Wenzhou
Wenzhou (温州 Wēnzhōu) is a city in Zhejiang Province. Wenzhou is not on many China tour itineraries and despite being a Chinese cultural hotspot, it is not the most foreigner friendly of cities (compared with Hangzhou and Ningbo, for example). However, there are plenty of things to do and see should you find yourself with time on your hands in Wenzhou.
- See
- 19
- Do
- 5
- Eat
- 20
- Drink
- 17
- Buy
- 12
73 places
- See
Dongtou Islands
洞头列岛
Group of islands off the coast. There is a bunch of "scenic spots"; you have to pay for some. Once there, it is probably easiest to take a taxi to the different scenic spots. Do not believe the touts that approach you when you get off the bus.
- See
East Gate Street
东门街; Dōngménjiē
Another pedestrian street, less to see than Wuma Street, but it is longer and has trees on it.
- See
Jiangxin Island
江心屿; Jiāngxīnyǔ
An island in the middle of the Oujiang river that runs through Wenzhou. The island has an old pagoda and a new pagoda, large areas of garden and lakes, a water park and a theme park. The theme park is known for its Ferris wheel which gives great views of both sides of the river and also a death-defying roller coaster. Make sure you buckle up tight.
08ː00-22ː00 (winter), 08ː00-23ː00 (summer)¥30 (Adults), ¥15 (Children aged between 6 and 18). Children under 6 years old or less than 1.3 metres in heght are granted free admission. Extra charges apply for entry to the theme park (closed: under construction)
- See
Jingshan Park
景山公园, Jīngshān Gōngyuán, lit. Mount Jing Park. Also known as Jingshan Forest Park 景山森林公园
A huge area of trees and greenery. Good place to walk around a get a view of Wenzhou. The mountain overlooks the suburb of Huanglong.
08ː30-17ː30¥30
- See
Jiushan Park
九山公园; Jiǔshāngōngyuán; lit. Nine Mountain Park
A small but picturesque park with a lake and a brand new very high pagoda. Climb to the top for excellent views of the city, which at times can remind one of SimCity. Times refers to the pagoda.
8AM-11AM, 1PM-2PMFree
- See
Master and Apprentice Bridges
师徒桥, Shitu Bridges
The most famous site in Taishun County. Two covered wooden bridges in close proximity, namely the Dongxi Bridge (东溪桥, lit. 'East River Bridge'), which dates from the MIng Dynasty and the Beijian Bridge (北间桥, lit. 'North Bridge'), which dates from the Qing Dynasty. Collectively the two bridges are known as the Shitu Bridges (师徒桥), which literally means 'Master and Apprentice Bridges' or 'Teacher and Pupil Bridges'. The bridges now form the centrepiece of a park known as the Covered Bridges Cultural Park (廊桥文化园), which also includes several other historical sites, such as Zhang Shiyi's former residence (张十一故居) and the Bao Family Ancestral Hall (包氏宗祠).
08ː00-21ː00Free
- Eat
Model Lugang Banquet Fine Arts Restaurant
鹿港·筵·文化艺术高级餐厅; Lùgǎng·Yán·Wénhuà Yìshù Gāojí Cāntīng
Unlike the traditional rustic charm of other Ou cuisine venues, Model Restaurant redefines Ou cuisine with an innovative twist. Located on the top floor of Lugang Tower, this upscale dining spot presents Wenzhou’s signature dishes with the elegance and refinement of Western fine dining.While modern in presentation, the restaurant stays true to its roots, offering a unique contemporary take on Ou cuisine while remaining a faithful tribute to its rich cultural heritage.
- See
Oubei
瓯北; ōuběi
The town on the northern side of Ou River. Close to the dock there are some nice temples at the bottom and top of a hill. There is a pagoda on top of the hill as well.
- See
Sanyang Wetlands
三垟湿地; Sānyángshīdì
A group of around 136 islands with a shitton of bridges connecting them, as well as a bunch only reached by big concrete canoes. In total it is something like 13 km2. They are building a bunch of gazebos, gardens and new bridges and plan to open the garden as an attraction.
- See
Taiping Temple
太平寺; Tàipíngsì
Really new, but very nice temple on the western edge of Wenzhou. The temple actually has a rather long history, having originally been established in 942 AD, but during the Second World War, the temple was converted into an army barracks and later demolished. The current buildings were built between 2003 and 2006.
Free
- Do
Wenzhou Amusement Park
温州乐园
Financed and constructed by Sino-US joint venture company and designed by an American designer.
08ː30-17ː00¥130 (adults and children over 1.5 metres in height), ¥70 (Men over 60 years old, women over 55 years old, children between 1.2 and 1.5 metres in height and disabled people). Persons over 70 years old and children under 1.2 metres are granted free admission
- Eat
Wenzhou Grand Restaurant Ou Cuisine Hall
温州大酒家瓯菜馆; Wēnzhōu Dà Jiǔjiā Ōucàiguǎn
A true pride of Wenzhou! With over 60 years of history, this iconic restaurant serves up authentic Ou cuisine that brings back childhood memories with every bite. The interior is beautifully decorated with cultural touches, making dining here feel like a trip to a museum—delicious and enriching.Their signature dish, Three-Silk Hammered Fish (三丝敲鱼), is a must-try. Fresh fish fillets are gently hammered until thin and tender, then cooked with shredded carrots, mushrooms, and ham in a light, flavorful broth. The result is a classic Wenzhou dish with silky fish slices and a soup so clean and fragrant, it’s unforgettable.
- Eat
Wenzhou Overseas Chinese Hotel
温州华侨饭店; Wēnzhōu Huáqiáo Fàndiàn
This historic five-star hotel has been welcoming guests since the 1960s and remains a staple in Wenzhou’s hospitality scene. The sprawling layout can feel like a maze, but the attentive service and comfortable accommodations make up for it.The hotel is also famous for its Signature Steamed Jinmen Yellow Croaker (秘汁蒸金门黄鱼). Fresh Jinmen yellow croaker is lightly marinated to remove any fishiness, then steamed with a house-made secret sauce. The dish is finished with a sprinkle of green onions and ginger shreds, balancing the fish's tender texture with a rich, savory flavor that lingers long after the last bite.
- See
Wenzhou Zoo
温州动物园
They have penguins, lions and the occasional panda. Good times.
08ː30-17ː30, no tickets sold after 17ː00¥30
- See
Wuma Street
五马街; Wǔmǎjiē
Wuma Street is Wenzhou's most popular pedestrian street, known for its vibrant atmosphere and local specialties. It’s a great place to enjoy Wenzhou-style snacks, shop for unique items, and experience the city’s culture.
- See
Wutian Old Street
梧田老街; Wútián Lǎojiē
Wutian Old Street combines the charm of Wenzhou's traditional residential architecture with the natural beauty of the Tanghe River. The buildings use local materials, featuring grey bricks, wooden structures, and small black-tile roofs, creating a calm and historic atmosphere. Key architectural elements include wooden balconies, arcade-style facades, and intricate designs.The street is an ideal place for evening strolls, offering scenic views and a rich cultural experience. Visitors can enjoy the ambiance, explore shops, and savor local snacks.
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.99
Huge club/bar with a wooden palatial decor that boggles the mind. Prices can also boggle the mind.
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1682
This bar/club is sometimes very popular for its lounge layout, a little open space for dancing, and music.
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419 Bar
Quiet tea house and bar that also plays host to a popular English Corner (Thursday nights 7PM), even if foreigners are rare in attending. If you go, you will have insta-friends.
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Arabic Restaurant
阿拉伯科餐厅; Ālābókēcāntīng
Friendly staff who speak enough English and a menu in passable English, Chinese and (dubious) Arabic. The curry dishes come highly recommended at the expense of the kebab dishes. If you are caught between yogurt and hummus, pick the yogurt every time as the hummus is heavily on the peanut side.
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Bank of China Currency Exchange
中国银行
Probably the most reliable place to buy currency is this large, official currency exchange. If you fancy taking a risk, you can seek a better rate with the money changers outside the bank.
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Blue Moon Bar
Great little foreigner friendly bar with a cozy feel to it. Customer controlled music playlist (just choose your song from the communal computer and double click!). ¥10 bottles of Qingdao. Also has burgers, fries and other Western food items.
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Blue Shell
The longtime foreign owner of Blue Shell has sold this bar to a local lady. It's still open, and John's still the bartender. Western style toilet on second floor.
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Bread Talk
There are two Bread Talks in Wenzhou, one in the downtown area near Wuma Street (五马街) and the other is in the European City shopping district (欧洲城). Eat-in or Takeaway, this bakery has a wide variety of hot and cold drinks and has breads that come closest to matching the taste of Western bakeries, including ring doughnuts and odd-looking but good-tasting Pizza.
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Bund 18
外滩十八号; Wàitānshíbāhào
It offers free alcohol to foreigners who know the right people. Look for other foreigners once you are inside and join them. Normally kicks off around 10PM.
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Computer Market
电脑广场
The computer market is three floors of technology, including desktops, laptops, notebooks, external hard drives, webcams, etc. For the best deals, make a Chinese friend before you go.
8AM-5PM
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Cowboy Bar 1
Eric's No. 1
The original home of the Taiwanese Cowboy, expect rowdy Chinese, migrant worker bar staff, and a wild time, especially if Eric hands you a free bottle of Tequila.
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Cowboy Bar 3
Eric's No. 3
Different from 1 & 2 in that No. 3 is a little quieter, as befits Shuomen Street. The bar area is more comfortable and a back area includes a small indoor stream. Serves Chinese food and steak.
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Delizia
This Italian style coffee shop is worth a miss. High prices and a bad menu contribute to an uncomfortable experience. The coffee is passable but expensive and do not order the ambiguously named 'Sandwich' for ¥20; it is three slices of salami with mayonnaise slipped into bread rolls normally found amongst aeroplane food. On the upside, there are two rolls. Menu is in Italian and Chinese.
- Eat Not mapped
Do&Me
Another Chinese-style fried chicken fast-food restaurant, many of them dot the city.
23 of 73 places have map locations.