Taizhou's Xiaoruo Village: A Relaxing Early Spring Getaway

Taizhou, a coastal city nestled between mountains and the sea, boasts a superb natural environment and abundant tourism resources. It's definitely a relaxing and comfortable place for a leisurely vacation. However, 🙃 I must admit, visiting a fishing village in early spring was a bold move. The colorful Xiaoruo (ruò) Village goes by many names, such as "Taizhou's Cinque Terre," "Eastern Cape of Good Hope," and even "Eastern Notre Dame Cathedral (?)." It has also been recognized as one of "China's Most Beautiful Fishing Villages" by *Chinese National Geography*. The weather wasn't great when we arrived – overcast and windy – which left us feeling a bit disoriented. Island visits are definitely better suited for sunny summer days. Imagine sunlight illuminating the colorful village; it would be quite a fairytale scene. The village is well-maintained. The villagers' snack shops, seafood stalls, small guesthouses, and (wannabe) trendy coffee shops (don't bother if they're not good) are all neatly organized. There are even signs with pictures showing you the best photo spots, which is a thoughtful touch. Many shops have designed photogenic areas where you could comfortably spend the whole day. Although the village is developing, prices remain reasonable. I got the impression that the villagers aren't solely reliant on the service industry to make a living. Fishing seems to provide them with a comfortable life, so they have a stable mindset. For example, despite the influx of tourists, while they might be thinking, "Why work so hard when I could be relaxing?", they still diligently go about their business, ensuring visitors feel welcome. I had the same impression yesterday in Taizhou's Fuchen district.