Wuzhen Travel Guide: Which is Better to Visit, East or West Scenic Area? Must-Save Tips!

**Architectural Layout**: Divided into East, South, West, and North sections by a cross-shaped inland water system, Wuzhen preserves Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, featuring iconic Jiangnan-style elements like overhanging riverside houses and interconnected bridge-streets.

**Cultural Highlights**:
- Hometown of Mao Dun (his former residence is a national heritage site).
- Mu Xin Art Museum (exhibits manuscripts and prison notes).
- Permanent venue of the World Internet Conference (since 2014).

**Intangible Heritage**:
- Indigo-dyed fabric (Hongyuan Tai Dye House).
- Traditional Sanbai liquor brewing.
- Xiangshi Festival (April silkworm flower fair).

**East vs. West Scenic Area**:
- **East Scenic Area (¥110)**: Authentic residential zone with cultural sites like Mao Dun’s former residence, Jiangnan Hundred-Beds Museum, and shadow puppet shows. Daily folk performances include "fist boats" and high-pole acrobatics.
- **West Scenic Area (¥150)**: Nightscape hub featuring Caomu Bense Dye House, White Lotus Pagoda light shows, and gondola night rides. Smart services include facial recognition entry and RFID-tracked linens.
- **Combo Ticket**: ¥190 (half-price for students/seniors 60+).

🚌 **Transport & Hours**:
- **Opening Hours**: East: 7:00–17:30; West: 9:00–22:00 (night views until 21:00).
- **External Transport**: High-speed rail to Tongxiang Station → Bus K282 (¥5/50 min); direct airport buses from Hangzhou/Shanghai (¥45/110 min).
- **Internal Shuttle**: Free East-West shuttle (8:30–16:30); shared gondola rides at West: ¥60/person.

🏞️ **Must-See Attractions**:
- **East Area**:
- *Mao Dun’s Former Residence*: Birthplace of the literary giant, displaying *Midnight* manuscripts.
- *Hongyuan Tai Dye House*: Best photo spot at dawn with giant indigo fabrics.
- *Jiangnan Hundred-Beds Museum*: 30+ antique beds showcasing woodcarving art.
- **West Area**:
- *Caomu Bense Dye House*: Larger scale, offers tie-dye DIY (¥30–50).
- *Mu Xin Art Museum*: Minimalist design with manuscripts (¥20 ticket; read *Memories of Literature* beforehand).
- *White Lotus Pagoda*: Sunset views over the Grand Canal (closes at 17:00).
- *Wuzhen Post Office*: Send future postcards with vintage stamps (from ¥3).

**Unique Experiences**:
- *Night Trio*: Gondola rides, bar-hopping, and open-air classic films (from 19:30).
- *Morning Tea*: Exclusive to hotel guests—try *Dingsheng* cakes by the water market (7:00–9:00).

🗺️ **Itinerary Suggestions**:
- **1-Day Highlights**:
- *Morning (East)*: Mu Xin’s home → Hundred-Beds Museum → Dye House → Mao Dun’s Residence (folk show at 10:00).
- *Afternoon (West)*: Mu Xin Museum → Dye House → Zhaoming Academy → Post Office → White Lotus Pagoda.
- *Night (West)*: Bridge-lit views → bars/films; stay overnight for morning tea.
- **2-Day Deep Dive**:
- *Day 1*: Full day in West (museum + dye workshop + night cruise); stay at Waterside Hotel (with smart mattresses).
- *Day 2*: East cultural tour + free South Area (original watertown charm).

🍜 **Food & Lodging**:
- **Must-Try**: Scholar’s lamb noodles (no gaminess), boat-head zongzi, Wuzhen soy-braised duck.
- **Snacks**: *Dingsheng* cakes (auspicious), radish cakes, *Gusao* biscuits.
- **Top Eateries**: *Republic Era* (themed), *Jin’an Private Kitchen* (riverside seats), *Nanhuaqiao Lamb Restaurant*.
- **Hotels**:
- *Inside*: Waterside Resort (river views), Tong’an Inn (Ming-Qing style)—includes morning tea + crowd-free dawn access.
- *Outside*: Dao She Country Hotel (budget-friendly, 10-min walk to West).

⚠️ **Pro Tips**:
- **Avoid**: Street vendors selling "blessed charms" or wild herbs; buy legit souvenirs at Yida Silk Shop or Xuchang Sauce Workshop.
- **Save**: Book combo tickets online 1 day early for ¥20 off; scan QR codes for crowd-free routes.
- **Photo Ops**: Dye houses at dawn, bridges at dusk, pagoda reflections.
- **Seasonal**:
- April–May: Misty rains + Xiangshi Festival (silkworm fairy parades).
- October: Wuzhen Theatre Festival (book rooms 6 months ahead).

👗 **Dress**: Light-colored Hanfu or modern Chinese-style rentals (¥50/3 hrs) with oil-paper umbrellas for vintage shots.
🌧️ **Prep**: Non-slip shoes for rainy days; mosquito repellent in summer.