Xinghua City, Taizhou, Jiangsu Travel

Xinghua, Jiangsu — a water town pearl in the Lixiahe region, famous for Qianduo Rape Flower and Water Forest, a 2-day experience of the unique landscape of "rivers with countless bends of clear water, fields without a single mound without yellow flowers."

1000+
Raised fields in Qianduo Rape Flower Scenic Area
1500
Mu (area) of Lizhong Water Forest
2300+
Years of city history
100+
Rivers within Xinghua territory
Spring scenery of Qianduo Rape Flower Scenic Area, Xinghua City
Qianduo Rape Flower Scenic Area - Xinghua Spring Landscape Representative
Qianduo Rape Flower Scenic Area is a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System. When rapeseed flowers bloom in spring, thousands of raised fields turn golden, known as "China's Most Beautiful Rapeseed Flower Sea."

Xinghua City 2-Day Water Town Flower Sea Tour

Enjoy flowers on raised fields, explore forests, seek charm in ancient town, follow celebrity footsteps

Duration
2 days, 1 night
Main Destinations
Qianduo Rape Flower Scenic Area, Lizhong Water Forest, Xinghua Ancient Town, Zheng Banqiao Memorial Hall
Suitable For
Photography enthusiasts, nature lovers, culture explorers, families
Budget per person
¥350-¥700
01
Natural Eco Sightseeing Tour
Qianduo Rape Flower Scenic Area · Lizhong Water Forest
Highlights

In the morning, enjoy Qianduo Rape Flower Scenic Area and take a wooden boat through the golden flower sea; in the afternoon, explore Lizhong Water Forest and experience the feeling of "boats traveling through the forest, people roaming in a painting"; in the evening, watch the forest sunset.

Attractions
Qianduo Rape Flower Scenic Area
Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System, rapeseed flowers planted on unique raised-field terrain. In spring, it forms the magnificent landscape of "rivers with countless bends of clear water, fields without a single mound without yellow flowers."
Lizhong Water Forest Scenic Area
A rare water forest landscape in China, with tens of thousands of metasequoia and pond cypress growing in the water, forming a unique "Terracotta Warriors on Water" landscape. You can take bamboo rafts through the forest and watch flocks of egrets.
Practical Info
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Guesthouses near the scenic area
  • Hotels in Xinghua city center
  • Water town characteristic inns
Food Recommendations
  • Xinghua Hairy Crab
  • Qinhu Eight Delicacies
  • Shagou Big Fish Balls
  • Lotus Root Sandwiches
  • Xinghua Morning Tea
Travel Tips
  • Best flower viewing period is mid-to-late April
  • Wear non-slip shoes for walking on field ridges
  • Bicycle rental available in the scenic area
  • Early morning and dusk have the best light for photography
02
Ancient Town Culture Experience Tour
Xinghua Ancient Town · Zheng Banqiao Memorial Hall · Bazi Bridge
Highlights

In the morning, stroll through Xinghua Ancient Town and explore Ming and Qing architecture; in the afternoon, visit Zheng Banqiao Memorial Hall and appreciate literary elegance; later, tour Bazi Bridge Cultural Square and experience local life.

Attractions
Xinghua Ancient Town
An ancient town with over 2,300 years of history, preserving numerous Ming and Qing Dynasty streets and buildings. The city has a dense water network, still maintaining the pattern of "small bridges, flowing water, and households."
Zheng Banqiao Memorial Hall
Built in memory of the famous Qing Dynasty calligrapher and painter Zheng Banqiao, one of the "Eight Eccentrics of Yangzhou." The hall displays Zheng Banqiao's paintings, calligraphy works, life stories and related cultural relics.
Bazi Bridge Cultural Square
A cultural square centered around the historic Bazi Bridge in the ancient city, surrounded by traditional shops, teahouses and handicraft stores, showcasing Xinghua's local culture.
Practical Info
Transportation Guide
  • Tourist shuttle buses connect main attractions in Xinghua
  • Suitable for walking tours in the ancient town
  • Taxi between attractions costs about ¥20-30
  • Parking available at Qianduo Rape Flower Scenic Area
Ticket Info
  • Qianduo Rape Flower Scenic Area: ¥100
  • Lizhong Water Forest: ¥80
  • Zheng Banqiao Memorial Hall: Free
  • Xinghua Ancient Town: Free
  • Bazi Bridge Cultural Square: Free
Travel Tips
  • Arrive early during rapeseed flower season to avoid crowds
  • Bamboo raft drifting experience available at Water Forest
  • Many century-old shops in the ancient town for food tasting
  • Zheng Banqiao calligraphy replicas available as souvenirs

Must-Try Foods in Xinghua City

Xinghua Hairy Crab

Xinghua specialty aquatic product, grown in ecologically excellent waters with delicious meat. Rich roe and tender meat make it the most famous local delicacy.

Shagou Big Fish Balls

Traditional food from Shagou Town, Xinghua, made from fresh grass carp. Fresh, elastic and delicious in taste, a must-have dish at local banquets.

Lotus Root Sandwiches

Xinghua traditional snack, made by slicing lotus root, stuffing with minced meat, coating in batter and deep frying. Crispy outside and tender inside, savory and delicious, a must-have festival food.

Xinghua Morning Tea

Xinghua's characteristic breakfast culture, including dried tofu shreds, fish broth noodles, crab roe soup buns and more. Rich in variety and finely prepared, reflecting the food culture of the water town.

Xinghua City Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Spring (Apr): Best viewing period for Qianduo rapeseed flowers
  • Autumn (Sep-Oct): Hairy crab season, best flavor
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Water Forest lush green, great escape from heat
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Fewer tourists, enjoy the tranquility of the water town
Must-Do Experiences
  • Take a wooden boat to enjoy flowers at Qianduo
  • Bamboo raft drifting at Lizhong Water Forest
  • Taste specialty morning tea in the ancient town
  • Feel the literary atmosphere at Zheng Banqiao Memorial Hall
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx. ¥180
  • Accommodation: ¥150-300/night
  • Meals: ¥100-200/day
  • Shopping: depends on personal needs
  • Transport: ¥50-100
  • Total: ¥350-700 (excluding shopping)
FAQ
  • How to get to Xinghua City? → Direct buses from Taizhou Railway Station to Xinghua city center
  • Which attraction in Xinghua is most worth visiting? → Qianduo Rape Flower Scenic Area and Lizhong Water Forest
  • What are the specialty souvenirs? → Xinghua Hairy Crab, Zheng Banqiao cultural creative products
  • How many days are recommended? → 2 days suggested for experiencing natural and cultural landscapes

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