Back from Wuzhen after multiple visits, here's my ultimate guide

📍Wuzhen, one of Jiangnan's six ancient water towns with 1,300 years of history, is famous for its "small bridges, flowing water, white walls, and black tiles" scenery. Below is a 3-4 day travel guide:

Transportation Guide

🚄•External transport: Fly to Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, or Shanghai Hongqiao Airport. From Xiaoshan Airport, take a bus (~1.5h) to Wuzhen. Alternatively, take high-speed rail to Tongxiang Station, then bus K282 (~40min) to Wuzhen Bus Station, where you can transfer to K350 to East Scenic Area or West Scenic Area. Self-driving is convenient with multiple parking lots available.

•Internal transport: Free shuttle buses run between East and West Scenic Areas every ~20 minutes. Non-hotel guests pay ¥10 for sightseeing cars (free for hotel guests). Boat rides are also available.

Attraction Recommendations

•East Scenic Area: Essential for experiencing Wuzhen's traditional culture, featuring Fortune Bay, Xiangshan Hall, Hundred-Bed Museum, Sanbai Winery, and Indigo Fabric Workshop. Don't miss folk performances like pole boat shows and shadow puppetry.

🎨•West Scenic Area: Well-developed with stunning night views blending art and commerce. Highlights include Caomu Dye Workshop, Mu Xin Art Museum, Wuzhen Post Office, Water Market, and White Lotus Pagoda.

•Wuzhen Village: A pastoral complex 2km from West Scenic Area offering tea-picking, archery, and countryside dining experiences - perfect for families.

•South Lane Old Street: Free undeveloped area preserving authentic water town charm. Visit the iconic Wuzhen Wall and local soy-sauce duck shops.

Food Recommendations

🥩•Main dishes: Scholar's Mutton Noodles near Zhaoming Academy serves popular braised mutton noodles; glossy soy-sauce duck is crispy and tender; steamed Bai Shui fish from Taihu Lake has silky flesh.

•Snacks: Wu Ma's signature dumplings (shrimp & crab filling); Jinji Ding Sheng Cake (red bean steamed cake symbolizing victory); Sister-in-Law Sesame Cake pairs perfectly with Sanbai wine.

Accommodation Recommendations

🏠•Pillow Resort Hotel: Riverside location within West Scenic Area with morning boat sounds - ideal for luxury immersion.

•Tong'an Inn: Ancient-style courtyard, ¥300+/person including breakfast - great value.

•South Lane Inn: ~¥150/person for authentic local atmosphere - budget-friendly.

Itinerary

•Day 1: Afternoon at East Scenic Area for traditional workshops and performances. Take free shuttle to West Scenic Area around 16:20, check in, dinner, then night tour.

•Day 2: Morning stroll in West Scenic Area. Visit Caomu Dye Workshop and Xuchang Sauce Garden. Dinner at Wuzhen Village followed by free time.

•Day 3: Morning tea at Water Market, photos at Dragon-shaped Field. Afternoon DIY carp lanterns at Zhang Hengxing Lantern Shop. Evening cherry blossoms at Matchmaker Temple (late April).

•Day 4: Send postcards at Wuzhen Post Office morning. Afternoon boat ride with butler service at Yida Silk Guild Hall, then panoramic views from White Lotus Pagoda.✨