Wenzhou

Understand

Wenzhou is the third city of Zhejiang Province and one of the economic power houses of the region. Famed for its businessmen and women of the night (and the Wenzhou model of business), Wenzhou is frequently used by Western media as a barometer of the Chinese export economy; among other things, Wenzhou manufactures around 90% of the world's spectacles and massive quantities of shoes. The city has a resident foreigner community that is below average for the city's size (100-200), although foreign businessmen often pass through.

Wenzhou is near the East China Sea (called East Ocean in Chinese) in the south-eastern part of China. It is a prosperous city with a rapid economic boom because Wenzhou was one of the first port cities to be opened to foreign trade after Deng Xiaoping took over China in the 1970s. Wenzhou is the biggest and most prosperous city in the south of Zhejiang Province, and considers the importance of education highly. Hence, many famous mathematicians have come from this city.

The territory of Wenzhou City was Ou Di in ancient times, also known as Dong Ou. In the first year of Taining (323), the county was established as Yongjia County. Legend has it that when the county was built, a white deer circled the city with flowers in its mouth, hence the name Lucheng. Wenzhou was first called Wenzhou in the second year of Shangyuan (675). It has a history of more than 2,000 years.

The terrain of Wenzhou City shows a trapezoidal slope from southwest to northeast. T…

See

thumb|upright 1.3|Taiping Temple

Buy

thumb|You can shop at an Opple Store (Aojiang Town, Pingyang County) There are no token "Wenzhou" things that you need to buy (though Wenzhou is apparently known locally for high-quality shoes), but there are many things made in Wenzhou, so if you look and bargain well, you can buy them at very cheap prices. This section is helpful if you are looking for something that would be easy to find in a western city, but you are unsure of where to find it in a Chinese one.

Drink

Do not miss out on the locally brewed delight, Double Deer Beer, ¥2-2.5 on the streets. Also, do not forget to look under the cap for a free beer or ¥1 refund. Known as Shuan1 Lu4 in Chinese. It also has a more expensive, premium light counterpart.

Wenzhou four four main areas for nightlife.

Stay safe

Wenzhou is not a dangerous city for foreigners, especially foreigners that are careful.

Taxis — When taking a taxi alone, especially at night, it’s still important to remain aware of your surroundings. While robbery is extremely rare, it's a good idea to sit in the back of the taxi for personal space and security. Many taxis today have partitions separating the driver from passengers, adding an extra layer of safety. Additionally, avoid displaying large amounts of cash, as it's always better to use mobile payment methods, which are now common in Wenzhou. Though most taxi drivers are friendly and trustworthy, women should still be cautious when traveling alone, especially at night. Fights — if a fight breaks out between Chinese people, do not get involved. If a Chinese person gets aggressive with you or a friend, leave discreetly as soon as you can. The streets at night — the streets of Wenzhou are normally safe, and because there are always eyes on foreigners, someone will always see anything that happens. This said, there are certain no-go areas of the city where poverty and demographic abnormality (excess men) can lead to high aggression levels. Beggars — here are a number of beggars throughout the city especially around Wuma Street and Renmin Road. The beggars are run by gangs that maintain the beggars (with food and shelter) while taking the money that is collected by the often disabled/disfigured panhandlers. Don't stand and watch a begging 'perf…

Go next

Linhai — in the Taizhou prefecture, north of Wenzhou, Linhai has the Southern Great Wall of China. There is also an East Lake (东湖), and long old streets. Really nice place. Buses leave the City Bus Station (新城长途车站) every 30 minutes or so, take 1 hr 46 min and cost ¥66.

thumb|Near Yu'ao Village on the coast of Dayu Bay, in Cangnan County Cangnan County. Administratively part of Wenzhou Prefecture, it is Fujian's southernmost county. It includes an early-Ming walled city (Pucheng) with a well-restored city wall, and miles of rugged sea coast with scenic fishing villages. Hangzhou — buses take about 4-4.5 hours, leave from New City Bus Station, and cost ¥150. They leave really frequently first thing in the morning, and then every 30 minutes or so afterward. Shanghai — can get there by train, bus or plane. Train costs ¥90 for a seat, ¥175 for a hard-sleeper and takes about 10 hours. In 2009, the CRH Train service has officially entered Wenzhou at their newly opened South Railway Station (温州南站). The tickets are ¥180-220 and it takes slightly over 4 hours. The bus costs ¥200 and takes about 6 hours. The bus route between Wenzhou and Shanghai will take you across the longest sea bridge in the world. The plane takes no time and can be as little as ¥200 if you leave very early.