Wenling In-Depth Travel Guide: A Journey of Dawn and Stone Charm Between Mountains and Sea

As the first place to receive the new millennium's first ray of sunlight in mainland China, Wenling holds the most captivating mountain and sea secrets in eastern Zhejiang. Here, you can find the spectacular rock caves shaped by 1,500 years of quarrying history, a fairy-tale fishing village painted in macaron colors, and a seafood feast during the fishing season. A 2-3 day itinerary is just right to unlock this romantic blend of mountains and sea. Must-See Highlights: A Dual Gift of Nature and Culture 1. Changyu Dongtian: The core of the Global Geopark, a miracle left by artificial quarrying since the Northern and Southern Dynasties. The light show at Xidong and the natural rock cave concert hall’s acoustics are exceptional. The TV series "The Return of the Condor Heroes" was filmed here. Wearing light-colored clothes to take silhouette photos under the stone archway creates a great atmosphere. The combined ticket costs 120 RMB and includes major attractions like Shuiyun Cave and Xidong. The cave stays cool year-round like natural air conditioning, but bring a light jacket for temperature differences. 2. Shitang Peninsula: The essence of the thousand-year-old fishing port town. You can rent an electric cart to cruise along the coastal greenway. The heart-shaped hollow design of the Couple Rings Viewing Platform is a popular spot for couples to check in. The Millennium Dawn Park’s Dawn Monument records the path of the new millennium’s first ray of sunlight. From the mountaintop, you can overlook the entire stone house cluster and the sea. Watching the sunset at the viewing platform as golden light spills over the sea in the evening makes for healing, picturesque shots. 3. Xiaoruo Village: Known as the "Eastern Five Fishing Villages," this colorful fishing village has houses painted in macaron colors, paired with the blue sea, creating a fairy-tale scene. The best time to shoot is from 5:30 to 7:30 AM or after 4 PM to avoid harsh midday light and crowds. The Tianhou Palace on the hilltop offers a panoramic view of the entire village. 4. Dongxia Beach: Wenling’s finest natural sandy beach with the softest sand and crystal-clear blue water. The peak season ticket is 30 RMB, and you can try water activities like beach motorbikes. Note that entry stops after 5:30 PM, so it’s best to visit in the afternoon to enjoy the sea breeze and beach. Local Flavors: Must-Try Local Delicacies • Specialty Snacks: The embedded rice cake at the village entrance is a must-try. Steamed soft rice cake wrapped with fried dough sticks and pork tenderloin costs 5 RMB each and is very filling. Recommended old shops include "Fatty’s Fresh Cake" and "Embedded Cake King." The "Nanmentou Paoxia" at Xinhe is freshly fried and crispy. The mountain powder paste with walnuts and eggs is a comforting dessert. The 27-year-old "Baoya Dim Sum" is worth queuing for. • Seafood Feast: At Shitang Renjia Seafood Restaurant, the home-cooked yellow croaker and fresh swimming crab are incredibly delicious, with an average cost of 80 RMB per person for a feast. In the city, "Jiulong Miracle Seafood Food Stall" is a local favorite, offering freshly caught and cooked seafood to ensure freshness. Avoid tourist restaurants; it’s more cost-effective to buy seafood at the city market and have it cooked at a restaurant, with a cooking fee of 10-20 RMB per dish. Accommodation and Transportation: Practical Guide for a Comfortable Trip • Accommodation Options: In Shitang Town, "Luxury Wild One Residence" costs 280 RMB per night, featuring a fully smart home with a sea-view terrace, and the housekeeper prepares warming ginger tea. "POCOaPOCO Pugu Homestay" is known for its mid-century home design and is a 5-minute walk to the sea. In the city, you can choose the Hilton Hampton by Hilton Wenling, where lake-view rooms at 350 RMB per night offer excellent views and are within walking distance to Intime City. • Transportation Tips: After arriving at Wenling High-Speed Rail Station, it takes 40 minutes by self-drive or taxi to Shitang Town. A full-day charter costs about 200 RMB and is more convenient. Attractions in Shitang Town are scattered; sightseeing buses cost 10 RMB per ride and stop on demand. Renting an electric cart to cruise along the coast is a better experience. To reach Sansuan Island, take a ferry costing 60 RMB round trip per person. Check tide schedules and ferry times in advance. Itinerary and Pitfall Tips • Classic 3-day 2-night route: Day 1, visit Changyu Dongtian upon arrival and stay overnight in Shitang to enjoy the fishing port night view; Day 2, catch the sunrise at Xiaoruo Village early morning, then explore the coastal greenway and check in at the Couple Rings Viewing Platform in the afternoon; Day 3, explore Dongxia Beach in the morning, visit Wenling Museum to see the fishing boat restoration exhibition in the afternoon, and return in the evening. • Pitfall reminders: Xiaoruo Village has heavy filters, so lower expectations and focus on shooting local details; the "Panda Pavilion" at Changyu Dongtian charges an extra 50 RMB and is not cost-effective, so it can be skipped; strong UV rays by the sea require sunscreen hats and arm sleeves. From April to August, you can chase the "Blue Tears" bioluminescence. Follow the "Wenling Tourism" official account for forecasts. The best spots are Jinsha Beach and Sansuan Island. Wenling’s beauty is hidden in the depth of rock caves, the lively fishing villages, and the clear sound of waves. Here, you can touch the thousand-year quarrying culture and embrace the first ray of dawn. Only by slowing down can you truly understand this poetic blend of mountains and sea.