Wenzhou

温州

A vibrant coastal city in southern Zhejiang known for its entrepreneurial spirit and unique architecture blending tradition and modernity. Features the beautiful Nanxi River scenic area and serves as a gateway to coastal attractions and nearby mountains.

Things to do

• Nanxi River Scenic Area — Explore this pristine river valley with bamboo rafting, hiking trails, and traditional wooden bridges set against steep green mountains.
• Taishun Covered Bridges — Visit the historic wooden covered bridges in nearby Taishun County, some dating back centuries and representing unique Ming and Qing dynasty architecture.
• Wenzhou Museum — Discover the city's maritime heritage, ceramic traditions, and entrepreneurial history through well-curated exhibits of local artifacts.
• Longwan District Waterfront — Stroll along the modern harbor area with seaside parks, local fishing boats, and contemporary architecture reflecting Wenzhou's economic development.
• Yandang Mountain — Hike this scenic mountain area known for dramatic granite peaks, waterfalls, and cliff-side temples with panoramic coastal views.
• Ouhai District Old Streets — Wander through traditional alleyways with shophouses, local vendors, and restored heritage architecture that showcase pre-modern Wenzhou life.

Food to try

• Wenzhou Fish Balls — Fresh fish paste formed into delicate spheres and served in clear broths or stir-fried, a signature street food and dim sum item unique to the region.
• Shrimp and Eel Rice — Local rice dish topped with tender river eels and fresh shrimp, often prepared with ginger and soy sauce for a savory coastal flavor.
• Duck Tongue Delicacy — Tender duck tongues marinated and cooked in a tangy soy-based sauce, considered a prized ingredient in Wenzhou's culinary tradition.
• Medicinal Chicken Soup — Slow-simmered chicken with ginseng, red dates, and traditional Chinese herbs, served as both comfort food and wellness remedy.
• Wenzhou Seafood Noodles — Fresh noodles topped with local seafood including scallops, squid, and fish in a light, umami-rich broth reflecting the city's maritime bounty.

Local customs & good to know

• Entrepreneurial Spirit — Wenzhou residents are known nationwide as savvy business people and merchants; respect for commerce and self-made success is deeply embedded in local culture.
• Cantonese-influenced Cuisine — Though in Zhejiang, Wenzhou's food culture bears significant Cantonese influence due to historical trade ties, so dim sum and herbal soups are prevalent.
• Festival Celebrations — Visit during Lunar New Year or local temple festivals to witness dragon dances, traditional opera performances, and community gatherings unique to southern Zhejiang traditions.
• Tea Culture and Respect — Tea is central to business meetings and social gatherings; offering and accepting tea with proper hand gestures is an important courtesy in local interactions.