Travelogue of Jiaxing (Wuzhen East Gate)

Introduction to the scenic area: Since its establishment in the year 872, the name of Wuzhen, its location, water system, and way of life have remained unchanged. Traditional buildings, despite centuries of weathering, are still well-preserved. Wuzhen has always had four main streets: east, south, west, and north, which also divide the town into four areas. Due to the extensive water network, in old times, to prevent attacks from water bandits, gates that could be opened and closed were set up on the main waterways leading to the town, hence the names East Gate, South Gate, West Gate, and North Gate. The common people didn't talk much about planning and construction; they simply adapted to the environment with simple survival ideas, gradually developing into relatively independent yet interdependent settlements. Without deliberate arrangement, the style naturally formed with some irregularities, and East Gate and West Gate are two such distinct yet similar districts. As the ancient town with the largest protected area in China, Wuzhen's profound cultural heritage displays the infinite charm of ancient Eastern civilization. Over 400,000 square meters of exquisite Ming and Qing architecture; nearly 20,000 meters of crisscrossing waterways; a thousand years of historical culture; the simple and beautiful scenery of the water town; uniquely flavored delicacies; colorful folk festivals... The wisdom of heritage, accompanied by a profound literary atmosphere, unfolds a captivating historical scroll in Wuzhen. East Gate and West Gate are the two most beautiful scenic lines of Wuzhen. East Gate is the first phase of the ancient town's protection and tourism development project, officially opened to the public in 2001. The water town's ambiance is intact, with a strong sense of daily life, and the workshops and traditional shops each have their own characteristics, with a dazzling array of special exhibition halls. While enjoying the authentic scenery of the water town, tourists can also indulge in the pleasures of travel shopping and gourmet food. Compared to West Gate, East Gate is smaller and more exquisite, suitable for busy tourists to take a day or two to experience the charm of the ancient water town.