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A typical stay in Wuzhen is one day and one night, but you can also choose to explore the area more slowly, with up to three days sufficient. Wuzhen can simply be a place to "waste time," without worrying too much about routes and attractions. Cities in the Jiangsu and Zhejiang regions can be combined for a tour, with Hangzhou, Wuzhen, and Shanghai being a popular route. Those interested in ancient towns can consider Wuzhen, Nanxun, Xitang, and Zhouzhuang.
The entire Dongzha Scenic Area is spread along the river, and the main attractions are generally on the east side of the river. If you enter the scenic area from the Dongzha parking lot, first go to Caishen Bay, cross Fengyuan Double Bridge (covered bridge) - Xiangshan Hall Pharmacy - Caishen Hall - Jiangnan Hundred Beds Museum - Folk Customs Museum - Gao Gongsheng Winery - Spinning, Weaving and Silk and Cotton Workshops - Hongyuantai Dyeing Workshop (Indigo Print Workshop) - Jiangnan Woodcarving Museum - Yuliuliang Coin Museum - Lizhi Academy and Mao Dun Memorial Hall - Xiuzhen Temple Ancient Stage (Tongxiang Flower Drum Opera Performance) - Xiuzhen Temple - Hanlin House - Shadow Playhouse.
Continue west from Xiuzhenguan Square to Sanzhenzhai (a century-old brand), cross the bridge to Hexi to visit Fangluoge Teahouse (right at the bridge head), and then to Ruan Hengde Pharmacy - Huiyuan Pawn Shop. These two attractions are almost there.
Visit Xizha Scenic Area at noon or in the afternoon, and enjoy the night view at night (80 yuan night view ticket is free)
Ferry ride to Andufang Pier - Visit the Herbal Dyeing Workshop - Zhaoming Academy - Cross the Yudu Bridge and pass through Hongchang Lane to visit the Three-Inch Golden Lotus Pavilion - Old Post Office - Wuzhen Grand Theater (listen to Pingtan and enjoy local opera) - Hengyitang Pharmacy - Zhu Family Hall - Shenglian Square, White Lotus Temple Pagoda - Wenchang Pavilion, Guandi Temple - View the Bridges (Renji Bridge and Tongji Bridge) - Cross Tai'an Bridge to visit General Wu Temple - Take a bus from General Wu Temple Pier to Lingshuiju - Admire the gardens of Lingshuiju - Visit the Mao Dun Memorial Hall and other celebrity exhibition halls - Floating Market - Yichang Ironworks - Xuchang Soy Sauce Factory - Cross Tong'an Bridge back to Andufang
D1: Shanghai-Nanxun
From Shanghai, take the Suzhou-Jiaxing Expressway, then drive north for 20 kilometers and exit the expressway. Drive west onto National Highway 318 and drive 33 kilometers past Meiyan to reach Nanxun.
D2: Nanxun-Wuzhen
Visit the famous Jiangnan Garden Xiaolianzhuang, Jiaye Library, the former residences of Zhang Shiming and Zhang Jingjiang, Hongji Bridge, Tongjin Bridge, and Guanghui Bridge. Itinerary: Departing from Nanxun, drive north along the county road, passing Taoyuan, to reach Wuzhen in Tongxiang City. It's recommended to allow a longer stay in Wuzhen. Wuzhen in Tongxiang City is an ancient water town known as the "Land of Fish and Rice, and the Home of Silk." The town boasts a network of canals, crisscrossing stone bridges, and deep alleyways, creating a classic waterside scene. Attractions include the Xiuzhen Temple, Prince Zhaoming's Study, ancient Tang Dynasty ginkgo trees, Zhuanchuan Bay, and the Twin Bridges. Xizha Old Street boasts one of the best-preserved Ming and Qing architectural complexes in my country.
D3: Wuzhen - Xitang - Shanghai
Visit Ni's Residence, Wufu Bridge, Jiangnan Woodcarving Exhibition Hall, Misty Rain Corridor, and West Garden.
Itinerary: From Tongxiang City, take National Highway 320 east for 58 kilometers to Jiashan. Then, turn south onto the county road and drive 8 kilometers to Xitang. Other options for Xitang include departing from Suzhou, Shanghai, or Hangzhou, exiting the Shanghai-Hangzhou Expressway at Dayun Town. For self-driving from Suzhou, drive east from the Qizhen Road intersection to Xitang. From Xitang, drive south along National Highway 320 to the Shanghai-Hangzhou Expressway, easily returning to Shanghai.
Nanxun Driving Tips: The Suzhou-Jiaxing Expressway section is in relatively good condition, with light traffic and a new surface. The section of National Highway 318 leading to Nanxun is in average condition, having not been repaired for a long time. The road is very uneven and driving speeds are slow. As you approach Nanxun, you'll see a lot of traffic, including many tourist buses and large trucks, causing constant congestion.
Driving Tips for Wuzhen: The road is relatively good. After driving about 4 kilometers north from Nanxun, you need to turn east for 2 kilometers to reach Taoyuan. This section of the road has fewer water features, but is just as charming. Along the way, there are more green hills. While not high, they are lush and green, creating a pleasant sight. It is recommended to refuel and rest in Tongxiang City.
Xitang Driving Tips: State Highway 320 on this section of the trip is in good condition. Despite heavy traffic, congestion is minimal. The county road from Jiashan to Xitang is narrow in several sections, so drivers should pay close attention to traffic and drive with caution. The Shanghai-Hangzhou Expressway is in relatively good condition and is relatively easy to drive.