Ink-wash Wuzhen, the modern romance of a thousand-year-old water town: This guide will make you fall in love with Jiangnan!

White walls and black tiles, the sound of oars rowing, this Jiangnan ancient town, known as "China's last waterside family," is captivating countless travelers overnight with its unique charm blending tradition and modernity.

"Awesome! (Korean 대박, meaning amazing) This is completely different from the attractions I've visited before!" Recently, a Korean tourist exclaimed this at Wuzhen West Scenic Zone. From January to August this year, Tongxiang ancient town received 239,700 inbound tourists, a year-on-year increase of 100.42%. This thousand-year-old water town is becoming a popular destination among international visitors.

The beauty of Wuzhen lies in the unmanned rowing boats under Jingxing Bridge at 7 a.m., in the reflection of the White Lotus Pagoda in the water when the lights twinkle at night, and in the dripping sound of rain falling on the white walls and black tiles. It preserves the complete water town landscape and is a perfect fusion of traditional and modern art.

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01 Tickets and Transportation: The first step to smart travel

Wuzhen’s main scenic area is divided into East Scenic Zone and West Scenic Zone. The West Scenic Zone ticket is 150 RMB, East Scenic Zone 110 RMB, and a combined ticket is 190 RMB. The combined ticket offers great value and is suitable for visitors who want to see the entire water town.

The South Scenic Zone South Art District is free to enter! It features a Guochao Art Museum, open-air live performances, and a wooden house market, making it a wise choice for budget travelers.

For transportation, a customized shuttle from Shanghai Hongqiao costs 55 RMB directly to the West Scenic Zone. After arriving at Tongxiang High-Speed Rail Station, you can transfer to bus K282 and then K350, which is economical and convenient. The rowing boat experience within the scenic area costs 60 RMB per person.

02 Must-Experience Attractions: Travel through a thousand years of water town charm

The Mu Xin Art Museum is a must-visit. Modern architecture perfectly blends with the water town style, and the museum houses Mu Xin’s paintings and manuscripts. Currently, it is hosting the 10th anniversary special exhibition "Pushkin: Child of the Morning Glow," attracting countless art lovers.

Caomu Bense Dyeing Workshop: Colorful fabrics hang high, swaying in the wind like a splash of color in an ink-wash painting. Here, you can experience making your own blue-printed handkerchief or cloth bag.

Qiaoliqiao Teahouse: Recognized by National Geographic as the "Most Beautiful Jiangnan Ancient Town" viewing spot. Sitting by the window, enjoy a pot of clear tea while watching Tongji Bridge and Renji Bridge complement each other, with boats shuttling back and forth.

White Lotus Pagoda: Wuzhen’s highest point. Climb the pagoda to overlook the entire town, including rivers, ancient bridges, and residences. At night, the pagoda is brilliantly lit, reflecting on the river like a dream.

03 Seasonal Specials: Different charms in different seasons

Autumn is the best season to visit Wuzhen. In September, osmanthus flowers scent the air and rice fields turn yellow; October brings the red leaf season and the highly anticipated Wuzhen Theatre Festival.

The 2025 Wuzhen Theatre Festival will be held from October 16 to 26, themed "Fuyiao." It will feature invited performances, youth competitions, and an ancient town carnival, injecting modern artistic vitality into the ancient water town.

04 Food Journey: Jiangnan memories on your palate

Wuzhen’s food experience is not to be missed. Scholar’s lamb noodles have a fresh broth; Zilala’s pan-fried radish cakes are crispy outside and tender inside; Jinji Pastry’s Ding Sheng Cake is steamed fresh and soft.

Morning tea at the floating market is an excellent way to experience local life. Early in the morning, enjoy shengjian buns, small wontons, Ding Sheng Cake, and other delicacies paired with waterside views, creating an authentic Jiangnan flavor.

05 Accommodation Choices: Dreaming by the water in Jiangnan

Staying inside the scenic area offers six major benefits: free entry to West Scenic Zone, 20 RMB off tickets for East Scenic Zone and Wucun; free luggage transport; exclusive coupons; free access to West Scenic Zone; free shuttle bus; and morning "morning tea guest" time.

High-end travelers can choose Yida Silk Guild Hall for a museum-style stay; budget-conscious visitors can opt for Laiye Hotel, offering two nights for around 100 RMB including shuttle service; social media fans will love Wuwaiwu Homestay, featuring a pool and free breakfast.

06 Practical Tips: Guarantee a perfect trip

Best visiting times: Enter before 9 a.m. to avoid crowds; 4-6 p.m. offers the best light for photos; don’t miss the night light show (lights on at 7 p.m.).

Notes: Jiangnan is rainy, so bring rain gear and non-slip shoes. Restaurants inside the scenic area are pricey; consider dining in South Scenic Zone or Wucun. Hanfu rental is best outside the scenic area, costing about 100 RMB per person including makeup and styling.

Free perks: Several restrooms in the scenic area have free showers; free herbal tea is available at Volunteer Home and other spots; North Scenic Zone Granary Art Exhibition is free with reservation.

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As night falls and lights come on, the White Lotus Pagoda reflects in the water. The rowing boat slowly passes by, disturbing the reflection on the river.

At this moment, you sit in Qiaoliqiao Teahouse, savoring the mellow aroma of Sanbai wine, while faint sounds of Huagu opera drift from afar. This is the truest Jiangnan.

Save this guide and go meet your dream ink-wash Wuzhen!