1-Hour Getaway from Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai! The Ultimate Free Water Play Spot "Zaoxi Village" Tested Guide

📍Destination Pin

🚩Zaoxi Village

📍 Address: Zaoxi Village, Zhaojia Town, Zhuji City, Shaoxing

🚗Self-drive: From Jiaxing downtown → Zaoxi Village (approx. 1.5 hours, navigate to "Zaoxi Village")

🚄High-speed rail: Jiaxing South → Zhuji Station (approx. 1 hour), then transfer by bus/taxi to Zaoxi Village (approx. 30 minutes)

🌊Three Water Play Zones · Choose as Needed

🌈 Zone 1: Ankle-Deep Shallows (Top Pick for Families)

✅Water depth: Only ankle-deep, safe for toddlers to splash
✅Shade: 90% coverage, perfect for setting up picnic tables
✅Activities: Chill in the water with watermelon and iced drinks—unlock the "streamside picnic" vibe!

🌈 Zone 2: Post-Construction Shallow Area (Kindergarten-Friendly)

✅Water depth: Up to a 5-year-old’s thighs (locals say it was deeper before construction)
✅Safety: Parents can relax on foldable chairs by the shore—"effortless kid-watching" mode!
✅Highlight: Soft sandy bottom, safe for barefoot play

🌈 Zone 3: Waist-Deep Zone (Thrilling Water Fun)

✅Water depth: ~1 meter, ideal for swimming/diving (requires swimming skills)
✅Light effects: Sunbeams through trees create magical photo ops

🎒Packing List Essentials

🔸Must-haves:
✔️ Floaties/life vests (for little ones)
✔️ Water guns + nets (sold onsite for ¥10-15, limited styles)
✔️ Foldable picnic table/chairs (for snacking in the water)
✔️ Waterproof phone pouch (splash-proof photos)

🔸Optional:
✔️ Bug spray (shady areas attract mosquitoes)
✔️ Spare towels/clothes (you *will* get wet)
✔️ Chilled watermelon + drinks (peak summer vibes)

🍉Food Tips

❌No food vendors onsite—only overpriced snacks at a small shop
✅BYO ideas:
• Cold-brew tea + sandwiches (mess-free)
• Pre-cut chilled watermelon
• Self-heating meals (for post-play hunger)

⚠️Lessons Learned the Hard Way

1️⃣Arrive early! Shady spots fill up by 10am
2️⃣Wear grippy shoes—slippery pebbles ahead!
3️⃣Bring trash bags (no bins—leave no trace)
4️⃣Use restrooms sparingly (strong odors)

📸Golden Photo Times

🌅7-8am: Crowd-free crystal water + "morning glow" shots
🌇5-6pm: Backlit water splashes = glowing hair highlights

📷Pro Angles:
✔️ Overhead kid-splashing shots (hold phone at 45°)
✔️ Action shots of water gun battles (burst mode)
✔️ Bright swimsuits pop against green foliage

🌿Nearby Attractions

1️⃣Xiangfei National Forest Park: 15-min drive, hike to Huiji Mountain’s second-highest peak + ancient Torreya forests
2️⃣Zhaojia Town eateries: ~¥40/person for local delights like "Xishi Tofu," steamed trio, and braised pork with Torreya tea
3️⃣Shibu Suspension Bridge/Dongxi Waterfall: Detour on your way back for misty gorge views

💦Caption Inspiration:

"In Zaoxi Village’s streams,
I found summer’s simplest joy—
Water clear, breeze cool,
Even time turns languid and sweet..."

This summer, skip crowded water parks! Be a "streamside local" for a day—splash, fish, feast on watermelon, and soak up pure summer magic. 🌿✨