Yandang Mountain
World Geological Park, national 5A scenic spot, known as 'Famous Mountain on the Sea'. Lingfeng, Lingyan and Dalongqiu are three wonders, Dalongqiu Waterfall drops 197m.
Overview
Wenzhou, formerly known as Ouyue, is on the southeastern coast of Zhejiang, with 2200+ years of city history. Wenzhou people are famous for spirit 'dare to be first', creating the world-renowned 'Wenzhou Model'. Yandang Mountain is a World Geological Park. Nanxi River scenic area is one of the birthplaces of Chinese landscape poetry.
Key Facts
Area12,065 km²
Population957万
LanguageWu dialect (Oujiang subgroup, Wenzhou dialect)
Best timeMar-May & Sep-Nov
Top Attractions
Nanxi River
Famous for beautiful water, strange rocks, many waterfalls and ancient villages, one of birthplaces of Chinese landscape poetry. Bamboo rafting is the best experience.
Jiangxin Island
Solitary island in Oujiang River, known as 'Oujiang Penglai'. Has East and West Twin Pagodas and Jiangxin Temple. East Pagoda built in 869 AD.
Dongtou Island
Wenzhou's only island district, 103 islands, connected to mainland by sea-crossing bridges. Has Banping Mountain and Xian Dieyan, ideal for island experience.
Food & Snacks
Wenzhou Fish Balls
Wenzhou fish balls made from croaker fish hand-beaten, crystal clear and bouncy, clear broth. Unlike Fujian fish balls, Wenzhou style is irregular strip-shaped, breakfast favorite.
Fried Rice Vermicelli
One of Wenzhou's most representative staple foods, uses local special rice vermicelli, stir-fried with pork, egg and vegetables.
Dengzhangao (Lamp-shaped Cake)
Wenzhou traditional fried snack, named after ancient oil lamp shape. Crispy outside, filling mainly shredded radish and minced pork, found everywhere on streets.
Wenzhou Wonton
Wenzhou wontons have paper-thin skin, fresh filling, pork and shrimp, broth with nori, egg and pickled vegetable, favorite late-night snack.
Festivals & Events
Wenzhou Bayberry Festival — June
World & Intangible Heritage
- Wenzhou Guci (Drum Song) (2006) — Wenzhou guci is National Intangible Cultural Heritage, sung in Wenzhou dialect with unique accompaniment, mainly long historical stories and folk customs.
Practical Tips
Wenzhou Dialect Is Very Difficult
Wenzhou dialect is called 'hardest Chinese dialect to understand', even neighboring Zhejiang people struggle, download translation app or prepare communication cards
Frequent Typhoons in Summer
July-Sept is typhoon season, Wenzhou is frequent typhoon landing area, check typhoon warnings before traveling
Stay One Night at Yandang Mountain
Yandang scenic area is large (3 main areas), Lingfeng night view is highlight, stay overnight to see it
Check Freshness of Seafood
Wenzhou seafood is abundant but choose reputable restaurants, be especially careful about freshness in summer heat