Wenzhou

Understand

Wenzhou is the third city of Zhejiang Province and one of the economic power houses of the region. Famed for its businessmen and women of the night (and the Wenzhou model of business), Wenzhou is frequently used by Western media as a barometer of the Chinese export economy; among other things, Wenzhou manufactures around 90% of the world's spectacles and massive quantities of shoes. The city has a resident foreigner community that is below average for the city's size (100-200), although foreign businessmen often pass through. Wenzhou is near the East China Sea (called East Ocean in Chinese) in the south-eastern part of China. It is a prosperous city with a rapid economic boom because Wenzhou was one of the first port cities to be opened to foreign trade after Deng Xiaoping took over China in the 1970s. Wenzhou is the biggest and most prosperous city in the south of Zhejiang Province, and considers the importance of education highly. Hence, many famous mathematicians have come from this city. The territory of Wenzhou City was Ou Di in ancient times, also known as Dong Ou. In the first year of Taining (323), the county was established as Yongjia County. Legend has it that when the county was built, a white deer circled the city with flowers in its mouth, hence the name Lucheng. Wenzhou was first called Wenzhou in the second year of Shangyuan (675). It has a history of more than 2,000 years. The terrain of Wenzhou City shows a trapezoidal slope from southwest to northeast. The terrain is mainly mountainous and hilly, with winding coasts and many good harbors. It has a mid-subtropical monsoon climate zone, which is humid and rainy. Wenzhou City is a national historical and cultural city. It is known as “the landscape in the southeast is the best in the world”. Within its territory are Yandang Mountain, Jiangxin Island, Nanxi River, Tongling Mountain, and Baizhangjiang River, Nanji Islands, Baidao Dongtou and other attractions.

Climate

Wenzhou is a city with frequent rains, and the average annual temperature is around 17 °C. The highest temperature in summer reaches 39 °C

Getting there

By plane 1 Wenzhou Longwan International Airport (WNZ IATA) (Wenzhou Airport is east of the city). It receives flights from around China, and because it also supports flights to and from Hong Kong, Korea, and Taiwan, it is considered international. You can get from the airport to the city center by taxi or bus. Taxis are the most expensive and you should bargain hard; if they do not like the price you are offering they laugh at you and start shouting Bus!. If a taxi driver offers you a ride under ¥100 it can be regarded as a good deal. Taking the bus is now much easier due to a ticket desk in the new terminal opposite the exit gate. The bus costs ¥12 and drives through New City (新城; Xīnchéng), Xialüpu (下吕浦 Xiàlǚpǔ) and finally stops at a depot on Nanpu Road (南浦路 Nánpǔlù).

By train 2 Wenzhou railway Station (温州站; Wēn​zhōu​zhàn​) serves most cities throughout China, although because of Wenzhou's mountains, train journeys are sometimes much longer than their bus counterparts. The train station is at the major junction of Wenzhou Avenue (温州大道 Wēnzhōudàdào) where it meets Chezhan Avenue (车站大道 Chēzhàndàdào). 3 Wenzhou South railway station (温州南站; Wēn​zhōu​nán​zhàn​) is served by the high-speed trains that come from Shanghai, bound for Fuzhou and Xiamen. Some of the stations along the way are Hangzhou, Ningbo and Taizhou. This station is also served by trains via Jinhua-Wenzhou High-speed Railway.

By bus Wenzhou's bus stations serve a variety of locations around the country. Arrivals from Shanghai and Fuzhou will find themselves at New South Station (新南站; Xīnnánzhàn) which is near the train station on Wenzhou Avenue (温州大道 Wēnzhōudàdào), arrivals from Hangzhou and Ningbo will find themselves at New City Station (新城站; Xīnchéngzhàn) which is in New City, and arrivals from places as varied as Yiwu and Qingdao will find themselves at Shuangyu Bus Station (双屿汽车站 Shuāngyǔqìchēzhàn) which is on the west side of the city near the suburb of Huanglong.

Getting around

By metro

Although there is two metro line, the Wenzhou Metro (WZ-MTR) is its useful to travelers. Line S1 connects the two train stations, the city centre and the airport. The first phase of Wenzhou Rail Transit Line S2 starts from Xiatang, Chengdong Street, Yueqing City in the north and ends in Ruian City in the south. The line length is 63 kilometers and intersects with Line S1 at Lingkun Station. Line S2 will be opened to traffic in August 2023

By bus

Buses cost ¥1.5-2.5 within the city and can be very useful once you figure what number goes where. Useful buses include the 81 that goes between the old train station and the new south train station (¥2). The price is listed on the outside of the bus and on the bus stop sign. The bus stop sign also lists the stops on one side and shows a map on the other. Strangely, you will not find this in Beijing or Shanghai.

By taxi Taxis are ¥11 for the first 4 km and ¥1 for each 500 m thereafter (after 11:30PM prices rise to ¥12+2 (gas charge) for the first 4 km and ¥1 for each 500 m thereafter). If you are outside the centre of the city, or in the centre trying to get elsewhere, you will not be able to catch a taxi between 4:30PM and 6PM. This is because of the driver shift change. If you are taking a longer-distance ride or travelling during rush hour, expect to "share" your taxi ride with others going to same section of the city (and pay more about ¥15 plus ¥2 tax for longer rides). Watch out for prices charged by taxi drivers "off the meter" and negotiate price if it is raining, or during rush hour, prior to your ride. Do not allow them to charge you over ¥12!

By ferry Although one ferry serves the tourist island of Jiangxin, there are other ferries that serve destinations up and down the Ouhai River (瓯海 ōuhǎi) such as the suburb of Oubei (瓯北 ōuběi)

See

1 Baizhangxia (百丈漈; bǎi zhàng jì), Wencheng County, ☏ +86 57767780616. Adult: original price 65 CNY/ticket Children/seniors/students: 33 CNY/ticket. (updated Sep 2024)

Streets and areas 2 Dongtou Islands (洞头列岛), Dongtou District (洞头区) (buses leave from the Wenzhou South Railway Station Bus Station (温州火车南汽车站), cost about ¥30 and take aboute 90 minutes), ☏ +86 577 63385180, [email protected]. 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. (updated Dec 2019) 3 East Gate Street (东门街; Dōngménjiē), Lucheng District (鹿城区) (northeast of Wuma Street (五马街), closer to the river; take bus no. 71, 102, 108 or b112, get off at the East Gate Building (东门大厦), then walk one block north). Another pedestrian street, less to see than Wuma Street, but it is longer and has trees on it. 4 Jiangxin Island (江心屿; Jiāngxīnyǔ), Lucheng District (鹿城区) (can be reached by taking a boat from the wood decked ferry port on Jiangbin Lu and costs ¥15 one way; you can also get to the island via bus no. 46, which crosses the Dong'ou Bridge and terminates on the west side of the island (temporary closed: under construction)), ☏ +86 577 88201193. 08ː00-22ː00 (winter), 08ː00-23ː00 (summer). 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. ¥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). (updated May 2024) 5 Oubei (瓯北; ōuběi), Yongjia County (永嘉县) (you can take a boat across the river from 2 different docks, both east of the one to Jiangxin island, costing ¥1.5 each way). 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. 6 Wuma Street (五马街; Wǔmǎjiē), Lucheng District (鹿城区) (You can take buses no. 31, 68, 108, 108 Express, 115, or B113 and get off at Xiaogaoqiao Stop (小高桥站). From there, walk north for about 80 meters to find the entrance to the pedestrian street on your right). Wuma Street is Wenzhou's most popular pedestri

Do

Double Deer Factory. If you are a foreigner, you can wander around the Double Deer Factory. There is some amazing machinery, such as the one that sticks on the labels. You will likely be thrown out after a little while, but it is well worth it. Try not to get your pictures deleted. If you are pretending to write an article about the brewery, then you should have business cards made beforehand. Pool Halls. There are many pool halls dotted around Wenzhou, ranging from free to ¥30/hour. (updated Oct 2023) Taxi rides. Taxis are cheap enough that you can just get driven around for an hour or so and not be out too many dough. Learn Chinese. As a very Chinese city it is difficult to find English speakers outside of universities, colleges and certain bars. For this reason, Wenzhou is perfect for the home learner to practice their Putonghua out on the street. Watch out for Wenzhounhua though, it sounds incredibly different from any Chinese you have ever heard before. 1 Wenzhou Amusement Park (温州乐园), No. 12 Xia'ao Village, Chashan Town, Ouhai District (瓯海区茶山镇霞岙村12号) (Bus no. 59), ☏ +86 577 86696222 (enquiries), +86 577 86696111 (complaints and emergencies). 08ː30-17ː00. Financed and constructed by Sino-US joint venture company and designed by an American designer. ¥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.

Buy

There are no token "Wenzhou" things that you need to buy (though Wenzhou is apparently known locally for high-quality shoes), but there are many things made in Wenzhou, so if you look and bargain well, you can buy them at very cheap prices. This section is helpful if you are looking for something that would be easy to find in a western city, but you are unsure of where to find it in a Chinese one.

Clothing Shoes and clothing. You can get all kinds of cheap shoes and clothing near the train station, bring a Chinese person and you get better prices. Times Square (时代广场; Shídàiguǎngchǎng) (in the south of the city 1.5 km north of the train station). Everything in there is too expensive to buy, but it has clean, shiny floors excellent for sliding on. InTime (银泰百货; Yintaibaihuo) (In the south of the city, near Renmin Lu). There are many boutiques selling expensive stuff. Furthermore, there is a Foodcourt at the top floor as well as an Arcade. Wenzhou InCity MEGA (温州印象城; Wēnzhōu Yìnxiàngchéng), Located at 333 Fudong Road, Nanhu Street, Lucheng District. Opened on November 26, 2021, Wenzhou InCity MEGA is a large-scale commercial complex that stands out for its integration with the Central Green Axis and Century Park. It offers a unique street-style shopping experience, combining shopping, dining, entertainment, and leisure, making it a key destination for modern urban consumption and a highlight of Wenzhou's efforts to become a regional consumer hub. (updated Dec 2024) Wenzhou MixC Mall (温州华润万象城; Wēnzhōu Huárùn Wànxiàngchéng), Located at 1999 Ouyue Avenue, Henggangtou Community, Nanbaixiang Street, Ouhai District. Wenzhou MixC Mall is the city’s third urban complex, featuring numerous international brands and popular dining options. It offers a modern shopping, dining, and entertainment experience, making it a prime destination for locals and visitors looking for premium leisure and retail services. (updated Dec 2024) Wenzhou Wuyue Plaza (温州吾悦广场; Wēnzhōu Wúyuè Guǎngchǎng), Located at 150 Shangjiang Road, Pujiang Community, Puzhou Street, Longwan District. Wenzhou Wuyue Plaza is a modern commercial complex, combining shopping, dining, and entertainment under one roof. It offers a convenient and dynamic experience for both locals and visitors, making it a popular spot in Longwan District. (updated Dec 2024)

Computing Computer Market (电脑广场), East Renmin Road (人民东路) (from Kaitai on Renmin Road, walk east (away from McDonald's) for about 15 minutes. You will go over a pedestrian overpass on the way, but keep going until you find the plaza on the righ

Eat

Budget Potatoes. Many "Potato-men" stake out good spots around Wenzhou and sell you potatoes. ¥2. Muslim Noodles. The generic name for an extensive chain of restaurants offering bargain basement prices for solid meals from the Muslim regions of Western China including Pulled Noodles, Fried Rice, and Curries. There are at least 30 of these restaurants in the city and most have a menu on the wall which is helpful for finger-pointing foreigners. Look for the blue shop header with ‘正宗兰州拉面’ or ‘新疆牛肉拉面’. There is normally a boiling pot in the front of the restaurant and one of the staff pulling the noodles fresh to order... and if you see the guys in their little hats or women with light headdresses, you know you're near one. Chashan University Town. To the south of Wenzhou, Chashan University town (山高教园区), it is home to many universities and cheap, tasty restaurants aimed at students. Snack street (小吃街), located near Wenzhou Medical University, is a good area for especially cheap restaurants, although the hygiene of many places is quite questionable! Many outdoor barbeques with cheap beer can also be found along the riverside.

Mid-range

One-of-a-kind restaurants 1 Wenzhou Grand Restaurant Ou Cuisine Hall (温州大酒家瓯菜馆; Wēnzhōu Dà Jiǔjiā Ōucàiguǎn), 106 Chanjie Street (蝉街106号). 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. (updated Dec 2024) Lao Beijing (老北京; Lǎo Běijīng; lit. Old Beijing), North end of Wendilu (温迪路北向 Wēndílùběixiàng) (30 meters from Chezhan Street (车站大道 Chēzhàndàdào)). A great place offering some northern Chinese classics. They have an English menu as well as a Chinese menu with pictures. Rio, Chezhan Street (车站大道 Chēzhàndàdào) (100 meters south of Wendi Road). This fancy place is an excellent value if you get the coupons they generously give away. Free coffee are a godsend when combined with 50% off of many delicious meals. The Yu xiang rou si is excellent as well as a beef dish (look for the "牛肉" characters on the coupon). India Restaurant (印度餐厅; Yìndùcāntīng)

Drink & nightlife

Do not miss out on the locally brewed delight, Double Deer Beer, ¥2-2.5 on the streets. Also, do not forget to look under the cap for a free beer or ¥1 refund. Known as Shuan1 Lu4 in Chinese. It also has a more expensive, premium light counterpart. Wenzhou four four main areas for nightlife.

European City (Ou Zhou Cheng). La Luna (Yong nan lu and Jiang bin xi lu) has the best burgers and french fries in Wenzhou. It has a foreign menu including nachos! It also has English-speaking staff. A favorite of the foreign community. Occasional karaoke or live music. Opens at 20:00. La Luna offers a foreign teacher discount card, so bring copy of contract or foreign expert papers. Discount is 50% off drinks and well worth the fee to obtain discount card (which may cost ¥100). Odessa (center of city, downstairs by the bowling alley) has two parts, the restaurant (with foreign menu) and the bar. Foreigner-owned and friendly. Has golf and is beside the archery, billiards, and bowling places.

Xialü Waterfront Xialü Waterfront (下吕浦 Xiàlǚpǔ) is the area where most foreigners live and some bars have sprung up around; bear in mind that it is not a waterfront in the traditional sense (there is no water, nor front).

Blue Moon Bar, Xia Lü Pu #236, Shuang Long Lu (温州市下吕浦双龙路236号). 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. Cowboy Bar 1 (Eric's No. 1), 66 Chunhui Road (春晖路66号; Chūnhuīlù) (Where Chunhui road and Shuanglong Road meet). 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. L.V., 198 Shuanglong Road (双龙路198号) (on the same crossroads as Eric's No. 1, Stefano's and Mini Bar), ☏ +86 57788670033. Very popular Chinese bar for DJs and live music. A mug of beer will cost you ¥25, so not too pricey, and there's plenty of people to dance with. Blue Shell, 13 North Lane, Wendi Road (温迪路北巷13号; Wēndílù Běixiàng) (off Wendi Road, nearby EF English School), ☏ +86 577 88695909. 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. Stephanos. Italian bar in the place of New Age Lounge, great open space. Western style toilet. My Friend Bar, Chunhui Road (春晖路; Chūnhuīlù) (opposite Eric's No.1). Small bar with a very Chinese flavor, now has an open f

Sleep

Budget There are no hostels in Wenzhou, but couch-surfing is a valid option with a large number of Wenzhou residents registered to welcome travelers. There are also some budget hotels around:

Wenzhou Xinqiao Rest Hotel (锐思特汽车连锁旅店; Ruìsītèqìchē Liánsuǒlǚdiàn), 1266 Liuhongqiao Road, Xinqia Town, Ouhai District (瓯海区新桥镇六虹桥路1266号; Ōuhǎiqū Xīnqiáozhèn Liùhóngqiáolù). Listed rates for doubles from ¥158. Wenzhou Dynasty Hotel, No. 2 Min Hang Road, Ouhai District, ☏ +86-577-88378888. Offers 300 rooms and suites, all of which have air-conditioner, cable TV with in-house movies, and free high-speed Internet. Some of its amenities include Garden Chinese Restaurant (famous for its bird's nest, shark's fin, and abalone. Also specializes in traditional Ou cuisine), and recreation center (features a sauna, massage center, KTV, disco, mahjong, snooker room, table tennis, gym, tennis court). Rest Chain Motel (锐思特汽车连锁旅店 (温州西山店); Ruìsītèqì Chēliánsuǒlǚdiàn (Wēnzhōu Xīshāndiàn)), 190-198 Xishandong Road, Ouhai District (瓯海区西山东路190-198号; Ōuhǎiqū Xīshāndōnglù). The cheapest rooms are quite small. Listed rates for doubles from ¥188. Shunsheng Star Hotel (温州顺生之星酒店; Wēnzhōu Shùnshēngzhīxīng Jiǔdiàn), 34 Lucheng Road, Lucheng District (鹿城区鹿城路34号; Lùchéngqū Lùchénglù). Listed rates for doubles from ¥380.

Mid-range 1 Wenzhou Ouhai Hotel (温州瓯海宾馆; Wēn zhōu Ōuhǎi Bīnguǎn), 31 Xinghai Road, Jiangjun Bridge, Ouhai District (瓯海区将军桥兴海路31号; Ōuhǎiqū Jiāngjūnqiáo Xīnghǎilù), ☏ +86 577 88538888, fax: +86 577 88538552. Three-star hotel with rooms with free internet except for the cheapest rooms. Business center, currency exchange, gift shop, beauty salon, ticket office, karaoke, table tennis and massage available. Chinese restaurant, night club, coffee shop and room service. Listed rates for doubles from ¥360, discounted from ¥168, including breakfast. Jiazhou Hotel (温州加州商务宾馆; Wēnzhōu Jiāzhōushāngwù Bīnguǎn), 218 Yuele West Street, Longxia Road, Ouhai District (瓯海区龙霞路月乐西街218号; Ōuhǎiqū Lóngxiálù Yuèlèxījiē), ☏ +86 577 86199999, fax: +86 577 86196666. Three-star hotel with large rooms with free internet. Meeting facilities, ticket office and massage available. No restaurant. Listed rates for doubles from ¥265, discounted from ¥188, including breakfast. The Rest Motel, Nanpu Road (南浦路 Nánpǔlù) (turn left out of the bus terminal and the motel is on the other side of the road, clearly marked). On the same road as the airport bus terminal and is close to Xialüpu, a vibrant shopping and bar area.

Splurge 2 Shangri-La Hotel (温州香格里拉大酒店; Wēnzhōu Xiānggélǐlā Dàjiǔdiàn), 1 Xiangyua

Go next

Linhai — in the Taizhou prefecture, north of Wenzhou, Linhai has the Southern Great Wall of China. There is also an East Lake (东湖), and long old streets. Really nice place. Buses leave the City Bus Station (新城长途车站) every 30 minutes or so, take 1 hr 46 min and cost ¥66.

Cangnan County. Administratively part of Wenzhou Prefecture, it is Fujian's southernmost county. It includes an early-Ming walled city (Pucheng) with a well-restored city wall, and miles of rugged sea coast with scenic fishing villages. Hangzhou — buses take about 4-4.5 hours, leave from New City Bus Station, and cost ¥150. They leave really frequently first thing in the morning, and then every 30 minutes or so afterward. Shanghai — can get there by train, bus or plane. Train costs ¥90 for a seat, ¥175 for a hard-sleeper and takes about 10 hours. In 2009, the CRH Train service has officially entered Wenzhou at their newly opened South Railway Station (温州南站). The tickets are ¥180-220 and it takes slightly over 4 hours. The bus costs ¥200 and takes about 6 hours. The bus route between Wenzhou and Shanghai will take you across the longest sea bridge in the world. The plane takes no time and can be as little as ¥200 if you leave very early.