1. Things To Know Before You Go
Whenever tourists visit a place, what they leave behind is not only its scenery but also the wonderful mood, Wuzhen water town is such a place, entering Wuzhen is more like stepping into an ink wash painting. Whether staying or strolling around the streets and alleys, everything is so natural, primitive, simple, and elegant. I have to say it is a wonderful place for people to forget the time and relax, as if time has turned back, placing tourists in an ancient era.
Wuzhen is located at the northern end of Tongxiang City, Zhejiang province. The cross - shaped inland water system divides Wuzhen into Dongzha, Nanzhai, Xizha, and Beizha, among which, Dongzha and Xizha is the most famous tourist attractions. There is a civilization history of more than 7,000 years and a town - building history of 1,300 years in Wuzhen water village, it completely preserves the style and layout of the water - town in the late Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China, and is well known as "the land of fish and rice, the home of silk".
Some famous masters have also recorded many details of this ancient town. From Prince Zhaoming of the Liang Dynasty, who compiled poems and essays more than a thousand years ago, to Mao Dun, the first Minister of Culture in modern and contemporary China, and the legendary master in the cultural circle, Mu Xin, etc., they have all expounded on the long - standing culture of this ancient town.
Apart from this, Wuzhen International Exhibition Center is located in the northwest of Xizha scenic spot of Wuzhen with a total area of about 60,000 square meters, completed in October 2016, it is also the main venue to hold the World Internet Conference for undertaking meetings and exhibitions. In 2024, the Wuzhen Summit of World Internet Conference had been held from November 19 to 22, and its theme was mainly focused on artificial intelligence, thus demonstrating the application and innovation of AI in various fields.
2. Why Is Wuzhen Water Town So Special?
2.1 The Tangible Benefits Bring To Tourists
Wuzhen, a water town, stands out among the ancient towns in the south of the Yangtze River with its original water - town scenery and the cultural heritage accumulated over thousands of years. The benefits of traveling to Wuzhen for tourists include the following aspects.
Historical and Cultural Experience: As one of the birthplaces of ancient civilization, Wuzhen water town has a time-honored history of more than 6,000 years, it also preserves many ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Tourists can also feel the strong historical atmosphere and gain an in - depth understanding of the local history and culture.
Natural Scenery and Leisure Activities: Wuzhen water village is renown for its unique water - town scenery, the sight of small bridges, flowing water, together with traditional houses makes people reluctant to leave. Tourists can take a wupeng boat (a kind of black - awning boat) and shuttle through the water lanes of the ancient town to experience the charm of the water town. Meanwhile, they can enjoy the wonderful views in Xizha at night, the slow pace of life in Wuzhen is suitable for visitors to relax and lift their mood.
Gourmet Experience: The cuisine of Wuzhen is also a major highlight. Dishes such as white water fish, soy - sauce - marinated duck, and Sanbai wine(三白酒) are all Jiangnan flavors not to be missed, hence visitors can taste authentic Jiangnan dishes here.
Rich Cultural Activities: Wuzhen Theatre Festival is one of the most influential theatre festivals in China. Every year, a large number of domestic and international theatre troupes and artists participate in it, providing tourists with a rich cultural feast. In addition, there exists the rich traditional handicraft culture, such as blue - printed cloth, woodcarving, bamboo weaving, etc. Therefore, tourists can take a close look at the making process of these handicrafts and take part in it.
Apart from that, tourists can also experience the rich folk culture such as drinking tea and listening to operas, taking a night tour of Xishi River by rowing a boat etc., all of them are fairly unique experiences in Wuzhen Water Town.
2.2 Attractions Overview
2.2.1 A Brief Introduction About Wuzhen Water Town
The name of Wuzhen is derived from a kind of black paint, which is said to be able to protect the walls. In Tongxiang area, black is also called "wu", so the name "Wuzhen" came into being. The light ink color is like seeing a traditional Chinese painting with black ink on white paper, no overly bright or dark colors and everything is quiet and peaceful, showing an extraordinary sense of antiquity. While the history of Wuzhen can be traced back to the Neolithic Age 7,000 years ago. During the Spring and Autumn Period, it was on the border of the Wu and Yue states. In the Qin Dynasty, it belonged to Kuaiji county. In the Tang Dynasty, it was under the jurisdiction of Suzhou Prefecture. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Wuzhen had become an important commercial distribution center.
2.2.2 Tourism Resources
The main tourist scenic spots of Wuzhen are classified into Dongzha and Xizha. The ancient town of Wuzhen, the former residence of Mao Dun and Mu Xin Art Museum are the main attractions, which not only present the history and culture of Wuzhen, but also provide tourists with a rich travel experience, making them linger on and forget to leave.
2.2.3 Special Products Of Wuzhen
There are a wide variety of special products in Wuzhen water village, mainly including blue - printed cloth, silk, woodcarvings, Gusao cakes, Sanbai wine, Hangzhou white chrysanthemums, Wu brocade, etc.
Blue - printed cloth is a unique fabric with blue patterns, it is made from natural indigo plants. Through multiple dyeing, drying, and color - fixing processes, it exudes a strong sense of simplicity and antiquity.
Silk is renowned for its soft texture and good luster, so it is an excellent gift for relatives and friends.
Woodcarving works are famous for their unique artistic style and exquisite carving techniques, hence they are not only practical household utensils but also artworks with collection value.
Gusao cakes are special pastries is with a crispy layer and a sweet and glutinous filling, offering visitors a rich taste experience.
Sanbai wine is a traditional local liquor with a long history, it is handmade from white rice, white flour, and water with a strong aroma and a mellow taste.
Hangzhou white chrysanthemums are traditional medicinal plants with medicinal values such as relieving heat, quenching thirst, treating dysentery, and reducing inflammation.
Wu brocade is a jacquard silk brocade developed by Shen Xuewen, the son of Shen Yongchang, the founder of Yida Silk Store, a well - known time - honored brand of Wuzhen silk, and its texture is very firm with beautiful patterns.
All these special products reveal the rich culture and handicraft traditions of Wuzhen and they also become the best souvenirs for tourists to take home since they are great choices whether for personal use or as gifts for relatives and friends.
2.2.4 Architecture Characteristics
The architectural features of Wuzhen Water Village are mainly reflected in its Jiangnan water - town style and time - honored architectural details. The houses in Wuzhen are built along the water, with white walls and gray tiles. The winding alleys are connected to the waterways, forming a picturesque scene. Its architectural details are also very rich, the classic example is the wood - carving techniques demonstrated on lintels, railings, stair handrails and other parts, even the alleys and bridges paved with bluestones also add an antique atmosphere.
2.2.5 Culture Heritage
Wuzhen is a place rich in historical and cultural resources and it boasts abundant historical and cultural heritages and has accumulated a profound and long - standing cultural connotation. "Intangible cultural heritage" is deeply integrated into the daily lives of the local people, carrying the memories of generations. At present, there are 31 intangible cultural heritage items in Wuzhen, covering various categories such as folk customs, traditional sports, entertainment and acrobatics, traditional handicrafts, traditional arts, traditional operas, and traditional folk arts etc.
3. How To Get To Wuzhen Water Town
3.1 External Transportation
As Wuzhen is a small town layout, there are no airports or railway stations. Therefore, tourists need to transfer to reach Wuzhen. If traveling by plane, they can first arrive at Hongqiao Airport in Shanghai, Pudong Airport near Tongxiang, or Xiaoshan Airport in Hangzhou, and then transfer to a train or long - distance bus. If traveling by train, visitors can first get to Tongxiang Railway Station and then take a bus to reach Wuzhen. If taking a long - distance bus, they can go directly to Tongxiang Bus Station and then transfer to Wuzhen Bus Station.
3.1.1 Transportation Modes From Hangzhou To Wuzhen
High - speed Rail + Bus: Take the high - speed rail from Hangzhou East Railway Station to Tongxiang Railway Station and it takes about half an hour and the ticket price is 30 yuan. After arriving at Tongxiang Railway Station, take bus K282 to Wuzhen Bus Station.
Coach: You can take a coach from several bus stations in Hangzhou to Wuzhen, such as Bus Station in Hangzhou East Railway Station, Hangzhou Passenger Transport Center Station, Xiaoshan General Bus Station, etc. The journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, and the ticket price is approximately 35 to 41 yuan.
Airplane + Shuttle Bus: For long - distance travelers, they can first fly to Xiaoshan International Airport in Hangzhou and then take the airport shuttle bus to Wuzhen, it takes about 110 minutes.
3.1.2 Transportation Modes From Shanghai To Wuzhen
High - speed Rail + Bus: Take the high - speed rail from Hongqiao Railway Station in Shanghai or Shanghai South Railway Station to Tongxiang Railway Station, which takes about 1 hour. After arrival, transfer to a bus bound for Wuzhen, which takes about 30 minutes. The high - speed rail ticket price is around 40 yuan, and the bus ticket price is about 5 yuan, the whole journey takes approximately 2 hours.
Coach: Take a direct coach from Shanghai South Railway Station or Shanghai South Long - distance Bus Station to Wuzhen. It takes about 1.5 - 3 hours in the journey, and the ticket price is around 55 yuan. There are fixed - schedule direct buses to Xizha Scenic Area of Wuzhen, which is very suitable for tourists who are unfamiliar with local transportation or don't want to spend time on transfers.
Cruise Ship: Starting from Shanghai, passengers can take a cruise ship, which sails eastward along the Huangpu River and then turns into the Beijing - Hangzhou Grand Canal, finally arriving at Wuzhen. The scenery along the way is picturesque, but there are few departures, so advance booking is required.
3.1.3 Transportation Modes From Suzhou To Wuzhen
High - speed Rail + Bus: Take the high - speed rail from Suzhou North Railway Station or Suzhou Railway Station to Tongxiang Railway Station. There are multiple high - speed rail trips back and forth every day and the journey takes about 1 hour, the ticket price is around 90 yuan. After arriving at Tongxiang Railway Station, tourists can transfer to bus No. K282 to reach Wuzhen Bus Station. It takes about 45 minutes and the whole journey takes approximately 1.5 - 2 hours.
Coach: There are direct long - distance coaches from Suzhou North Square Bus Station to Wuzhen. There are multiple departures every day and the earliest departure time is generally around 7:20, it takes about 1.5 hours and the ticket price is around 35 yuan. In addition, there are also coaches departing from Suzhou South Bus Station to Wuzhen. The departure time in the morning is around 7:40 and the journey takes about 1.5 - 2 hours, the ticket price is around 34 yuan.
Train + Regular Bus: Tourists can first take a train to Jiaxing or Tongxiang, and then transfer to a bus to reach Wuzhen. At Jiaxing Railway Station, you can take bus No. 6 to Jiaxing Passenger Transport Center. Then, tourists can transfer to a regular bus to Wuzhen Bus Station, and finally take bus No. K350 to reach the scenic area.
3.2 Internal Transportation
The main means of internal transportation in Wuzhen are buses and taxis, when you step in the Wuzhen scenic area, the main ways of getting around of Wuzhen Water Village are walking and taking a cruise. After arriving at Wuzhen Bus Station, tourists can take bus K350 to reach the Dongzha and Xizha scenic areas of Wuzhen.
Inside the Wuzhen scenic area: Dongzha and Xizha are about 1.5 kilometers apart. Tourists can take the free shuttle buses at the service centers of Dongzha and Xizha to travel between the two areas, or they can choose to walk. In addition, there are rowing boats for tourists to experience within the scenic area, passengers can also charter a boat for a tour, and the price is around 40 yuan per person.
3.3 Tickets And Opening Hours
The ticket price for Dongzha is 110 yuan per person and for Xizha is 150 yuan per person. The combined ticket price for both Dongzha and Xizha is 190 yuan per person, which is applicable to tourists who want to visit both Dongzha and Xizha.
Free - ticket Policy: Seniors aged 70 and above can enter for free with valid identification. Children under 1.2 meters in height or children aged 6 and below can enter for free.
Dongzha Scenic Area: During Summer time (from April 1st to October 31st), the opening hours are from 7:00 to 18:00. During winter time (from November 1st to March 31st of the following year), the opening hours are from 7:00 to 17:30.
Xizha Scenic Area: The opening hours are from 9:00 to 22:00 (All year around)
4. Highlights Of Wuzhen Water Town
The main scenic areas of Wuzhen include Dongzha and Xizha. Dongzha is rich in strong humanistic atmosphere, making it suitable for tourists to gain an deep understanding of the local culture. Xizha, however, is the essence of Wuzhen's scenery, it is relatively well - developed with a strong commercial atmosphere, yet it still retains the features of a water town. If tourists want to stay overnight in Wuzhen, Xizha is much better.
4.1 Dongzha 东栅
Dongzha is situated at No. 18, Ziye Road, Wuzhen Town, Tongxiang City, Zhejiang Province. It is a place that unveils a strong water - town culture and the simple and unsophisticated folk - house customs. Many local people still live in the folk houses in Dongzha, giving it a more vivid sense of daily life compared to Xizha. Tourists can visit famous attractions such as the Former Residence of Mao Dun and Lizhi Academy, and also experience a wupeng boat to feel the peaceful life in the water - town. In addition, there are rich folk performances in Dongzha Scenic Area, such as boxing boats, high - pole boats, Huagu Opera, and shadow puppetry, which vividly demonstrate the traditional folk customs of Wuzhen. Moreover, the Dongzha Scenic Area provides services like guided tours and transportation means such as hand - rowed cruise boats, enabling tourists to better appreciate the water - town culture.
4.1.1 The Former Residence Of Mao Dun 茅盾故居
Apart from enjoying the unique scenery of small bridges and flowing water in the water town, there are also many historical and cultural memorial halls in Wuzhen that tell the stories of Jiangnan(regions in south of the Yangtze River). The Former Residence of Mao Dun is a representative one, its interior is simply furnished, yet it exudes a unique tranquility and elegance atmosphere. The total area of the Former Residence of Mao Dun is 549.17 square meters with 16 rooms in total, both upstairs and downstairs, with a small courtyard in the middle. In the early 1930s, Mao Dun personally designed the sketch and used the remuneration from his novel "Midnight" to renovate it into an area with a slightly Japanese - style residential flavor.
4.1.2 Shadow Puppetry 皮影戏
The shadow puppets of Tongxiang shadow puppetry are usually made of sheepskin or cowhide, they feature elaborate color - painting and less carving, with distinct images, showing a strong folk - paper - cutting style of the water towns in the south of the Yangtze River. The joints of the shadow puppets are sewn with threads, making them easy to operate flexibly. During the performance, the performers manipulate the shadow puppets and cooperate with musical instruments such as drums, gongs, and erhu to present a rich variety of plays. Usually, a white cloth screen is set up in the front for the shadow - puppetry performance. Behind the screen, people manipulate the shadow puppets, which are accompanied by a small performing team. Most of the plays are ancient mythological stories, such as Ne Zha Making Havoc in the Sea, The Monkey King Thrice Defeats the White - Bone Demon, and The Monkey King Makes Havoc in Heaven. Audience can watch the back - stage operation and performance of the shadow - puppetry artists through the window, which provides a very interesting experience.
4.1.3 Jiangnan Folk Customs Museum 江南民俗馆
The formal name of Jiangnan Folk Customs Museum is "Wuzhen Folk Customs Museum". It is located in the Dongzha and was renovated on the basis of the former residence of the Jin family, a prominent and wealthy family in the history of Wuzhen. The museum is divided into several exhibition halls, including the Hall of Annual Customs, the Hall of Festival Customs, the Hall of Clothing Customs, the Hall of Wedding Customs, and the Hall of Birthday - Celebrating Customs. These halls truly reappear the scenes of important occasions such as the Spring Festival, weddings, and birthday celebrations in Wuzhen folk life since the 19th century, as well as real - life costumes and utensils used in festival customs.
4.1.4 Hongyuantai Dyeing Workshop 鸿源泰染坊
It is a dyeing workshop founded during the Song and Yuan dynasties, situated at No. 294, Dongda Street in Wuzhen. It is not only a production base for blue - printed cloth but also a distribution center for blue - printed cloth products. When entering the dyeing workshop, tourists can immediately see rows of high wooden frames, with many pieces of blue - printed cloth hanging down straight, looking like waterfalls. As the wind blows and the cloth sways, people walking among them seem to appear and disappear, as if in a painting. This Dyeing Workshop shows the traditional techniques and the cloth - dyeing process, thus visitors can spot a demonstration of the whole traditional process of blue - printed cloth products, which will be very impressive to them.
4.1.5 Sanbaijiu Workshop 三白酒作坊
This workshop currently mainly produces three products: 55 - degree Sanbaijiu, 12 - degree white glutinous rice wine, and 4 - degree sweet rice wine. These three types of wine are all brewed by hand using traditional techniques. What is Sanbaijiu? Actually, it is made from white rice, white flour, and white water, thus getting this name. Sanbaijiu is renowned for its strong aroma, mellow taste, soft and smooth entry to the mouth, refreshing and clean aftertaste, and lingering fragrance. It is said that when Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang of the Ming Dynasty held the enthronement ceremony in Nanjing, the governor of Zhejiang selected the Sanbaijiu produced in Wuzhen as a tribute to be presented to the royal family for their enjoyment.
4.2 Xizha 西栅
Xizha represents the essence of Wuzhen and its buildings retain the typical style of water towns. Twelve small islands and more than 70 small bridges are combined here. Its river density and the number of stone bridges rank first among ancient towns across the country. The night view of Xizha is particularly charming, its bright lighting system dresses up the whole scenic area, just like a dream. Scenic spots such as Bailian Pagoda(White Lotus Pagoda), the water - stage, and Water Fair appear even more mysterious and romantic against the backdrop of the night. Whether you are sipping a little wine and watching the opera on the opposite balcony when night falls, or releasing several lotus - shaped lanterns by the water, it will make people enchanted. Walking on the ancient bridges of the "Water Fair", tourists can still feel the prosperity of this place in ancient times, they can take a rowing boat to experience the night view on the water, feeling the tranquility and beauty, thus bringing people a "brand - new" ancient - town experience.
4.2.1 White Lotus Pagoda 白莲塔
Located in Xizha, White Lotus Pagoda was first built during the Chongning period in the Northern Song Dynasty (1102 - 1106 AD), echoing the Shousheng Pagoda (寿圣塔) in Dongzha from afar, it is known as the "Western Pagoda". Having been rebuilt for many times, Bailian Pagoda retains the architectural style of the Song and Yuan dynasties. At present, it is a pavilion - style pagoda with a seven - story brick - wood mixed structure, reaching a height of 51.75 meters and standing as the tallest building in Wuzhen. The appearance of Bailian Pagoda is spindle - shaped, and the entire pagoda body gradually tapers inward from the first floor. When tourists climb to a high place and overlook it, they can enjoy the panoramic views of the Beijing - Hangzhou Grand Canal, the Internet International Exhibition Center, and Wuzhen. At night, the pagoda body glows against lights, presenting a breathtaking sight. White Lotus Pagoda is not only a masterpiece of architectural art but also carries profound historical and cultural connotations. Tourists can purchase prayer plaques at the base of the pagoda, write down their little wishes, allowing the wind to blow from the Grand Canal and carry their blessings. In addition, Bailian Pagoda is an ideal shooting location for photography enthusiasts, the night views are especially enchanting.
4.2.2 Mu Xin Art Museum 木心美术馆
Sited in Xizha Scenic Area, Mu Xin Art Museum is an art museum dedicated to commemorating and presenting the life's work and aesthetic heritage of the painter and writer, Mu Xin (1927 - 2011), its architectural style is rather simple and modern. Facing south, it spans across Yuanbao Lake and accompanies by its reflection in the water, therefore, it has become a serene and elegant scenic spot in Xizha.
Covering an area of 6,700 square meters, the exterior of Mu Xin Art Museum is in line with the minimalist aesthetics favored by Mr. Mu Xin. Inside the museum, there are five permanent exhibition halls, including the Painting Hall, the Literature Hall, the Prison Manuscript Hall, and the Video Hall, which permanently display Mr. Mu Xin's works. In addition, there are two special exhibition halls, which host exhibitions of world - class artists who have had a significant impact on Mu Xin every year. Consequently, not only is this art museum a cultural place to display the past but also a spiritual guide and academic space open to the future.
Opening hours of the museum: 9:00 - 17:30 in summer and 9:00 - 17:00 in winter, it is closed on Mondays.The ticket price is 170 yuan (150 yuan for Xizha and 20 yuan for the art museum).
Tips: The lighting and shadow effects inside the museum are very suitable for taking pictures.
4.2.3 Wuzhen Grand Theater 乌镇大剧院
Situated by Yuanbao Lake in Xizha Scenic Area, covered an area of more than 54,000 square meters with a floor area of 21,384 square meters, there are 1 underground floor and 7 above - ground floors. This theater is inspired by the design concept of "twin lotus flowers" and features a modern and elegant shape, which complements the water - town style of Wuzhen. Wuzhen Grand Theatre consists of a large - scale theater and a medium - sized multi - functional theater, meeting the needs of different performance items and types. The large - scale theatre can accommodate 1,135 audiences, and the walls and domes of the auditorium are decorated with traditional blue - printed cloth patterns of Wuzhen. The medium - sized multi - functional theater is equipped with a retractable seat stand with 224 seats, suitable for various activities. With complete internal facilities, the theater can provide tourists with high - level art performances and a superior viewing experience.
4.2.4 Water Fair 水上集市
The Water Fair is located in Xizha Scenic Area of Wuzhen and it is a water - based market with a long history. Renowned for its unique geographical location and prosperous trading activities, it is also an important part of the water - town culture in Wuzhen. Tourists can experience the joy of Water Fair in the homestays within the Xizha Scenic Area. They can select fresh fruits, vegetables, poultry and fish, even learn to cook local home - style dishes from the landlords, thus experiencing the pleasures of the local residents. In addition, various stalls are set up at the Water Fair during festival, so it offers a rich variety of agricultural products. As a result, it is an ideal place for tourists to understand the water - town culture of Wuzhen.
4.2.5 Guandi Temple 关帝庙
Guandi Temple is situated in the Xizha Scenic Area of Wuzhen and it was built to enshrine Guan Yu, a great general of the Shu Kingdom during the Three Kingdoms period. Inside the temple, there is a bronze statue of Guan Gong, looking awe - inspiring. On the two sides are enshrined Guan Ping and Zhou Cang, a great general. As the God of Wealth in martial arts, Guan Gong is highly respected by merchants and regarded as the patron saint of getting rich.
Guandi Temple is with a profound historical background, the spirit of loyalty and righteousness of Guan Yu has been highly esteemed by both the official and the folk throughout history. After the Northern Song Dynasty, Guan Yu was conferred titles by successive dynasties and was worshiped as the Dharma - protecting god and the God of Wealth by Buddhism, Taoism, and the folk. As one of the important cultural attractions in Wuzhen, Guandi Temple attracts a large number of tourists every year.
4.2.6 Wuzhen Old Post Office 乌镇老邮局
Wuzhen Old Post Office is located within the Xizha Scenic Area with a long postal history. Situated by the Xishi River, the old post office was initially built during the Guangxu period of Qing Dynasty (1903). The brick - and - tile - structured building and the Western - style iron gate is of a strong sense of history. Since its establishment, it is still in business today. Initially, it only handled letter - sending services, and later gradually expanded to include services such as parcel delivery and remittance.
At present, the Wuzhen Old Post Office is not only a place for postal services but also a location full of historical charm. Tourists can purchase various souvenirs here, such as postcards and stamps with Wuzhen - related elements, and learn about postal history and culture in the exhibition hall. The architectural style of the post office combines Chinese and Western elements, the gate of the brick - and - tile - structured building is a Western - style iron gate, which forms a sharp contrast with the traditional wooden - structured buildings in Wuzhen.
In addition, this old post office has become one of the most popular internet - famous check - in spots in Wuzhen, especially a fixed publicity location for the World Internet Conference, so it also attracts a large amount of tourists to visit and experience every year. Its ticket is free and the opening hours is 09:00 - 20:00 (all year around).
5. Suggested Tour Routes And Attractions
5.1 One - day Tour In Wuzhen
Morning: Try to arrive in Wuzhen as early as possible and spend 2 - 3 hours visiting Dongzha at first. Start by visiting the Jiangnan Hundred - Bed Museum, the Jiangnan Folk Customs Museum, and the Woodcarving Exhibition Hall to learn about Jiangnan folk customs and appreciate the woodcarving techniques of that time. Then, you can visit the Former Residence of Mao Dun, including his study room and bedroom to experience the strong cultural atmosphere.
After lunch: Begin the visit in Xizha. First, go to the Caomu Bense Dyeing Workshop(草木本色染坊) to understand the dyeing and soy - sauce - making processes. Then, head to Zhaoming Academy (昭明书院) to learn about Prince Zhaoming and view ancient plaques from different dynasties. After that, go to the Wuzhen Post Office and send a postcard filled with love to your friends or your family.
Evening: Admire the beautiful White Lotus Pagoda and the scenery along the banks of Xizha illuminated by the lights. Then, you can find a bar and enjoy a drink in the enchanting night.
Recommended Itinerary
Arrive in Wuzhen in the morning - Jiangnan Hundred - Bed Museum - Jiangnan Folk Customs Museum - Hongyuantai Dyeing Workshop - Jiangnan Woodcarving Exhibition Hall - Former Residence of Mao Dun - Lunch - Caomu Bense Dyeing Workshop - Zhaoming Academy - Wuzhen Post Office - White Lotus Pagoda - Return
5.2 Two - day Tour In Wuzhen
Day 1 (Dongzha Scenic Area): Start from Caishen Bay and travel along the river from east to west. Pass by attractions such as the Jiangnan Hundred - Bed Museum(江南百床馆), the Sanbaijiu Workshop (三白酒坊), and the Former Residence of Mao Dun along the way. Experience the diverse folk - house culture of the Jiangnan water town, the production techniques of special local foods, and the strong cultural atmosphere in the former residences of celebrities. You can also watch performances like the Boxing Boat and High - Pole Boat during the journey. In the evening, you can leave Dongzha and visit Huiyuan Pawnshop to see the appearance of an old - fashioned pawnshop and feel its solemnity, and then head to Xizha to enjoy the charming night view. After that, you can go to a bar for a couple of drinks, or watch an outdoor old - fashioned movie, or listen to a Huagu Opera (a traditional Chinese opera).
Day 2 (Xizha Scenic Area): Take a ferry or walk from the Tourist Service Center to Andufang Wharf (安度坊码). Start from the wharf and travel along the river from east to west. When you get tired, sit in a tea house or take a rowing boat to savor the town at a leisurely pace. Finally, return in the evening.
Recommended Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Wuzhen in the morning - Caishen Bay - Jiangnan Hundred - Bed Museum - Jiangnan Folk - house Museum - Sanbaijiu Workshop - Hongyuantai Dyeing Workshop (宏源泰染坊) - Jiangnan Woodcarving Exhibition Hall - Former Residence of Mao Dun - Night view of Xizha - Stay inside or outside the scenic area
Day 2: Andufang Ferry (安渡坊渡口) - Caomu Bense Dyeing Workshop (草本本色染坊) - Xiqingtang (Wedding - celebration Hall) - Zhaoming Academy (昭明书院)- Wuzhen Post Office - Water Stage - Qiaoliqiao (Bridge - in - Bridge) - White Lotus Pagoda - Mu Xin Art Museum - Return
6. What To Do In Wuzhen Water Town
In Wuzhen, tourists can do the following things:
Get up early to have morning tea at the Water Fair: Experience the local life and feel the unique atmosphere of Wuzhen.
Visit the Caomu Bense Dyeing Workshop (草木本色染坊): Make blue - printed cloth by hand and experience traditional craftsmanship.
Send postcards: Send a postcard to a friend at the Wuzhen Post Office and share your travel stories.
Visit the Mu Xin Art Museum: Experience the “slow pace of the old days” and savor art.
Take a rowing boat tour: Take a boat tour of Wuzhen and listen to the boatman tell local stories.
Taste authentic local cuisine: Mutton Noodles, Wonton, Qiaoliqiao Sesame Cakes(桥里桥烧饼), Black - rice (乌米饭), Dingsheng Cakes (定胜糕), Radish Shred Cakes (萝卜丝饼), etc. Each one is so delicious that it leaves a lasting aftertaste.
Go to Qiaoliqiao Teahouse: Drink tea, chat, and enjoy a leisurely time.
Take photos in cheongsams or Hanfu: Take pictures among the ancient buildings and rivers in Wuzhen.
Take a night tour in Xizha: Appreciate the night view of Wuzhen and feel the unique enchanting atmosphere of the water town in the south of the Yangtze River.
7. Best Time To Go
The best times to visit Wuzhen are spring (from March to May) and autumn (from September to November). The climate during these two seasons is very pleasant and the scenery is awesome, making it suitable for sightseeing and visiting.
Spring (March - May)
In spring, Wuzhen enjoys a warm and comfortable climate. Everything comes back to life with flowers and plants blooming brightly. Visiting Wuzhen at this time allows you to enjoy the tranquility and freshness of early spring, and the streets and alleys are full of vitality. Spring is also a great time for flower - viewing. The plants in Wuzhen start to bloom, making the entire ancient town vibrant.
Autumn (September - November)
As one of the most beautiful seasons in Wuzhen Water Town, the leaves of plants gradually turn yellow, presenting a beautiful autumn scene, which is perfect for strolling through the alleys of the ancient town. With clear and crisp weather, autumn in Wuzhen provides visitors a great opportunity for taking pictures and enjoying the beautiful scenery.
8. Nearby Attractions
Nanxun 南浔
Nanxun is located in Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, about a 40 - minute drive from Wuzhen. It is an ancient town that combines Chinese and Western elements. With a history of more than 750 years since its establishment, it has a strong historical accumulation and profound cultural heritage. There are numerous places of interest in the town, such as Xiaolianzhuang Garden, Jiayetang Library, Baijianlou (Hundred - roomed Building), the Former Residence of Zhang Shiming, etc. Here, the natural scenery is in harmonious unity and tourists can admire the beautiful scenery of mountains, springs, lakes, bridges, pagodas, and temples.
9. Useful Travel Tips
9.1 Free Services In Wuzhen
Free Shuttle Bus: From 8:30 - 16:30 every day, there is a shuttle bus running between the Dongzha and Xizha scenic areas. Tourists can take it at the service centers of Dongzha and Xizha.
Free Ferry: From 8:00 - 22:00 every day, tourists can take the ferry for free at the Yuanbao Lake Service Center in the Xizha scenic area. The ferries depart from opposite directions every 15 minutes or so.
Free Screenings: Open - air movies in Xizha (screened irregularly).
Free Opera: At the Opera House in Xizha, tourists can enjoy the opera for free by buying a cup of tea.
Free Luggage Storage: There are self - service and manual luggage storage services at the service centers of Dongzha and Xizha.
Free Public Toilets: The public toilets in Dongzha and Xizha are among the cleanest in domestic scenic areas.
9.2 Accommodation Recommendations In Wuzhen
Inside Xizha Scenic Area: There are a lot of characteristic homestays and boutique hotels, such as Zhaoming Shushe in Wuzhen (乌镇昭明书舍)and Shuishi Keshe in Wuzhen （乌镇水市客舍）. The prices are relatively high, but tourists can have a better experience of the night view in Wuzhen.
Near Dongzha Scenic Area: The prices of homestays and inns are more affordable. They are close to the Dongzha Scenic Area, which is convenient for sightseeing.
Downtown of Wuzhen: Tourists with a limited budget can choose hotels in the downtown area and then take a bus to the scenic area.
9.3 Practical Tips
Wear flat - soled shoes: As Wuzhen is mostly paved with stone roads, wearing flat - soled shoes makes walking more comfortable.
Optimal shooting time: Before 9 a.m. and after 9 p.m., there are fewer people on the streets, which results in better photo - taking effects.
Accommodation choice: It is recommended to stay in Xizha, as it allows you to better experience the night view of Wuzhen and the morning tea culture.
Dressing suggestions: Wearing Hanfu (traditional Han Chinese clothing) or cheongsam will make your photos more impressive and you can rent Hanfu within the scenic area.
