Wuzhen: Misty Rain Enters Jiangnan, Scenery Like Ink Painting

Wuzhen is one of the representative ancient towns in the water towns of Jiangnan, China, known as "China's Last Watertown Family." It attracts numerous tourists with its classical style of small bridges and flowing water, white walls, and black tiles, as well as its profound cultural heritage. Below is a detailed 2025 travel guide for Wuzhen, covering transportation, attractions, food, accommodation, and practical tips. --- ## **1. Overview of Wuzhen** Wuzhen is located in Tongxiang City, Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, divided into four main areas: **East Scenic Zone, West Scenic Zone, South Scenic Zone, and North Scenic Zone**, with **East and West Scenic Zones** being the core attractions: - **East Scenic Zone**: Preserves the original ecological water town life, rich in cultural atmosphere, ideal for experiencing traditional folk customs. - **West Scenic Zone**: Modern management, stunning night views, perfect for leisure and vacation. - **South & North Scenic Zones**: Not fully commercialized, suitable for in-depth tours and photography. --- ## **2. Transportation Guide** ### **1. External Transportation** - **High-speed Rail**: Arrive at **Tongxiang Station**, transfer to K282 bus (5 RMB/50 minutes) to Wuzhen Bus Station, then switch to K350 bus (2 RMB/15 minutes) directly to the scenic area. - **Airplane**: Fly to **Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport** or **Shanghai Pudong Airport**, then take an airport shuttle bus directly to Wuzhen (about 2.5 hours). - **Self-driving**: Accessible directly from Shanghai (G50 Huyu Expressway), Hangzhou (S13 Shenjiahu Expressway), and Nanjing (G42 Hurong Expressway). Navigate to **West Scenic Zone No.1 Parking Lot** (24-hour max fee 20 RMB). ### **2. Internal Transportation** - **East Scenic Zone ↔ West Scenic Zone**: Free shuttle bus (7:40-17:40, about every 20 minutes) or 15-minute walk. - **Within Scenic Areas**: - **West Scenic Zone**: Sightseeing bus (5 RMB/person), rowboat (120 RMB/boat during the day, 180 RMB/boat at night, max 6 people). - **East Scenic Zone**: Boat tour 80 RMB/boat (max 8 people). --- ## **3. Must-visit Attractions** ### **1. East Scenic Zone (Traditional Culture)** - **Mao Dun’s Former Residence** (closed on Mondays): Learn about the literary master’s growing environment. - **Blue Calico Workshop**: Experience traditional tie-dye craftsmanship. - **Hundred Beds Museum**: Exhibits exquisite Ming and Qing dynasty beds. - **Caishen Bay Tall Pole Boat Performance** (10:30 AM): Intangible cultural heritage demonstration. - **Shadow Puppet Show** (Hanlin Residence, 1:00 PM): Experience traditional folk art. ### **2. West Scenic Zone (Modern Watertown)** - **Mu Xin Art Museum** (closed on Mondays): A perfect blend of art and architecture. - **White Lotus Pagoda**: Climb the tower for a panoramic view of Wuzhen. - **Zhaoming Academy**: A millennium-old cultural heritage site, ideal for quiet reading. - **Night Tour of West Scenic Zone**: Lights turn on after 7:00 PM, best enjoyed by boat. - **Wuzhen Post Office**: Send a postcard with a century-old postmark. ### **3. Off-the-beaten-path Attractions** - **South Scenic Zone**: Original ecological residences, recommended old teahouse near Fuxing Bridge. - **Wucun Village** (3 km from West Scenic Zone): Countryside experience, great for family trips. --- ## **4. Tickets and Opening Hours (2025)** | Area | Ticket Price | Opening Hours | Notes | |------|--------------|---------------|-------| | **East Scenic Zone** | 110 RMB | Summer 7:00-18:00 | Mao Dun’s Former Residence 8:00-17:30 | | **West Scenic Zone** | 150 RMB | 9:00-22:00 | Mu Xin Art Museum 9:00-17:30 | | **Combined Ticket** | 190 RMB | Same as above | Valid for the day | | **Discount Ticket** | East 55 RMB / West 75 RMB | For seniors 60+, students, etc. | Advance reservation required | **Tips**: - Free admission for seniors over 70, but advance reservation is required. - Combined tickets are more cost-effective, suitable for one-day tours. --- ## **5. Food Recommendations** ### **1. Must-try Snacks** - **Dingsheng Cake** (Lin Family Shop, West Scenic Zone): Symbolizes success in exams. - **Shredded Radish Cake** (next to Qian Changrong Restaurant, East Scenic Zone): Crispy outside, tender inside. - **Sanzhenzhai Braised Duck**: Great as a souvenir. ### **2. Specialty Restaurants** - **Jiujiang Building (East Scenic Zone)**: Century-old restaurant, recommended lotus leaf steamed pork. - **Scholar’s Lamb Noodles (West Scenic Zone)**: A must-eat in autumn and winter, rich broth. - **Tong’an Water Pavilion Restaurant (West Scenic Zone)**: Riverside dining, recommended river seafood hotpot. --- ## **6. Accommodation Recommendations** ### **1. Inside West Scenic Zone (Convenient for Night Views)** - **Waterside Resort Hotel** (Five-star, includes morning tea experience). - **Tong’an Inn** (Ming and Qing style, cost-effective). - **Wuzhen Homestays** (300-500 RMB per person, includes breakfast). ### **2. Outside East Scenic Zone (Budget-friendly)** - **Midnight Hotel** (about 200 RMB/night). ### **3. Wucun Village (Countryside Resort)** - **Taoyuan Group** (includes three meals and activities, starting from 780 RMB/person). --- ## **7. Suggested Itineraries** ### **1. One-day Tour (Compact)** - **Morning**: East Scenic Zone (Mao Dun’s Former Residence → Blue Calico Workshop → Hundred Beds Museum). - **Afternoon**: West Scenic Zone (Mu Xin Art Museum → White Lotus Pagoda → Zhaoming Academy). - **Evening**: West Scenic Zone Night Tour (rowboat + light show). ### **2. Two-day Tour (In-depth Experience)** - **Day 1**: East Scenic Zone + West Scenic Zone Night Tour. - **Day 2**: South Scenic Zone old teahouse → Wucun Village countryside activities. ### **3. Three-day Tour (Leisure Vacation)** - **Day 3**: North Scenic Zone canal cycling + participate in the "Good Life Festival" (March to June). --- ## **8. Practical Tips** 1. **Best Travel Time**: - **Spring (March-May)**: Rapeseed flower sea + "Good Life Festival." - **Autumn (October-November)**: Drama Festival (October 16-26) + red leaf season. 2. **Smart Services**: - Facial recognition entry, AR live guide, luggage storage. 3. **Money-saving Tips**: - Stay in hotels inside West Scenic Zone to get free admission. - Visit during off-peak hours (West Scenic Zone limits 3,000 visitors from 7:00-9:00). --- Wuzhen blends classical watertown charm with modern art. Whether for cultural exploration, photography, or leisure vacation, you can find your perfect way to enjoy it. It is recommended to spend at least 2 days to deeply experience the charm of Jiangnan!