I've been to Wuzhen four times and finally figured it out.

(Guide to saving time and avoiding tourist traps) 🌟 Core Route • Morning: Dongzha (2-3h) 👉🏻 Must-visit: Mao Dun's Former Residence (place of birth of the literary master), Three White Distillery (freshly brewed rice wine available for tasting), Blue Calico Workshop (experience intangible cultural heritage crafts) 👉🏻 Hidden activities: Shadow Puppet Theater (10:30/13:00 shows, 20 yuan/person), Xiuzhen Temple Ancient Stage (free flower drum opera performances) • Afternoon: Xizha (4-5h) 👉🏻 Must-visit: Mu Xin Art Museum (both architecture and exhibits are healing, staircase library has 100% photo success rate), White Lotus Pagoda (climb for panoramic views), Water Market (lively in the morning, fewer people in the afternoon) 👉🏻 Hidden activities: Zhaoming Academy (traditional study room, free stamps), Natural Plant Dyeing Workshop (try tie-dye handkerchief experience, 80 yuan each) • Evening: Xizha Night Views 👉🏻 Must-visit: Rowing boat (120 yuan/boat, beautiful night river tour), Bar Street (recommend "Old Wood" for folk music) 👉🏻 Hidden activities: Open-air cinema (next to Tong'an Inn, classic films screened at 19:30) 🚗 Transportation Tips • High-speed rail: Taiyuan South Station → Tongxiang Station (G2079, 7h2min), taxi to Xizha about 30 yuan • Shuttle between scenic areas: Free shuttle bus between Dongzha ⇌ Xizha (every 10 minutes, last bus at 17:30) • Internal transportation: Walking is sufficient within Xizha, wear comfortable shoes for the stone pavements! 🍜 Food Recommendations and Warnings • Must-try: Dingsheng Cake (No. 427 Xizha, 10 yuan each), Scholar's Lamb Noodles (Dongzha, 35 yuan/bowl), Radish Pancakes (Nanzha Old Street, 5 yuan each) • Avoid: Wuzhen Marinated Duck (too sweet), Handmade Osmanthus Candy (too sweet for the throat) 💡 Practical Tips 1. Tickets: Dongzha 120 yuan, Xizha 150 yuan, Combined ticket 190 yuan (valid for one day) 2. Avoiding crowds: Enter Xizha after 13:00 to avoid tour groups; arrive at Dongzha before 8:00 for fewer people and beautiful scenery 3. Photography: Mu Xin Art Museum white corridor, Xizha wooden bridge (shoot silhouettes in afternoon backlight), White Lotus Pagoda reflections (early morning or dusk) 4. Accommodation: Xizha guesthouses (300-500 yuan per person, waterfront rooms have spectacular night views), Dongzha offers better value (150-200 yuan per person) 5. Avoiding traps: Prices are higher inside scenic areas, Nanzha Old Street snacks are cheaper; rent Hanfu costumes from shops inside Xizha (150 yuan/day including styling) 📍 Popular Photo Spots 1. Mu Xin Art Museum: Minimalist architecture + reflecting pool, maximum photo potential 2. Xizha wooden bridge: Every shot looks like a Chinese ink painting 3. White Lotus Pagoda: Climb for panoramic views, even more stunning when lit up at night 4. Zhaoming Academy: Traditional study room, perfect for artistic photos 🕒 Suggested Time Schedule • 8:00 Dongzha entrance (arrive early to avoid crowds) • 10:30 Shadow Puppet Theater • 12:00 Lunch at Dongzha (recommend Fengyuan Restaurant) • 13:00 Xizha entrance (direct entry with combined ticket) • 14:00 Mu Xin Art Museum (2h) • 16:30 White Lotus Pagoda + Water Market • 18:00 Rowing boat (recommend 16:30-18:00 time slot to catch the sunset) • 19:30 Drinks at Bar Street • 20:30 Return journey 📌 Summary: Wuzhen is best enjoyed slowly, though a one-day speed tour can cover the core attractions. Staying overnight is recommended to experience the night views. Xizha is more commercialized but offers richer experiences, while Dongzha preserves more of the original atmosphere. Avoid holidays; early morning or evening visits are best!