Huzhou Shuanglin｜Escape the Crowds, Experience the Everyday Life in the Secret Bridge Town

Huzhou Shuanglin Ancient Town: A Complete Guide for a Slow, Off-the-Beaten-Path Tour

I visited Huzhou Shuanglin Ancient Town over the weekend. There is no overwhelming commercialization here, preserving the original charm of the Jiangnan water town. From Wenchang Pavilion, you can overlook the "Shuanglin Three Bridges" recommended by National Geographic, enjoy a bowl of freshly stir-fried shrimp and shredded eel noodles, and then sit by the stone bridge to feel the river breeze. This kind of slow time is especially relaxing.

1. Travel and Basic Tips

• Navigation and Parking: Simply navigate to "Huzhou Shuanglin Ancient Town Tourist Service Center." There is a large parking lot nearby, making parking convenient with no worries about finding a spot.

• Ticket Information: The entire ancient town is free to enter, and all open areas can be visited without charge, perfect for low-cost short trips.

2. Core Tour Route

Recommended route connecting the highlights of the ancient town: Wenchang Pavilion → Shuanglin Three Bridges → Heng Street → Cai Residence → Zhou Wenqing Art Museum → Rainbow Bridge → Wangyue Bridge
This route covers iconic sights and allows you to deeply experience the lively atmosphere of the town’s streets and alleys, making for a relaxed and easy stroll.

3. Shuanglin Three Bridges Photo Guide

The "Shuanglin Three Bridges" (Wanyuan Bridge, Huacheng Bridge, Wankui Bridge) are the soul of the town. Don’t miss these photo spots:

1. Top Floor of Wenchang Pavilion: Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the three bridges in one frame, and also capture the nearby Shuijing Temple and Dongyue Temple. If you have time, check them out as well.

2. Wanyuan Bridge Deck: Standing on the bridge, you can photograph the other two bridges, with reflections on the water and Wenchang Pavilion in the distance, fully capturing the Jiangnan water town vibe.

3. Pathway Around Wanyuan Bridge: Walking from Wanyuan Bridge towards Huacheng Bridge, look back to capture Wenchang Pavilion and Wanyuan Bridge in one frame—great composition for photos.

4. West Stone Platform of Huacheng Bridge: Navigate to "West Huacheng Bridge" and find the stone platform extending into the river. Photographers standing on Wankui Bridge can capture classic shots of people with all three bridges in the frame. Drone shots work even better.

4. Off-the-Beaten-Path Food and Sightseeing Recommendations

• Cultural Spots: Passing through Heng Street leads to a cluster of celebrity residences. The Cai Residence is hidden in a small alley, with white walls and black tiles perfect for vintage-style photos. The arch bridge at Wangyue Bridge and its reflection in the water form a complete circle, a lesser-known but great photo spot.

• Must-Try Food:

1. Shrimp and Eel Noodles: Use the "Shuanglin Good Noodles" mini-program to find noodle shops. "A Dong Noodle Shop" is recommended for its freshly stir-fried toppings that are fragrant and flavorful. Go early, as they usually sell out after 12 noon to avoid disappointment.

2. Street Snacks: "Ni Da Sao Baked Cake Shop" and "Ancestral Plum Blossom Dumplings" on Heng Street offer authentic flavors. Nearby wonton and shumai shops are also worth trying, all popular with locals.

Shuanglin Ancient Town is still relatively undiscovered with few tourists, making it ideal for those who enjoy tranquility. If you plan to visit Nanxun Ancient Town, consider stopping by here as well. If you catch a sunny sunset, the three bridges reflecting the evening glow are even more beautiful (unfortunately, it was cloudy when I visited, a bit of a pity~).