Just returned from Jiaxing—3 days & 2 nights for only 1.5k per person to explore the water towns!

💰 **Budget Breakdown**

✅ **1,200–1,500 RMB/person** (perfect for students/bestie trips)

- **Transport**: Round-trip high-speed rail (Shanghai/Hangzhou → Jiaxing South Station, 30 RMB/way) + local taxis/bike-sharing ≈ **200 RMB**
- **Tickets**: Must-visit paid spots (Wuzhen West Scenic Zone + Nanhu Lake boat ride + Meihuazhou) — combo tickets save money ≈ **250 RMB**
- **Accommodation**: 2 nights in themed B&Bs/cozy hotels ≈ **400–600 RMB** (splitting doubles the savings!)
- **Food**: Local street eats + full meals ≈ **300 RMB**
📌 **Pro tip**: Free spots—Nanhu Lake, Yuehe Old Street, Zicheng Ruins Park! Zero-cost photo ops: Xiangjiadang lakeside cycling & Xiuhu Lakeside picnics.

🌿 **Must-Visit Spots｜July Edition**

1️⃣ **Nanhu Lake · Lotus Extravaganza**
- **1,000-acre lotus fields peak in late June!** Arrive before 7 AM for dewdrop-covered petals + dreamy lighting 📸
- **Must-do**: Paddleboat into the blooms (40 RMB/person) + visit the Red Boat (20 RMB boat ticket).

2️⃣ **Wuzhen West Scenic Zone · Nighttime Magic**
- **Skip crowds—choose West Zone!** Charter a gondola (60 RMB) after 3 PM through hidden canals. At dusk, lanterns reflect on water—time-travel vibes!
- **Hidden photo spots**: Behind Mu Xin Art Museum + indigo-dyed fabric hanging area at Caomu Bense Dyehouse.

3️⃣ **Xiangjiadang · Monet-Inspired Escape**
- **Free! Free!** Purple verbena fields + lakeside "beach" digging (bring tools!). Sunset picnics 🌅
- **Family bikes for lakeside rides** (30 RMB/hour)—kids’ energy-burner!

4️⃣ **Meihuazhou · Ancient Village Lotus Charm**
- **White walls + black tiles + lotus ponds = Ultimate Jiangnan aesthetic!** Try tie-dyeing or making traditional sweets (40 RMB ticket = worth it!).

🚶 **3D2N Itinerary｜Tested & Efficient**

**Day 1: Cultural Stroll**
- **AM**: Nanhu Lotus Embankment (arrive by 7 AM) → Climb Yanyu Tower
- **Noon**: Braised duck noodles at Nanhu Tiandi (25 RMB/bowl)
- **PM**: AR dress-up at Zicheng Ruins Park (epic Hanfu photos!)
- **Night**: Yuehe Old Street—devour Zhenzhen Laolao’s pork zongzi (8 RMB) + riverside bar hops.

**Day 2: Water Town Immersion**
- **All day**: Wuzhen West Zone (leave at 7 AM to dodge crowds) → Mu Xin Art Museum spiral staircase → DIY indigo dyeing → **Stay overnight** (300+ RMB riverside B&B).
- **Late-night snack**: Dingsheng cake + Sanbai wine (40 RMB/person).

**Day 3: Nature Finale**
- **AM**: Xiangjiadang cycling + flower field photos
- **PM**: Make mung bean cakes at Meihuazhou (5 RMB/bowl) **OR** chase tidal bores at Yanguan (check tide schedules!).

🍜 **Foodie Alerts｜Carb Overload Warning**
🔥 **Street Eats Hall of Fame**:
- **Jiaxing zongzi**: Yuehe’s "Zhenzhen Laolao" broth-infused pork version—juicy & fatty (15 RMB/pc).
- **Nanhu water chestnuts**: In season July! Boiled with shells (10 RMB/jin)—creamy & sweet.
- **Wine-marinated eggs**: Jelly-like whites + boozy yolk—perfect with congee (15 RMB/box).
- **Wenhu braised duck**: Yuehe’s "Lu Gaojian"—sauce-soaked goodness (30 RMB/half duck to-go).
📍 **Hidden gem**: Crab roe noodles (20 RMB) + sweet osmanthus rice balls at Nanmentou Market’s 2nd-floor stall.

🏠 **Stay Smart｜Top Picks**

🏮 **Old-World Vibes**:
- **Yuehe Inn**: Ming-Qing style + riverside views (300+ RMB w/ breakfast)—steps from nightlife!
- **Wuzhen B&Bs**: "Tong’an Inn" inside West Zone—cobblestone paths + lantern-lit nights = full immersion.

💯 **For Families/Squads**:
- **Shuyue Hotel (Yuehe Branch)**: Ocean/space-themed rooms! Play corners + premium bedding (from 225 RMB).
- **Jiaxing Nanhu Parisi Hotel**: Gaming/movie rooms—youth hotspot (237 RMB = unbeatable value!).