Previously, taking advantage of the fishing season, I once again strongly recommended the culinary empire of Wenzhou. The highest-voted comment below didn’t praise me but urged me to write about Yueqing under Wenzhou as soon as possible.
After a deep self-reflection, I realized that I have indeed visited and written about Wenzhou less frequently. 🙇
I haven’t yet made it to Yueqing, but rest assured, I have bribed a Yueqing-born beauty in our company to get reliable information and also planted a seed in myself from the inside out.
Starting with its name, which is hard to pronounce correctly, many people’s first association with Yueqing is “wealthy.”
Shaoxing’s Keqiao, Taizhou’s Luqiao, and Yueqing’s Hongqiao are known for their highly developed handicraft industries. The older generation knows these as Zhejiang’s “three bridges.”
However, Yueqing people are known for both making big money and being “good eaters and talkers.”
To explain why Yueqing is so good for eating in Wenzhou, we have to go back to geography.
Located in the northeast of Wenzhou, Yueqing not only faces the Yueqing Port but also occupies 40% of Wenzhou’s coastline. It has a close relationship with the sea and seafood.
For thousands of years, they have been fishing, and even with their eyes closed, they won’t fail at cooking seafood!
There is also Mount Yandang, which is as famous as Zhangjiajie. It is the Broken Heart Cliff where Yang Guo and Xiaolongnü parted for 16 years and also the location of the “Lanyagelou” that can resolve world affairs.
Mount Yandang spans four areas (Wenzhou is the largest, with a small part in Wenling, Taizhou), and five scenic spots. It seems complicated, but remember, the best part, the North Yandang Scenic Area, is in Yueqing.
With the natural conditions of being nestled against the mountains and by the sea, plus the unique Oucai cuisine, Yueqing naturally encourages a mode of eating and drinking with abandon.
So, let’s take a look at the Yueqing eating and sightseeing guide I’ve gathered. Here we go~
8:00 A.M.
Morning Light
Bai Xiang Jianguo Pig Intestine Vermicelli
📍210-212 Dongda Street, Yueqing City
💰￥25/person
Pig intestine vermicelli, which outsiders might look down upon, can make Wenzhou people recognize each other instantly when abroad.
Jianguo is the most famous pig offal rice noodle shop in Yueqing, and its popularity is so high that anyone you stop on the street is sure to have heard of Jianguo.
The classic toppings for pig offal rice noodles are stewed pork intestines and duck blood, but probably because many customers don’t like them, Jianguo has replaced them with fish tofu (I have to give a bad review for this).
The intestines are cut into small pieces but are plentiful, with a shiny appearance that looks appetizing, and they are also very clean.
In addition to the main toppings, the soul of Jianguo’s pig offal rice noodles is the big spoonful of salted vegetables.
Many people might think the highlight of pig offal rice noodles is the toppings, but for me, it’s the thick rice noodles.
Pig offal rice noodles must use fresh rice noodles, which don’t keep well, so it’s hard to find authentic ones outside Wenzhou. Jianguo’s noodles are thick and firm, paired with a slightly spicy secret broth, making them very easy to eat.
Last year, a branch finally opened in the urban area of Yueqing, but the taste is said to be different, with the original shop being better.
Koukou Taste Glutinous Rice
📍109 Jianshe East Road, Yueqing City
💰￥15/person
The glutinous rice itself is not particularly special, but Wenzhou people have creatively topped it with a sauce made from mushrooms and minced meat, making it absolutely delicious!
The number one glutinous rice in Yueqing, it has long been competing with Meidi Steamed Rice for the top spot, both of which are very popular breakfast shops in Yueqing.
I prefer the taste of Koukou Taste, where the fried dough sticks are soft (Meidi Steamed Rice has crispy ones), and the sauce used to mix with the rice is very rich, topped with plenty of fried dough stick pieces.
Moreover, their triangular scallion cakes and tofu pudding are also very delicious, and even with the price increase, they are still irresistible.
If you particularly like the texture of salted eggs, you can also try the salted egg glutinous rice at Youth Old House.
Their taste is more modern, with the glutinous rice not only in meat broth but also with salted egg sauce, which is salty and sweet, and those who like salted eggs will definitely not dislike it.
Huangji Dengzhan Cake
📍45 Wanghe Road, Chengnan Street, Yueqing City
💰￥10/person
In addition to glutinous rice and lean meat balls, Dengzhan cakes are also representative of Wenzhou snacks.
It’s essentially a batter filled with shredded radish, minced pork, eggs, and other fillings. Interestingly, I have a friend who wasn’t particularly fond of radish but became less picky about it after trying a Dengzhan Cake. The charm of Dengzhan Cake is truly boundless!
This snack is typically sold from a small stall, and the taste doesn’t vary much. The more famous one is Huang’s Dengzhan Cake, which has branches in Yueqing, and using better oil makes it more reassuring.
The texture of Dengzhan Cake is different from the common radish cake; the outer shell is thinner, and the filling is more generous. I think 10 yuan for one is a bit pricey, but it’s worth trying!
Zheng’s Pickled Vegetable Cake
📍12-3 Danxia Road, Yuecheng Street, Yueqing City
💰￥100/person
Wenzhou’s pickled vegetable cakes come in thick and thin versions. Personally, I prefer the thin ones. The soup from the pickled vegetables mixed with vegetable oil seeps into the crust, and after baking, it’s absolutely fragrant!
The difference between thick and thin is quite obvious, isn’t it? 👇
I naturally have a good impression of shops where the owner prints their own portrait on the logo, giving a sense of “the face is a guarantee of quality.” Nowadays, with more discerning tastes, they also add “fancy” fillings like yolks and meat.
The downside is that you can’t eat in; you have to take it away. But pickled vegetable cakes are meant to be eaten hot anyway.
12:00 P.M.
Noon
Sun Guohua Qingjiang Three Delicacies Noodles
📍21 North Renmin Road, Qingjiang Town, Yueqing City
💰￥100/person
Yueqing’s seafood is approachable, and the most famous dish is a bowl of seafood noodles.
In other places, seafood noodles usually feature small seafood like razor clams, clams, and small white shrimp. Yueqing’s seafood noodles are more grand, often including hard-to-find items like yóu měng (a type of crab) and yellow croaker.
The most authentic seafood noodles in Yueqing are found in Qingjiang. Sun Guohua Qingjiang Three Delicacies Noodles is run by Grandma Sun, who was one of the earliest to start making seafood noodles in Qingjiang. Of course, she now also has branches in downtown Yueqing (the taste is similar, but the old shop has more atmosphere).
The basic version of the three delicacies noodles is reasonably priced at 32 yuan per bowl.
Currently, yóu měng is at its best, with prices fluctuating according to the market. However, it’s not cheap, around 100 yuan per bowl. Remember to ask about the price in advance.
**Shengguo Seafood Fried Noodles**
📍No. 5 Xiangyang Street, Yueqing City
💰￥25/person
Sun Guohua may have a big reputation, but I suspect that Yueqing locals mostly bring friends to eat here. However, this Shengguo Seafood Fried Noodles is truly treated like a canteen by regulars.
The “100-year-old shop” mentioned in the name is actually a bluff (the owner’s dry humor), but it is indeed a 40-year-old establishment.
Their fried noodles and rice cakes are the best, with tantalizing toppings made from fresh small seafood.
Prawns, oysters, dried eel, and vegetables are all stir-fried together in a large pot, creating a very appetizing aroma.
Although called fried noodles, it’s actually Wenzhou’s fried rice noodles. They use the most famous Dajing rice noodles from Yueqing. The freshly cooked noodles are very chewy, with lard fully infused, providing a very comforting experience.
**Wang Meilin Specialty Noodle House**
📍No. 51 Renmin South Road, Yueqing City
💰￥30/person
Wang Meilin is also in the top tier of Yueqing noodle houses. In addition to the city’s most famous three-seafood noodles, Wang Meilin originally gained fame with their fried chicken noodles.
You can also add a serving of fried chicken to the seafood noodles, so you can enjoy both signature dishes.
I was also recommended their cold dishes, and if you like cold oysters, you can order a serving.
6:00 P.M.
Twilight
**Afa Restaurant**
📍Next to Tmall Auto Care, Jingwan Garden, Chenxi Road, Yueqing City
💰￥90/person
The seafood in the three-seafood noodles is just a small taste. For dinner, let’s go for something more substantial.
To be honest, there are fewer seafood restaurants in Yueqing than I had imagined. Locals prefer to dine at home, but if you look, you can definitely find some.
Yueqing relatives say that Afa is the place they think of for family gatherings. The Jingwan Garden branch has recently been renovated, making it the more recommended option.
The variety of seafood at Afa is not extensive, but the price per person is quite reasonable for a seafood restaurant, and the quality of the dishes is consistently good.
Yu Ji Seafood
📍Baitou Village, Lecheng Town, Yueqing City, near the Fourth Ring Road Toll Station
💰￥170/person
Another option is Yu Ji Seafood, a popular spot among Yueqing locals for casual dining. The location is a bit off the beaten path, making it more suitable for those who drive.
The usual practice is to order from a live kitchen, and the selection of seafood is better than at Afa, but prices are slightly higher.
Due to declining production at Yueqing Port in recent years, crabs are usually consumed locally and are a must-order dish. The flavors are traditional Wenzhou-style, with seafood either steamed or cooked at home. Freshness is immediately apparent.
Qianjing Paodang
📍20 meters south of the intersection of Jingbei Road and Jingxiang Road, Yueqing City
💰￥70/person
While the previous two options lean more towards seafood restaurant settings, Qianjing, despite being more of a street stall, is actually my favorite.
First, a disclaimer: their location is in a village, so it’s quite difficult to reach without driving. The business is booming, often requiring outdoor seating, which isn’t ideal.
Those are the drawbacks, but the advantages are clear—the food is delicious and affordable.
Qianjing Paodang specializes in home-style dishes, yet they manage to leave a lasting impression.
The lamb ribs with rice cakes are a signature dish. The ribs are packed with meat, and although there’s a slight hint of gaminess, the chewy rice cakes make it a perfect combination.
The duck feet hot pot is also worthy of applause. The feet are stewed until tender and fall off the bone, absorbing all the flavors. A single bite can make you want to eat another bowl of rice.
9:00 P.M.
Late-night snack
**Ximen Fatty Teppanyaki**
📍No. 120-2, West Jianshe Road, Yuecheng Street, Yueqing City
💰￥30/person
Ximen is a popular late-night dining spot for Yueqing locals, especially bustling at night.
Seeing Yueqing’s teppanyaki brings back a sense of nostalgia. Nowadays, kids probably don’t have the memories of spending a few coins on these “mom-would-scold” deep-fried junk foods at school gates.
This Fatty Teppanyaki place holds a significant position in Yueqing’s late-night dining scene. The environment is simple, and the seasoning of the fried skewers is not overly heavy. Business is booming.
Other teppanyaki places that Yueqing locals have grown up with include Ximen Wangdai Teppanyaki, Muyan Teppanyaki, and Ouyang Teppanyaki. Just choose one nearby.
**A Shuang Dumpling Shop**
📍No. 54, Jiaotong East Road, Yueqing City
💰￥40/person
Wenzhou locals enjoy late-night snacks similar to breakfast, with wontons and potstickers served together.
A Shuang is the youngest and most popular queuing spot in Yueqing, having only been open for “just” 6 or 7 years, yet it is already well-known far and wide.
In Yueqing, potstickers are flattened and then steamed with water covering the dumplings, resulting in a thick, crispy skin, almost like they’ve been fried.
The filling of the potstickers often includes water chestnuts for added texture, bursting with juicy fillings when bitten into. Combined with A Shuang’s other signature dish, the teppanyaki crucian carp, this is the secret to their thriving business.
**A Ming Clay Pot BBQ Seafood**
📍No. 113-117, West Yue Road, Yueqing City
💰￥90/person
Among the several large food stalls behind Yueqing Sports Institute, A Ming’s clay pot is the most popular.
Their signature lamb offal clay pot appears to follow a northern Anhui style, with lamb ribs, lamb tripe, and offal stewed together in a large pot, offering a rich and satisfying lamb flavor.
In summer, the shop also serves crayfish, lamb bones, and BBQ, though the latter is just average. The Ximen area is the liveliest at night, with many people coming for late-night snacks.
Yueqing is famous for its countless snacks and seafood, so I’m not worried about you going hungry, but rather about indigestion. Therefore, as usual, I’ll arrange a “Yueqing Digestive Guide” for you.
The highlight of Yueqing is undoubtedly the two scenic areas of Mount Yandang.
Unlike Mount Huangshan or Mount Wuyi, where a single mountain has a clear-cut entrance ticket, Mount Yandang spans five scenic areas and four administrative regions. I suspect that Mount Yandang is not as well-known among the “Three Mountains and Five Sacred Peaks” due to its complicated “background”!
The Mount Yandang Scenic Area (5A) we usually refer to actually only includes the Northern Mount Yandang.
It is the largest and most famous, and it would take about 2-3 days to fully explore. For a day trip, you can focus on the three wonders of Lingyan and the Fangdong Cave, which offer the most breathtaking scenery.
The secret passage of Langya Pavilion, built specifically for the filming of “Nirvana in Fire,” is still preserved on Lingfeng Peak of Mount Yandang. (But don’t expect staff to come out and give you exam answers!)
Besides the Northern Mount Yandang, Yueqing also has an independent Central Mount Yandang Scenic Area (4A). Central Mount Yandang is more low-key, mainly known for the peaks of Yuzun Peak and the waters of Xiji.
Image: @Chen Shangyun
Within Central Mount Yandang, there is the ancient village of Huangtan Cave, a stone house village that dates back to the Song Dynasty. It is quite secluded and still very pristine, perfect for taking cultural photographs.
However, the Northern Mount Yandang remains the main attraction, and there is a significant difference in the level of playability. If you have to choose between the two, the Northern Mount Yandang is the obvious choice.
I’ve noticed that every time I write about Wenzhou, the word count skyrockets, even for its county-level cities.
Well, my homework is done. If you have more recommendations, please add them in the comments below~
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/Travel Tips/
Yueqing is about an hour’s drive from Wenzhou city center. For out-of-town visitors, taking the high-speed train is the most suitable option. The journey from Hangzhou takes about 2.5 hours, from Ningbo 1.5 hours, and from Wenzhou just 15 minutes.
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/Accommodation Recommendations/
In Yueqing city, there is the Junlan Hotel, which has a good location but is a bit dated. The Yueqing Jiangnan InterContinental Hotel is in Baixiang, making it convenient for finding food, and it opened in 2019, so it’s relatively new.
