Wuzhen Water Town: A Nostalgic Jiangnan Dream

Step into Wuzhen Water Town, and the ancient charm will ripple around you. The smooth bluestone paths beneath your feet have been polished by time. Every step feels like treading on the strings of history, playing a soft echo. The river meanders, and the awning boats sway gently. The oars cut through the water, and the ripples seem to tell stories of the past. The wooden pavilions along the bank, with their white walls and black tiles, are scattered in a well-organized manner, reflecting in the water like a natural ink painting. Walking into the ancient alley, the air is filled with a faint smell of firewood, and the occasional aroma of food instantly evokes memories of taste. Here, time seems to slow down, and the heart becomes extremely peaceful, as if finding a resting place for the soul, indulging in the gentle embrace of this Jiangnan water town, reluctant to wake up for a long time. The following is a guide to Wuzhen Water Town: Pre-trip Preparation Follow the official Wuzhen Water Town public account in advance to learn about scenic spot activities and ticket information. Prepare comfortable flat shoes for long walks. If traveling during the peak season, it is best to book accommodations in advance. Ticket Information Wuzhen Water Town is divided into the East Scenic Zone and the West Scenic Zone. Tickets for the East Scenic Zone are CNY 110 per person, tickets for the West Scenic Zone are CNY 150 per person, and a combined ticket for both scenic zones is CNY 190 per person. Tickets can be purchased on the official website or major travel platforms. Opening Hours East Scenic Zone: 07:00 - 17:30; West Scenic Zone: 09:00 - 22:00. The night view of the West Scenic Zone is not to be missed, so it is recommended to plan your time well. Itinerary • One-day tour of the East Scenic Zone: Arrive at the East Scenic Zone in the morning and first visit Caishen Bay to watch the ancient opera stage performance. Then visit the Jiangnan Hundred Bed Museum to admire the exquisite carved beds. Then stroll to the Folk Museum to learn about local traditions. Finally, go to Mao Dun's Former Residence to experience the growth environment of the literary master. • In-depth tour of the West Scenic Zone: Enter the West Scenic Zone in the afternoon, and first take the free ferry to Andu Wharf, and walk along the wooden trestle to visit the Herbal Dyeing Workshop. Then go to Zhaoming College to experience the cultural charm in the antique environment. In the evening, enjoy tea and the sunset at the teahouse by the Xishi River. After night falls, take a gondola and enjoy the bright lights on both sides of the river. Featured Experiences • Take a gondola: Both the East Scenic Zone and the West Scenic Zone can be experienced. Taking a boat at night in the West Scenic Zone is more atmospheric. The boat ride is about 30–40 minutes. • Watch folk performances: The high pole boat in the East Scenic Zone and the open-air movie in the West Scenic Zone are all very local. Food Recommendations • Dingsheng Cake: Sweet and soft, with a delicate taste. • Gusaobing: Moderately salty and sweet, with a sesame aroma. • Braised Mutton: A Wuzhen Water Town specialty, the meat is soft and the soup is rich. Accommodation Recommendations • Inside the West Scenic Zone: Waterside Resort, Tong'an Inn, etc., where you can experience the water town style, but the prices are higher. • Outside the scenic area: Surrounding homestays are cost-effective and convenient for travel.