Only 1.5 hours direct from Shanghai! Spend 24 hours relaxing in Yanguan Ancient Town and turn the hectic daily grind into a Jiangnan poem

Who understands! The days chased by KPIs really make it hard to breathe, so on the weekend I decisively took the whole family to hide away in Yanguan Ancient Town, starting a 2-day, 1-night laid-back micro-vacation with no need to rush the morning commute, no need for planning, and even the alarm clock could be turned off. I realized that relaxation can truly be “lived”!

Early morning, I was gently awakened by the sound of the Qiantang River tide. As soon as I opened the curtains, I could see a shimmering river view. In the afternoon, I sat by the ancient city wall soaking up the sun, listening to an old grandma slowly telling stories while fanning herself. At dusk, I hummed off-key songs with the street band, and even the evening breeze carried the unique gentleness of Jiangnan. This slow pace feeling is truly healing!

Families with kids don’t need to worry here at all. Children can have fun paddleboarding in the “Boat Tour Summer” activity while I sit on the shore drinking tea and watching the clouds drift by. Plus, from 2 PM to 7 PM there’s the live-action game “Battle of Tide Music,” where kids get fully engaged following NPCs to solve puzzles. Finally, I got my “free time from the kids” and could leisurely explore and eat throughout the ancient town!

The highlight is staying at Xuande Gate Hotel—it’s a total steal! Kids under 1.2 meters not only get free admission but also free rides on the scenic area’s electric carts. The minibar in the room offers a free first order and a welcome fruit plate. The restaurant’s 20% discount coupon saved me the cost of two milk teas. The family rooms are super spacious, and the kids can quietly do homework at the small desk before bed. Detail-oriented moms will be deeply touched by these thoughtful designs!

The biggest surprise is that the food here doesn’t have the usual overpriced tourist trap prices. The Haining jar pork at the Ancient City Gate Restaurant is sticky and tender without being greasy, and the sauce garden dishes carry an authentic fresh aroma. Even my usually picky eater kids finished two bowls of rice each. No more worries about bad meals in tourist spots!

Finally, here’s a lazy traveler’s guide: On day one, check into the hotel and slowly stroll around the ancient town in the afternoon, then watch the Qiantang River tide at dusk. On day two, after breakfast, take the kids paddleboarding, then visit the Music Home Museum. After lunch, take a leisurely trip back—no need for special forces-style check-ins. This kind of vacation is the real deal!

Spend 24 hours in Yanguan, soak your work anxiety into tea, turn fleeting moments into poetry, and realize that happiness is really simple. Next time, I’ll bring the whole family here to relax again!

📍Location: Jiaxing Yanguan Ancient Town

Post by BAYLEE BRIGGS | Aug 20, 2025