Live Your Best Lives
Wuzhen's Xishi River, a tributary of the Grand Canal, is home to the old Wuzhen Post Office. Wuzhen boasts a long history of postal services. During the Yuan Dynasty, the distinction between horse and water post stations was established. The majority of Wuzhen's post stations were water post stations, which used boats to transport official documents. Each post station had a designated boat operator responsible for delivering official documents.
Today, this old post office still embodies the ancient way of mail delivery. Write a postcard here, stamp it, and send it to the mail boat terminal across the street to commemorate your journey. A must-see when visiting Wuzhen or Xizha, whether it's to send a postcard to a friend or yourself.
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended playing time: about 1 hour
Post office delivery hours: 8:00 - 17:00
Wuzhen is an ancient water town that has been around for over 1,300 years. The Wuzhen Old Post Office is a historical building that once served as the hub for communication in the town. The town is known for its well-preserved traditional architecture, picturesque canals, and rich cultural heritage, making it a popular destination for those interested in China's water town culture.
The Wuzhen Old Post Office is located in Wuzhen, a famous water town in Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province. The most convenient way to reach Wuzhen from Hangzhou or Shanghai is by bus or private car. You can also take a high-speed train to Jiaxing, then transfer to a bus or taxi to reach Wuzhen. Within the town, walking is the best way to explore the narrow, picturesque streets.
The attraction is open year-round from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The best time to visit is during the spring (April-May) or autumn (September-November) when the weather is pleasant. Weekdays are typically less crowded compared to weekends and holidays.
The entrance fee for Wuzhen Old Post Office is typically included in the Wuzhen scenic area ticket. The full price for the scenic area is around CNY 120-150. Tickets can be purchased on-site or online via travel websites and platforms like Trip.com.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended during peak seasons or holidays. You can book online a few days in advance to secure your entry and avoid waiting in long lines.
It takes approximately 1-2 hours to fully explore the Wuzhen Old Post Office and surrounding areas. If you wish to explore the entire town and other nearby attractions, allocate 4-5 hours for a more leisurely experience.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and audio guides in English are also offered. It’s recommended to take an audio guide or join a guided tour if you want to understand the rich history of the town and its significance.
Start by visiting the Wuzhen Old Post Office to appreciate its historical significance. Then take a leisurely walk along the canal-side streets, stopping to visit other notable sites like the Wuzhen Water Town Museum and traditional workshops. End your day with a boat ride on the canals for a picturesque experience of Wuzhen's beauty.
Wuzhen is especially charming in the evening when the ancient streets are lit up, and you can take a night boat ride to see the town illuminated. However, night tours or light shows are not common in the Wuzhen Old Post Office itself. Evening visits to the town are highly recommended for a different experience.
Wuzhen can be crowded, especially during weekends and public holidays. To avoid the crowds, visit on weekdays or during the off-peak seasons (winter or late autumn).
There are toilets, water stations, and rest areas throughout the town. Many shops sell local products, including souvenirs, snacks, and traditional crafts. Small cafes and restaurants offer local cuisine and refreshments.
The Wuzhen Old Post Office and other attractions in the town are accessible to elderly and children. However, some of the narrow streets and bridges may be challenging for those with limited mobility. It is recommended to check with the staff for specific accessibility needs.
Mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted throughout the town, including at the Wuzhen Old Post Office. Credit cards are also accepted at most larger establishments. It’s advisable to carry some cash for smaller shops or local vendors.
There are several restaurants and cafes nearby serving traditional Zhejiang cuisine, such as local fish dishes, dumplings, and noodle soups. Tea houses offering Longjing tea are also common in the area.
Vegetarian options are available at many restaurants, with local vegetarian dishes made from tofu, mushrooms, and vegetables. Halal food options may be limited but can be found at certain specialty restaurants in Jiaxing.
There are several hotels and guesthouses within walking distance of Wuzhen, ranging from budget to luxury options. Staying in the water town itself gives you the chance to experience the ambiance in the evening when the crowds have thinned.
There are numerous souvenir shops in Wuzhen offering traditional handicrafts such as silk products, handmade paper fans, and tea sets. Local specialties include Wuzhen-branded tea and handmade bamboo products.
After visiting Wuzhen, you can continue your journey by taxi or bus to Jiaxing Railway Station or Hangzhou for further travel. Public buses are available from Wuzhen to nearby towns, and high-speed trains are an efficient way to reach Shanghai or Hangzhou.
