Tiantai County, Taizhou City, Zhejiang Travel

Tiantai County, Taizhou, Zhejiang — a holy land of Buddhism and Taoism, home to Tiantai Mountain, Guoqing Temple, Qiongtai Xiangu and other famous attractions. A 3-day 2-night trip to experience the deep integration of natural landscape and Buddhist & Taoist culture.

1800+
Religious Culture (years)
34
Cultural Relic Protection Sites
1
World Heritage (nominated)
6
A-Level Scenic Areas
Tiantai Mountain landscape in Tiantai County
Tiantai Mountain Scenery – Landmark of Tiantai County
Tiantai Mountain is a national scenic area, famous for Buddhist & Taoist culture and natural scenery. It is the birthplace of the Tiantai sect of Buddhism and the ancestral court of the Southern School of Taoism.

Tiantai County Three-Day Two-Night Buddhist & Taoist Culture Tour

Pilgrimage to famous mountains, seek Zen in ancient temples, explore fairy valleys, visit celebrity former residences

Duration
3 Days 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Tiantai Mountain, Guoqing Temple, Qiongtai Xiangu, Sui Pagoda, Jigong's Former Residence, Huading National Forest Park
Suitable For
Religious culture enthusiasts, nature lovers, history and culture enthusiasts, photography fans
Budget per Person
¥600-¥1000
01
Tiantai Mountain Pilgrimage & Ancient Temple Zen Seeking
Tiantai Mountain · Guoqing Temple · Sui Pagoda
Highlights

Morning: Visit the core area of Tiantai Mountain; noon: Taste Tiantai vegetarian cuisine; afternoon: Explore Guoqing Temple to feel the Zen spirit; evening: Visit Sui Pagoda to conclude the first day.

Attractions
Tiantai Mountain
National scenic area, famous for "Origin of Buddhism and Taoism, Divine Landscape", it is the birthplace of the Tiantai sect of Buddhism and the ancestral court of the Southern School of Taoism, rich in natural and cultural landscapes.
Guoqing Temple
First built in the Sui Dynasty, it is the ancestral temple of the Tiantai sect of Buddhism. The temple features towering ancient trees and simple architecture, preserving a large number of precious cultural relics and historic sites.
Sui Pagoda
First built in the Sui Dynasty, it is one of the landmarks of Guoqing Temple. The pagoda is 59.3 meters high with six sides and nine levels, standing for thousands of years, possessing significant historical value.
Practical Info
Accommodation Recommendations
  • B&Bs in Tiantai Mountain Scenic Area
  • Zen-themed hotels near Guoqing Temple
  • Hotels in Tiantai county town
Food Recommendations
  • Guoqing Temple Vegetarian Cuisine
  • Tiantai Wuyao Cake
  • Jiao Bing Tong (Rolled Pancake)
  • Wheat Pancake
Travel Tips
  • Keep quiet inside the temple and follow regulations
  • Some parts of Tiantai Mountain have steep trails; non-slip shoes recommended
  • Vegetarian meals need to be booked in advance
  • Respect religious beliefs and customs
02
Exploring Qiongtai Xiangu
Qiongtai Xiangu · Natural Scenery
Highlights

Full day tour of Qiongtai Xiangu. Morning: Enter from the scenic area entrance and enjoy the canyon scenery; noon: Have lunch inside the scenic area; afternoon: Continue exploring and feel the wonders of nature.

Attractions
Qiongtai Xiangu
An important scenic area of Tiantai Mountain, famous for its canyon scenery. The valley features strange peaks, unusual rocks, flying waterfalls and flowing springs, with attractions like Qiongtai Pavilion and Immortal Seat, known as the "First Secluded Stream in Eastern Zhejiang".
Practical Info
Transportation Guide
  • Tourist shuttle buses from Tiantai county town directly reach Qiongtai Xiangu
  • Sightseeing cars are available inside the scenic area
  • Self-driving can park at the scenic area parking lot
Ticket Info
  • Qiongtai Xiangu: ¥65/person
  • Sightseeing car: ¥20/person (one-way)
Travel Tips
  • The full tour takes about 3-4 hours; start early
  • Bring enough drinking water and snacks
  • Protect yourself from the sun in summer and keep warm in winter
  • Some sections are steep; pay attention to safety
03
Celebrity Former Residence & Forest Oxygen Bar
Jigong's Former Residence · Huading National Forest Park
Highlights

Morning: Visit Jigong's Former Residence to learn about folk legends; noon: Taste Tiantai specialty cuisine; afternoon: Tour Huading National Forest Park to enjoy the forest oxygen bar, concluding the trip.

Attractions
Jigong's Former Residence
Built in memory of Jigong (Master Daoji), it recreates his life stories and scenes. The architecture is simple and elegant, showcasing rich Jigong culture.
Huading National Forest Park
The main peak scenic area of Tiantai Mountain, with a forest coverage rate of up to 92%, known as a "natural oxygen bar". In spring, the cloud brocade azaleas bloom in full splendor, creating breathtaking scenery.
Practical Info
Transportation Guide
  • Jigong's Former Residence is located in the county town with convenient transportation
  • Huading National Forest Park requires a scenic area shuttle or self-driving
  • Return journey can take a bus from Tiantai Bus Station to various destinations
Ticket Info
  • Jigong's Former Residence: ¥30/person
  • Huading National Forest Park: ¥50/person
Featured Experiences
  • Listen to Jigong legends at his former residence
  • Admire cloud brocade azaleas on Huading Mountain (April-May)
  • Purchase Tiantai Wuyao, Cloud Mist Tea and other specialties
  • Experience Tiantai traditional handicrafts

Must-Try Foods in Tiantai County

Tiantai Wuyao Cake

A Tiantai specialty pastry made from Wuyao (Lindera root). Soft and chewy in texture, it has the effects of regulating qi, relieving pain, warming the kidneys and dispelling cold, a traditional local health food.

Jiao Bing Tong (Rolled Pancake)

A Tiantai traditional snack, wrapping various dishes in a thin pancake and rolling it into a tube shape. Can be steamed or pan-fried, rich in flavor, a must-have festive food for Tiantai people.

Guoqing Temple Vegetarian Cuisine

Vegetarian food made from soy products, vegetables and other ingredients. Beautifully presented and lightly flavored, it embodies Zen spirit, a great place to experience Buddhist food culture.

Tiantai Wheat Pancake

A Tiantai traditional noodle dish, made with wheat flour as the wrapper, filled with pickled vegetables, minced meat and other fillings, then baked. Crispy on the outside, savory on the inside, a local home-style food.

Tiantai County Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Spring (Apr-May): Azaleas bloom on Huading Mountain, scenery at its best
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Cool climate, ideal for escaping the heat
  • Autumn (Sep-Nov): Clear weather, great for mountain climbing and sightseeing
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Snow scenery available, fewer tourists
Must-Do Experiences
  • Listen to Zen sounds at Guoqing Temple
  • Hike Qiongtai Xiangu
  • Hear legends at Jigong's Former Residence
  • Admire azaleas on Huading Mountain
  • Taste Tiantai specialty vegetarian cuisine
Budget Reference
  • Tickets & Experiences: ¥200-300
  • Accommodation: ¥150-300/night (2 nights total ¥300-600)
  • Meals: ¥80-150/day
  • Transport: ¥50-100
  • Total: ¥600-1000
FAQ
  • How to get to Tiantai County? → Take the high-speed rail to Tiantai Mountain Station, or drive
  • How long does it take to visit Tiantai Mountain? → 2-3 days recommended
  • Does Guoqing Temple require reservation? → No reservation needed; enter with ID card
  • What specialties are worth buying in Tiantai? → Wuyao, Cloud Mist Tea, Dried Bamboo Shoots, Jigong Cake

Explore Districts & Counties in Taizhou City