Taizhou Danzhu Family Weekend Trip: Natural Childhood Fun Amid Mountains and Waters

✨ Trip Highlights · Immerse in the "Jelly Water" World: Wade and play in the crystal-clear streams of Danzhu, experiencing a natural massage as little fish nibble your feet. · Visit the Millennium-Old Sui Dynasty Ancient Temple: Stroll through Guoqing Temple, a free 5A-level scenic spot, feel the Zen atmosphere, and encounter adorable squirrels in the temple. · Enjoy Taizhou’s Specialty Cuisine: From farmhouse chicken stew to street snacks like embedded rice cakes and seaweed pancakes, satisfy the taste buds of visitors young and old. 📝 Basic Information Danzhu Township is located in Xianju County, Taizhou City, Zhejiang Province, named after the Wei Qiang Creek running through it and the dense bamboo forests. The water here is crystal clear, showing different shades of light green and deep blue under the sunlight, earning it the nickname "Taizhou’s Semporna" among netizens. Best Time to Visit: June to September is the best season for water activities, especially June and July when you can taste the local specialty Dongkui bayberry. Transportation: Driving is the most convenient option. It takes about 3 hours from Hangzhou or Shanghai. If taking the high-speed train, get off at "Xianju South Station" and take a taxi to Danzhu (about 40 minutes). 🎒 Day 1: Water Fun and Exploration Morning: Drive from Hangzhou or Shanghai, about 3 hours to reach Danzhu. It’s recommended to start early to avoid possible weekend traffic and to find ideal spots for water play. Noon: Choose a safe shallow beach in Danzhu to start today’s water activities. Longtantou Village is the source of Danzhu, featuring waterfall pools and emerald-like streams. If you have younger children, Zhangtan is a safer choice with shallow water and slow flow, allowing kids to safely catch small fish and shrimp. Consider having a picnic by the stream with easy-to-carry food prepared in advance or try bamboo tube rice sold by local villagers. Remember to take all your trash with you to protect this beautiful natural environment. Afternoon: Around 2-3 PM, pack up your water gear and drive about an hour to Guoqing Temple in Tiantai County. As the ancestral temple of the Tiantai sect of Chinese Buddhism, Guoqing Temple is a Sui Dynasty ancient temple with over 1,400 years of history. Surprisingly, this 5A-level scenic spot is free to visitors. The temple is surrounded by ancient towering trees and a tranquil environment. Take your children to visit the Sui pagoda and Sui plum trees inside the temple, observe turtles by the release pond, and you might even meet squirrels active around the temple. There is a tea room inside where you can rest and enjoy free tea, a perfect place to take a break. Evening: Choose to stay overnight in Tiantai County or Danzhu Township. Tiantai County offers more hotel options; Xiaye Village in Danzhu is a cluster of local farmhouses and guesthouses, some with windows overlooking the stream, offering a more rustic mountain experience. For dinner, try Taizhou specialties like the Xianju Eight Bowls banquet (especially recommended is the farmhouse chicken stew). 🌳 Day 2: Leisurely Return Morning: After a leisurely breakfast, choose light activities based on your children’s energy and interests. If you didn’t get enough water fun on the first day, you can revisit a shallow beach; or take a relaxing walk around your accommodation to breathe in the fresh mountain air. Noon: After enjoying lunch locally, pack up and start your journey home. 🏞️ Recommended Water Play Spots in Danzhu 1. Longtantou Village: Located at the source of Danzhu, with excellent water quality showing a Tiffany blue "jelly water" effect. There are waterfall pools and bamboo rafts for photo opportunities. Suitable for older children with some swimming ability. 2. Zhangtan: Shallow water and slow flow, with car access right to the streamside. Very suitable for young children to safely catch small fish and shrimp. 3. Danzhu Leisure Valley: Features forest waterfalls and hiking trails. If children enjoy hiking, the 2 km flat trail here is relatively easy, ending with a stunning waterfall. 🛌 Accommodation Recommendations 1. Within Danzhu Area: · Longtan Home: Stream views from the window, serving farmhouse cuisine. · Yunyin Mountain Courtyard: Equipped with a cliffside swimming pool, within walking distance to Wei Qiang Creek. 2. Tiantai County Urban Area: More hotel options, convenient dining and shopping, and easier access to Guoqing Temple. 🍽️ Food Guide 1. Xianju Eight Bowls: A local traditional banquet, especially recommend the farmhouse chicken stew and noodle dishes with toppings. 2. Embedded Rice Cake: Soft and glutinous rice cake wrapped with various fillings, a Taizhou specialty snack. 3. Seaweed Pancake: A signature snack from Ziyang Street, crispy crust filled with seaweed. 4. Seasonal Fruit: Dongkui bayberries in June and July, as large as ping-pong balls, are a must-try local specialty. ⚠️ Family Trip Tips 1. Safety First: · Prepare life jackets or arm floats for children, especially in deep water areas. · Stream shoes are essential: stones underwater are covered with slippery algae, ordinary sandals are not suitable. · Avoid water activities within 2 days after heavy rain to prevent mountain flood risks. · Always keep an eye on children, especially when playing near water. 2. Itinerary Adjustments: · Adjust the itinerary flexibly based on children’s age and energy; reduce activities on the second morning if children are tired. · Mountain weather in summer can be changeable; check weather forecasts in advance and adjust plans accordingly. 3. Environmental Awareness: · Bring trash bags and take all garbage with you to practice "Leave No Trace" in the mountains. · Avoid using chemical sunscreens to prevent polluting the precious "glass water." 4. Items to Prepare: · Water play gear: swimsuits, towels, change of clothes, water guns, small nets. · Protective items: sunscreen, sun hats, insect repellent (mountain areas have many insects). · Snacks and water: water play consumes energy, so replenish energy and hydration timely. Summer in Danzhu is sunlight shimmering through the bamboo sea and the joyful call of jumping into the "jelly water." We hope this guide helps you and your family plan a pleasant and safe Taizhou family trip, creating beautiful memories in nature.