Overview

A three-day private coastal escape in Wenling, exploring the colourful Shitang fishing villages, the 'Couple Rings' sea-view platform and a scenic clifftop trail along the East China Sea.

About This Tour

This private three-day tour follows the dramatic coastline of Wenling in southern Zhejiang, where Shitang - 'the place where the sun first rises on the Chinese mainland' - is known for its stone-built fishing villages clinging to the sea cliffs, often called China's answer to the Cinque Terre. You walk the famous 'Couple Rings' viewing platform, a double-loop deck cantilevered over the ocean, follow a coastal greenway used as a backdrop for many TV shows and films, and reach the small Pearl Bay pebble beach. The route mixes easy coastal hiking with classic seaside scenery, fresh seafood and the salty, slow rhythm of an old fishing town. Travelling with an English-speaking guide and private vehicle, you set a relaxed pace between viewpoints and villages. Ideal for active travellers, photographers and coast lovers wanting a fresh, uncrowded side of China by the sea. Best from late spring to autumn for warm, clear coastal weather. Itinerary may adjust based on weather, road and local regulations. Good to know: • Best season: late spring to autumn; clear, warm coastal days • Fitness level: moderate; about 7 km of coastal walking per active day with some ascent • Bring sun protection and wind layers; the coast can be breezy • Order and timing of sights may change with tides, weather and holiday crowds • Seafood is the local highlight - good for adventurous eaters

Itinerary

Day 1: Shitang | Couple Rings Platform & Coastal Greenway

Your English-speaking guide meets you and drives to Shitang on the Wenling coast (the road is long, so settle in for the journey with a service-area stop along the way). On arrival you walk to the photogenic 'Couple Rings' viewing platform, named for its two interlocking loops that, seen from above, resemble a pair of rings cantilevered over the East China Sea; from here you gaze across the three-sided sea views and the winding, cliff-hugging coastline stretching for miles. You then follow the coastal greenway, a scenic boardwalk used as a filming location for many variety shows and movies, walking and photographing as you go. If time allows you reach Pearl Bay, a small, little-known pebble beach perfect for relaxed photos. In the evening you transfer to your hotel and dine nearby. Meals: self-arranged/AA (seafood recommended). Overnight: hotel near Shitang. Today's walking is about 7 km with roughly 170 m of ascent.

Day 2: Fishing Villages & Coastal Trail

After breakfast you spend the day among Shitang's stone fishing villages, where weathered houses built entirely of local stone stack up the hillsides above the harbour - a scene that has earned the area comparisons to Italy's Cinque Terre. You wander the narrow lanes, see fishing boats coming and going, and visit viewpoints over the colourful rooftops and the open sea. A coastal trail links the headlands and lookouts, giving you steady ocean views, sea-carved rocks and quiet coves away from the crowds. Your guide helps you pace the walk to catch the best light and the most atmospheric corners of the old town, with time to pause for coffee or a snack by the water. In the late afternoon you return to your hotel for the evening. Meals: self-arranged/AA. Overnight: hotel near Shitang.

Day 3: Sunrise Coast | Departure

Shitang is celebrated as the first place on the Chinese mainland to greet the sunrise, so an optional early start lets you watch dawn break over the East China Sea from a clifftop viewpoint - a memorable finale to the trip. After a relaxed breakfast you take in any last viewpoints or a final stroll along the shore, soaking up the salty air and slow coastal pace. By early to mid afternoon your guide transfers you back toward the departure city to connect with your onward train or flight, ending the tour. Meals: self-arranged/AA. Transfer back included.

What's Included

✓ Included

English-speaking guide Private vehicle & transfers 2 nights hotel (twin room) in Wenling/Shitang Listed scenic area tickets (Couple Rings platform, etc.) Coastal trail hiking activity

✕ Not included

International & domestic flights Train tickets to/from the start city 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

4.9★★★★★Based on 5 reviews

Aisha Z.🇨🇦 Canada★★★★★2024-05

Looking back, I wasn't sure how much would fit into 3 days without feeling hurried. The balance worked better than I expected. The stop at the trail had room to breathe instead of becoming another quick photo.

Hugo S.🇨🇭 Switzerland★★★★★2024-10

The unglamorous part: the guide checked the pace before the steeper section rather than after someone fell behind. That made the trail feel supportive without becoming fussy. I would keep the Wenling Coast 3 outline as it was.

Nina V.🇮🇹 Italy★★★★★2025-03

One thing I learned: the trail is more physical than the tidy itinerary makes it sound. Proper shoes helped, and I was glad we kept water handy. For 3 days around Wenling Coast 3, the pace felt about right.

Mia C.🇪🇸 Spain★★★★★2025-12

We booked because arranging Wenling Coast 3 ourselves looked fiddly. We came away remembering the conversations as much as the places.

Marco D.🇮🇪 Ireland★★★★☆2025-09

Honestly, I would change my shoes, not the itinerary. I would rather keep the pause at the trail than add another stop.

Wenling Coast 3-Day Private Tour: Shitang 'Five Fishing Villages' & Coastal Hiking Trail