Zhejiang's Coastline

Wenling Shitang | A Romantic Encounter by the Sea Wenling Shitang, a seaside town favored by the ocean, is where the first ray of dawn in mainland China’s new millennium falls. Stone houses are scattered, the coastline winds gracefully, and the colorful fishing village feels dreamlike. Every corner exudes a unique charm that captivates visitors. If you long for a romantic date with the sea, keep this guide handy! 1. Preparation - Documents: Bring your ID card, and if you have student or senior discount cards, bring those too, as some attractions may require them for ticket purchases. - Clothing: Visit in summer with lightweight, breathable clothes, sun-protective clothing, swimwear, and slippers for beach activities; spring and autumn temperatures average 15-25°C, so bring a long-sleeve jacket for warmth in the mornings and evenings; winter is damp and cold, so thick cotton clothes are essential. - Other items: High-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats for sun protection; a power bank to keep your devices charged; a camera to capture beautiful moments; common medicines like stomach medicine, cold medicine, and motion sickness pills to handle any discomfort. 2. Transportation Guide External Transportation - High-speed rail: Arrive at Wenling Station, then take bus routes 231 or 232 to Shitang Town, about 1 to 1.5 hours with affordable fares. You can also take a taxi or ride-hailing service directly, which takes about 40 to 60 minutes and costs around 100 to 150 RMB. - Self-driving: Navigate directly to “Wenling Shitang Town.” From Hangzhou, Shanghai, Ningbo, and other cities, the drive takes about 3 to 5 hours. Be aware of traffic jams during holidays and plan your time accordingly. Internal Transportation - Self-driving/rental car: Attractions in Shitang are spread out, so driving or renting a car allows flexible scheduling. However, parking is tight at popular spots during peak season, and traffic control may be enforced. - Taxi/ride-hailing: Available in town but limited in number. At remote attractions or off-season, wait times may be long. - Bus: Bus lines connect main areas but run infrequently. Check schedules in advance to avoid delays. - Scenic shuttle bus: The coastal greenway offers sightseeing buses that charge per stop or sell passes, linking major viewpoints—ideal for visitors who want a relaxed tour. - Local specialty vehicles: Tricycles or small vans are suitable for short trips, but always agree on the price before boarding to avoid disputes. 3. Accommodation Recommendations - Stone house homestays: Concentrated in Wuao Village, Liruo Village, Jinsha Village, and others. Many stone houses are renovated century-old buildings with diverse styles. Some rooms feature unbeatable sea view balconies, letting you fall asleep to the sound of waves—very cozy. Prices tend to be high, so book early. Popular trendy homestays include Xingluo Haiye, Qiheng Shishe, and Sheye Yijing. - Xiaoruo Village homestays: Staying in the colorful Xiaoruo Village makes morning and evening photography very convenient, immersing you in a unique fairy-tale atmosphere with excellent photo opportunities. - Budget hotels/inns: There are many affordable hotels and inns in town or near Jinsha Beach, suitable for travelers on a budget. 4. Recommended Attractions - Colorful Xiaoruo Village: Known as the “Chinese version of Italy’s Cinque Terre,” the village’s houses are painted in pastel macaron colors, scattered on the hillside facing the sea. Visit at dusk to enjoy stunning sunsets and dreamy night scenes when the lights come on. Stroll through colorful alleys, find rainbow stairs and other popular photo spots, browse unique shops, and relax in cafes. - Millennium Dawn Park & Dawn Monument: Built to commemorate the first ray of sunlight on January 1, 2000, in mainland China, it is one of Shitang’s highest points with expansive views overlooking the entire town, harbor, and many islands. Watching the sunrise here is very meaningful—check sunrise times and arrive early. During the day, enjoy magnificent sea views, and if lucky, visit the monument and the planetarium (sometimes open). - Coastal Greenway (Couple Ring Viewing Platform): A scenic path along the coast, the most beautiful section leads to a viewing platform shaped like a couple’s ring, symbolizing happiness. You can walk or take the scenic shuttle bus. Multiple viewing platforms along the way allow you to stop anytime to admire the unbeatable sea views and take photos. - Jinsha Beach/Dongxia Beach: The two main beaches in Shitang. Jinsha Beach has fine sand and complete facilities, with many nearby homestays and restaurants; Dongxia Beach is larger with good sand and relatively clear water but requires a walk or drive down a mountain path and is heavily affected by tides, fully revealing only at low tide. Enjoy sand play, wading, swimming (safety first, swim only in designated areas with lifeguards), sunbathing, and some water sports. - Stone house homestay clusters (Wuao Village, etc.): The soul of Shitang, many century-old stone houses have been converted into boutique homestays, forming a beautiful scenic line. Wander through the homestay area, admire the stone houses nestled between mountains and sea, and experience the tranquility and charm of the fishing village and local culture. - Sansuan Island: A nearby pristine island famous for its black pebble beach (black sand beach) and unique island scenery. Take a boat from Dongbali Pier or the fishing port pier; the trip takes about half an hour. Once on the island, hike around (some sections require hands and feet), explore the black sand beach, natural caves like “One Line Sky,” and the island lighthouse. 5. Food Recommendations - Seafood feast: Steamed fish, boiled mantis shrimp, home-cooked yellow croaker, scallion oil crab, and more. Local seafood is abundant, fresh, tender, and cooked in ways that preserve the ocean’s original flavors. - Specialty snacks: Qiangao (stuffed rice cake) filled with braised meat and crunchy vegetables, topped with savory meat sauce for rich flavor; Shitang fish cakes, available fried or pan-fried, crispy outside and tender inside; ginger juice steamed egg, fragrant with ginger and sugar, warming and delicious. 6. Local Cultural Features - Stone house architecture: Shitang’s stone houses are a major feature. Locals use stones from the area to build sturdy houses that blend perfectly with the mountain and sea scenery, creating a unique stone culture landscape. - Fishing village atmosphere: As a seaside town, Shitang retains a strong fishing village culture. When fishermen return, the docks are lively. Experience the unique fisherfolk life and their simple warmth. - Traditional customs: The annual Dazou Drum is a unique traditional folk event in Shitang. Fishermen dress in festive attire and celebrate harvests and pray for safety with distinctive dances and music. It is listed as a national intangible cultural heritage. 7. Itinerary Planning One-day Tour Morning: Visit Colorful Xiaoruo Village for photos and to soak in the fairy-tale atmosphere. Noon: Enjoy a seafood lunch in Xiaoruo Village or town. Afternoon: Take the sightseeing bus along the Coastal Greenway, stop at the Couple Ring Viewing Platform to admire the scenery; if time permits, visit Jinsha Beach. Two-day Tour Day 1: Arrive in Shitang Town in the morning, check into a stone house homestay, rest briefly, then visit Millennium Dawn Park to enjoy sea views and sunset; have seafood dinner at the homestay or nearby restaurant. Day 2: Morning visit to Xiaoruo Village; afternoon explore Sansuan Island to experience pristine island scenery; return to town for rest in the evening. Three-day Tour Day 1: Arrive in Shitang, check in, then enjoy sand play and wading at Jinsha Beach; have seafood at beachside stalls in the evening. Day 2: Tour Colorful Xiaoruo Village and Coastal Greenway, take beautiful photos at the Couple Ring Viewing Platform; watch the sunset on the greenway; then experience the local night market in town. Day 3: Early morning sunrise at Millennium Dawn Park, then visit Sansuan Island for a round-island tour before heading home with wonderful memories. 8. Notes - Shitang is busy during peak tourist seasons, especially holidays. Book accommodation and tickets in advance to avoid delays. - Pay attention to safety when playing by the sea. Follow attraction rules, swim and engage in activities only in designated areas, and avoid dangerous zones. - Prepare sun protection and mosquito repellent in summer; dress warmly in winter due to strong sea winds. - When eating seafood, choose reputable restaurants to avoid foodborne stomach issues.