Not Italy, but Zhejiang’s seriously underrated colorful fishing village

Oh my god! Everyone on my social feed asked if I went to Italy’s Cinque Terre. I never expected this to be in Zhejiang! Colorful houses built against the mountain, facing the sea. Fishing boats sway in front of the colorful houses. This little village, Xiaoruocun, hidden in Shitang, Wenling, saved me the airfare to Europe! —————— 📍 Where is this magical place? Exact location: Xiaoruocun, Shitang Town, Wenling City, Taizhou, Zhejiang Transportation tips: Driving is the most convenient, 3.5 hours from Hangzhou Take the high-speed train to Wenling Station, then transfer to a direct bus Recommended to stay overnight; watching the sunrise and sunset is the essence Best season: May to October is the most beautiful season Avoid typhoon days, choose sunny days to travel The sea is bluest and photos are most beautiful —————— 🌈 Must-experience at the colorful fishing village ① Take photos with the colorful houses The whole village is in macaron colors Pink, blue, yellow, green... Every corner is a surprise Recommended to wear a white dress, looks great in every shot ② View the panorama from the lookout Climb to the highest point of the village Overlook the entire colorful fishing village and bay At dusk, the sunset dyes the houses golden So beautiful it takes your breath away ③ Stroll along the seaside boardwalk The boardwalk runs along the coastline On one side are colorful houses, on the other the endless sea Feel the sea breeze, listen to the waves This is what a vacation should be like ④ Experience fishermen’s life Go out to sea with fishing boats in the morning Watch fishermen cast nets and catch fish Buy freshly landed seafood at the dock Prices are so cheap it’s unbelievable —————— 🗓 Perfect two-day itinerary Day 1: Immerse in the colorful world ⏰ Morning: Arrive at Xiaoruocun Check into a sea view guesthouse, drop off luggage Recommended to choose a guesthouse on higher ground for a great view ⏰ Afternoon: Stroll and take photos in the village Start from the village entrance, walk along the main road uphill Every alley hides surprises Don’t forget to rest at the popular coffee shop ⏰ Evening: Watch the sunset at the lookout Reserve a spot an hour early Watch the sunset turn the sea golden ⏰ Night: Seafood street food Must order: yellow croaker, swimming crab, mantis shrimp 80 RMB per person to eat until full Day 2: Explore nearby ⏰ Early morning: Watch sunrise at Millennium Dawn Park This is where the first ray of sunlight of the new century shines ⏰ Morning: Play in Dongxia Beach Fine golden sand, clear sea water Ticket 15 RMB, great value ⏰ Afternoon: Shop and eat at Jinsha Beach Buy dried seafood as souvenirs Try local specialty snacks ⏰ Evening: Return home with full memories ————------ 💰 Expense details Accommodation: Sea view guesthouse 200 RMB/night Meals: Seafood feast 80 RMB/person Tickets: Beach 15 RMB Transportation: Driving fuel 200 RMB Total: 500 RMB/person (two days one night) ————------ 📸 Complete photo guide Best spots Lookout: must-go for panoramic shots Colorful steps: sitting shots look great Seaside railing: sea as background Guesthouse rooftop: aerial shots of the whole village Best times to shoot 7-9 AM: soft light 4-6 PM: best sunset Avoid harsh midday light Outfit suggestions White dress is most photogenic Straw hat and woven bag are perfect matches Comfortable flat shoes are important ————------ 🍜 Food recommendations Must-eat seafood Yellow croaker: best steamed fresh Swimming crab: scallion oil style is amazing Mantis shrimp: salt and pepper flavor is excellent Clams: perfect with drinks Special snacks Fish noodles: noodles made from fish meat Mountain tapioca balls: chewy and delicious Mung bean noodles: refreshing and cleansing Recommended restaurants Old street stalls: loved by locals Haishawan: good environment and authentic taste Small shops by the dock: freshest seafood ————------ 🏡 Accommodation guide Budget Village guesthouses: 150-200 RMB Clean and comfortable, friendly owners Comfort Sea view guesthouses: 200-300 RMB Open the window and see the sea Premium Designer guesthouses: 300-500 RMB Well-equipped, great for photos ————------ 🚗 Transportation tips Driving is most convenient Parking fee 20 RMB/day Village roads are narrow, better to park outside High-speed train is also convenient Wenling Station to village takes 1 hour Shuttle bus 15 RMB/person Village is all on foot Comfortable shoes are essential ————------ 💡 Pitfall avoidance tips Avoid weekends and holidays Otherwise, you’ll queue for photos Don’t go on rainy days Colorful houses look dull and gray Don’t buy seafood at the scenic entrance It’s cheaper further inside Be sure to apply sunscreen UV rays are strong by the sea ————------ 🌊 Travel reflections Met an old photographer from Shanghai at the lookout He said: "I’ve been to so many places, never thought the most beautiful colorful fishing village is in Zhejiang." Chatted with the owner on the guesthouse rooftop Learned these colorful houses were painted by fishermen themselves to make the village more beautiful Sitting by the sea at dusk Watching the colorful houses light up Suddenly understood: The most beautiful scenery isn’t far away, it’s right beside us ————------