old street also hides Taoyuan, where Kong Shangren left his mark. Here you can enjoy the scenery of Fengcheng River and glimpse Wanghailou Tower. The morning tea culture museum on the bluestone road records the Taizhou people's morning tea culture of "morning dumplings with soup, evening soup with dumplings." ▫️ Mei Garden｜Spiritual Homeland of Peking Opera Master At the Mei Lanfang Historical Exhibition Hall, you can see the master's performance scripts. The handwritten annotations reveal the artist’s rigor. The biggest surprise is the "Mei Pavilion" in the backyard, where the pavilion columns are engraved with lyrics from "The Drunken Beauty." Sitting inside the pavilion listening to staff explain the embroidery craft on the costumes, you learn that it takes a whole year to embroider a single opera robe. ▫️ Fengcheng River Night Cruise｜Water Version of Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival Choose the "Painted Boat + Pingtan" combo ticket! When the boat reaches Wanghailou Tower, the Pingtan artist will sing "Night Mooring by Maple Bridge." The soft Wu dialect combined with lanterns along the riverbank makes you feel like you’ve traveled back to the Tang and Song dynasties. Remember to stand at the bow to take panoramic photos; the ancient buildings on both sides intertwined with modern lights guarantee a 100% great shot. - 🌿Day 2: Xinghua・Double Impact of Nature and Culture ▫️ Hailing Old Street Morning Tea Big Three｜Carb Happiness Ceiling ▪️ "Pibaoshui Teahouse": Must order crab roe soup dumplings; sip the broth with a straw before eating the skin, so fresh it’ll make your eyebrows fall off ▪️ "Huangqiao Shaobing Shop": Freshly baked sesame flatbread, sweet red bean paste or savory pork floss fillings, one bite and it crumbles deliciously ▪️ "Five-Flavored Dried Tofu": Hot dried tofu strips drizzled with sesame oil, served with a plate of shredded ginger; this bite is the soul of Taizhou morning tea ▫️ Li Zhong Water Forest｜China’s Amazon Must try "Bamboo Raft Drifting"! The raftman sings local folk songs as the bamboo raft passes through dense pond cypress forests. Tree roots form natural "bonsai" in the water, and occasionally small fish leap out. At the end of the wooden boardwalk is the "Sky Corridor Bridge." Climb up to overlook the entire green ocean; photos look like a scene from "Avatar." ▫️ Zheng Banqiao Former Residence｜Realistic Projection of Bamboo and Rock Spirit In the small courtyard are three "Guardian Stones" shaped like the strange rocks in Mr. Banqiao’s paintings. On the study desk is a replica brush; you can’t help but imitate and paint a few bamboo strokes. Although clumsy, you instantly understand the artistic pursuit of "removing redundancy to leave clarity and slenderness." Next to the residence is a small bamboo forest, perfect for taking artistic photos of "bamboo shadows sweeping the steps." 📝Practical Information: * Stay near Fengcheng River Scenic Area/Old Street for convenient walking back to the hotel after night tours * Self-driving or chartering a car is recommended in Xinghua for convenience * Hidden gems: Republic of China Post Office at Daohe Bay, brick-carved gate towers on Jindongmen Old Street, worth a stop on the way!

𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥｜The Ultimate Taizhou Travel Guide: Eat, Drink & Explore - Taizhou is So Beautiful, We Can't Wait for You to Visit! This underrated city is full of surprises - here's your guide! - 🚗【Transportation】 ✈️Airport: Yangzhou Taizhou International Airport 🚄Train: Taizhou Station has frequent services with direct connections from many cities, and convenient access to all urban areas. 🚕Hailing District attractions are concentrated and perfect for city walks, while Xinghua and Jiangyan scenic spots are best explored by car. - 🏠【Accommodation】 🌟Hailing District: Close to core attractions like Fengcheng River Scenic Area and Taizhou Old Street, rich in cultural atmosphere with convenient dining and transportation. - 🍱【Local Delicacies】 🥟Crab Roe Soup Dumplings: The star of Taizhou breakfast! Thin wrappers bursting with rich crab roe broth - an explosion of umami in every bite. 🥢Blanced Shredded Tofu: Finely sliced tofu served with special sauce - refreshing and endlessly enjoyable. 🍜Fish Noodle Soup: Milky-white fish broth so delicious it'll make your eyebrows dance, paired with perfectly chewy noodles. 🥞Huangqiao Sesame Cakes: Crispy exterior with diverse sweet or savory fillings, best enjoyed fresh from the oven. 🦀Qin Lake Eight Delicacies: Featuring lake specialties like steamed white fish and braised mandarin fish - each dish exceptionally fresh. - 🌅【Attractions】 🎇Fengcheng River Night Cruise: A must-do! Admire illuminated ancient architecture along the riverbanks, experiencing Taizhou's unique charm. 🏮Taizhou Old Street: Free admission with ancient alleys, abundant snacks, and an early tea museum - nearby Taoyuan Garden is also worth visiting. 🏡Mei Lanfang Memorial Garden: Built to honor the Peking Opera master, offering insights into his life and artistic achievements. 🌲Qiao Garden: "The Finest Garden East of Huai River" - a tranquil Ming Dynasty masterpiece by rockery expert Zhou Tingce in the city center. 🏞️Qinhu National Wetland Park: 5A-rated with lakes, rivers, marshes and wildlife including milu deer. 🌳Lizhong Water Forest: Unique landscape of trees growing in water - explore by bamboo raft.

In Taizhou, Jiangsu, there is a small town favored by time—Xinghua. It is a hidden gem in the Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai region, combining the gentle charm of the southern water towns with unique cultural customs. Take advantage of the beautiful springtime and join this water town rendezvous! 🚗 1. How to get there - Self-driving: About 2 hours from Nanjing, 3-4 hours from Suzhou and Shanghai. The highways are smooth all the way, and the scenery along the route is quite nice. Driving allows you to stop anytime to enjoy the views. - High-speed train: First arrive at Taizhou Station, where there are frequent shuttle buses to Xinghua. The connections are very convenient, and the whole trip takes about 1.5 hours. 2. How to play (two days and one night) Day 1 Morning: Arrive in Xinghua and head straight to Qianduo Scenic Area to admire the vast sea of rapeseed flowers 🌼. Take a rowboat to glide through the flower sea, immersing yourself in the wonderful scene of "boats traveling in a painting, people walking among flowers." Noon: Enjoy authentic Xinghua cuisine at a farmhouse restaurant near the scenic area. Afternoon: Go to Wujindang Park and ride along Waterway No. 1 🚲, appreciating the natural scenery and cultural sights along the shore, experiencing the ecological beauty of the water town. Evening: Visit Jindongmen Scenic Area to stroll the ancient street, see Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, taste various snacks, and feel the lively atmosphere of the old town. Day 2 Morning: Head to Lizhong Water Forest Park, take a wooden raft drifting along, see towering dawn redwoods, and listen to birdsong 🐦, as if stepping into a fairy tale world. Noon: Dine near the park and try the local fresh water delicacies. Afternoon: Check in at Zheng Banqiao’s Former Residence to learn about the life and artistic achievements of this "Yangzhou Eight Eccentrics" member and feel the rich cultural heritage. 3. Must-visit attractions 1. Qianduo Scenic Area: One of the world's "Four Great Flower Seas," where 4,600 acres of rapeseed flowers bloom wildly from March to April, creating a golden sea. Climb the viewing platform for a panoramic view; take a rowboat to the heart of the flowers, surrounded by their fragrance. 2. Lizhong Water Forest Park: The Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai version of the "Green Light Forest" 🌳, with dawn redwoods shading the sky, wooden rafts drifting slowly, and various migratory birds visible. In the early morning or evening, mist creates a dreamlike scene. 3. Wujindang Park: An ecological park born of water, with a 16-kilometer Waterway No. 1 connecting major scenic spots. You can cycle or walk, enjoy the water town scenery, and experience water sports. 4. Jindongmen Scenic Area: An ancient street district with a thousand years of history, preserving Ming and Qing architectural styles. Walking here feels like traveling through time. It also features historical sites like Shangchizhai and Zhuangyuanfang. 5. Zheng Banqiao’s Former Residence: The birthplace and early home of Zheng Banqiao, a Qing dynasty folk house. Here you can see his personal belongings and over a thousand collections related to the "Yangzhou Eight Eccentrics," experiencing the lifestyle of literati. 6. Baziqiao Bridge: Built in the second year of Ming Chenghua reign, named for the "eight" shape formed by the intersection of Zhonghe Bridge and Chang’an Bridge. It has now become a cultural tourism and leisure street where you can enjoy food and buy souvenirs 🎁. 7. Sipailou: Built during the Ming Wanli period, the pavilion houses 47 plaques hung in a "pin" character shape, commemorating 74 famous figures from Xinghua from the Song, Yuan to late Qing dynasties, including Yan Zhenqing, Wen Zhengming, and Zheng Banqiao, showcasing their calligraphy. 4. What to eat 1. Xinghua morning tea: Considered the pinnacle of morning tea, featuring dishes like hot shredded tofu, crab roe buns, Yangchun noodles, and brown sugar crispy cakes, with a wide variety. Recommended places are Qingfeng Teahouse and Dahua Restaurant, both popular local old shops. 2. Shagou Fish Balls: An intangible cultural heritage delicacy made from white fish or grass carp, boiled in oil or water, with a delicate and smooth texture that melts in your mouth. 3. Shagou Lotus Root Sandwich: Lotus root slices stuffed with meat filling, crispy outside and tender inside, perfectly blending the fragrance of lotus root and meat, very satisfying with each bite. 4. Zhongzhuang Drunken Crab: With a 600-year history, made using a unique marinating and sweet rice wine soaking process that removes fishy smell while preserving freshness, tender meat, delicious flavor, and rich wine aroma. 5. Accommodation near attractions 1. Around Qianduo Scenic Area: Best for early risers to watch the flower sea sunrise. Recommended is Zhaoyangli Forest Hotel, with comfortable and clean environment, some rooms offering direct views of the scenery, free breakfast, about 20 minutes from downtown. 2. City center: Convenient for travel and dining. All Seasons Hotel (Xinghua Fengshou Road Branch) has a prime location, attentive service, and complete facilities. 6. Travel tips 1. March to May is peak tourist season, especially around Qingming Festival, when Qianduo Scenic Area is crowded. It is recommended to book tickets and accommodation in advance. 2. Remember to bring mosquito repellent when visiting Lizhong Water Forest Park, as there are many mosquitoes in the forest; also bring binoculars for birdwatching. 3. Prices inside scenic areas are slightly higher, so bring some snacks and water. When trying local specialties, choose reputable restaurants to avoid being overcharged. Encounter springtime in Xinghua and discover the most beautiful water town scenery. Come to this small town and start a romantic journey! 💕 #XinghuaTravelGuide #JiangsuZhejiangShanghaiGetaway #SpringFlowerViewing #WaterTownCharm

I've always wanted to check out the rapeseed flowers in the paddy fields of Xinghua, Taizhou, so I took the chance to visit Taizhou and nearby Changzhou for a five-day spring tour in Jiangnan. Day 1: Beijing - Changzhou, Museum, Qingguo Lane The Wenpu Hotel in Changzhou is amazing, with a great location. The building itself is a scenic spot, and the facilities and management are excellent. The breakfast even includes local snacks. Nearby is the old-chain Yinsi Noodle Restaurant, where the sweet and sour pork ribs have a strong Jiangnan flavor. At the Changzhou Museum, the town’s treasure, a Southern Song Dynasty vermilion lacquered makeup box, was surprisingly not on display, so I bought a fridge magnet as a consolation. However, other artifacts in the museum are also worth seeing. Qingguo Lane, known as the first lane of Jiangnan literati, has many attractions inside. The shops are lively, offering shrimp cakes, sesame cakes, tofu pudding, hairtail fish wontons, and a variety of snacks. You can easily spend half a day wandering here. Day 2: Tianning Temple, Dongpo Garden, Baolin Zen Temple, Banshan Bookstore At Hongmei Garden and Tianning Temple, unfortunately, the red plum blossoms had already withered, but Tianning Temple was bustling with incense offerings. Walking along the river to Dongpo Garden, the purple bauhinia flowers were in full bloom by the roadside. Dongpo Garden is built on an urban oasis, with a quiet and elegant garden. After 2 p.m., many famous restaurants were closed, so I went to a very small private kitchen. The sweet and sour fish was delicious, and they even had dishes like stir-fried garlic sprouts with broad beans. At Baolin Zen Temple, I hoped to catch the late cherry blossoms but was too late, so I just took a photo of a large pineapple. The popular Banshan Bookstore was really mediocre, just a wall of books, not worth a special visit. Most books were sealed and not allowed to be read, which was baffling. Day 3: Taizhou Qiao Garden, Plum Garden, Old Street Driving to Taizhou, Qiao Garden, praised by Chen Congzhou as "the first garden on the left of the Huai River," is a hidden gem in the garden world. It is low-key and luxurious, with every glance like an unfolding painting. Plum Garden was built to commemorate the art master Mei Lanfang. I ate at an old Taizhou cuisine intangible cultural heritage restaurant, trying white sauce pufferfish and crab roe tofu, which were not too impressive. Strolled around the old street, right next to Taoyuan, but there was nothing particularly new to see. The old tea house Haitangchun was less crowded in the afternoon, so I had an early evening tea there. The buns were exquisite, the fish soup noodles fresh, and the fried stinky tofu tasty. Day 4: Xinghua Duotian Rapeseed Flowers, Water Forest A day tour in Xinghua: you can buy a combined ticket for the paddy field rapeseed flowers and the Li Zhong Water Forest, which includes boat and bamboo raft rides, making it quite cost-effective. The rapeseed flowers are very photogenic, and the water forest is even more beautiful, like entering a fairyland. In Xinghua city, I visited the former residence of Zheng Banqiao, a very small courtyard next to the Zhuangyuan Square. I ate at a local restaurant with home-style meatballs, eel, and tiger shark, all very fresh. It is said that Xinghua’s morning tea is also delicious. Day 5: Taizhou Morning Tea, Taizhou Museum, Liuyuan I went to Huibinlou for morning tea, recommended by the hotel staff. It was not crowded, the environment was comfortable, and it felt a bit like Cantonese morning tea. The buns were bigger than those at Haitangchun, and the lotus root starch balls were very distinctive. A tour of Taizhou Museum showed the tomb of the Ming Dynasty couple Xu Fan and his wife, exhibiting two complete mummies that are lifelike. Finally, I took a walk in Liuyuan opposite the hotel, which houses the Liu Jingtian Storytelling and Talk Museum, focusing on collecting various materials in this field, which was quite interesting. In the evening, I took the train back to Beijing. In five days, I checked off two Jiangnan cities, enjoying full spring gardens, rural scenery, regional culture, local cuisine, and fresh fish, truly a joyful experience. April 2025

An amazing Chinese-style courtyard in Taizhou's Shagou Ancient Town! This quaint Chinese courtyard is simply blissful! ✅ Traditional-style courtyard ✅ Located within the scenic area ✅ Spacious and super comfortable rooms Surrounded by various attractions within the scenic area (no vehicles allowed), I initially thought it might be too deep inside, but opening the gate completely exceeded expectations. The nighttime lighting creates such a relaxing atmosphere. 🪩 Prime location Just across the alley is Dashi Chanlin Temple, where you can pray to the God of Wealth! 💵 You can savor local specialties within the scenic area. Convenient for dining, entertainment, and shopping—simply perfect. 🪩 Roomy and cozy accommodations The rooms are quite spacious with high ceilings, giving an authentic old-courtyard vibe. The bathroom is also generously sized with separate wet and dry areas, making the stay exceptionally comfortable. 😌

Attraction recommendations • History and Culture: Wanghai Tower was built in the Southern Song Dynasty and is the "first building of Jianghuai", overlooking the beautiful scenery of Taizhou; Nanshan Temple was built during the Tang Dynasty, the Wenfeng Pagoda in the temple was rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty; • Natural scenery: Qinhu National Wetland Park is rich in natural resources, with rare animals such as Danding cranes and elk; Lizhong Water Forest Park is an artificial ecological forest with water fir and pond fir trees, forming a water garden; • Characteristic neighborhoods and ancient towns: Fengcheng River Scenic Area blends natural and human characteristics, with Taoyuan, Old Street and other attractions, you can go boating and listen to music; Qintong Ancient Town is surrounded by water, Ming and Qing ancient buildings are well preserved, and holds the Qintong Boat Festival every year; Food recommendations • Morning Tea Series: Taizhou morning tea is rich and varied, with a refreshing dry silk, fish soup noodle soup is fresh and delicious, crab roe soup packets are rich in soup and full of crab roe. • Specialty snacks: Jingjiang meatballs are red and sweet; Huangqiao grilled cakes are crispy on the outside and filled with various flavors such as minced meat, bean paste and ham; Accommodation options • Hailing District: If you want to experience the cultural heritage and leisurely life of Taizhou, you can choose to stay in Hailing District, close to Fengcheng River Scenic Area and Mei Lanfang Memorial Hall, such as Taizhou Fuli Wanda Jiahua Hotel and Huazhu Luxury Taizhou Old Street Fengcheng River Hotel. • Jiangyan District: If you like to be close to nature, consider staying in Jiangyan District, which provides easy access to Qinhu National Wetland Park, such as Dinghaopai Hotel (Taizhou Jiangyan Bus Station Renmin Middle Road Branch). Transportation Guide • External transportation: You can choose to arrive at Yangzhou Taizhou International Airport by plane, then take the airport bus to Taizhou city area; • Transportation in the city: Bus, taxi or bike-sharing travel is available within the city, with travel dedicated lines to some attractions. Touring route recommendations • Day Trip: Taizhou Fengcheng River Scenic Area → Mei Lanfang Memorial Hall → Qiaoyuan. • Two-day tour: Day 1, Qinhu National Wetland Park → Qintong Ancient Town, Day 2, Xinghua Qiandao Cauliflower Scenic Area → Lizhong Water Forest. • Three-day tour: Day 1, Taizhou Fengcheng River Scenic Area → Taizhou Old Street → Wanghai Tower; Day 2, Qinhu National Wetland Park → Qintong Ancient Town → Overseas Chinese Town Cloud Sea Hot Spring; Day 3, Xinghua Qiandao Cauliflower Scenic Area → Li Zhong Water Forest → Zheng Banqiao Former Residence.

| Taizhou 2-Day 1-Night Hidden Itinerary. ### [Subverting the Cognitive Formula of Taizhou] **◆ Morning Waterfront Ritual** - **6:30 Guyuelou Morning Tea Password** A local-approved way to eat: dried bean curd threads + crab roe soup dumplings + fish soup wontons "three-piece set." The key is to learn the "open the window first, then drink the soup" mantra (CNY 35 per person; arrive before 7am to avoid the line). - **8:00 Fengcheng River Gondola Ride** Choose the "Sanshuiwan-Meiyuan" section to avoid tour groups. The boatman will sing a water chestnut-picking tune (CNY 38 per person, free ginkgo leaf bookmark). **◆ Noon Cultural Code** - **10:30 Salt Tax Museum Trivia** Touch the Song Dynasty tax silver brick, the "treasure of the museum," and transform into an ancient salt merchant on the AR screen (closed on Tuesdays; the docent has a hidden storyline). - **13:00 Zhonglou Lane Creative Stroll** Check in at three easter eggs: ① "Laixin" coffee shop at the entrance of the alley to send future postcards ② Qing Dynasty hitching posts embedded in the blue brick wall ③ Intangible cultural heritage tiger shoe studio DIY (reservations required). --- ### [Advanced Guide to the Local Palate] **✓ Street Food Blitz** - Nanyuan Stinky Tofu (mobile stall on Shuidong Street): Look for the old couple with the red umbrella, served with special soybean paste + diced radish (stall opens at 3pm). - Huangqiao Sesame Cake Intangible Cultural Heritage Workshop: Freshly baked Longhu Dou flavor (savory and sweet mix), bagged ones need to be refrigerated (CNY 6 each). - Qinhu Eight Delicacies Banquet Hidden Menu: Ask the boss to replace the mitten crabs with freshly caught "June Yellow" crabs for a surge in value for money (CNY 120 per person). **✓ Late-Night Highlight Moments** - Old Street Fried Food Stall Unspoken Rules: The plum blossom cake should have caramelized edges, and the most authentic stinky tofu dipping sauce is in a Sprite bottle. - "Late-Night Noodle Stall" on Hailing South Road: Soul-soothing pork liver Yangchun noodles + soft-boiled egg, freshly stir-fried toppings (appears after 21:30). --- ### [Immersive Experience Checklist] ❶ **Qintong Ancient Town Non-Typical Route** - Avoid the main street and take the "Former Residence of Academicians → Green Tree Zen Temple → Camellia Ancient Tree" route, and take a wooden boat across the river for CNY 2. - Must-do: Stamp the "Qinhu Postmark" at the old post office and buy a cattail bag woven by the old lady on Mashi Road. ❷ **Lizhong Water Forest Mist and Forest Adventure** - Enter the "Mist and Forest System" during the activation period at 3pm. It is recommended to wear Hanfu to take pictures of the Tyndall effect on the boardwalk. - Unlock gameplay: Rent a bamboo raft and pole it yourself (CNY 80/hour), and be careful to avoid the "blocking" gray herons. ❸ **Salt Canal Night Cruise New Gameplay** - Choose the "Acrostic Talk Show Special" route (Fri/Sat 19:30) and listen to the boatman tell the unofficial history of the salt merchants. - Easter egg: Scan the QR code at the "Daohe Ancient Street" terminal to receive a luminous lantern. --- ### [99% of Guides Don't Write About These Pitfalls] ⚠️ Transportation: - Renting a shared electric scooter in the city is faster than taking a taxi (key areas have electronic fences). - The parking lot of Qianduo Scenic Area is 3 km from the entrance. Remember to bargain down to CNY 5 per person when taking a villager's tricycle. ⚠️ Accommodation: - Give priority to B&Bs around Daohe Ancient Street/Liuyuan, where you can stay in old Ming and Qing Dynasty houses for CNY 200+ (recommended "Yinlu," which has Pingtan morning classes). - Beware of false advertising of "near Qinhu Lake." You need to check the satellite location for real lake view rooms. ⚠️ Season Limited: - Be careful when choosing weekends for the Qianduo Cole Flower Festival at the end of March. It is recommended to enter the park at 6am to take pictures of the unmanned flower sea. - During the Qinhu mitten crab season in October, look for the "Qinhu Green" anti-counterfeiting ring on the crab's feet. --- ### [100% Film Production Rate Photography Secrets] 📸 Diaopu Old Street Rotating Staircase: Light and shadow cut blue brick walls at 4pm 📸 Xinghua Jindongmen Old Street: Use a telephoto lens to capture the salted fish and roof tiles drying in the same frame 📸 Qianduo Scenic Area Viewing Platform: There is a hidden take-off point 200m outside the no-fly zone for drones

Lizhong Water Forest Park Travel Guide: Dreamy Metasequoia Forest, Boating Among the Treetops 🌿 Scenic Area Overview Lizhong Water Forest Park is located in Xinghua, Jiangsu Province. It is a rare large-scale water forest in East China, known for its unique landscape of "water in the forest and forest in the water." Thousands of acres of metasequoia and pond cypress stand in the water, with egrets in groups. The scenery is different in the four seasons. In particular, the redwoods are fiery in autumn, and the green is cool in summer, like a real-life "Wizard of Oz." 🚗 Transportation Guide 📍 Address: No. 1 Shunchuan Road, Lizhong Town, Xinghua City, Taizhou City, Jiangsu Province 🚘 Self-driving: Starting from Nanjing/Shanghai, it takes about 3–4 hours by car (navigate to "Lizhong Water Forest Park") Parking: There is a parking lot in the scenic area, CNY 10/time 🚌 Public transportation: Take Tourist Route 1/Tourist Route 2 from Xinghua city to reach directly (about 40 minutes) Take the high-speed train to Taizhou Station/Yancheng Station, then take a taxi or rent a car (about 1.5 hours) 🎫 Tickets & Opening Hours Tickets: CNY 80 (including wooden raft rafting) Discounts: Half price for students/seniors, free for children under 1.4m Opening hours: 8:00–17:30 (recommended to visit for 3–4 hours) Best season: April–May (new green herons return to their nests) October–November (redwoods reflect the water, the autumn colors are beautiful) 🚣‍♂️ Must-Play Experiences 1. Water Forest Rafting (included in the ticket) Take a bamboo raft through the metasequoia forest. The boat travels between the trees, and people walk in the painting. The sun shines through the leaves and sprinkles on the water, the light and shadow are beautiful! 📸 Photo spot: Mist Forest Area (artificial mist is lingering, full of fairy spirit) 2. Bird Watching Paradise This is the habitat of egrets and night herons. You can see the spectacular scene of thousands of birds returning to their nests in the early morning or evening. 3. Forest Boardwalk Hiking Stroll along the wooden boardwalk, observe the root system of the metasequoia trees up close, and feel the tranquility and vitality of the forest. 4. Misty Forest Experience (open at fixed times) Artificial spray creates a dreamy mist effect, suitable for taking forest-style blockbusters! 5. Parent-child interaction Fishing, crab fishing (summer limited) Forest train (suitable for children) 🍽️ Food Recommendations Xinghua Specialties: Qinhu mitten crab (must-eat in autumn) Xinghua Fish Balls (fresh, tender and chewy) Water Town Lotus Root Sandwich (crispy and sweet) Inside the scenic area: There are simple meals and snacks. It is recommended to bring your own snacks and water. 📌 Play Tips ✅ Best time to visit: before 9 am or after 3 pm, the light is soft and there are fewer tourists. ✅ Dress recommendation: Light/forest-style clothing is more photogenic, prevent mosquitoes in summer, and keep warm in winter. ✅ Must-bring items: sunscreen, hat, camera (drones need to be reported). ✅ Avoid crowds: Weekends and holidays are crowded, it is recommended to go on weekdays. 🏡 Accommodation Recommendations Near the scenic area: Lizhong Town Homestay (economical and affordable, experience the water town life) Xinghua City: Star hotels (such as Xinghua Tianbao Garden Hotel) 🌟 Nearby Attractions Qianduo Scenic Area (rape flower sea in spring, marigold field in autumn) Former Residence of Zheng Banqiao (feel the culture of Xinghua) 📢 Summary: Lizhong Water Forest Park is suitable for tourists who like nature, photography, and slow travel. It is beautiful in all seasons, especially recommended for the autumn redwood season!

🌸【Xinghua | Water Village May Roaming Guide】500+ per capita Play around with the sea of ​​golden flowers and the ancient charm of thousands of years! 🚣♀️ ✨Opening Blow✨ Who says there is only Wuzhen and Xitang in the south of the Yangtze River? This niche treasure hidden in Taizhou - Xinghua is the wildest Jiangnan in May! 3000+ water fields are paved into a golden maze, the sea of ​​rapeseed flowers is more magical than Venice, and you can stay in the starry sky B&B on the edge of the reeds. As the hometown of the author of "The Legend of Shui Yung", even the air here is filled with the fragrance of Zheng Banqiao's ink~ (📸The nine-square grid is ready, come and copy your homework!) 🌞DAY1: Break into Hayao Miyazaki’s oil painting world ☀️Morning Light 7:00 | Thousands of Scenic Area Light Chasing Tips Tickets $120 | Opens at 7:30 to grab the C seat! Take the celebrity train ($30) through the golden tunnel and climb the 360° observation tower to take a picture of God's perspective. Remember to bring a reflector, the reflection on the water is breathtakingly beautiful ~ (💡Tips: Wear a light-colored dress for more pictures!) 🌞10:00｜Li Zhongshui forest forest breathing Tickets $80 | Riding a wooden raft ($50/person) through the thousand-year-old metasequoia forest, cat rubbing at the Tree Hole Cafe is super healing! Glass Canyon (Additional $30) Overlooking the green wild fairy trail, encounter white herons flying super smart ~ (🍵 Hidden gameplay: There is a century-old tea house at the exit of the scenic spot, drink a cup of Mingqian tea to relieve your thirst!) 🌙 18:00 | Sand Valley Ancient Town sleepless night Free | The old streets of the Ming and Qing Dynasties in the twilight are like overturned honey jars! Must-eat sand ditch fish balls (Q bouncy burst juice💦) and lotus root clamps (crispy on the outside and tender on the inside), sitting in the riverside teahouse listening to the reviews, the evening breeze carries the fragrance of jasmine ~ 🏡 Accommodation Recommendation | Yun Duo B&B Push the window to see the water cedar! The 1500+/night lake view room has its own terrace, the bathtub is sprinkled with rose petals, and you can fall asleep listening to the frogs at night (🌙 There is also a small night light at the bedside, super courteous) 🌞DAY2: Unlock the post-00s private gameplay 🌅8:30|Melon picking operation in Xuyu Village Free | Donate to the watermelon shed to choose "fat", the ready-picked unicorn melon is sweeter than first love! You can also catch bunnies at the next farm ($10/time), your childhood DNA is moving ~ (🍉Egg: There are ready-made ice powder at the outlet, mint flavor sprinkled with red syrup is so good!) 🌇 14:00 | East Lo Village Art Party Free | Cosplay in the rapeseed field! Rent a Hanfu ($60/2 hours) to take pictures of ancient-style blockbusters, participate in craft workshops to knead clay figurines, camp by the lake in the evening to watch the sunset, and have guitar playing and singing at the bonfire party ~ (🎆 Must-see: 19:00 water fireworks show!) 🌃20:00 | Shopping and eating in Jindongmen Old Street Free | Take a lantern and take a night tour of the thousand-year-old street! Must-buy lotus powder dumplings by the Haichi River (melts in the mouth ❄️), there are sugar painting artists at the entrance of Zheng Banqiao's former residence, buy a phoenix shaped and take home ~ (📦Souvenir: Wanxing Dadian's sesame oil dried silk is super fragrant!) 🚗Transportation TIPS: ✔️ Self-driving is the coolest! Navigating the "Thousands of Scenic Areas", there is an oversized parking lot at the Xinghua South Exit of the Hushan Expressway ✔️ High-speed rail to Taizhou Station + taxi (80 dollars), but to reserve 1 hour during rush hour ✔️ Bus 10 roads / tour 1 road between scenic spots, but May Day forced to doubt life! Direct Didi Carpooling is recommended ($15 per person). 💣 Pit Avoidance Warning: ❗️ Don't eat "water village style meal" in scenic spots! At the same price point, go to the city area to eat crab roe soup buns more fragrant ❗️ Sisters wearing little white shoes, hurry up! There is so much moss in the canyon that I doubt my life ❗️Bring an empty wallet! The whole street is full of snacks and you can't stop coming... 🍜Food Radar: 1️⃣ Ironing dry thread: knife work is great! The golden combination of ginger + shrimp + soy sauce, the aroma explodes when mixed💥 2️⃣ Crab yolk bun: bite through the dough before sipping the soup! The crab roe is grainy + the soup is fresh and sweet, even eating 5 of them is not greasy👌 3️⃣ Sand ditch big fish ball: bigger than a fist! The fish meat is beaten for 3 hours, and it's all gelatinous when you bite it (🤤 it's great with ginger vinegar sauce). 4️⃣ Grilled river fish with rice grass: such freshness as river pork! The rice straw soaks up the fish soup, and it's so fresh that you can't help but flutter your eyebrows 5️⃣ Xing Hua Onion: Cut to thinner than hair! Mixing tofu/scrambled eggs can enhance the fragrance. I bought two cans at the supermarket and hoarded them 💰 Consumption List (2 Days 1 Night): ▪️Breakfast: Grass egg cake 10 dollars + fish soup noodles 15 dollars = 25 dollars ▪️Lunch: Sand Valley Fish Ball Set $68 (includes fish soup/fish balls/grass) ▪️Afternoon tea: lotus root dumplings 15 dollars + youth dumplings 10 dollars = 25 dollars ▪️Dinner: Banqiao Banquet 100 dollars per person (must order yellow stewed turtle!) ▪️Snack: $8 for oil dumplings + $6 for cool powder + $10 for sugar painting = $24 💸Total: about 200 dollars/day (poor travel version) 🌈Final highlights: There are no crowds of tourists here, only the rustling of the fields in the wind; There are no celebrity filter posing, just the smoke and fire of old tea drinkers gossiping; There are no cookie-cutter shops in ancient towns, only the century-old skills of intangible cultural heritage craftsmen The revitalization of May is a love letter to all those fleeing the city💌 👉🏻 Like and collect this guide, next holiday let yourself fall into this golden swamp! Draw 3 cute little ones in the comment area to get Xinghua specialty fuku bags

Taizhou, a thousand-year-old city surrounded by water, carries the profound and elegant culture of the Huaiyang region. Fengcheng River, like a jade ribbon embracing the ancient city, connects history, opera, folk customs, and modern urban prosperity. Walking along its banks feels like traveling through time, where each step touches the warmth of history, and every scene tells the poetic story of this water city. This article will take you on an in-depth tour of the Fengcheng River Scenic Area from a visitor's perspective, allowing you to experience its unique charm. I. Fengcheng River: The Lifeblood and Soul of an Ancient City Fengcheng River is Taizhou's "mother river" and the most well-preserved thousand-year-old moat in Jiangsu Province. It's not just a geographical waterway but the core carrier of Taizhou's culture. The river winds through thousands of acres, integrating the historical heritage of "city established in Southern Tang Dynasty, cultural prosperity in Northern Song Dynasty" with modern urban prosperity. Boating on the river, you can see ancient buildings and lush trees lining both banks, with the majestic Wanghai Tower and the elegant Taoyuan Garden reflected in the water. As ripples spread across the surface, the weight of history washes over you. What makes the Fengcheng River Scenic Area unique is its "double-water encircling city" ecological pattern: the inner ring centers on Fengcheng River, while the outer ring forms a "jade belt" consisting of Yinjiang River, Zhoushan River, and others, creating an interwoven urban waterscape. This pattern differs from both the delicate charm of Jiangnan water towns and the grandeur of northern water systems. Instead, it showcases Taizhou's "water-city symbiosis" through the interplay of open waters and historical relics. II. Daytime Tour of Fengcheng River: Ascending Towers, Tracing Cultural Veins 1. Wanghai Tower: Historical Echoes of the Premier Tower of Huaiyang Region Wanghai Tower is the cultural landmark of the Fengcheng River Scenic Area. Originally built during the Southern Song Dynasty, it was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt, finally restored in 2006 in Song Dynasty style, earning the title "Premier Tower of Huaiyang Region." From the top, although the sea is no longer visible (due to coastline changes), you can still imagine the poems left by literary figures like Fan Zhongyan and Lu You while leaning on the railings. The tower houses exhibits of historical reconstruction materials, from Song Dynasty blue bricks to Ming and Qing Dynasty wood carvings, each detail telling the story of "the tower rising and falling with the city." Notably, Wenhui Hall to the west was where Northern Song officials like Teng Zijing and Fan Zhongyan gathered for literary exchanges, where the spirit of "worrying before the world worries" took root. 2. Taoyuan Garden and "The Peach Blossom Fan": Living Heritage of Opera Culture Across the river from Wanghai Tower lies Taoyuan Garden, centered around "Chen Hermitage," where Qing Dynasty playwright Kong Shangren created "The Peach Blossom Fan." The garden features 116 varieties of peach trees that bloom like rosy clouds in spring, complementing the traditional opera stage and painted boats. While strolling through, you might encounter Kunqu Opera performers presenting excerpts from "The Peach Blossom Fan" on stone boats, their flowing sleeves bringing the joy and sorrow of Li Xiangrun and Hou Fangyu across time. Together with the Mei Lanfang Memorial Hall and Liuyuan Pinghua, Taoyuan Garden forms the "Three Opera Culture Villages," embodying Taizhou's reputation as the "Home of Opera." 3. Qiao Garden and Imperial Examination Hall: Garden Elegance and Scholarly Memories Qiao Garden is the oldest surviving private garden in northern Jiangsu, known for its ingenious layout featuring fourteen scenic spots including "South Window Pride" and "Cloud-Gathering Cave." The thousand-year-old cypresses stand strong, and winding paths lead through artificial mountains, showcasing the Ming Dynasty garden-making wisdom of "seeing greatness in smallness." The Imperial Examination Hall is a physical testament to China's ancient examination system, with restored examination cells, government offices, and interactive exhibits that vividly convey the hardships and glory of ancient scholars' "decade of diligent study." III. Night Tour of Fengcheng River: Brilliant Lights, Folk Celebrations If daytime Fengcheng River is a historical thinker, nighttime Fengcheng River is a lively dancer. Taking a painted boat cruise at night is the essence of experiencing Taizhou's charm. 1. Painted Boat Cruise: A Dreamlike Water Journey of Light and Shadow Ornately decorated painted boats glide across the water as lights along both banks illuminate sequentially. Wanghai Tower dons a golden coat, while Taoyuan Garden's opera stage reflects in the water like a flowing fine-brush painting. As the boat passes Taizhou Old Street, folk performances featuring the "Three Stars of Fortune, Prosperity, and Longevity" and auspicious lion dances unfold along the shore, with drums and laughter recreating the prosperity of Ming and Qing marketplaces. Reaching Sanshuiwan, a modern light show transports visitors to a dreamlike fairy tale world, where classical and contemporary elements collide wonderfully. 2. Taizhou Old Street: Thousand-Year Flavors on the Tip of Your Tongue The night tour inevitably ends at Taizhou Old Street. Among the gray-brick and black-tiled Ming and Qing buildings waft the charred aroma of clay oven biscuits, the buttery sweetness of Huangqiao baked flatbreads, and other local delicacies like Jingjiang pork jerky and Zintong fish cakes that make mouths water. In traditional craft shops, intangible cultural heritage artisans create lifelike "rabbit lanterns" and "Beijing opera masks" with nimble fingers. On the ancient stage, the melodious singing of Yangzhou Opera "Dragon and Phoenix Love" fills the air, while audience members either sit on long benches sipping tea or stand applauding, immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of everyday life. IV. Staying by Fengcheng River: Sleeping by the Water, Retreating to the Countryside For a deeper experience of the water city's tranquility, consider staying at Yundu Guesthouse in Qianduo Town, Xinghua. The guesthouse sits by Lake Pingwang, surrounded by water on three sides, with individual cottages complementing the terraced field landscape. In the morning, you can open your window to see light mist hovering over canola fields like an ink painting; at night, you can fall asleep under the stars, listening to frogs and insects. The bamboo chairs and pottery jars in the guesthouse evoke childhood memories, while activities like fishing and tea picking allow visitors to temporarily escape the hustle and bustle and return to the pastoral simplicity of rural life. V. Four Seasons at Fengcheng River: Symphony of Festivals and Flowers The charm of Fengcheng River changes with the seasons: - Spring: Golden fields of canola flowers in Qianduo, blooming peach blossoms at Taoyuan Garden Festival; - Summer: Cool breezes along Fengcheng River, night boat cruises become the top choice for escaping the heat; - Autumn: Lantern markets illuminate Old Street during Mid-Autumn Festival, intangible cultural heritage performances convey traditional charm; - Winter: Spring Festival folk activities in full swing, dragon and lion dances, Hanfu garden tours revive ancient New Year customs. Additionally, the scenic area regularly hosts cultural themed events, such as ancient music performances at Wanghai Tower and Mei School Beijing Opera fan clubs, offering visitors pleasant surprises in every season. Conclusion: Water City Taizhou, A Never-Ending Cultural Feast The Fengcheng River Scenic Area is a museum without walls. Here, history isn't cold relics but flowing water, opera performances, fragrant cuisine, and vibrant everyday life. Whether climbing towers to contemplate the past, boating to enjoy the night view, exploring market flavors, or retreating to the countryside, Fengcheng River welcomes every traveler to write their own water city story with an inclusive attitude. As Chinese scholar Wen Huaisha said, "The existence of Wanghai Tower is not only for ascending and overlooking but also serves as an important cultural high ground of Chinese civilization." The elegance and profundity of this land will create eternal ripples in the hearts of all who visit. Wanghai Tower at Fengcheng River

🌸Xinghua Ten-Thousand-Mu Lotus Pond Scenic Area - 🌷Address: 200 meters west of the intersection of Lizhong Town and Zhoufen Township, G344, Xinghua City, Taizhou City, Jiangsu Province - ✅Lotus viewing route: After entering from the entrance of the scenic area, first go to the viewing platform to overlook the magnificent scenery of the ten-thousand-mu lotus pond. Then stroll along the boardwalk to admire the beautiful posture of the lotus flowers up close. You can also take a cruise ship or raft to shuttle through the lotus ponds and deeply experience the fragrant atmosphere. - 🤩Featured experience: Participate in the lotus photography competition and lotus culture intangible cultural heritage exhibition held in the scenic area to feel the charm of lotus culture. You can also experience picking lotus seeds, catching lobsters, loach and other projects to enjoy the pastoral fun. 🍞Local delicacies -🍰 Featured snacks: Taste local snacks such as fish soup noodles, scallion pancakes, and glutinous rice lotus root to experience the local food culture. - 🍺Lotus-themed delicacies: Try lotus-themed delicacies such as lotus jelly, lotus ice drinks, and lotus seed soup to cool off the summer heat. 🎵Nearby attractions -👍 Lizhong Water Forest Park: About a 30-minute drive from the lotus pond, it is the largest artificial ecological forest in Jiangsu Province. You can take pictures of the forest landscape where the dawn redwood forest and rivers are intertwined. - 🌺Shagou Ancient Town: With its bluestone roads and Ming and Qing architecture, it can be used as a background with hand-held lotus props to create a retro atmosphere. - Jin Dongmen Old Street: The ancient street is full of urban atmosphere, which complements the lotus flowers and is suitable for humanistic documentary-style photography.

The weekend sunshine was just right as we brought our child to Xinghua, a small town full of water town charm. We chose to check in to the Xinghua Tianbao Garden Grand Hotel. Not only is it conveniently located near several important landmarks, but the hotel itself is also a wonderful place to relax. 🏡 Comfortable Rooms, Attention to Detail Stepping into the room, the spaciousness immediately made us feel relaxed and happy. The hotel thoughtfully upgraded us to a business double room. The bed was soft and comfortable, and our child didn't want to get up after lying down. The room was fully equipped, from high-speed Wi-Fi to exquisite toiletries, every detail made us feel at home. 🏊‍♀️ Indoor Pool, Family Fun What impressed me most was the indoor swimming pool. The clear water and constant temperature design allowed us to swim freely even in the cooler season. Watching our child play in the water, their happy laughter was the best reward for me. The hotel also has a gym, sauna, and other facilities to meet the diverse needs of the whole family. 🍳 Hearty Breakfast, Start a Wonderful Day In the morning, as the first rays of sunlight peeked through the curtains, we were awakened by the aroma of breakfast. The hotel's buffet breakfast offered a wide variety, from traditional Xinghua local cuisine, such as fish soup noodles, to Western bread and coffee. Every bite was a treat for the taste buds, leaving a lasting impression. 🚗 Convenient Travel, Enjoy the City Scenery The hotel is conveniently located for transportation, whether you're heading to Xinghua South Suburban Bus Station or Yangzhou Taizhou Airport. There are also many attractions worth visiting nearby, such as the Qianduo Rape Flower Scenic Area and Li Zhong Water Forest Park. Every place showcases the unique charm of Xinghua. Here, every trip is a beautiful memory. I hope my sharing will allow more families to enjoy this warmth and fun. Next time you come to Xinghua, you might as well choose the Xinghua Tianbao Garden Grand Hotel. I believe it will bring you a different kind of surprise.

As the lotus blooming season approaches, I was deeply impressed by Xinghua's lotus flowers last year, so I've prepared this guide in advance for everyone. 1. Best time to see lotus flowers in Xinghua - Blooming period: Late June to August (Peak in July) - Recommended timing: Early morning or dusk when the light is soft and perfect for photography. 2. Must-visit spots ✅ Xinghua Ten Thousand Mu Lotus Pond Scenic Area (Highly recommended!) - Highlights: Vast scale with endless lotus ponds, wooden boat rides through the sea of flowers, experience the magnificent view of "endless green lotus leaves reaching the sky." - Activities: Lotus seed picking, lotus viewing, photo opportunities at observation decks, perfect for family trips. - Admission: Around 60 yuan (boat ride included). ✅ Qianduo Scenic Area (Summer lotus + raised field views) - Different from spring rapeseed flowers, summer creates a unique watertown painting with lotus ponds and raised fields. ✅ Wujin Tang Wetland Park (Free hidden gem) - Popular among locals, peaceful lotus ponds, ideal for walks and cycling. 3. Practical tips - Transportation: Recommended to drive (Ten Thousand Mu Lotus Pond is about 20km from downtown) or take a taxi. - Outfit: Light-colored clothes + straw hat for better photos. - Local delicacies: Lotus root porridge, lotus leaf wrapped chicken, Xinghua crayfish (summer specialty).

#Mainland Travel Just came back from Qianduo Rapeseed Flower Another day of being amazed by the beauty of Xinghua Arrive at the parking lot around 8am🅿️ Return at 12:30 noon, the whole journey is smooth without traffic jam If you are going out tomorrow, you can refer to this. . ✅: Xinghua Qianduo Water Rapeseed Flowers 🚗: We drove here by ourselves, and parking was free, which was good. The parking lot is super large, and there should be parking spaces available before 9am🕘. 💰: Bought online in advance, 🈶69.9 early bird tickets, now all 88 (ticket + boat) 🖼️: The scenery is mainly natural scenery, with unique rapeseed flowers on the water. The first time I came to Taizhou and Xinghua, I found that this is really a land of fish and rice. There are rivers everywhere, and my father-in-law's eyes lit up when he saw them. It would be great if I could fish. . ✅Personal feelings 1⃣️The cruise is quite worth taking. The breeze blows away the heat and it is very comfortable. You don't have to take the boat right away because there will probably be a queue. In fact, there are many piers and routes that can be experienced. We took the boat without any queues at all. 2⃣️The photos are very good. Rapeseed flowers are super blockbuster and can be photographed in any way. It is recommended to wear light-colored clothes. 3⃣️The weather has been quite hot these two days, it is recommended to bring a hat 🧢, there is no shade in the scenic area. 4⃣️There are many snack stalls inside, it’s okay if you don’t bring any food. 5⃣️There are also night shows now, I haven’t experienced it, friends who are interested can take a look 6⃣️You can see glider high-altitude experience in the scenic area from time to time, which is quite novel. Now is the viewing season for rapeseed flowers, it is still worth a look

#Mainland Travel Who knows❗You must go to Xinghua once this spring🥰 Sit on a black-sailed boat and travel through the golden ocean, and enjoy the shock of thousands of acres of rapeseed flowers on the water. It is really a must-see. Pointing the way to the world's unique 📍Xinghua Qianduo Rapeseed Flowers, if you want to go, go quickly~ 🚗/Transportation/ 1. Public transportation: Not very convenient. There is no high-speed rail in Xinghua. The scenic area is about 60 kilometers away from Taizhou and Gaoyou. Taxi is very expensive. Gaoyou North Station is relatively close, about 40 kilometers away, but you can't get a return bus at 5 or 6 o'clock in the evening. 2. Self-driving: There is a parking lot at the South Gate and the North Gate respectively. The space is tight. There is no space left at 10 o'clock. You can only park on the roadside, which is far from the entrance. 🎫/Tickets/ ❗❗Must buy tickets on site❗❗ Tickets + boat tickets 💰88, buying tickets on site is a few yuan more expensive than buying tickets online, but the boat ticket requires a paper ticket, and the online ticket must be exchanged for a paper ticket at the scenic spot's online ticket window 😭, there are too many people, and there are fewer online windows than on-site ticket windows, and the queue can be so long that you collapse~ ⚠PS: Of course you can just buy the ticket, but you won’t be able to experience the unique experience of rowing a boat among the rapeseed flowers~ 💃🏻/Play experience/ 1. The main activities in the scenic area are flower viewing, taking a boat to view flowers, climbing the observation tower to view flowers, walking along the wooden plank road to view flowers... The scenery is also beautiful, and the photos are also good, but there are relatively few other activities, so be mentally prepared in advance 2. The flowering period is from late March to the end of April. At present, the rape flowers in the scenic area are not fully bloomed. The northeast side is blooming better. 3. The boat ticket is one-way. The boat at the pier is 8 people per boat. If there are not enough people, the boat will not leave. You need to wait for a while (PS: In fact, the rowing ladies only earn 2 yuan per passenger, with no basic salary 👀, and they have to wait until everyone is there before setting off) 4. Sun protection, you must protect yourself from the sun. The distance to walk is a bit long. If you walk, it is several kilometers from the tourist center to the core scenic area. Then on the return trip, it is also a long distance from the boat to the exit. There is no shelter on the road. It feels like being exposed to the sun all the way ☀️. The scenery is beautiful but the sun is also very strong 5. Taking photos 📷 is a bit weather-dependent. If the weather is bad, the photos are not as stunning as what you see with your own eyes. 🔔/Other tips/ 1. Xinghua morning tea tastes really good and looks good, especially the crab roe buns, which you must try when you come here (PS: the buns for morning tea are all freshly made and steamed, so it is normal to eat them for an hour or two, so you don’t have to queue up at famous stores such as Qingfeng, you can go to other stores to try) 2. Qianduo Cauliflower Scenic Area is a global dual heritage site ~ "Global Important Agricultural Cultural Heritage + World Irrigation Engineering Heritage"

❤Recommendation: Besides rapeseed flowers, Xinghua's lotus flowers in spring and summer are also very beautiful. Check out the following guide! ▽▽▽▽▽▽ 📍Detailed address: Navigate to "Xinghua Thousands of Acres Lotus Pond Scenic Area" (Address: Liugou Village, Xinghua City, Taizhou City, Jiangsu Province) 🚉Public transportation: Take the high-speed train to Taizhou Station or Yangzhou Station, and transfer to a bus heading to Xinghua; or take a long-distance bus directly to Xinghua Bus Station, and then take a taxi or rent a car to the scenic area (about 40 minutes). 💰Tickets: 30 yuan/person 💰Wooden raft drifting: 30 yuan/person (recommended experience, you can go deep into the core area of the lotus pond) 👍Recommended nearby attractions: ✅Li Zhong Water Forest Park: About 30 minutes' drive from the lotus pond, you can take photos of the forest and interwoven rivers. The light and shadow between the trees during the bamboo raft drifting is especially recommended. ✅Shagou Ancient Town: With bluestone roads and Ming and Qing Dynasty buildings as the background, use handheld lotus flowers as props to create a retro atmosphere. ✅Jindongmen Old Street: The bustling ancient street contrasts with the lotus flowers, suitable for documentary-style photography.

Chengjia Da Sima Mansion: The residence of Cheng Jing, who was posthumously awarded the title of Minister of War in the first year of Hongxi in the Ming Dynasty (1425). The courtyard is deep, with carved beams and hanging flowers. The wisteria flowers in the courtyard are in full bloom, and the fragrance of flowers fills the courtyard... 📝Ticket price ¥10, "Water Charm Jiangsu" included [ThumbsUp]

🌟 Day 1: A Double Dose of Culture and Nature Morning: Mei Lanfang Park 📍 Address: No. 90 Yingchun East Road, Hailing District 🎫 Tickets: Free (ID card required) ⏰ Opening hours: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm ✅ Must-do: - Take a photo with the white marble statue of Mei Lanfang and experience the charm of the Peking Opera master. - Enjoy the free Kunqu Opera performance at 10:00 am and immerse yourself in excerpts from *The Peony Pavilion*. - Capture the perfect shot at the Plum Pavilion, a pentagonal plum blossom structure featuring carvings of scenes from *The Drunken Beauty*. Afternoon: Li Zhong Water Forest 📍 Address: East of Shunchuan Road, Lizhong Town, Xinghua City 🎫 Tickets: ¥50 (includes ¥40 for the wooden raft ride) ⏰ Opening hours: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm ✅ Must-do: - Mist Forest Wonderland (one show in the morning and one in the evening): Take a wooden raft through the metasequoia forest and capture stunning photos with the Tyndall effect and water reflections, reminiscent of *Princess Mononoke*. - 3.5 km wooden boardwalk: Overlook the S-shaped waterway from the "Cloud-walking Bridge" and find the iconic crooked-neck tree in the "Confused Forest." - Red Cream Wooden House Fishing Village: Enjoy freshly caught Xinghua hairy crabs. We recommend the "Three Ways to Eat Crab" (crab roe soup dumplings + steamed crab legs + spicy crab shell). Evening: Taizhou Old Street 📍 Address: Yingchun East Road, Hailing District ✅ Must-do: - Morning Tea Museum: Learn about Taizhou's "morning tea" culture and try the shredded dried tofu (thinly sliced like hair) and crab roe soup dumplings (thin skin and rich filling). - Intangible cultural heritage performances: Watch the Jiang-style noodle-making and dried tofu shredding performances while enjoying your meal. - Accommodation recommendation: Stay at the "Morning Tea Teahouse" in the Old Street, with its antique, Republican-style rooms, and enjoy morning tea right after waking up. 🌟 Day 2: The Ultimate Romance of Wetlands and Water Towns Morning: Qin Lake National Wetland Park 📍 Address: Zhentong Town, Jiangyan District 🎫 Tickets: ¥80 (includes boat tour) ⏰ Opening hours: 8:30 am - 5:30 pm ✅ Must-do: - Birdwatcher's paradise: April is the peak migration season for geese and ducks. Take a boat tour to watch black swans and egrets in flight. - Qin Lake Waterfowl Park: Feed the geese from the boardwalk and spot the Baer's pochard (a national first-class protected animal). - Science Museum: Watch a 3D documentary about wetland ecology. Kids will love the immersive "Hundred Magpies Returning to Their Nests" scene. Afternoon: Fengcheng River Scenic Area 📍 Address: Along Fengcheng River, Hailing District 🎫 Tickets: Free (night cruise ticket ¥80) ⏰ Opening hours: 8:30 am - 5:30 pm (night cruise 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm) ✅ Must-do: - Wanghai Tower: Climb the tower for a panoramic view of Fengcheng River and enjoy the night light show at the "First Tower of Jianghuai." - Peach Garden: Visit the ruins of Chen An, where Kong Shangren wrote *The Peach Blossom Fan*, and admire the blooming peach blossoms in April. - Night cruise: Enjoy a 40-minute cruise through the illuminated tunnel, listen to Pingtan *Scenes of Qinhuai*, and experience the thousand-year-old charm of "the state established in the Southern Tang Dynasty." 🚗 Transportation and Food Tips - Transportation: Rent a car at Taizhou Station (around ¥150 per day). Li Zhong Water Forest and Qin Lake Wetland are about an hour's drive from the city center. - Food map: - Morning tea: Gu Yue Lou (Old Street branch) for rice straw and pork dumplings and fish soup noodles. - Lunch/Dinner: Qin Lake Eight Delicacies Restaurant for mitten crabs and fish balls (around ¥60 per person). - Snacks: "Huangqiao sesame cakes" (Long Hu Dou flavor) and "Taizhou stinky tofu" (crispy outside, tender inside) from the Old Street. 💡 Travel Tips - The temperature in Taizhou in April ranges from 15-25°C. We recommend wearing a light jacket and a floral dress for photos. - The best time to photograph the mist forest at Li Zhong Water Forest is before 9:00 am (fewer people and thicker fog). - The best birdwatching spot at Qin Lake Wetland is the "Birdwatching House" on the west side of the Waterfowl Park, where binoculars are available for free. - Arrive early for morning tea in Taizhou, preferably before 6:30 am, to avoid the tour group rush. Taizhou, an underrated water town, combines the elegance of the south with the boldness of the north. From the birthplace of Peking Opera to the water forest, from the hidden wetland to the bustling old street, every step in Taizhou is a delightful discovery!✨