Live Your Best Lives
The water towns of the south of the Yangtze River are always charming, gentle and reserved, soft and affectionate, like a slender girl holding an oil-paper umbrella, slowly standing by the river. Wuzhen is one of the four famous towns in the south of the Yangtze River.
A weekend or three-day holiday is perfect for a visit to this ancient town, boasting over 6,000 years of history. Walking along the turquoise stone slabs, through the streets and alleys steeped in cultural ambiance, the city's hustle and bustle and fatigue of urban life are swept away, leaving behind only a sense of calm and comfort.
Wuzhencheck the details
Wuzhen, one of the four famous towns of Jiangnan, boasts a rich history spanning over 6,000 years. White walls, black tiles, small bridges, and flowing water evoke the allure of Chinese ink painting. Carved beams, painted buildings, stone alleys, and old houses create a picturesque scene that bears witness to the vicissitudes of history. Wuzhen's beautiful waterside landscape, unique cuisine, and rich cultural heritage create a captivating historical canvas. Stroll through the alleys in the morning, and count the town's more than 30 ancient bridges, immersing oneself in a time of yore. Sit by the river in the evening, amidst the flowing water and small bridges. At that moment, it feels as if Wuzhen has waited a thousand years for us.
3055 recommendations, 2820 visits
① Bus: In downtown Hangzhou, you can take a bus directly from Jiubao Passenger Transport Center/East Railway Station to Wuzhen Bus Station, and then take K350 to Xizha or Dongzha Scenic Area.
② High-speed rail: From other cities, take the high-speed rail to Tongxiang Railway Station, then take K282 to Wuzhen Bus Station, and then take K350 to Xizha or Dongzha Scenic Area.
③ Self-driving: You can also drive to the surrounding areas of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai. For example, from Hangzhou, it is about 80 kilometers to Wuzhen, and the drive takes about 1.5-2 hours.
Self-driving route as shown below:
The East Gate ticket is 110 yuan, the West Gate ticket is 150 yuan, and the combined ticket is 190 yuan. Student ID cards can be used for discounts.
For specific information, please pay attention to "Wuzhen Tourism Official Reservation". All tickets are valid for the same day and can only be entered once!
Tips:
Before you start your trip, you can get an electronic map from the mini program "Wuzhen Tourist Guide". It has maps of both Dongzha and Xizha Wucun, and you can find toilets, hotels, food... It's very convenient.
It is undeveloped and does not require tickets. It is relatively primitive overall, with many local residents. It takes about half an hour to walk around. If you are short on time, you don't need to go.
Recommended time to visit: Morning, about 2 hours to complete the tour
Recommended itinerary: Caishen Bay - Xiangshan Hall - Indigo Print Workshop - Wuqing Water Dragon Club - Jiangnan Woodcarving Museum - Hanlin House (Shadow Play) - Huiyuan Pawnshop
After arriving in Wuzhen, it is recommended to visit East Gate first, which is relatively quiet and not crowded. After visiting East Gate, you can take the free shuttle bus to West Gate.
Picture @Zhu Xian
Recommended time to visit: afternoon or evening, about 5 hours to complete the tour
Recommended itinerary: Wuzhen Grand Theater - Muxin Art Museum - Caomu Bense Dyeing Workshop - Tianxia Diyiguo (No. 1 Pot) - Floating Market - Old Post Office - Mao Dun Memorial Hall - Xiqing Hall - Zhaoming Academy - Lantern Shop - White Lotus Pagoda - Yue Lao Temple - Bar Street
Xizha can be said to be the most prosperous tourist attraction in Wuzhen. The visitor center is decorated in a relatively high-end style and there are many places to visit here.
Not far from the West Gate entrance is the Wuzhen Grand Theater, which you can only see from a distance and cannot enter. There is a bend in the small bridge that is the best place to take photos. The background is full of reeds, and the Grand Theater building is in the distance. You can check in and continue walking.
Picture @mili
Ticket price: 30 yuan per person. The museum is closed on Monday, so don’t miss out.
The Mu Xin Art Museum, one of China's most beautiful art museums, houses a collection of Mu Xin's paintings and literary works throughout his life, and is a must-see destination in Wuzhen. The building's exterior features a simple geometric design, while the interior is spacious, with a basement level and a cafe. Sunlight filters through the blinds, making it perfect for photos.
Picture @mili
Admission: Free
Your first reaction upon seeing the dyeing workshop filled with dyed fabrics is bound to be awe. Scenes you only see in movies and TV series are here. A variety of blue-green dyed fabrics hang high in the air, fluttering in the wind, creating a truly spectacular sight. There's even a platform nearby for visitors to ascend and explore.
Here you can also experience the dyeing process, and the finished products will be sent to you by express delivery. If you don't want to make your own, you can directly purchase ready-made fabric accessories, including wallets, backpacks, hats, clothes, etc.
Picture @mili
Admission: Free
We are all familiar with Mao Dun. His memorial hall/former residence is located in the water town of Wuzhen. The house is a traditional wooden-framed residential building common in the Jiangnan region of my country, with two buildings at the front and back, and a small garden adjacent to the house. Although located in the city, his study offers a quiet and tranquil environment amidst the bustle.
Admission: Free
This is a popular attraction for couples. Located on Xizha Old Street, Xiqing Hall is a large-scale wedding and celebration hall dedicated to showcasing traditional Jiangnan marriages and festive rituals. Comprising eight ancient halls on two floors, it offers visitors the opportunity to experience an authentic Jiangnan wedding.
Picture @mili
Per person: 120 yuan
At the end of Xizha, you'll find countless small pubs. If you depart from Xizha in the afternoon, dusk is just beginning to fall, and the pubs are bustling with activity. Find a spot, grab a couple of cocktails, and listen to the black jazz on stage—that's how simple it is to enjoy the night.
Many people don't know that the 4th World Internet Conference was held in Wuzhen in 2017, and the Convention and Exhibition Center has been retained as the venue, becoming a major landmark of Wuzhen. Designed by Pritzker Architecture Prize winner and professor at the China Academy of Art, Wang Shu, it will serve as the primary venue for conferences and exhibitions in the future.
Ticket price: 60 yuan per person, 8 people per boat, 480 yuan for chartering
If you have enough time, be sure to try a rowboat. These wooden, hand-cranked boats, characteristic of the ancient town, drift gently on the water, offering breathtaking views of Wuzhen. At night, when the lights on both sides of the river come on, echoing the bright moon in the sky, it's a truly relaxing and cozy experience.
When visiting the Jiangnan water town, how can you not experience the charm of Hanfu? There are many Hanfu rental shops along Xizha Street, so just pick one that catches your eye.
We recommend restaurants near the entrance of Xizha Scenic Area, which generally have good food and do not require reservations. Popular restaurants in Xizha Scenic Area all require reservations in advance.
Average price per person: 60 yuan
The decor is very cute, and you can take photos outside. They serve delicious home-style dishes from Jiangsu and Zhejiang. I highly recommend the Dongpo pork. The staff will even come over mid-meal to ask about your taste and opinions, making for attentive service. It's located at the entrance to the Xizha Scenic Area.
Average price per person: 57 yuan
It sounds like Tongxiang is the best place for Jiangsu and Zhejiang cuisine, but it's just average, nothing special. It's worth a try. It's also near the entrance to the Xizha Scenic Area.
Average price per person: 2 yuan/piece
A Jiangnan delicacy found in Wuzhen, this dish is made by steaming black glutinous rice and red dates in a small bamboo bowl. It has a sweet and sticky texture that children will love. It's sold next to the dyeing workshop.
Picture @mili
Bookings are generally made online in advance. Accommodation within the scenic area is more expensive than outside. We recommend staying near the entrance of Xizha, about a five-minute walk from the scenic area. It's convenient and affordable, but the sanitation is somewhat poor. The price is around 200 yuan per room.
Xizha Scenic Area has partnered with hotels and inns. If you haven't booked online in advance, you can check in directly at the Xizha Visitor Center. Accommodation prices vary widely, from cheap hostels as low as 80 yuan per night to more expensive hotels like Yiyuan Boutique Hotel at 1,860 yuan per night. There are also many other inns and hotels, ranging in price from several hundred yuan per night. Prices are clearly marked in the lobby of the Xizha Visitor Center. If you prefer to stay within the scenic area or are particular about the quality of your accommodation, this is a good option for you.
If you want to experience the most authentic Jiangnan scenery, Wuzhen is a must-see. Although it has become increasingly commercialized in recent years, it still maintains a very good grasp of the atmosphere. Only here can you experience the most simple and authentic Jiangnan.
