Old Street of Taizhou

Old Street of Taizhou

The Old Street of Taizhou is a Ming and Qing alley paved with bluestone, winding through deep quadrangle courtyards. The sounds of Pingtan storytelling fill the air, while the aroma of local snacks wafts gently along the street, accompanied by long, drawn-out calls and shouts. It’s just as Marco Polo described Taizhou 600 years ago: “Taizhou is not a big city, but it abounds in the joys of earthly life…”

Outside the Taoyuan Scenic Area by Fengcheng River, there lies an ancient architectural belt of green bricks and black tiles, stretching 600 meters. This is

the “Old Street of Taizhou.”

The Old Street of Taizhou is a young old street. Under the development of the Fengcheng River Management Committee, it became Taizhou’s most bustling commercial district in just two years. It is also a hub of intangible cultural heritage, where secular culture and daily life are vibrantly displayed. “Old trades” continue here, and “traditional crafts” are revived here.

Passing through the ancient memorial archway and entering the old bluestone lanes, you’ll find traditional shops lining both sides of the street. Strings of bright red lanterns hang across the covered corridors, while various shop signs, plaques, and banners create a delightful sight.

Here, you can taste completely handmade “Cao Lu Baked Buns” and “Taizhou Dried Tofu Shreds,” as well as authentic local delicacies such as “Jingjiang Soup Dumplings,” “Qinhu Eight Delicacies,” and “Red-Cream Hairy Crabs.” You can also easily purchase specialty foods and clothing from all over the country and various ethnic groups.

At the corner of the old street is a small central plaza. At its southern end stands an ancient opera house with upturned eaves and carved beams and painted rafters. To the west, a winding stream flows gently past the edge of the plaza. In the middle of the stream stands a three-story-high waterwheel, whose buckets are filled by rushing water, splashing it high into the air like a sudden downpour—a fascinating scene that showcases the charm of a water town.

To the east of the ancient opera house stands a screen-like tall building adorned with a large bronze sculpture depicting scenes of old Taizhou streets. The lifelike figures make you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time, evoking childhood memories. In the corner, ancient stone mills and wooden cartwheels transport you to an ancient civilization, as if you’re witnessing the lives of people from the past.

On the old street, the Big Furnace Baked Bun is a must-mention. The Dream Pool Essays recorded: “The furnace is eight feet tall, and the baker climbs inside to stick the buns to the walls. The flavor is rich and delicious—truly a fine delicacy of the human world.”

The furnace for Big Furnace Baked Buns is built into the wall, nearly one person tall. The spherical hollow interior is quite large, with straw at the bottom used as fuel, added in small bundles. The baker, regardless of the season, must bare their upper body, wet their hands slightly, pick up the bun dough, and shake it a couple of times to moisten the base before sticking it into the furnace. They fill the left, right, and top areas with a series of loud plops. Reaching the top of the furnace is the true test of skill—the baker must tilt their head and body backward, placing the buns in the deepest parts, sometimes even putting half their upper body inside the furnace. The Big Furnace Baked Bun is the essence of Taizhou street food, embodying the simple, hardworking spirit of the people of Taizhou.

Fish Soup Noodles are another standout dish. To make them, fish must be cleaned thoroughly without leaving any blood. The wok is heated with lard until it’s about 80% hot, and fish are added and fried until crispy, then removed without burning. The fried fish, along with finless eel bones or pork bones, is simmered in river water to create a thick, rich broth. Scallions and wine are used to remove the fishy smell, and the soup is filtered through a fine sieve. A small amount of shrimp roe may be added to make the noodle soup. The noodles are made from premium white flour. Fish Soup Noodles are flavorful, nutritious, refreshing, and delicious.

Boiled Tofu Shreds were known as “Nine-Shred Soup” during the Qianlong era, consisting of ham shreds, bamboo shoot shreds, mushroom shreds, wood ear shreds, whitebait shreds, seaweed shreds, egg skin shreds, chicken shreds, and for higher-end versions, sea cucumber or bird’s nest shreds. A bowl of hot tofu shreds, with its yellow-and-white colors, leaves a lingering fragrance in your mouth after just one serving.

According to the Fengcheng River Management Committee, since its opening, the old street has seen an average daily foot traffic of over 10,000 people, which can surge to more than 100,000 during holidays. Recently, a traditional Taizhou snack competition has been lively taking place on the old street. Traditional snacks such as hemp beans, twisted dough sticks, stinky tofu, and golden pastries have awakened collective memories among locals. Visitors from Shanghai and Nanjing find themselves lingering and reluctant to leave.

“The old street is a young old street. It provides the people of Taizhou with a platform to reminisce about the past and savor happiness,” said Liu Ning, Deputy Secretary-General of the Taizhou Municipal Government and Director of the Fengcheng River Management Committee. The human culture, opera, and folk customs displayed on the Old Street of Taizhou subtly reflect the historical and cultural elements of Taizhou, resonating with those who appreciate such charm. It is reported that in the near future, a Ming and Qing-style “Water Street” is being planned to the south of the old street. When completed, the old street and the water street will complement each other, showcasing the endless charm of Fengcheng River as a “Water Paradise · Night Tour City.”

Address: No. 22, Old Street, Fengcheng River Scenic Area, Chengzhong Subdistrict, Hailing District, Taizhou City

Type: Historic & Cultural Block

Recommended Visit Duration: 1–2 hours

Phone: 0523-86999584

Opening Hours:

Open all day

Ticket Information:

No admission fee.