National Day Reverse Travel: Taizhou

The scent of osmanthus flowers greeted me the moment I stepped off the train, kicking off my Taizhou trip. It wasn't crowded during National Day, so strolling the streets was quite relaxing.

🚄Transportation: Take the high-speed rail to Taizhou Station. Alternatively, you can take the Z29 train from Beijing to Taizhou. After a night's sleep, arrive early the next morning and head straight for yum cha!

🍜Local Cuisine: Huibinlou, Guyuelou, Fengcheng Duck Blood Vermicelli Soup

Highlights
1. Qiao Garden (Free)
If you can only visit one garden, Qiao Garden is the recommended choice! This former residence of Qiao Songnian, the local salt official, is known as the premier garden in northern Jiangsu. It embodies all the characteristics of the garden and is also quite large.
2. Plum Garden (Free)
Now a memorial hall for Mr. Mei Lanfang, you can visit and learn about his life. The garden itself isn't large, but rather exquisite.
3. Old Street
This antique-style commercial street is bustling at night. I've noticed the busiest crowds these days are in the Old Street. Visit the Taizhou Morning Tea Museum and learn about the history of Taizhou morning tea. Several long-established morning tea shops, including Haitangchun and Guyuelou, have branches here, but expect long lines.
4. Daohe Ancient Street
There's little business here, save for a few cafes. The main attraction is the architecture, as this is a preserved section of the ancient street, with residents largely relocated, leaving it in its original state.
5. Shuidong Street - Bell Tower Alley
Bell Tower Alley is a small alley near Shuidong Street. At night, it transforms into a night market, with various stalls, clothing stores, and cafes, perfect for a relaxing stroll. Shuidong Street also offers a wide selection of food options.
6. Wanghai Tower - Night Cruise on Fengcheng River
Wanghai Tower is a landmark building on the Fengcheng River, offering great photo opportunities and panoramic views of the city. For a night cruise on the Fengcheng River, board the boat at the Wanghai Tower pier. If it's crowded, expect a wait. The night view is quite stunning; sit on the right side facing the bow. Tickets purchased on-site are 60 yuan, but you can book in advance for a slightly better price.
7. Nanshan Lushi Temple (Free)
This is a great place to visit in the morning or afternoon for a quiet and peaceful stroll. You can also visit during the underground palace opening hours.
8. Hailing North Road
I prefer Hailing North Road to Shuidong Street. It has a wide variety of food and drink options, and it's quite lively and bustling.

Outside the city, there are Xinghua Lizhong Water Forest, Qinhu National Wetland Park, and Qintong Ancient Town. If you're driving, I highly recommend visiting them. We didn't drive, so taxis were easily available.
1. Qinhu National Wetland Park
This is the second-highest national wetland park in China, home to rare animals and rare freshwater wetlands. The entire park is very cleverly designed. Admission: 80 yuan, including the entrance boat ticket.
Battery boat: 30 yuan per person.
Row boat: 240 yuan for 6 people, 320 yuan for 8 people. Boats must be chartered, so you can make a last-minute trip, but row boats offer a more immersive experience.
2. Qintong Ancient Town
It's not far away, a taxi ride costs about 20 yuan. Admission: 40 yuan. Qintong is a city rich in rice, cotton, fish, shrimp, and crabs, making it a veritable land of fish and rice and a vital gateway connecting the Yangtze and Huaihe Rivers. Many elderly residents still live there, and prices are affordable.