Wenzhou China – Top-10 Tourist Attractions and Activities

Wenzhou is a port city in the south east corner of Zhejiang, right next to the East China Sea. It’s surrounded by huge green mountains. Wenzhou is endowed with charming architecture that is a feast for the eyes.

There are beautiful natural attractions (mountains, rivers, coastal scenes) as well as cultural sights and activities like temples, and charming villages. Here are ten of the best:

10. Wuyanling Nature Reserve

Free for young children, 60 RMB for adults.

A huge protected area covering 77 square miles, this reserve is home to mountain forests, as well as various wildlife. See huge peaks over one kilometre high, Feiyun stream which winds through the forest, and over 2000 different plant species.

There’s the opportunity to see rare animals: clouded leopard, bellied tragopan and stump-tailed monkeys.

Some scenic spots to visit are Longjing Deep Pool (almost 8 square miles big!), and Xiaolong Deep Pool. Also, Baiyun Peak- the second largest in the province. Beneath the peak is the majestic Baiyun waterfall.

9. Wenzhou Museum

This is an important part of Wenzhou city, and the architecture is inspired by the nearby Yandang mountain. It not only serves as an informational institute, but also a more vibrant and entertaining way to learn about the local culture.

Inside, you can find over 17,000 relics like stone and bronze sculptures, china and jade, as well as traditional calligraphy.

Something for the kids: They regularly hold exhibitions and cultural performances, so bring the kids along on these days to avoid boredom!

8. Wenzhou Zoo

With over 150 different species, this would be a great break from all the historical and cultural attractions (take the kids).

See animals from China (Chinese water deer) and around the world (Amur Tigers, gorillas). There is a petting zoo, so the kids can feed and pet animals and there’s also a huge playground. If you get hungry there are plenty of places to grab a snack. Open 9am-5pm.

7. Yandang Mountain Scenic Area

Between 10-50RMB. Depending on what you want to see.

We feel it’s definitely in the top ten of the best mountains in China, and UNESCO labelled it as a World Geopark in 2005. It’s not all mountain, too. Go there to see mysterious waterfalls and caves.

There are 8 different scenic areas, but the best three are the Spiritual Peaks, the Big Dragon Waterfall and the Spiritual Rocks.

Spiritual Peaks – stroll along the Puxi Stream until you find a rock in the shape of a monk with his hands clasped.
Big Dragon Waterfall – cascading down from Lianyun Peak, it falls over 190 meters! After heavy rain, it’s easy to imagine the misty water as a smoking dragon.
Spiritual Rocks – come here to see the beautiful Lingyan Temple, Small Dragon Waterfall, Longbidong Cave and the Valley of the Crouching Dragon.
At 3 pm every day, there’s the “Flying Person” show-a must see.
The peaks are most beautiful at night, so go after dark!

6. Baizhangji Waterfall & Flying Cloud Lake Scenic Area

Another stunning natural attraction, this makes for an excellent day trip out of the city. The Baizhang waterfalls are truly magnificent. Walk through the valley and witness the majestic waterfalls.

Flying Cloud Lake is massive (55 square kilometres!). The lake is dotted with hundreds of islands you can go visit, and it’s surrounded by beautiful green hills and jungles that provide a stunning backdrop for an overnight stay.

5. Jiangxinyu Island

25 RMB

This pretty little island can be found in the Oujiang River, and it’s one of four most famous islands in China. Here you can see massive trees-estimated to be over 1000 years old. Go there to enjoy nature at its finest, with tall trees, colourful flowers and bubbling springs.
When you go, Jiangxin Temple is a must-see. The temple consists of four separate pieces: The Heavenly Guardians Hall; the Main Hall; the Three Saints Hall; the Abbot's Room. The Guardians Hall is flanked by a picturesque bell and drum tower. In the Drum Tower you can find a bell that dates back from the Song dynasty! The other halls all have various sculptures and Buddhas.

The Wen Tianxiang Memorial Hall celebrates the life of Wen, a renowned figure in China from the Song Dynasty. He was in charge of the army that fought the Yuan invaders, but he was sadly killed. He was also a poet, so the hall contains some examples of his work.
There are also the East and West pagodas, 27-meter-high structures expertly built and decorated.

It’s mostly a cultural attraction, but the kids will enjoy the nature too. Open 9am-5pm.

4. Nanxi River

Come here to see how beautiful rural China truly is. Away from the crowds, be at peace in a calming natural environment. It’s known to where traditional Chinese water painting began.
We recommend taking a traditional bamboo canoe down the river- it’s the best way to explore the vast area. As the women wash clothes in the river, witness fishermen catching fish the traditional way-using the cormorant bird to snatch up small fish.

The water here is some of the clearest in China, and as you float down the river you’re sure to come across numerous ancient villages. Be sure to pop in- they’ve maintained a high level of traditional authenticity, so it gives a true reflection of their culture, and this is something absent from many cultural attractions in China.

The most famous villages are: Yangtou, Cangpo and Furong. You can also take a minibus on land to various attractions along the river.

3. Wenzhou Grand Theatre

This is one of the best theatres in China, and its architecture is truly something to behold. There’s a 1500 seat Opera House and a 630-seat concert hall both designed by Canadian Carlos Ott.

The entire venue has world class facilities, and we recommend coming here to see a cultural performance, various music pieces or traditional dances.

2. Nanji Islands

These are important because they’re in the only national marine reserve in the East China Sea and protected by UNESCO.

They’re quintessential islands- beautiful white sand beaches, blue seas and coconut trees. Take a glass-bottomed boat and go and see the wondrous ocean life- blue and yellow coral fish, huge crabs, sharks and even octopus! The sea cliffs, as well as sea caves make for fascinating viewing.

Inside the reserve there’s also Nanji and Sanpanwei Mountains. Sit beneath these at sundown to enjoy the best views.

1. Wenzhou Amusement Park

This is a state-of-the-art amusement park that’s unique because it combines natural, cultural and modern elements all into one. It’s just for the kids- there’s something for people of all ages.

Four distinct themes are clear: cartoon, America’s wild west, recreation and Europe.
There’s a place called “The Steps of Fear”- peer down into a scary 300-meter-deep cave that’s eerily lit by fluorescent lights.

Enjoy one of the many rides or be amazed by the cartoon houses and wild west setting. There’s also an awesome 360-degree movie theatre inside the cave!

Overall, there’s lot to do in Wenzhou and it’s a great place for the family because there’s lots for the kids to do.