Summer Escape: Encountering the Coolness and Poetry of Wuzhen, Jiaxing

| Encountering the Coolness and Poetry of Wuzhen, Jiaxing. "Everyone speaks of the beauty of Jiangnan, where travelers would gladly grow old." I've always yearned for the water towns of Jiangnan, and this summer, I finally made it to Wuzhen in Jiaxing, experiencing an unforgettable trip! Now, I can't wait to share this beauty with you all. 🚗 Transportation I started from Shanghai, taking a high-speed train to Tongxiang Station, which took about an hour. After arriving, I took the K282 bus directly to the Wuzhen scenic area—super convenient and affordable at just 5 yuan. You can also drive; parking at the West Scenic Area P1 lot costs 20 yuan per day. 🏠 Accommodation I stayed at Tong'an Inn within the West Scenic Area, which I highly recommend! The inn is a renovated Ming-Qing dynasty building, full of ancient charm. The rooms were clean and comfortable, and the service was incredibly thoughtful. The inn even gave us vouchers for a boat ride—such a delightful surprise. Staying here also allowed me to book the "Morning Tea Guest" experience, immersing myself in the local atmosphere. 🌅 Itinerary **Day 1: West Scenic Area** **Morning:** Entering from the North Gate, the first thing that caught my eye was the ultra-modern Wuzhen Grand Theatre, its unique "clam shell" design creating a fascinating contrast with the water town scenery. I took plenty of beautiful photos here. Next, I visited the Mu Xin Art Museum, which is built by the water, exuding tranquility. The museum houses Mr. Mu Xin's paintings, manuscripts, and other works. Strolling through, it felt like having a cross-temporal dialogue with the artist. The glass walkway and water courtyard offered a refreshing visual treat, perfect for the summer heat. **Noon:** I found a waterside restaurant in the scenic area and ordered local specialties like steamed white fish and Wuzhen soy sauce duck. The white fish was tender and subtly sweet, while the duck had a glossy, savory skin and firm, flavorful meat—every bite was incredibly satisfying. **Afternoon:** I visited the Indigo Dyeing Workshop, where blue-dyed fabrics fluttered in the wind, full of artistic charm. I even tried tie-dyeing and made my own handkerchief—a wonderful keepsake. Later, I stopped by the Bridge Teahouse. Sitting by the window, sipping tea, I watched the Tongji and Renji Bridges complement each other as boats glided along the river, fully embracing the slow pace of water town life. **Evening:** A must-do is the night boat ride in the West Scenic Area! Curled up at the bow under a blue-dyed blanket, with warm lantern light casting a glow, the boatwoman even sang "The Beauty of Tai Lake." The illuminated nightscape along the banks felt like a dream. After disembarking, I wandered around the scenic area—Wuzhen at night is lively and enchanting. **Day 2: East Scenic Area - Return Trip** **Morning:** I woke up early to experience the "Morning Tea Guest." The floating market was bustling with life, offering delicacies like pan-fried buns, wontons, and Ding Sheng cakes. Enjoying the food while taking in the morning scenery of the water town was pure bliss. **Late Morning:** I headed to the East Scenic Area, visiting spots like the God of Wealth Bay, Hongyuan Tai Dyeing Workshop, and Mao Dun's Former Residence. Walking through the hundred-meter-long indigo fabric display at Hongyuan Tai felt like stepping into a blue painting. At Mao Dun's Former Residence, I traced the footsteps of the literary giant. **Noon:** I had lunch on the East Scenic Area's old street, trying shredded radish cakes and lotus leaf-wrapped steamed pork. The radish cakes were golden and crispy, bursting with flavor, while the pork absorbed the lotus leaf's fragrance, making it incredibly tasty. **Afternoon:** With my wonderful Wuzhen trip coming to an end, I began my journey back. 🎈 Tips: 1. Summer temperatures are high, so remember to bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a portable fan. Try to explore in the early morning or evening, and take shelter indoors during midday. 2. Water towns have more mosquitoes, so bring repellent bracelets or spray. 3. The East Scenic Area opens at 7:30 AM—arrive early to avoid crowds. The best time for the night boat ride in the West Scenic Area is after 7:30 PM. 4. The Mu Xin Art Museum is closed on Mondays. Climbing the White Lotus Pagoda at dusk offers stunning views of the sunset over the canal. Wuzhen is truly a place you won’t want to leave. This summer, I found poetry and distant dreams here—and the best version of myself. If you also long for the charm of Jiangnan’s water towns, come to Wuzhen this summer. I’m sure you’ll fall in love with it too!