Taizhou 泰州市 — Water Country & Morning Tea Culture
Taizhou is a quiet, pleasant city on the Grand Canal between Nanjing and Shanghai. The city is famous for its water towns, boat-building heritage, and the 700-year-old Qintong Boat Festival.
The city's slow pace of life and excellent morning tea culture rival Yangzhou's. Taizhou is less visited by foreign tourists, offering an authentic taste of Jiangnan life.
Taizhou was also the birthplace of Mei Lanfang, China's most famous Peking Opera performer.
A 1,000-year-old water town built on islands in a lake, accessed by boat. The town features ancient banyan trees, Ming-Qing courtyard houses, and traditional boat building workshops. The annual Qintong Boat Festival (April) features hundreds of decorated boats gathering on the lake.
Hours: 全天开放
Admission: ¥80 (includes boat)
A scenic river running through Taizhou's old city, lined with traditional buildings, gardens, and historic sites. Night boat tours showcase the beautifully illuminated riverbanks. The area includes the Mei Lanfang Memorial Hall.
Hours: 全天开放, boat tours 18:00–21:00
Admission: Free, boat tours ¥30
A museum dedicated to Mei Lanfang (1894–1961), the greatest Peking Opera performer of the 20th century. The museum displays costumes, photographs, and personal items from Mei's career. Short Peking Opera performances are held on weekends.
Hours: 9:00–17:00 (closed Mon)
Admission: Free