History & Culture: Wenzhou was founded in 323 AD and prospered in trade because it 'controls the mountains and is belted by the sea'. In the Southern Song the Yongjia School advocated the study of practical achievement and had a far-reaching influence. After reform and opening up the private economy flourished, the 'Wenzhou Model' became famous nationwide, and Wenzhou people's footprints spread across the world. Wenzhou's culture is distinctive and diverse. Ou-Yue culture has a long history, and Southern Opera, called 'the ancestor of Chinese opera', is still sung around Wenzhou. The Yongjia School's emphasis on practical achievement shaped the commercial spirit of Wenzhou people. Lanjie Fu is Wenzhou's grandest folk temple fair, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The entrepreneurial spirit of 'daring to be first in the world' made the 'Wenzhou Model' an emblem of reform and opening up.
Geography: On the southeastern coast of Zhejiang, facing the East China Sea to the east and bordering Fujian to the south, Wenzhou has rolling mountains and meeting rivers and sea, and has long been praised as 'the finest landscape in the southeast'. It has a warm, humid subtropical monsoon climate. Wenzhou lies in Zhejiang Province, where landforms, rivers and climate have shaped the city's layout. Spring (Mar–May) brings flowers across Yandang Mountain; autumn (Sep–Nov) is clear and crisp, with pleasant autumn colour along the Nanxi River. Natural and cultural sites are relatively concentrated, so a one- or two-day itinerary can be arranged by area. Light, vegetation and water levels change with the seasons; check the weather and scenic-area notices before setting out. Natural and cultural sights around the city can usually be linked by road or rail for a half- or full-day trip.
Highlights: Climb Yandang Mountain for its strange peaks and flying waterfalls, visit the old villages along the Nanxi River, stroll Jiangxin Island for its poetry, and taste seafood and fish cakes — experience the Wenzhou spirit of doing business around the world. Core sights include Yandang Mountain, the Nanxi River, Jiangxin Island and the Nanji Islands. They cover history, nature and city life and can be combined freely. Pair the core sights with nearby streets, museums or food streets for a half- or full-day route. If time allows, slow down and leave room for walking and rest. First-time visitors can start with the most representative sights, then add museums, old streets or natural areas as time allows. Local food is part of the itinerary — save a meal for a time-honoured shop or a local market.
Food Culture: Wenzhou cuisine is based on seafood and values freshness, tenderness and lightness. Fish cakes are springy and savoury, sticky rice is savoury and soft, lantern cakes are crisp outside and tender inside, and duck tongues are rich with soy sauce — all are Wenzhou specialities.
