Wuzhen Travel Guide: Which is Better to Visit, East or West Scenic Area? Must-Save Tips!

**Architectural Layout**: Divided into East, South, West, and North sections by a cross-shaped inland water system, Wuzhen preserves Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, featuring iconic Jiangnan-style elements like overhanging riverside houses and interconnected bridge-streets. **Cultural Highlights**: - Hometown of Mao Dun (his former residence is a national heritage site). - Mu Xin Art Museum (exhibits manuscripts and prison notes). - Permanent venue of the World Internet Conference (since 2014). **Intangible Heritage**: - Indigo-dyed fabric (Hongyuan Tai Dye House). - Traditional Sanbai liquor brewing. - Xiangshi Festival (April silkworm flower fair). **East vs. West Scenic Area**: - **East Scenic Area (¥110)**: Authentic residential zone with cultural sites like Mao Dun’s former residence, Jiangnan Hundred-Beds Museum, and shadow puppet shows. Daily folk performances include "fist boats" and high-pole acrobatics. - **West Scenic Area (¥150)**: Nightscape hub featuring Caomu Bense Dye House, White Lotus Pagoda light shows, and gondola night rides. Smart services include facial recognition entry and RFID-tracked linens. - **Combo Ticket**: ¥190 (half-price for students/seniors 60+). 🚌 **Transport & Hours**: - **Opening Hours**: East: 7:00–17:30; West: 9:00–22:00 (night views until 21:00). - **External Transport**: High-speed rail to Tongxiang Station → Bus K282 (¥5/50 min); direct airport buses from Hangzhou/Shanghai (¥45/110 min). - **Internal Shuttle**: Free East-West shuttle (8:30–16:30); shared gondola rides at West: ¥60/person. 🏞️ **Must-See Attractions**: - **East Area**: - *Mao Dun’s Former Residence*: Birthplace of the literary giant, displaying *Midnight* manuscripts. - *Hongyuan Tai Dye House*: Best photo spot at dawn with giant indigo fabrics. - *Jiangnan Hundred-Beds Museum*: 30+ antique beds showcasing woodcarving art. - **West Area**: - *Caomu Bense Dye House*: Larger scale, offers tie-dye DIY (¥30–50). - *Mu Xin Art Museum*: Minimalist design with manuscripts (¥20 ticket; read *Memories of Literature* beforehand). - *White Lotus Pagoda*: Sunset views over the Grand Canal (closes at 17:00). - *Wuzhen Post Office*: Send future postcards with vintage stamps (from ¥3). **Unique Experiences**: - *Night Trio*: Gondola rides, bar-hopping, and open-air classic films (from 19:30). - *Morning Tea*: Exclusive to hotel guests—try *Dingsheng* cakes by the water market (7:00–9:00). 🗺️ **Itinerary Suggestions**: - **1-Day Highlights**: - *Morning (East)*: Mu Xin’s home → Hundred-Beds Museum → Dye House → Mao Dun’s Residence (folk show at 10:00). - *Afternoon (West)*: Mu Xin Museum → Dye House → Zhaoming Academy → Post Office → White Lotus Pagoda. - *Night (West)*: Bridge-lit views → bars/films; stay overnight for morning tea. - **2-Day Deep Dive**: - *Day 1*: Full day in West (museum + dye workshop + night cruise); stay at Waterside Hotel (with smart mattresses). - *Day 2*: East cultural tour + free South Area (original watertown charm). 🍜 **Food & Lodging**: - **Must-Try**: Scholar’s lamb noodles (no gaminess), boat-head zongzi, Wuzhen soy-braised duck. - **Snacks**: *Dingsheng* cakes (auspicious), radish cakes, *Gusao* biscuits. - **Top Eateries**: *Republic Era* (themed), *Jin’an Private Kitchen* (riverside seats), *Nanhuaqiao Lamb Restaurant*. - **Hotels**: - *Inside*: Waterside Resort (river views), Tong’an Inn (Ming-Qing style)—includes morning tea + crowd-free dawn access. - *Outside*: Dao She Country Hotel (budget-friendly, 10-min walk to West). ⚠️ **Pro Tips**: - **Avoid**: Street vendors selling "blessed charms" or wild herbs; buy legit souvenirs at Yida Silk Shop or Xuchang Sauce Workshop. - **Save**: Book combo tickets online 1 day early for ¥20 off; scan QR codes for crowd-free routes. - **Photo Ops**: Dye houses at dawn, bridges at dusk, pagoda reflections. - **Seasonal**: - April–May: Misty rains + Xiangshi Festival (silkworm fairy parades). - October: Wuzhen Theatre Festival (book rooms 6 months ahead). 👗 **Dress**: Light-colored Hanfu or modern Chinese-style rentals (¥50/3 hrs) with oil-paper umbrellas for vintage shots. 🌧️ **Prep**: Non-slip shoes for rainy days; mosquito repellent in summer.