How to enjoy Xinghua, you'll understand after reading this.

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