Caishen Bay

财神湾

Caishen Bay gathers together the characteristic buildings of the water town, including halls, corridors, water pavilions and various buildings. The scattered houses extend the quiet ancient streets, and the corridors, water pavilions are connected with the clear water and blue sky, and the beautiful scenery of the water town is in full view.
Inside the Hall of Wealth, a life-size statue of the God of Wealth, Wuzhen's Eastern God of Wealth, originally incarnated as Prime Minister Bigan. This unique figure, known for his heartfelt death, earned him the reputation of selflessness, a reminder that wealth should be earned through righteousness and not excessive selfishness. Every year on the fifth day of the first lunar month, Wuzhen residents come to the Hall of Wealth to burn incense and pray for blessings.

Introduction

  • Attraction Location: "Wuzhen Water Town, Tongxiang City, Zhejiang Province, China (浙江省桐乡市乌镇)"

  • History: Caishen Bay, named after the God of Wealth (Caishen), is part of Wuzhen’s East Scenic Area (Dongzha). Historically, it served as a central waterway hub where merchants would dock their boats and trade goods. Over the centuries, the bay has maintained its cultural significance as a symbol of prosperity and commerce in the water town.
  • Architecture: Traditional wooden riverside houses line the canal, connected by stone bridges and narrow lanes. The area features small jetties, ancient warehouses, and carved wooden windows. Lanterns and festive decorations often hang along the waterfront, reflecting the town’s classical Jiangnan architectural style.
  • Cultural Value: Caishen Bay embodies the economic history and daily life of Wuzhen’s merchant society. It is celebrated in local folklore as a prosperous and vibrant area, especially during festivals like Chinese New Year, when offerings and ceremonies for the God of Wealth take place.
  • Other Information: The bay is ideal for photography, especially early morning or evening when mist rises over the water and lanterns are lit. Boat tours along the bay allow visitors to experience traditional water-town life.

Visiting Information

  • Opening Hours: 08:30 – 17:30

  • Ticket Price: Wuzhen East Scenic Area admission: 150 CNY (adult)
    75 CNY (children/elderly)
    Boat ride along Caishen Bay: 50 CNY per person
  • Best Photo Spots: Riverside wooden houses with red lanterns
    Stone bridges crossing the bay
    Morning mist over the water
    Evening lantern-lit reflections
  • Time Reference: 1–2 hours to walk and explore the bay; add extra time for boat rides or photography.

Where to Sleep (Nearby Hotels & Stays)

  • Luxury: Wuzhen Shangri-La Hotel (乌镇香格里拉酒店)
    Wuzhen Boutique Hotel (乌镇精品酒店)
  • Mid-range: Wuzhen Yunhe Guesthouse (乌镇运河客栈)
    Wuzhen Xiangxiang Inn (乌镇香香客栈)
  • Budget & Boutique: Wuzhen Old Town Hostel (乌镇老街客栈)
    Riverside Cozy Guesthouse (河边舒适客栈)

What & Where to Eat

  • Must-Try Dishes: Wuzhen White Fish (乌镇白鱼)
    Wuzhen Braised Pork (乌镇红烧肉)
    Local River Shrimp (河虾)
    Zongzi (粽子, traditional rice dumplings)
  • Famous Spots: Wuzhen East Gate Restaurant (东栅餐厅)
    Wang’s Riverside Eatery (王家河边饭店)
    Local street stalls along Caishen Bay

What Souvenirs to Buy

  • Wuzhen handcrafted lanterns (乌镇手工灯笼)
    Traditional blue-and-white porcelain (青花瓷)
    Handmade silk or embroidered items (丝绸刺绣)
    Local tea leaves (乌镇茶叶)

Transportation

  • From Hangzhou city center: Take bus 330 or 937 to Wuzhen East Scenic Area → short walk to Caishen Bay.
    By train: Hangzhou Railway Station → Tongxiang Station → taxi or shuttle to Wuzhen (approx. 20–30 min).
    By car: Drive via G92 Hangzhou Bay Expressway → Wuzhen parking lots near East Gate Scenic Area.

Nearby Attractions

  • Wuzhen East Scenic Area (东栅景区) – 0 km, walking distance
    Wuzhen West Scenic Area (西栅景区) – 1.5 km, taxi or shuttle bus
    Wuzhen Traditional Handicraft Workshops (乌镇手工坊) – 1 km, walk along canals.

Tips for Visitors

  • Visit early morning for misty water views and fewer crowds.
    Wear comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestone streets.
    Boat rides provide unique perspectives, especially for photography.
    Bring cash as small shops may not accept cards.
    Respect local culture; avoid climbing onto bridges or private areas.
    Evening lantern lights offer a magical atmosphere – stay until sunset if possible.

Recommended Itineraries

  • D1: Caishen Bay (财神湾) → East Scenic Area (东栅景区) → Traditional Handicraft Workshops (手工坊); walk along canals.
  • D1: Morning: Caishen Bay boat ride → lunch at Wang’s Riverside Eatery (王家河边饭店) → afternoon: Wuzhen West Scenic Area (西栅景区); transport via shuttle bus or short taxi.
  • D2: Explore local temples and gardens → tea tasting in riverside teahouses → evening lantern-lit photography at Caishen Bay.

User Reviews

By Still speaking |

Wuzhen's God of Wealth Bay, located at the eastern end of the Dongzha Scenic Area, is a wide bay on the Dongshi River. Historically, due to the unique water system and narrow river channel, it was artificially excavated as a "turning bay" for ships to turn around. It later earned its name from the God of Wealth Hall, which enshrines Bigan, the Eastern God of Wealth, on its shore. The area is characterized by a water town atmosphere characterized by small bridges, flowing water, and houses. Corridors, pavilions, and bluestone paths contrast with the emerald waters, creating a quintessential Jiangnan landscape. The Fengyuan Twin Bridges span the water, attracting visitors seeking blessings thanks to the legend that "walking on the left brings promotion, while walking on the right brings wealth." The century-old Xiangshantang Pharmacy and Fengyuan Restaurant stand alongside the river. The former retains its late Qing Dynasty layout, while the latter is famous for its Wuzhen braised lamb. The pavilion-style buildings, with streets in front and rivers behind, evoke a lively atmosphere.

By Woody grass |

The first water area you see upon entering is God of Wealth Bay, named for its resemblance to an ingot. A high-pole boat is moored in the bay, and on clear days, there are pole climbing demonstrations. The bamboo poles are much taller than expected, and they become increasingly thinner as they ascend, making it difficult to hang onto them. Walk around the Fengyuan Twin Bridges and onto East Street. From this side of the bridge, the high-pole boats appear even taller, framed by greenery and their reflections.

By Backpackers traveling in the South |

To attract wealth and fortune, come to Zhaocai Bay! ! ! ! !

By Ariel |

The water view is quite beautiful... Turn around and you will see Dongshi Street.

By The sky is high and the clouds are light blue |

Caishen Bay is located in Wuzhen's Dongzha Scenic Area, near the entrance. The water surface is not very large, but it is said to have been a riverside dock in ancient times and was very busy! Today, the clear water seems to be telling the story of its past glory!

By raorao |

We arrived at noon and the weather was very hot, so we looked for a place to rest after passing Caishen Bay.

By Niklaus |

Caishen Bay is also called Zhuanchuan Bay, located in Wuzhen, and it brings together the characteristic buildings of the water town.

By stevedom |

The place is actually average, but the name is good, I have to give it a thumbs up

By Zimei |

There are two high pole boat shows in Caishen Bay a day, one at 10:30 in the morning and one at 14:30 in the afternoon. Each show lasts ten minutes. You may want to time it to watch the show.

By Be the best version of yourself(*^_ |

A scenic spot in the East Gate of Wuzhen Scenic Area, where you can take a boat tour

By Silent Valley Facing the Wind |

At the end of Wuzhen's East Street lies "God of Wealth Bay." Originally known as "Chuanchuan Bay," it was a convenient place for ships to turn around. Later, due to the nearby "God of Wealth Temple," it became known as "God of Wealth Bay." The temple deifies Wuzhen's Eastern Road Civil God of Wealth, Bigan (the Western Road Martial God of Wealth is likely Guan Gong, the god of Guandi Temple in Xizha). The bay boasts the "Fengyuan Twin Bridges," and high-pole boat performances are held on the shore.

By once |

The place is actually average, but the name is good, I have to give it a thumbs up

By Little Bad Guy 36 |

Wuzhen is full of scenic spots, and every one of them is beautiful.

By pale |

This God of Wealth refers to Bigan, and famous attractions include Fengyuan Double Bridges.

By China-TravelNote users |

I was here during the Dragon Boat Festival in 2012. It is the first attraction you see when you enter the gate.

By Clouds are the hometown of rain |

Visitors to Wuzhen's West Bank have only one waterway. After entering the ticket office, a vast expanse of water awaits. It's not a large expanse, but watching wooden boats slowly approaching to pick up passengers in the distance feels like a boat from Liangshan Marsh picking up passengers. It's quite captivating, leaving you with a sense of mystery before even entering West Bank. This stretch of water is called God of Wealth Bay.

By Edison, South |

Although I'm not entirely sure about the origins of Caishen Bay, it's a beautiful harbor for boats. The scenery is stunning, with the Dongzha Gate right next to it and a bridge across the road to the Dongzha tourist attractions. I think people used to row boats out of Dongzha through Caishen Bay. As the saying goes, "roads lead to wealth," and the name Caishen Bay certainly lives up to its name.

By Sunny |

Caishen Bay was formerly known as Zhuanchuan Bay. Wuzhen's water system is unique, forming a cross. The river narrows toward Zhatou, making it difficult for boats to turn around. Therefore, locals dug a pond and a canal to create a place where boats could turn around. To distinguish it from other Zhuanchuan Bays, the name Caishen Bay was borrowed from the nearby Caishen Temple.

It is now used as a dock, and hand-rowed boats stop there when they are idle.

By Stand on tiptoe |

I went there because of the name, the scenery is pretty good.

By make a sightseeing tour |

Wuzhen Dongzha, also known as Zhuanchuan Bay, is a wide stretch of water convenient for boats to turn around. It is named after the nearby God of Wealth Temple. Here you can find the God of Wealth Temple, Fengyuan Twin Bridges, high-pole boats, and a long corridor.

By Zhao Huoding |

Located at the easternmost end of the Dongzha Scenic Area, it is a relatively open area of water. It was a place for ships to turn around in ancient times. Today it has become an elegant tourist attraction with ship docks, restaurants, the God of Wealth Hall, pavilions, and beautiful scenery that will make you linger!

By Sh1na |

At the end of Dongzha, the high pole boat is also parked here.

By Mood |

Caishen Bay gathers together the characteristic buildings of the water town, including halls, corridors, water pavilions and various buildings. The scattered houses extend the quiet ancient streets, and the corridors, water pavilions are connected with the clear water and blue sky, and the beautiful scenery of the water town is in full view.

By Follow me everywhere |

Enter the gate of Wuzhen Dongzha Scenic Area and walk all the way to the river. This is the first scenic spot from east to west.

Caishen Bay, also known as the Turning Bay, is a relatively open area of water for ships to turn around.

Caishen Bay boasts a collection of characteristic water town architecture, including pavilions, terraces, and towers. It also boasts the famous Fengyuan Twin Bridges. There are also local high-pole boats, and with luck, you might even catch a high-pole performance.

By Haha, enjoy it alone |

Just passing by, no big impression...

By Yuanyuan |

Wanqing Xiaozhu, Mu Xin's former residence, shredded radish pancakes, and Fengyuan Restaurant are all located in Dongzha Caishen Bay.

By Young |

Caishen Bay was formerly known as Zhuanchuan Bay. Wuzhen's water system is unique, forming a cross. The river narrows toward Zhatou, making it difficult for boats to turn around. Therefore, locals dug a pond and a canal to create a place where boats could turn around. To distinguish it from other Zhuanchuan Bays, the name Caishen Bay was borrowed from the nearby Caishen Temple.

By felicity_H |

There are many tourists in the Dongzha Scenic Area and it is very lively!

By Sunny Doll |

This is the beginning of entering Dongzha to view other attractions.

By Snow Plum |

Caishen Bay in Wuzhen, Zhejiang, was once known as Zhuanchuan Bay, a specially constructed waterway designed to facilitate boats' maneuvering in the well-shaped waterway. Caishen Bay embodies the distinctive architecture of a water town, featuring halls, pavilions, and waterside pavilions. The meticulously arranged residential complex extends through a tranquil ancient street, while the pavilions and waterside pavilions blend seamlessly with the clear water and blue sky, offering breathtaking views of the waterside town.

By hyacinth! |

Caishen Bay was formerly known as Zhuanchuan Bay. Wuzhen's water system is unique, forming a cross. The river narrows toward Zhatou, making it difficult for boats to turn around. Therefore, locals dug a pond and a canal to create a place where boats could turn around. To distinguish it from other Zhuanchuan Bays, the name Caishen Bay was borrowed from the nearby Caishen Temple.

By Go your own way |

Caishen Bay is located at the eastern end of the old street within Wuzhen's Dongzha Scenic Area. Walk straight through the entrance and continue to the riverbank to find Caishen Bay. The bay is dotted with Wuzhen's characteristic high-pole boats, and to the right are the famous Fengyuan Twin Bridges.

By Seven-fold Buddha's Grace |

Located at the easternmost end of the Dongzha Scenic Area, it is a relatively open area of water. It was a place for ships to turn around in ancient times. Today it has become an elegant tourist attraction with ship docks, restaurants, the God of Wealth Hall, pavilions, and beautiful scenery that will make you linger!

By Run ^ω^ New Life |

The door is closed and the interior is probably not well decorated.

By Heart is far away |

Beautiful, very nice environment. Beautiful, very nice environment.

By cloud |

It is next to the floating market. It has no special features, but the floating market has the flavor of Jiangnan water town.

By Schrödinger's Cat |

I visit Wuzhen every year for a relaxing break, and I've been there no fewer than five times. I've stayed at waterfront guesthouses twice, but the overall value wasn't great. The rest of the time, I've stayed at Zhaoming Shushe, a very affordable hotel that usually requires booking a month in advance. It's a quiet and elegant retreat nestled in the city. The Shusheng mutton stall in the alleyway is absolutely amazing—a must-try in autumn and winter. I've visited all of Wuzhen's attractions more than a dozen times, most recently with my 50D and 1740 lens. Feel free to ask me any questions.

By Island Mountain No. 17 |

There are regular high pole boat performances here, where artists climb up to the top of the poles to perform various difficult moves. This is one of the attractions I was looking forward to. However, after asking the staff at the scenic spot, I learned that the performance was cancelled due to too many tourists. - - Quite depressed

By Circle |

Caishen Bay, located in Wuzhen's Dongzha District, is home to Wuzhen's characteristic high-pole boats. Caishen Bay was formerly known as Zhuanchuan Bay. Because Wuzhen's water system is unique, forming a cross shape, the river narrows towards the gate, making it difficult for boats to turn around. Therefore, locals dug a pond and canal to create a place for boats to turn around. To distinguish it from other Zhuanchuan bays, the bay was named Caishen Bay after the nearby Caishen Temple.

By Mengxi's World |

When I heard the word "God of Wealth", I decided to go. Sincerity is the key.

By Dragon King Online |

Caishen Bay is really lively, with many tourists jostling each other.

By Wheat with acupuncture℃ |

There is an interesting high pole boat in Caishen Bay, next to which is Fengyuan Shuangqiao.

By Meng-M-Meng |

The first scenic spot in Dongzha, Gaogan Boat, is also on it. Maybe this name also reflects people’s good expectations.

By Rosewood |

Beautiful, the houses in the water town are beautiful. Living on the water, but not on a boat, isn’t it wonderful.

By Peak wearing a straw hat |

The first thing you see upon entering Dongzha is this... a vast expanse of water. It instantly captivates you! Your mood brightens, and your journey becomes even more enjoyable!

By Hades, the rain god |

Caishen Bay is located at the eastern end of the old street within Wuzhen's Dongzha Scenic Area. Walk straight from the entrance until you reach the riverbank. Caishen Bay is home to Wuzhen's local high-pole boats, and to the right are the famous Fengyuan Twin Bridges. Caishen Bay boasts the widest expanse of water in Wuzhen's Dongzha Scenic Area, offering stunning views. On the shore, a Caishen Temple enshrines the God of Wealth. This God of Wealth, unlike other gods of wealth, represents Prime Minister Bigan. If you have time, you should visit. Caishen Bay also serves as a small pier, where you can take a pontoon boat to explore the waterways of Dongzha and savor the scenery of small bridges, flowing water, and houses.

By Lollipop Autumn |

One of the famous attractions in Dongzha, Caishen Bay, a must-see place when visiting Dongzha

By Meow Xiaomiao |

I remember going there in the early morning in Dongzha, it was very quiet and the scenery was OK.

By Old Wu Shaoshao |

I have to go there just for the name, give it all 5 stars

By The wingless |

Enter the gate of Dongzha Scenic Area, pass through a bamboo forest and turn right to arrive. There are high-pole boats parked in Caishen Bay. The innermost one is Fengyuan Double Bridge, which is also the end of the scenic area.

By sand. |

Very good, the whole Wuzhen has a great feeling, I look forward to coming back

By Suiyuan Yiding |

At the end of Dongzha, this place has the characteristics of Wuzhen.

By ꧁༺晨༻ ꧂ |

When you enter the larger water bay in Wuzhen Scenic Area, the tour guide will remind you to take photos here.

By Jidao |

I didn't look at it carefully, I just took a quick look, that's all.

By Dai Dai |

This is the place where I leave the inn.

There are performances scheduled. However, the crowds are huge... lots of tour groups.

By Angel |

Caishen Bay is located within the Dongzha Scenic Area. It's a lovely spot, with a wide, pleasant view over the lake. There's a bridge at Caishen Bay, divided into two sides. Walking on the left side is said to bring promotion, while walking on the right brings wealth. From observation, it seems more people are hoping for promotion (after all, promotion leads to wealth). Under the bridge is a gate, flanked by a tall pole. Unfortunately, we arrived too late, after the show, and the next one wasn't until the afternoon, so we didn't see it. Still, it's a nice, pleasant spot.

By Yang Xiaoman |

Wuzhen is a well-established tourist attraction with great views, typical of the Jiangnan water town. I heard it was called Caishen Bay, so I had to go.

By dyklhxb |

The Jiangnan water town has endless scenery and is worth a visit.

By Cat bones |

It's a beautiful angle. You can also see the high-pole boats. Next to it is the Fengyuan Double Bridge. You can sit on the bridge to rest and enjoy the scenery.

By Thirteen Too Full |

Generally speaking, the old scenic spots in Dongzha are somewhat lacking in maintenance awareness.

By Happy Food Life |

It is a bay, but from here you can enjoy the Dongzha waterway with a wide view.

By Cut blue |

Caishen Bay is located within Wuzhen's Dongzha Scenic Area. Just a few minutes' walk to the right from the entrance, it's a perfect spot to admire the beauty of Dongzha's ancient architecture. Caishen Bay boasts several must-see structures, including the high-pole boats on the water, the Fengyuan Twin Bridges on the right, and the Xiangshantang Pharmacy and Caishen Hall on the other side of the bay. Caishen Bay is named after Caishen Hall.

By Chen Feiyang |

Wuzhen is a very famous place, and many film crews and tourists come here.

By Yam loves meat |

The name of Caishen Bay is very popular. This attraction is actually at the front when you enter Dongzha.

The area you see after crossing Fengyuan Shuangqiao is the high pole boat show, which is held in Caishen Bay.

By An Chezai |

The iconic viewing point of Dongzha, with a wide view

By fox |

This was the main area where people did business at the time, and there were many shops nearby, which shows how prosperous it was at the time.

By Mr. |

Caishen Bay is located in Dongzha. The Wuzhen scenic area is divided into Dongzha and Xizha. Dongzha is more rustic than Xizha. Many people still live there, while Xizha is largely commercialized. Caishen Bay isn't much to see. It's just where boats turn. There's a temple nearby, so it was renamed Caishen Bay for the auspiciousness of the area. Its main feature is that it was artificially constructed to facilitate boat turns. It has some local charm, but there's really not much to see.

By Smile. |

Caishen Bay is near the Gaogan boat. I heard that it was used by people to worship and pray. However, the information is not complete and I don’t know much about it.

By let'go |

Wuzhen is quite fun, but there are too many people.

By Mu Yi Qing Feng |

There is a small river bend at the east end of Dongshi River in Dongzha Scenic Area. Tourist boats turn around here. The river is relatively wide and Fengyuan Bridge and high pole boat performances are all here.

By Now that you're here |

It's not just a tourist attraction...

By Mr. Lin's Wandering in Wonderland |

It is the open water area in front of Fengyuan Shuangqiao. Because there is a temple of the God of Wealth next to it, it is named Caishen Bay. But to be honest, the scenery is just average.

By A young man |

I didn't realize it when I passed by. It turns out that this is a tourist attraction. Okay, I admit that this really doesn't have any special features.

By Su Xiaoyang |

I just passed by this and thought the scenery was nice so I took a photo. I didn’t know this was the God of Wealth Bay @—@

By Cool Cars |

It is very close to the gate of the scenic area, where you can take a wupeng boat.


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