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Taizhou Travel Resources

Taizhou Travel Resources

Taizhou Zhejiang, China Travel Guide

Digital Resources

Required Apps for the Destination

  • WeChat (微信):

    For communication (messaging, calls), social media, and mobile payments.

  • Alipay (支付宝):

    Another main mobile payment app, widely accepted across China.

  • Didi Chuxing (滴滴出行):

    China's dominant ride-hailing app, similar to Uber, for convenient transportation.

  • Baidu Maps (百度地图) or Gaode Maps (高德地图):

    For precise navigation, public transport routes, and locating points of interest.

  • Pleco:

    An excellent offline Chinese dictionary app. Highly useful for translation.

Useful Websites for Additional Planning

  • Official China National Tourism Administration:

    For general information about travel in China.

  • Zhejiang Provincial Tourism Bureau:

    For broader information on the province, including details on Taizhou.

  • Taizhou Municipal Government:

    Often has a tourism section, usually in Cantonese. Use a browser translation tool.

  • Trip.com (Ctrip):

    The international version of Ctrip, with English information and booking services.

  • VPN (Virtual Private Network):

    For accessing blocked international sites/apps like Google, Facebook, Instagram. Install and test before arriving.

Print Resources

Guidebooks & Maps

Major Guidebooks: Lonely Planet China or Rough Guides China offer broader country coverage. Local maps are available at hotels or tourist information centers for orientation.

Cultural Readings

Read general books on Chinese history, culture, and Buddhism (for the Tiantai connection) for comprehending. No widely published English books focus specifically on Taizhou.

Local Reads

Local newspapers or tourism brochures (mostly in Chinese) provide current event information or local insights. Use a translation app to interpret. Often provide unique perspectives.

Emergency & Medical Information

Emergency Numbers and Contacts

  • Police: 110
  • Ambulance: 120
  • Fire: 119
  • Your Country's Embassy/Consulate: Keep their emergency contact numbers available.

Hospital and Clinic Locations

  • Major Hospitals: Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province, First Affiliated Hospital of Taizhou University, and Taizhou Central Hospital.
  • Community Clinics: For minor issues, area clinics are abundant.

Further Reading & Exploration

Visual Media

  • Limited specific documentaries on Taizhou.
  • Search for documentaries on Zhejiang province or broader Chinese nature and culture.

Arts & Sounds

  • Listen to classic Chinese music or local folk performances.
  • Explore Chinese art forms, which deepens appreciation of cultural sites.

Connect Online

  • Lonely Planet Thorn Tree forum: A long-standing forum for independent travelers.
  • Reddit r/Chinatravel: An active community for questions and tips on traveling in China.

Important Notice: Accessing International Websites

VPN Use is Necessary

Restricted Access

  • Lots of famous international web pages and apps (Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp) are inaccessible in China.

VPN Solution

  • A Virtual Private Network (VPN) circumvents these restrictions.
  • Install and test a reliable VPN on all your devices before arriving.

Stay Connected

  • A working VPN helps maintain connectivity plus admission to essential services during your travels.

Pre-trip preparation

Booking Essentials

  • China Visa: Plan your visa application well in advance.
  • Flights & Trains: Secure your international and domestic transport.
  • Hotels: Confirm all your accommodation for the trip.

Stay Connected

  • VPN: Install and test your VPN for international access.
  • Local Apps: Download WeChat, Alipay, Didi, Baidu Maps navigation.
  • Basic Phrases: Learn common Mandarin phrases. Babbel is a great starting point.

Taizhou Travel Insights

Avoid Pitfalls

  1. Not having a VPN (install beforehand).
  2. Relying on cash instead of mobile pay.
  3. Ignoring local weather advisories.
  4. Underestimating travel times within districts.

Optimal Timing

  1. Weekdays, early morning for fewer crowds.
  2. Avoid weekends and national holidays.
  3. Spring and Autumn offer good weather.
  4. Group attractions by geographical proximity.

Food & Drink

Street Food

Offers economical and authentic dining options.

Lunch Specials

Restaurants often have lunch specials that are a better deal than dinner menus.

Security Alert

Always remain aware of your surroundings and belongings, particularly in busy places. For any urgent concerns, contact the police at 110.

Cultural Etiquette

General Etiquette

  • Respect for Elders:

    Show deference to older individuals.

  • Public Space:

    Personal space is generally less than in Western cultures, especially in crowded areas.

  • Gift-Giving:

    Common in social and business contexts. Avoid giving clocks or sharp objects.

Social Norms

  • Queueing:

    While queues exist, some jostling or cutting in line can occur. Do not take it personally.

  • Noise:

    Public spaces can be noisy. People might speak loudly or engage in animated conversations.

  • Bargaining:

    Bargaining is common in smaller markets but not in large retail stores or chain restaurants.

Essential Phrases for Travelers

Greetings

"Nǐ hǎo" (Hello) - A polite and common greeting. "Zǎo shang hǎo" (Good morning).

Politeness

"Xièxiè" (Thank you) - Expresses gratitude. "Bú kè qì" (You're welcome). "Duì bu qǐ" (Sorry).

"Máfán nǐ le" (Excuse me/Sorry to trouble you). "Zhè ge duōshǎo qián?" (How much is this?). "Qǐng wèn..." (May I ask...).

Time-Saving Tips

Efficient Routing Suggestions

  • Group attractions by geographical proximity to minimize travel time between sites.
  • Use navigation apps (Baidu Maps or Gaode Maps) for efficient routing and real-time traffic updates.
  • Plan your daily routes in advance for better time management.

Pre-Booking Recommendations

  • Book high-speed rail tickets a few days or weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons.
  • Book your accommodation, especially popular hotels, well in advance if traveling during high season.
  • Pre-book any organized tours to secure your spot and sometimes get better prices.

Solo, Family & Group Advice

Solo Traveler Safety & Social

  • Taizhou is generally safe for solo travelers. Practice standard precautionary steps.
  • Social opportunities could be restricted due to language barriers.
  • Consider staying in hostels with common areas if available to meet other travelers or become a member ofing local tours.

Family-Friendly Tips

  • Choose hotels with family rooms, connecting rooms, or kid-friendly amenities.
  • Plan activities with variety to keep children engaged (e.g., parks, easy hikes, Taizhou Ocean World).
  • Pack snacks, entertainment, and any specific medications for children. Maintain a slower pace.

Smart Trip Planning

Efficient routing by grouping attractions geographically minimizes travel time. Using navigation apps for real-time updates and planning daily routes in advance contribute to a smoother experience.

Taizhou Travel Resources. Apps, Maps, Emergency Contacts