Hangzhou: Southern Great Wall Day Trip by Bullet Train

East Lake, located on the east side of Taizhou Prefecture City, now covers approximately 280 mu. It was excavated during the Northern Song Dynasty (1071) and was transformed into a lake and garden by Taizhou Prefect Qian Xuan through dredging and expansion. The natural and cultural landscapes complement each other. The Qing Dynasty scholar Yu Yue once said, "Hangzhou has West Lake, and Taizhou has Donghu Lake. The beauty of Donghu Lake is like a miniature West Lake."

The Taizhou prefecture city wall, also known as the “Southern Great Wall” or Jiangnan Great Wall, was initially constructed during the Jin Dynasty (402 AD), expanded during the Sui and Tang dynasties, finalized during the Song dynasty, and perfected during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It has both defensive and flood control functions. Its unique architecture, standardized design, and excellent preservation are extremely rare throughout the country.

Ziyang Ancient Street, the most prosperous commercial district in Taizhou ancient prefecture city, stretches 1,080 meters in total length. It is a historical district of the city, featuring numerous shops and restored buildings that showcase the ancient city's original architectural style. It preserves buildings constructed from the Qing Dynasty to the Republic of China period. Named after Zhang Boduan, also known as Master Ziyang, the founder of the Southern Taoism tradition, the street is an ideal destination for experiencing the thousand-year-old folk life and urban vitality.