A Symphony of Mountains and Sea, a Culinary Journey: My Three-Day Fantasy Trip to Taizhou

Day 1: Ancient Temple Zen and a Feast in the Clouds In the early morning, I arrived at Tiantai by high-speed rail, and upon exiting the station, I was immediately enveloped by the fragrance of gardenia blossoms in April. My first stop was Guoqing Temple. This thousand-year-old temple, shaded by ancient plum trees, is as serene as a poem. The fact that it's free to enter made it even more appealing. Strolling among the shadows of the Seven Buddha Pagodas, I happened upon a monk sweeping fallen leaves. The rustling sound of his robe brushing against the moss transported me back to the prosperous Tang Dynasty, when Master Zhiyi gave his lectures. In the afternoon, I drove to Shiliang Waterfall. The natural wonder, accessible for a 60-yuan entrance fee, is truly breathtaking. A hundred-meter waterfall plunges into an emerald-green pool, sending up a mist of water infused with the fresh scent of vegetation. I recommend wearing non-slip shoes to explore the valley trail. You might even encounter wild macaques, adding a touch of surprise to your journey. In the evening, I checked in to a guesthouse at the foot of Tiantai Mountain. From my window, I could see the misty peak of Huading. For dinner, the Dendrobium stewed chicken is a must-try. The richness of the medicinal herbs blends perfectly with the sweetness of the mountain delicacies. The owner cheerfully told me, "This is our secret recipe for energy when working in the mountains!" Day 2: The Magical Theater of Shenxianju and the Bustle of the Ancient Street The next morning, I took the shuttle bus to Shenxianju. The 100-yuan entrance ticket unlocks a visual feast: a suspension bridge spans a hundred-meter abyss, and clouds swirl around the "Ruyi Bridge," making you feel like you've stepped into the mythical world of the "Classic of Mountains and Seas." I recommend taking the cable car up from the north gate. The 720° view from the "Nantian Peak" glass observation deck is definitely worth a scream. Those afraid of heights can close their eyes and feel the mountain breeze caress their ears. In the afternoon, I drove two hours to Linhai and headed straight for Ziyang Ancient Street. The cobblestone road winds towards Beigu Mountain, lined with century-old shops emitting the aroma of seaweed cakes. Biting into the freshly baked golden crust, the sweet and savory seaweed filling instantly awakens the taste buds. Turning into an alley, I encountered 76-year-old Mr. Zhan singing "In a Foreign Land" beneath the city wall. His silver hair glowed softly in the setting sun, and onlookers spontaneously joined in the chorus. A warm resonance flowed through the twilight of the ancient city. For dinner, I chose the "Ziyang Hutong Music Restaurant" and ordered a serving of egg white sheep's tail. The fluffy, cloud-like egg white wrapped around bean paste and drizzled with osmanthus honey is a sweet but not greasy treat, reminiscent of the gentle nature of a Jiangnan woman. After a satisfying meal, I took a night cruise along the Ling River, watching the lights of fishing boats dance with the reflection of the ancient city walls. Day 3: Speed and Passion on the Coastal Highway In the morning, I drove 1.5 hours to Shitang, Wenling, to embark on a self-drive adventure along Taizhou Highway No. 1. My first stop was Jinsha Beach. I walked on the fine white sand and watched fishermen mending their nets as the sea breeze carried the salty scent of the ocean. Following the navigation to the "Couple Rings" viewing platform, two circular walkways hover between the sea and the sky. From a drone's perspective, the magnificent embrace of mountains and sea is breathtaking. In the afternoon, I headed straight to the newly popular "Little Inner Mongolia of Taizhou"—a 343-acre grassland in Hongjia Street, Jiaojiang District. Running freely across the grassland, the wind turbines and blue sky create a healing landscape. I recommend wearing a light-colored long dress for atmospheric photos in the evening backlight. Before returning, I stopped by the North Latitude 30 Degrees Motorcycle Theme Park in Luqiao. The motorcycle wall and the sunset over Feilong Lake complement each other perfectly. I ordered a specialty coffee and watched the riders roar past, experiencing the collision of speed and romance. ✨ Practical Tips ✨ - Transportation: Tiantai High-Speed Rail Station now has direct trains to Hangzhou and Shanghai, with the new G7736 early morning train allowing for a leisurely start. The Yuhuan section of Taizhou Highway No. 1 is now fully open, and I recommend renting an SUV to experience the stunning coastal mountain ridge. - Food: Wang Tianshun's seaweed cakes on Ziyang Ancient Street require a half-hour wait, but the freshly baked crispiness is worth it. For Wenling stuffed cakes, I recommend "Nian Gao Xi Shi," which includes braised pork and a flavorful broth, making it both filling and heartwarming. - Accommodation: The "Zi Hongyang Guesthouse" in Linhai is only a five-minute walk from the ancient street, and its intelligent voice control system adds a touch of technology to the ancient-style residence. The "Sheye Yizhai" in Shitang faces the sea directly, allowing you to fall asleep to the sound of waves from the terrace, offering a truly healing experience. - Pitfalls to Avoid: It's advisable to purchase cable car tickets for Shenxianju in advance on the official WeChat account, as the queue can exceed one hour during peak season. The night tour of Changyu Dongtian is currently suspended. For daytime visits, prioritize Guanyi Dongtian, where the thousand-year-old quarrying spectacle is truly awe-inspiring. 📌 Travel Philosophy The beauty of Taizhou lies in the gentle ringing of the copper bells on the eaves of Guoqing Temple, in the salty sea breeze of Shitang Fishing Port, and even more so in the impromptu singing of the elderly gentleman on Ziyang Ancient Street. This city of mountains and sea, with its thousand-year-old charm, gently dissolves the anxieties of city dwellers. If you're yearning for an escape, come to Taizhou—let the temple bells cleanse your weariness, awaken your taste buds with the freshness of seafood, and discover your true self as you drive along the coastal highway.