A Jiangnan Ancient Town Favored by Time

✅ Wuzhen Zundu is so comfortable, making people feel very relaxed and cozy!
Once full of fantasies about Jiangnan, now the beautiful scenery is all in sight~
The ancient and charming cultural buildings, saying that everyone in Wuzhen is an NPC is indeed quite true haha… It’s so beautiful that I don’t want to leave!!

✅ Transportation Guide

External Transportation

Airplane: The nearest airport is Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (about 1.5 hours by car), you can take the airport shuttle bus or rent a car directly to Wuzhen.

High-speed Rail: After arriving at Tongxiang Station, transfer to bus K282/K281 (about 1 hour) or take a taxi (about 40 minutes) to the West Scenic Zone.

Self-driving: The parking lot in the scenic area charges about 5-10 RMB/hour, it is recommended to park in the official parking lot (close to the entrance).

Internal Transportation

Walking: West Scenic Zone is a pedestrian area with mainly stone slab roads, comfortable shoes are recommended.

Rowing Boat: A must-try! Shared boat costs about 60 RMB/person (one way), private boat 480 RMB/boat (night tours are even more beautiful).

Electric Cart: Free shuttle within the scenic area, suitable for elderly or those with limited stamina.

 

✅ Must-visit Attractions

Classic Check-in Spots

Muxin Art Museum (20 RMB ticket): A must for art lovers, exhibits manuscripts and paintings by Mr. Mu Xin, the waterside architecture is very photogenic.

Zhaoming Academy: Study place of the Southern Dynasties prince, simple and quiet, free to read.

Wuzhen Post Office: Send a postcard to the future, the retro green mailbox is a photo highlight.

Caomu Bense Dye Workshop: Blue printed fabric fluttering in the wind, experience traditional tie-dyeing (DIY about 50 RMB).

Night Tour Highlights

Bailian Pagoda: Climb the tower to overlook the canal night view, the lighting looks like an ink painting.

Bar Street: Recommended “Shishui Nianhua” (a shop opened by Huang Lei), order a cocktail and listen to live music.

Hidden Experiences

Morning Tea Guest (7:00-9:00): Available by reservation for hotel guests in the scenic area, experience breakfast at the water market (wontons, Dingsheng cake).

Pingtan Performance: Listen to a Suzhou Pingtan show in the evening at the book hall, feel the charm of Jiangnan.

 

✅ Food Guide

Must-try Snacks

Dingsheng Cake: Red bean stuffed glutinous rice cake, symbolizing good luck (recommended Jinji Pastry Shop).

Shredded Radish Cake: Crispy outside and tender inside, 3 RMB each, look for “Zilala Fried Shop”.

Lamb Noodles: Local specialty, braised lamb is tender and flavorful (recommended Shusheng Noodle House).

Main Meal Recommendations

Momo’s Home: Popular rustic restaurant, signature dish is Wuzhen chicken pot.

Republic Era: Retro environment, recommended steamed white fish and braised duck.

 

✅ Accommodation Suggestions

Inside the Scenic Area

Advantages: Free re-entry without extra ticket, enjoy morning tea guest and less crowded night tours.

Recommended:

Tong’an Inn (high-end, near entrance)

Zhaoming Book House (book-themed, cost-effective)

Outside the Scenic Area

Advantages: Lower prices, more choices (such as All Seasons, homestays), but need to buy tickets repeatedly.

 

✅ Practical Tips

🎫 Ticket Information

West Scenic Zone single ticket 150 RMB, East Scenic Zone 110 RMB, combined ticket 190 RMB (valid only on the day).

Free admission: Children under 1.2 meters, seniors over 70 (with ID).

📅 Best Seasons

Spring and Autumn (March-May / September-November): Pleasant climate, avoid plum rain season (June-July is humid).

Winter: Less crowded and quiet, occasional snow scenes, but some homestays are closed.

Pitfall Avoidance❗️❗️

Prices inside the scenic area are relatively high, bottled water costs 5-8 RMB, it is recommended to bring your own water bottle (there is drinking water available).

Prepare rain gear on rainy days (stone slab roads are slippery), beware of mosquitoes in summer.

Non-guests must leave before 18:00 (night tours are only open to guests).

 

✅ One-sentence Summary: The essence of West Scenic Zone lies in “slow travel” — visit exhibitions and eat snacks during the day, take a boat to enjoy the lights at dusk, and feel the tranquility of the water town in the early morning; this is the true taste of Jiangnan!

Post by Nelson Katherine Kath | Aug 21, 2025

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