Overview
A two-day private 'Zhejiang MacLehose' coastal hike combining a golden-sand beach trek over sea ridges with the colourful Mediterranean-style fishing villages of Wenling's Shitang and Xiaoruo.
About This Tour
This private two-day tour follows one of eastern China's finest coastal walks, affectionately dubbed the 'Zhejiang version of the MacLehose Trail.' Set on the Wenling coast in Taizhou, it pairs a scenic seaside trek with some of the most photogenic fishing villages in the region. On the first day you explore Shitang, a stone-built seaside town often called the 'Santorini of Wenling,' and nearby Xiaoruo, a tiny island village painted in soft macaron colours and likened to a 'Rio de Janeiro' of the Zhejiang coast, then climb Qilin Hill for sweeping views over the rainbow-hued harbour, moored fishing boats and, with luck, a glorious sunset and village night lights. The second day is the heart of the trip: a hike along the Songmen greenway and Shuitong'ao golden coastline, a former trail-race route where blue sea, green ridges, weathered sea-stacks and a broad, soft white beach come together, with a distant rock formation locals call the 'Mount Fuji of the sea.' Of moderate difficulty and rich in photo opportunities, it is ideal for active travellers wanting a fresh, uncrowded slice of coastal China beyond the usual sights. Best enjoyed spring through autumn. Itinerary may adjust based on weather, road and local regulations. Good to know: • Best season: spring to autumn; clear days give the best sea colours and photos • Fitness level: moderate; an easygoing but exposed coastal trail with some up-and-down over ridges and beach • Wear light colours on clear days for the best photos, plus sun protection • Bring trail shoes; sandy and rocky sections underfoot • Trekking poles optional for the ridge sections
Itinerary
1
Day 1: Shitang Stone Town | Xiaoruo Macaron Village | Qilin Hill Sunset
Your guide meets you around 07:15 for the drive to the Wenling coast in Taizhou. First you reach Shitang, a town of grey-stone houses tumbling down to the sea that has earned the nickname the 'Santorini of Wenling,' followed by Xiaoruo, a small island fishing village washed in soft macaron pastels and likened to a 'Rio de Janeiro' of the Zhejiang coast - a paradise for relaxed strolling and photography. In the afternoon you climb Qilin Hill, from whose summit the whole rainbow-coloured harbour and its moored fishing boats spread out below; on a clear evening you may catch a beautiful sunset, and after dark the village lights and, with luck, the night view of Xiaoruo. You then check in to your hotel for a free dinner and evening. Meals: self-arranged/AA. Overnight: coastal hotel (standard room).
2
Day 2: Shuitong'ao Golden Coast Trek | Return
After breakfast you transfer to Xiaojiaochen village and begin the 'Zhejiang MacLehose' hike from around 08:15. This stretch of the southern Zhejiang golden coastline was originally an off-road race course, and Youxiake has selected its most scenic section, crossing the broad Shuitong'ao beach along the scenic Songmen greenway - the first coastal greenway opened in Wenling after Shitang. The trail offers handsome ridge-and-sea views: blue water, green hills and a boundless sky, with clusters of old fishermen's stone houses on the slopes and stretches of flat, fine white sand below. Around 11:30 you reach the open Shuitong'ao beach, where you can rest, picnic and look out to the distant rock the locals call the 'Mount Fuji of the sea.' After enjoying the coast you walk out and rejoin your private vehicle for the return drive to your start point, arriving in the afternoon. Meals: breakfast included; bring a packed lunch. Drive back included.
What's Included
✓ Included
English-speaking guide Private vehicle & transfers 1 night hotel (twin/standard room) Coastal trek guiding Breakfast on Day 2
✕ Not included
International & domestic flights China visa Travel insurance Most meals (self-arranged or AA) Personal expenses Tips
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation is available on most tours up to 24 hours before the start time. The exact cancellation terms for this tour are shown during booking.
Traveler Reviews
4.6★★★★★Based on 56 reviews
Aoife L.🇫🇷 France★★★★★2024-12
Picked up right on time and looked after all day. China was wonderful.
Laura J.🇺🇸 USA★★★★★2025-12
We saw all the highlights of China without the crowds. Worth every penny.
Nina P.🇮🇪 Ireland★★★★★2025-01
Booking, payment and pickup were all effortless. China was simply outstanding.
Hugo N.🇬🇧 UK★★★★☆2026-01
The guide's knowledge of China was outstanding, and everything ran exactly on time.