Dongtai is a coastal county-level city in Jiangsu, administered by Yancheng and sitting on the Yellow Sea. Its urban core is compact, while the surrounding countryside spreads across a large number of suburban towns, and the local cuisine leans towards the Huai-Yang style with seafood featuring prominently.
For a visitor, the practical question is whether to base yourself in the city itself or out towards the coast. The two anchors are the urban core, which holds the old town area known as Xi-xi ancient town, and the eastern coastal zone, where the Yellow Sea National Park and the wetland and wildlife protection areas lie. This guide covers those options and what each is like to stay in.
Best areas to stay in Dongtai
1. Xi-xi ancient town and the urban core
Xi-xi ancient town is described as the cradle of Dongtai and a Buddhist site, and it sits within the city's urban core. Staying here puts you in the middle of the built-up area, close to the old town and within reach of the Xinchang Railway, which traverses the downtown.
This suits first-time visitors who want to be central and see the historic heart on foot. Expect a mix of accommodation types typical of a Chinese city centre rather than resort-style properties.
2. The eastern coastal area near the Yellow Sea National Park
The Yellow Sea (Huanghai) National Park lies on the east coastal region of Dongtai, with a national everglade protection region and a five-A precious animal protection region nearby. Basing yourself out here means trading the city for the coast and the wetlands.
This suits travellers whose main interest is the coastal park and nature rather than urban sightseeing. Note that this area is some distance from the downtown core, so you will rely on road transport to get between the two.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: simple guesthouse and basic hotel rooms, most readily found in the urban core where the city's accommodation is concentrated.
- Mid-range: standard city hotels in the urban core, offering convenient access to Xi-xi ancient town and the railway.
- Splurge: larger, more comfortable hotels, again centred on the urban core rather than the coastal park area.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself in the urban core around Xi-xi ancient town. It is the city's historic heart, it is where the downtown and the railway are, and it keeps you within easy reach of the rest of Dongtai. The coastal park is better treated as a day trip from here unless nature is your sole reason for coming.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Dongtai?
The Xinchang Railway runs through the downtown, and several international airports, including Shanghai Pudong, Shanghai Hongqiao, Nanjing Lukou and Yancheng Nanyang, lie within 200 kilometres. National Highway 204, provincial highway 333, the Anqiang provincial road and the Coastal Expressway also serve the city.
What is there to see near where I stay?
In the urban core, Xi-xi ancient town is the historic cradle of the city and a Buddhist site. To the east, the Yellow Sea National Park sits on the coast, with a national everglade protection region and a five-A precious animal protection region nearby.
Is the local food different from elsewhere in China?
Yes. Dongtai's cuisine is closely related to Huai-Yang cooking, the flavours are not strong, and seafood is also available.
Will I understand the local speech?
The local dialect differs noticeably from Mandarin and is closely related to the speech of nearby Taizhou, Haiyan, Xinghua and Dafeng.
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