Located in Linhai City, Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, Taizhou Prefectural City is a national 5A-level scenic area. Covering 3.12 square kilometers (1.8 sq.km core area), it includes main attractions like the City Wall, Ziyang Ancient Street, and East Lake Park. The area preserves 156,000 sq.m of Ming-Qing architecture, with the 4,739m-long City Wall (originally built in Eastern Jin Dynasty) being one of the best-preserved ancient walls in southern China.
History & Culture
The city was founded in 257 AD (Three Kingdoms period), with walls first built in Tang Dynasty and expanded with brick-stone structure in Southern Song. Qi Jiguang used these walls to resist Japanese pirates, creating innovative hollow watchtowers.
Ziyang Street (1,080m long) dates back to Tang-Song periods, named after Taoist master Zhang Boduan. Its shops maintain traditional "shop in front, workshop behind" layout from Ming-Qing to Republican eras.
As the cradle of Taizhou culture, it produced 3 top imperial examinees and 375 jinshi. Scholars like Zhu Xi and Wang Shixing lectured here.
Main Attractions
City Wall
Known as "Great Wall of South China", this 4,739m-long, 7m-high wall has 7 gates and 13 hollow watchtowers. Built along mountain contours, it served both military and flood control purposes, listed as national heritage in 2001.
Ziyang Ancient Street
A historic street preserving Song-Ming-Qing layout, with 25 century-old shops, 18 traditional workshops, and 5 intangible cultural heritage exhibition halls - a "living museum of ancient commerce".
East Lake Park
Dug in 1071 (Northern Song), this 280-acre lake features classical pavilions and zigzag bridges. The lakeside Confucian Temple (Tang origin, Qing structure) adds cultural significance.
Local Cuisine
Linhai Wheat Shrimp
Local noodle dish shaped like shrimp, served with seafood broth. "Baitaqiao Restaurant" on the street offers the most authentic version, listed as Zhejiang intangible heritage.
Egg White "Lamb Tail"
Traditional dessert - red bean paste wrapped in egg white and fried to resemble lamb tails. "Ziyang 99 Seaweed Cake" shop makes the crispiest version with perfect sweetness.
Ticket Information
Combo ticket: ¥65 (includes City Wall, East Lake, etc., valid 2 days). Single tickets: City Wall ¥50, East Lake ¥15. Half price for seniors over 60, free for over 70s and children under 1.2m. Ziyang Street night visit is free.
Recommended Route
One-day itinerary: Xingshan Gate → Longxing Temple → City Wall (Lansheng to Jingyue section) → Qi Jiguang Memorial → Ziyang Street → Former People's Bank → East Lake → Confucian Temple → Return. Allow 5-6 hours.
Transportation
- High-speed rail: To Linhai Station, then bus 218
- Drive: From Hangzhou via Hangshaotai Expressway (~3hrs)
- Bus: Express buses from downtown Taizhou
- Flight: Nearest Taizhou Luqiao Airport (1hr drive)
Must-See Spots
- City Wall: Best-preserved ancient wall in southern China
- Ziyang Street: Living museum of Ming-Qing commerce
- East Lake: Song Dynasty garden with Qing architecture
- Qi Jiguang Memorial: Dedicated to anti-pirate hero
Travel Tips
- Best seasons: March-May & September-November
- Climb walls at dusk for sunset views
- Don't miss Ziyang Street light shows at night
- Wear sports shoes for steep wall paths
- Rent Hanfu costumes for photos on ancient street
Precautions
- Watch steps on steep wall sections in rain
- Do not climb or mark heritage structures
- Street shops close around 21:00
- No swimming or fishing in East Lake
- Drone flying prohibited in scenic area