The Colorful Fishing Village by the East China Sea

Wenling Shitang Peninsula, located in Taizhou, Zhejiang, is where the first ray of sunlight of the new millennium shone on the Chinese mainland. Famous for its **colorful stone houses, fishing village charm, and mountain-sea landscapes**, it blends rich Minnan fishing culture with Mediterranean-like scenery, making it perfect for a 2-3 day getaway. --- ✅ Must-Experiences: **1. Colorful Xiaoruo Village** 🌈 - **Highlights**: A pastel-colored fishing village dubbed the "Chinese Cinque Terre," ideal for photos. - **Activities**: Stroll through colorful alleys and enjoy sunset views at a café. - **Admission**: Free - **Tips**: Best visited on sunny days, with the soft evening light being the most photogenic. **2. Millennium Sunrise Park** 🌅 - **Highlights**: The site where the first sunlight of 2000 rose on the Chinese mainland, featuring a monument and viewing platform. - **Best Time**: Sunrise (check timings in advance). - **Admission**: 20 RMB **3. Coastal Greenway & Ring Viewing Platform** 🚶‍♂️ - **Highlights**: A mountain-hugging trail offering panoramic sea-mountain views, ending at the "Ring Viewing Platform" (a ring-shaped deck resembling a ring). - **Route**: From Jinsha Beach → Pearl Beach → Ring Viewing Platform (about 1 hour on foot). - **Admission**: Free **4. Jinsha Beach / Dongxia Beach** 🏖️ - **Jinsha Beach**: Near Xiaoruo Village, with fine sand and great for water play (30 RMB). - **Dongxia Beach**: Larger and less crowded, with a "mirror of the sky" effect at low tide (30 RMB). **5. Shitang Old Street & Chen Helong’s Former Residence** 🏯 - **Highlights**: A stone-house old street with Minnan style, and the former home of a local fishing merchant showcasing fishing culture. - **Admission**: Free (10 RMB for the residence). --- 🗓 Itinerary Suggestions: **One-Day Trip (Compact Version)** - **Morning**: Millennium Sunrise Park (sunrise) → Xiaoruo Village → Shitang Old Street - **Afternoon**: Coastal Greenway hike → Ring Viewing Platform → Jinsha Beach - **Evening**: Seafood feast (try "Xinchu Ji" or "Linjia Taicai"). **Two-Day Trip (In-Depth Experience)** **Day 1**: Xiaoruo Village → Coastal Greenway → Ring Viewing Platform → Jinsha Beach sunset **Day 2**: Millennium Sunrise Park sunrise → Dongxia Beach → Shitang Old Street → Departure --- 🚉 Transportation Guide: **1. How to Get There** - **Train**: Arrive at "Wenling Station," then take a 1-hour taxi (100-120 RMB) or bus 232 (about 2 hours) to Shitang. - **Drive**: 4-5 hours from Hangzhou/Shanghai; navigate to "Wenling Shitang Town." **2. Local Transport** - **Between Attractions**: Drive or taxi (sites are scattered; ~20-30 RMB per ride). - **E-bikes**: Some homestays offer rentals (~50 RMB/day). --- **4. Accommodation Recommendations** **1. Unique Stone House Stays** - **Dielai Sanshe·Sunrise**: Cliffside sea-view rooms near the Ring Viewing Platform. - **Haishan Life**: Retro fishing-style lodgings near Shitang Old Street. - **Qiheng Shishe**: Design-forward stays by Jinsha Beach. **2. Budget Options** - **Fishing Village Inn**: Affordable stays in Xiaoruo Village. - **Wenling International Hotel**: Town-center option for families. --- **5. Food Recommendations** **1. Must-Try Seafood** - **Yellow Croaker Noodles**: A Shitang specialty with rich broth. - **Eel Soup**: A local favorite, silky and tender. - **Stir-Fried Mung Bean Noodles**: Seafood fried noodles made with sweet potato starch. **2. Top Eateries** - **Xinchu Ji Seafood Restaurant**: A reputable spot with clear pricing. - **Linjia Taicai**: Great ambiance, photogenic dishes. - **Xiaoruo Village Seafood Stalls**: Fresh catches cooked on-site. --- 📝 Tips: 1. **Sun & Bug Protection**: Strong UV and mosquitoes—pack sunscreen and repellent. 2. **Tide Times**: Check low tide for Dongxia Beach access. --- Shitang Peninsula offers both rustic fishing vibes and Instagram-worthy views, perfect for slow travelers and photography lovers.