A charming water town for a day trip.

During my trip to Shanghai, I took a day to visit Wuzhen (乌镇). This was my second visit to a water town after Zhujiajiao, and although it required the hassle of taking a train and then transferring to a taxi, it was absolutely worth the effort. I arrived around 3 PM and stayed for about four hours, exploring only the Xizha (西栅) area. Even within this short time, I was able to fully enjoy the experience. Walking leisurely through the village along the waterways, I found plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes where tourists could relax, making it a perfect spot for a laid-back stroll and a brief stay. The weather on the day I visited was a mix of clear skies, sudden showers, and then clear skies again. Experiencing both rainy and sunny Wuzhen felt rather special. The rain added a serene and picturesque charm to the alleys and waterways, making it an ideal destination even on cloudy or rainy days. If the rain isn’t too heavy and you have the time, I highly recommend taking a boat ride. The one-way ride across the river offers impressive views of the village, and the slow pace of the flowing water creates a wonderfully tranquil experience. Due to time constraints, I couldn’t explore the Dongzha area this time, but I’d love to visit it on my next trip. Although my stay was brief, it was truly relaxing and rejuvenating. Next time, I hope to spend a night in Wuzhen!