Regretting not visiting Jiaxing sooner - now I'm back!

🏞️ Jiaxing (Hidden Gem of Jiangnan Water Towns) - Just 30 mins by high-speed rail from Shanghai/Hangzhou! Less crowded, scenic & budget-friendly, perfect for a 2-day weekend getaway!

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🚗 Transportation Guide

How to get there?

• High-speed rail:

◦ Shanghai Hongqiao→Jiaxing South (27min, ¥38).

◦ Hangzhou East→Jiaxing South (23min, ¥32).

• Self-drive: ~1.5hrs from Shanghai/Hangzhou (via Hukun Expressway).

Local transport:

• Bus: Tourist lines (Y1/Y2) connect major attractions.

• Taxi: Flag fall ¥10, under ¥15 between downtown sights.

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🏨 Accommodation Recs

【South Lake/Yuehe Area】

✅ Pros: Downtown location, convenient for food & shopping.

🏡 Recommendations:

• Budget: Yuehe Inn (¥200/night, traditional style).

• Luxury: Nanhu Hotel (¥500/night, lake-view rooms).

【Wuzhen/Xitang】

✅ Pros: Immersive water town experience (but pricier).

🏡 Recommendations: Wuzhen homestays (¥300-600/night), Xitang riverside inns (¥400+/night).

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🌿 Must-Visit Spots

【Downtown Jiaxing】

1. South Lake Scenic Area (Free, boat ¥60)

◦ Communist Party's First Congress site (Red Boat), Misty Rain Pavilion overlook.

2. Yuehe Historic Block (Free)

◦ Zongzi Culture Museum (Free), flower-bird market, bar street nightscape.

3. Meiwang Street (Free)

◦ Republic-era architecture, niche cafes.

【Nearby Ancient Towns】

4. Wuzhen (East ¥110, West ¥150)

◦ East: Local life vibes, Mao Dun's former residence.

◦ West: Stunning night views, paddle boat tours (¥60/pax).

5. Xitang (¥95, free night entry)

◦ Misty Corridors, Laifeng Bridge - best for dawn/dusk photos.

6. Yanguan Tide-Watching Spot (¥50)

◦ Best place for Qiantang River tidal bore (18th day of 8th lunar month).

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🍜 Must-Try Foods

✅ Jiaxing Zongzi:

• Try "Zhenzhen Laolao" heritage version (salted egg & pork ¥12).

✅ South Lake Water Chestnuts:

• Seasonal delicacy (Sep-Oct), stir-fried or in soup.

✅ Marinated Dishes:

• Drunken chicken, drunken pork tongue (¥30), Zou Daxian's specialty.

✅ Wenhu Braised Duck:

• Local time-honored brand, vacuum-packed as souvenir (¥40/duck).

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⚠️ Pro Tips

1. Wuzhen vs Xitang:

◦ Wuzhen: More polished but commercial; Xitang: More authentic but dated.

2. Zongzi Buying:

• Avoid inflated prices at attractions - buy at downtown "Wufangzhai" flagship.

3. Tide Watching:

• Check tide timetable for Yanguan, never cross safety barriers.

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📌 Itinerary Suggestion

• Day1: South Lake cruise→Yuehe Block (lunch at Zou Daxian)→Meiwang Street→Stay downtown.

• Day2: Wuzhen East (or Xitang)→Return.

Jiaxing = Most underrated Jiangnan town near Shanghai - perfect weekend escape! 🚣‍♀️🌉