Wuzhen! A must-visit destination in Jiangnan, brimming with cultural charm!
Located at the northern end of Tongxiang City in Zhejiang Province and at the heart of the Hangjiahu Plain, Wuzhen is renowned as "China's Last Water Town." The town is divided into four sections—East, South, West, and North—by a cross-shaped inland water system.
East Scenic Area preserves the complete water town landscape with a vibrant local life, featuring traditional handicraft workshops, shops, and specialty exhibition halls. West Scenic Area consists of twelve islands surrounded by clear waters, dotted with numerous ancient Ming and Qing dynasty buildings and long alleyways, making it a perfect blend of sightseeing and leisure.
🚞 Transportation Guide
- **By Air**: Fly to Shanghai Pudong International Airport or Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, both offering direct airport buses to Wuzhen.
- **By High-Speed Rail**: Arrive at Tongxiang Station, take Bus K282 to Wuzhen Bus Station, then transfer to Bus K350 to reach East or West Scenic Area.
- **By Car**: Navigate to Wuzhen West or East Scenic Area parking lots. Night parking is free at West Scenic Area after 6 PM, and free spots may be available on weekends before 9 AM.
🏡 Accommodation
- **Inside Scenic Area**:
- *Yida Silk Guild Hall*: A museum-style hotel showcasing Zhejiang's silk industry history.
- *Zhaoming Book Retreat*: Surrounded by greenery.
- *Wuzhen Wucun Rice House Country Hotel*: Features lively bonfire parties.
- **Outside Scenic Area**: Budget hotels (¥200–500) or quality B&Bs/inns (¥500–800) near West Scenic Area.
🍜 Local Cuisine
- **Specialties**: Lamb noodles, Wu’s Wonton, radish cakes, Dingsheng cakes, green rice balls, smoked bean tea, Wuzhen soy-braised duck, steamed white fish, and glutinous rice wine balls.
- **Recommended Restaurants**: Xunwu·Water Banquet, Golden Moonlight Courtyard, Yusheng Restaurant, Momo’s Home, Republic Era Restaurant.
🎠 Must-Visit Attractions
- **East Scenic Area**:
- *Caomu Dye Workshop*: Wear Hanfu for photos.
- *Zhaoming Academy*: Browse ancient books and enjoy courtyard tea.
- Old Post Office, God of Wealth Bay.
- **West Scenic Area**:
- *Mu Xin Art Museum*: Unique waterside design.
- *Floating Market*: Sample local snacks.
- *Dingsheng Bridge*: Interactive lanterns.
- Matchmaker Temple, White Lotus Pagoda, *Time Flies Like Water* Winery.
🏃♂️ Leisure & Entertainment
- **Boat Ride**: Glide through West Scenic Area on a rowing boat at night, listening to folk songs.
- **Cultural Experiences**: Try tie-dyeing, taste authentic rice wine at Sanbai Winery, or enjoy Pingtan storytelling.
- **Nearby Attractions**: Grand Canal, Mao Dun’s Former Residence, Shimen Osmanthus Village.
🌴 Local Traditions
- **Fragrant Market**: Held between Qingming and Grain Rain, featuring folk rituals, blessings, traditional snacks, and handicrafts.
- **Water Lantern Festival**: During holidays like Lantern Festival, release beautifully crafted lanterns into the river for peace and prosperity.