Escaping the summer heat in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai! In Taizhou, a lesser-known water town, I found a summer with a temperature of 25°C.
📍Taizhou|A 2-Day, 1-Night Getaway in August: Immerse Yourself in the Poetic Charm and Delicious Morning Tea of This Water City☀️
Sisters! I skipped two days of work at the end of July for a trip to Taizhou. The best part is, it's several degrees cooler here in August than in southern Jiangsu! The reeds of Zhenhu Lake and the lush greenery of the water forest are wallpaper-worthy photos everywhere you look📸
This post features my four best photo spots, a 2-day, 1-night itinerary, and my budget per person. You can easily copy and share this from the Ctrip community!
🎯 First, the conclusion: Why choose Taizhou in August?
Taizhou is the most underrated water city in Jiangsu. In August, the wetlands are lush with reeds, and the water forests are shady and verdant. The temperature in the forests is 3-5℃ lower than in the city, making it a natural summer retreat🌿. Plus, most of the core scenic spots are free, and food and accommodation are inexpensive. You can have a fantastic time for only 600-900 RMB per person!
💡 Hidden Perk: Cities with "州" (Zhou) in their ID card names (Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Zhengzhou, Fuzhou, etc.) will enjoy free admission to 11 paid scenic spots, including Zhenhu Lake, Wanghailou, Zhentong Ancient Town, and Kouan Carved Building, during the 2026 Jiangsu Super League! Even if your city doesn't have "州" in its name, don't worry, over 30 scenic spots, including Qiaoyuan Garden, Meiyuan Garden, Taoyuan Garden, and Taizhou Museum, will offer permanent free admission.
📸 4 Stunning Photo Spots (Sorted by Photo Success Rate)
1️⃣ Fengcheng River Scenic Area | Free! A Night Cruise on a Painted Boat is a Must-Try!
The soul of Taizhou, with its ancient city moat flowing through the city for millennia, known as Taizhou's "Emerald Necklace." Free admission. During the day, visit Wanghailou, Taoyuan Garden, and Meiyuan Garden, but the highlight is an evening cruise on a painted boat!
📸 Best Shooting Spots:
· From Wanghailou Tower, overlook the winding Fengcheng River that encircles the ancient city; the grandeur of the "First Tower of Jianghuai" is captured in every shot.
· During a night cruise on a painted boat, capture the reflection of lights on both banks on the river, the pavilions and towers combined with opera performances—a scene of gentle beauty.
· Taoyuan Waterside Wharf: A perfect framing composition.
🎫 Admission: Free admission to the scenic area; painted boat water bus from 25.9 RMB/person; night cruise 58 RMB/person.
⏰ Recommended visit time: 3-4 hours (including night cruise)
2️⃣ Zhenhu National Wetland Park|5A-level Water Maze🌾
Taizhou's only 5A-level scenic area! A renowned freshwater wetland in East China. Take a boat trip through the reed marshes, see deer, observe red-crowned cranes, and admire water birds. In August, the reeds are green and the lotus blossoms are fragrant—a real-life version of the Wizard of Oz.
📸 Best Shooting Spots:
· Rowing a boat through the reed-lined waterways, shooting backlighting to capture the shimmering hair, creating a scene reminiscent of an ink painting.
· Deer viewing area boardwalk, use a telephoto lens to capture the silhouettes of the deer.
· Wetland boardwalk, wear a light-colored long dress, the wind blowing through the reeds creates an ethereal atmosphere.
🎫 Tickets: From 72 yuan, 110 yuan for a combined ticket + speedboat ticket, 128 yuan for a combined ticket + speedboat ticket + Qintong Ancient Town ticket.
⏰ Recommended Visit Time: Half a day (ideally in the morning, when it's cooler and the light is softer)
3️⃣ Lizhong Water Forest Park|The Real-Life Green Wonderland🌳
The largest artificial ecological forest in East China, with tens of thousands of acres of metasequoia trees standing in the water. In August, the forest is lush and green, 3-5℃ cooler than the city. Take a bamboo raft through the treetops, amidst the misty air, the chirping of cicadas, and egrets flying overhead—this is a scene you absolutely must capture! 📸 Best Photo Spots:
· Shoot from below while the bamboo raft winds through the forest, the dawn redwoods reaching for the sky, creating stunning dappled light and shadow.
· Enter the park after 4 PM for backlit portraits on the boardwalk at sunset – perfect for a forest-themed photoshoot.
· Wear light-colored or modern Chinese-style clothing to contrast with the green background.
🎫 Tickets: Refer to Ctrip for real-time prices.
⏰ Recommended visit time: 3-4 hours. Key point: The light is most magical after 4 PM!
4️⃣ Qintong Ancient Town | A 2000-Year-Old Water Town's Charming Scene 🏮
A "National Historical and Cultural Town" founded in the Song Dynasty, still inhabited by its original inhabitants, untouched by commercialization. Bluestone streets + Ming and Qing Dynasty houses + thousand-year-old camellia trees. Free admission after 4 PM!
📸 Best Photo Spots:
· Green trees and a temple with yellow walls; the red and yellow color scheme is perfect for photos.
· Ancient trees in the Camellia Garden; a thousand-year-old camellia tree as a backdrop.
· Deep alleyways with bluestone slabs; the composition is deep and evocative, full of storytelling.
🎫 Tickets: From 32 yuan; free admission after 4 pm (personally tested and confirmed!)
⏰ Recommended Visit Time: 2-3 hours; evening is recommended.
💡 Tips to Avoid: Don't buy pastries from the stalls at the entrance; the old shops inside the alleys offer better value. Vehicles cannot enter the ancient town; park in the outer parking lot.
🍜 Taizhou Food Map | Eat Your Fill for 50 RMB Per Person
Taizhou morning tea is known as the "Queen of Breakfast," with a tea set, three dim sum dishes, and one noodle dish as the standard fare. 🥟
🥢 Must-Try Morning Tea Dishes (30-50 RMB Per Person)
· Hot Dried Tofu Strips: Dried tofu cut into thin strips, drizzled with soy sauce and sesame oil, and sprinkled with ginger shreds—refreshing and appetizing.
· Crab Roe Soup Dumplings: Featured in "A Bite of China"! First, "open the window" to drink the soup, then eat the skin—it's so delicious it'll make your eyebrows fall off!
· Fish Soup Noodles: The milky white broth, made with eel bones, crucian carp, and pork bones, is so fresh it'll make your tongue tingle.
· Xuanbao Small Wontons: The skin is as thin as paper, almost transparent.
📍 Recommended Restaurants: Huibinlou (Gulou Branch) - A local favorite, known for its five-flavor hot dried bean curd strips; Haitangchun (Old Street Branch) - A century-old intangible cultural heritage teahouse with a great atmosphere; arrive early if you want.
🦀 Main Dishes
· Zhenhu Eight Delicacies: Spicy crab, silverfish stewed eggs, Zhenhu shrimp balls… Eat them around the Zhenhu scenic area for the freshest flavors at lunchtime.
· Huangqiao Sesame Cake: Golden, crispy, and crumbly; available in scallion oil, pork floss, and crab roe flavors.
· Jingjiang Pork Jerky: A national geographical indication product, perfectly balanced between salty and sweet with a rich meaty aroma; a top choice for souvenirs.
📍 One-stop street food tour: Taizhou Old Street and Pozi Street Night Market – Huangqiao sesame cakes, fried stinky tofu, fish balls, plum blossom cakes, and sugar-roasted chestnuts – eat your fill for just over ten yuan!
🗺️ 2-day 1-night lazy person's itinerary (tested and foolproof)
Day 1|City Cultural Slow Tour · Old Town Vibrant Life
09. 30 Arrive at Taizhou Station, check into a hotel near Fengcheng River in Hailing District
10. 00 Enjoy morning tea at Huibinlou Restaurant (hot dried bean curd strips + crab roe soup dumplings + fish soup noodles)
11. 30 Visit Qiao Garden (free, "The First Garden of Huaizuo" – small and exquisite)
13:00 Fengcheng River Scenic Area, climb Wanghai Tower for panoramic city views
15:00 Mei Garden (free, Mei Lanfang Memorial Hall, a pilgrimage site for Peking Opera fans)
17:00 Snack shopping in Taizhou Old Street: Huangqiao sesame cakes + stinky tofu + wontons
19:00 🌙 Fengcheng River painted boat night cruise! Lights + Opera + Evening Breeze = A Moment of Fame
Day 2 | Wetland Forest & Ancient Town Closing Ceremony
08:30 Depart for Zhenhu National Wetland Park, boat trip through reed marshes
11. 00 Observe elk and admire the wetlands, immerse yourself in a natural oxygen bar
12. 30 Zhenhu Eight Delicacies Feast (crab stew + silver fish with egg + shrimp balls)
14:00 Stroll through Zhentong Ancient Town, wander through ancient alleys with thousand-year-old blue bricks
16:00 Return to the city, enjoy evening tea at Jinyuelou (Daohe Ancient Street)
18:00 Purchase Huangqiao sesame cakes and Jingjiang dried meat, return by high-speed train
💡 Variation for families with children/friends: Day 2 morning visit to Lizhong Water Forest Park, bamboo raft + forest train, perfect for families!
💰 Budget Reference (2 days 1 night per person)
Item | Cost | Remarks
🚄 Transportation Depending on departure point, high-speed rail directly to Taizhou Station.
🏨 Accommodation: 150-250 RMB/night, guesthouse/hotel in Hailing District, shared per person.
🎫 Entrance Fees: 150-200 RMB, including Zhenhu Lake + pleasure boat + Lizhong Water Forest.
🍜 Dining: 150-200 RMB, including morning tea + main meal + snacks.
🚕 City Transportation: 50-80 RMB, taxi + shared bike.
Total: 600-900 RMB per person, excluding round-trip transportation.
⚠️ If you have a "州" (Zhou) city ID card, you can save 150+ RMB on entrance fees, making it a great experience for just over 500 RMB per person!
⚠️ August Taizhou Avoidance Guide
1. Mosquito Repellent Essentials: Mosquitoes are plentiful in wetlands and forest parks, so carry mosquito repellent and cooling balm with you.
2. Don't Skip Sunscreen: While the Water Forest is shady, there's no shade on the bamboo rafts, so bring sunscreen and a sun hat.
3. Arrive Early for Morning Tea: Queues start at Huibinlou and Haitangchun at 7:30 AM, and popular items sell out by 9 AM.
4. Avoid Midday Sunlight: The midday light is too harsh for taking photos inside ancient buildings like the Carved Building at the Port; it's recommended to go before 10 AM or after 3 PM.
5. Combined Tickets are More Cost-Effective: A combined ticket for Zhenhu Lake and Zhentong Ancient Town is only 98 yuan, saving you time and money compared to buying individual tickets.
🎯 In Conclusion: Taizhou doesn't need expensive tickets to prove itself, nor does it need crowded tourist spots. It's the kind of city where—when you sit by the Fengcheng River, sipping morning tea, watching the painted boats, and listening to opera, you suddenly feel "time slow down." August is the perfect time!
Sisters, let's go!
📍Taizhou|A 2-day, 1-night getaway in August: Experience the poetry and morning tea aromas of this water city☀️
Sisters! I skipped two days of work at the end of July for a trip to Taizhou. The best part is, it's several degrees cooler here in August than in southern Jiangsu! The reeds of Zhenhu Lake and the lush greenery of the water forest are wallpaper-worthy photos📸
This post features my four best photo spots, a 2-day, 1-night itinerary, and my budget per person. You can easily copy and share this from the Ctrip community!
🎯 First, the conclusion: Why choose Taizhou in August?
Taizhou is the most underrated water city in Jiangsu. August is the perfect time to visit, with lush green reeds in the wetlands and shady, verdant water forests. The temperature in the forests is 3-5°C lower than in the city, making it a natural summer retreat🌿. Plus, most of the core scenic spots are free, and food and accommodation are inexpensive. You can have a fantastic time for only 600-900 RMB per person!
💡 Hidden Perk: Cities with "州" (Zhou) in their ID card names (Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Zhengzhou, Fuzhou, etc.) will enjoy free admission to 11 paid scenic spots, including Zhenhu Lake, Wanghailou, Zhentong Ancient Town, and Kouan Carved Building, during the 2026 Jiangsu Super League! Even if your city doesn't have "州" in its name, don't worry, over 30 scenic spots, including Qiaoyuan Garden, Meiyuan Garden, Taoyuan Garden, and Taizhou Museum, will offer permanent free admission.
📸 4 Stunning Photo Spots (Sorted by Photo Success Rate)
1️⃣ Fengcheng River Scenic Area | Free! A Night Cruise on a Painted Boat is a Must-Try!
The soul of Taizhou, with its ancient city moat flowing through the city for millennia, known as Taizhou's "Emerald Necklace." Free admission. During the day, visit Wanghailou, Taoyuan Garden, and Meiyuan Garden, but the highlight is an evening cruise on a painted boat!
📸 Best Shooting Spots:
· From Wanghailou Tower, overlook the winding Fengcheng River that encircles the ancient city; the grandeur of the "First Tower of Jianghuai" is captured in every shot.
· During a night cruise on a painted boat, capture the reflection of lights on both banks on the river, the pavilions and towers combined with opera performances—a scene of gentle beauty.
· Taoyuan Waterside Wharf: A perfect framing composition.
🎫 Admission: Free admission to the scenic area; painted boat water bus from 25.9 RMB/person; night cruise 58 RMB/person.
⏰ Recommended visit time: 3-4 hours (including night cruise)
2️⃣ Zhenhu National Wetland Park|5A-level Water Maze🌾
Taizhou's only 5A-level scenic area! A renowned freshwater wetland in East China. Take a boat trip through the reed marshes, see deer, observe red-crowned cranes, and admire water birds. In August, the reeds are green and the lotus blossoms are fragrant—a real-life version of the Wizard of Oz.
📸 Best Shooting Spots:
· Rowing a boat through the reed-lined waterways, shooting backlighting to capture the shimmering hair, creating a scene reminiscent of an ink painting.
· Deer viewing area boardwalk, use a telephoto lens to capture the silhouettes of the deer.
· Wetland boardwalk, wear a light-colored long dress, the wind blowing through the reeds creates an ethereal atmosphere.
🎫 Tickets: From 72 yuan, 110 yuan for a combined ticket + speedboat ticket, 128 yuan for a combined ticket + speedboat ticket + Qintong Ancient Town ticket.
⏰ Recommended Visit Time: Half a day (ideally in the morning, when it's cooler and the light is softer)
3️⃣ Lizhong Water Forest Park|The Real-Life Green Wonderland🌳
The largest artificial ecological forest in East China, with tens of thousands of acres of metasequoia trees standing in the water. In August, the forest is lush and green, 3-5℃ cooler than the city. Take a bamboo raft through the treetops, amidst the misty air, the chirping of cicadas, and egrets flying overhead—this is a scene you absolutely must capture! 📸 Best Photo Spots:
· Shoot from below while the bamboo raft winds through the forest, the dawn redwoods reaching for the sky, creating stunning dappled light and shadow.
· Enter the park after 4 PM for backlit portraits on the boardwalk at sunset – perfect for a forest-themed photoshoot.
· Wear light-colored or modern Chinese-style clothing to contrast with the green background.
🎫 Tickets: Refer to Ctrip for real-time prices.
⏰ Recommended visit time: 3-4 hours. Key point: The light is most magical after 4 PM!
4️⃣ Qintong Ancient Town | A 2000-Year-Old Water Town's Charming Scene 🏮
A "National Historical and Cultural Town" founded in the Song Dynasty, still inhabited by its original inhabitants, untouched by commercialization. Bluestone streets + Ming and Qing Dynasty houses + thousand-year-old camellia trees. Free admission after 4 PM!
📸 Best Photo Spots:
· Green trees and a temple with yellow walls; the red and yellow color scheme is perfect for photos.
· Ancient trees in the Camellia Garden; a thousand-year-old camellia tree as a backdrop.
· Deep alleyways with bluestone slabs; the composition is deep and evocative, full of storytelling.
🎫 Tickets: From 32 yuan; free admission after 4 pm (personally tested and confirmed!)
⏰ Recommended Visit Time: 2-3 hours; evening is recommended.
💡 Tips to Avoid: Don't buy pastries from the stalls at the entrance; the old shops inside the alleys offer better value. Vehicles cannot enter the ancient town; park in the outer parking lot.
🍜 Taizhou Food Map | Eat Your Fill for 50 RMB Per Person
Taizhou morning tea is known as the "Queen of Breakfast," with a tea set, three dim sum dishes, and one noodle dish as the standard fare. 🥟
🥢 Must-Try Morning Tea Dishes (30-50 RMB Per Person)
· Hot Dried Tofu Strips: Dried tofu cut into thin strips, drizzled with soy sauce and sesame oil, and sprinkled with ginger shreds—refreshing and appetizing.
· Crab Roe Soup Dumplings: Featured in "A Bite of China"! First, "open the window" to drink the soup, then eat the skin—it's so delicious it'll make your eyebrows fall off!
· Fish Soup Noodles: The milky white broth, made with eel bones, crucian carp, and pork bones, is so fresh it'll make your tongue tingle.
· Xuanbao Small Wontons: The skin is as thin as paper, almost transparent.
📍 Recommended Restaurants: Huibinlou (Gulou Branch) - A local favorite, known for its five-flavor hot dried bean curd strips; Haitangchun (Old Street Branch) - A century-old intangible cultural heritage teahouse with a great atmosphere; arrive early if you want.
🦀 Main Dishes
· Zhenhu Eight Delicacies: Spicy crab, silverfish stewed eggs, Zhenhu shrimp balls… Eat them around the Zhenhu scenic area for the freshest flavors at lunchtime.
· Huangqiao Sesame Cake: Golden, crispy, and crumbly; available in scallion oil, pork floss, and crab roe flavors.
· Jingjiang Pork Jerky: A national geographical indication product, perfectly balanced between salty and sweet with a rich meaty aroma; a top choice for souvenirs.
📍 One-stop street food tour: Taizhou Old Street and Pozi Street Night Market – Huangqiao sesame cakes, fried stinky tofu, fish balls, plum blossom cakes, and sugar-roasted chestnuts – eat your fill for just over ten yuan!
🗺️ 2-day 1-night lazy person's itinerary (tested and foolproof)
Day 1|City Cultural Slow Tour · Old Town Vibrant Life
09. 30 Arrive at Taizhou Station, check into a hotel near Fengcheng River in Hailing District
10. 00 Enjoy morning tea at Huibinlou Restaurant (hot dried bean curd strips + crab roe soup dumplings + fish soup noodles)
11. 30 Visit Qiao Garden (free, "The First Garden of Huaizuo" – small and exquisite)
13:00 Fengcheng River Scenic Area, climb Wanghai Tower for panoramic city views
15:00 Mei Garden (free, Mei Lanfang Memorial Hall, a pilgrimage site for Peking Opera fans)
17:00 Snack shopping in Taizhou Old Street: Huangqiao sesame cakes + stinky tofu + wontons
19:00 🌙 Fengcheng River painted boat night cruise! Lights + Opera + Evening Breeze = A Moment of Fame
Day 2 | Wetland Forest & Ancient Town Closing Ceremony
08:30 Depart for Zhenhu National Wetland Park, boat trip through reed marshes
11. 00 Observe elk and admire the wetlands, immerse yourself in a natural oxygen bar
12. 30 Zhenhu Eight Delicacies Feast (crab stew + silver fish with egg + shrimp balls)
14:00 Stroll through Zhentong Ancient Town, wander through ancient alleys with thousand-year-old blue bricks
16:00 Return to the city, enjoy evening tea at Jinyuelou (Daohe Ancient Street)
18:00 Purchase Huangqiao sesame cakes and Jingjiang dried meat, return by high-speed train
💡 Variation for families with children/friends: Day 2 morning visit to Lizhong Water Forest Park, bamboo raft + forest train, perfect for families!
💰 Budget Reference (2 days 1 night per person)
Item | Cost | Remarks
🚄 Transportation Depending on departure point, high-speed rail directly to Taizhou Station.
🏨 Accommodation: 150-250 RMB/night, guesthouse/hotel in Hailing District, shared per person.
🎫 Entrance Fees: 150-200 RMB, including Zhenhu Lake + pleasure boat + Lizhong Water Forest.
🍜 Dining: 150-200 RMB, including morning tea + main meal + snacks.
🚕 City Transportation: 50-80 RMB, taxi + shared bike.
Total: 600-900 RMB per person, excluding round-trip transportation.
⚠️ If you have a "州" (Zhou) city ID card, you can save 150+ RMB on entrance fees, making it a great experience for just over 500 RMB per person!
⚠️ August Taizhou Avoidance Guide
1. Mosquito Repellent Essentials: Mosquitoes are plentiful in wetlands and forest parks, so carry mosquito repellent and cooling balm with you.
2. Don't Skip Sunscreen: While the Water Forest is shady, there's no shade on the bamboo rafts, so bring sunscreen and a sun hat.
3. Arrive Early for Morning Tea: Queues start at Huibinlou and Haitangchun at 7:30 AM, and popular items sell out by 9 AM.
4. Avoid Midday Sunlight: The midday light is too harsh for taking photos inside ancient buildings like the Carved Building at the Port; it's recommended to go before 10 AM or after 3 PM.
5. Combined Tickets are More Cost-Effective: A combined ticket for Zhenhu Lake and Zhentong Ancient Town is only 98 yuan, saving you time and money compared to buying individual tickets.
🎯 In Conclusion: Taizhou doesn't need expensive tickets to prove itself, nor does it need crowded tourist spots. It's the kind of city where—when you sit by the Fengcheng River, sipping morning tea, watching the painted boats, and listening to opera, you suddenly feel "time slow down." August is here, perfect timing.
Let's go, ladies!
cassia.serenity.valentine