Back from Jiaxing, really don't recommend going in March! I came to this city because of a song.
Hey everyone 👋, is there a song that, like a curtain of gentle rain, quietly evokes your yearning for the Jiangnan water towns? When I hear "Spring twilight, please accompany me to the water town of my dreams, let my waving hands drift in the mist, don't wake up those lingering memories on the willow bank," this song, "Dreamy Water Town," with its gentle melody and poetic lyrics, depicts the dreamlike scenery of Jiangnan. And Jiaxing, precisely, is a highlight of this water town painting, leading me to set foot on this charming land in February. Come and check out my travel guide!
🌆Impressions of Jiaxing
Jiaxing is like an ancient book exuding the fragrance of ink, with a long history and rich culture. Jiaxing in February, though chilly, couldn't hide its unique charm. The bluestone roads of Wuzhen shimmered in the drizzle, and the ancient bridges of Xitang spanned the clear water, swaying with the reflection of time; the water of Nanhu Lake was calm, and the red boat moored quietly, carrying a profound history; the aroma of meat dumplings and Nanhu water chestnuts filled the streets, interweaving tradition and elegance. Every corner exuded a unique charm, captivating visitors.
🚗Transportation Guide
✈️Airplane: After arriving at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport or Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, you can easily transfer to Jiaxing via convenient airport buses, high-speed trains, or D-Trains. The journey takes 1-2 hours, allowing you to start your wonderful trip effortlessly. Jiaxing's local transportation is also very convenient, with airport buses directly to the city center.
🚌Local Transportation: Most buses in Jiaxing accept Alipay or WeChat payment, making travel convenient. To visit surrounding ancient towns like Wuzhen and Xitang, you can take special bus lines from the bus station and enjoy the scenery of Jiangnan water towns along the way; you can also choose to take a boat, slowly cruising along the river, and experience a different kind of leisure.
🗺Travel Route
Day 1: Nanhu Lake - Jiaxing Museum - Yuehe Historic District - Meiwan Street (tasting local snacks)
Day 2: Wuzhen East Scenic Area - Wuzhen West Scenic Area - Wuzhen Grand Theatre (enjoy the night view, stay overnight in Wuzhen)
Day 3: Xitang - Return to the city center to buy souvenirs, such as Wufangzhai Zongzi, blue calico, etc.
🌟Must-See Attractions
1. Nanhu Lake: As one of the birthplaces of the Communist Party of China, the red boat lies quietly on the lake, holding great significance. Take a boat tour of Nanhu Lake, visit the Smoke Rain Tower, and feel the historical moment of epoch-making significance, complementing the hazy artistic conception of "Dreamy Water Town" and experiencing the red heritage of Jiaxing.
2. Wuzhen: The East Scenic Area retains its original flavor, preserving many Ming and Qing Dynasty buildings, and the former residence of Mao Dun tells the story of literature; the West Scenic Area is like a dreamy water town. When night falls, the lights are brilliant, and the bars and tea houses along the river are bustling. Stroll along the river, immerse yourself in the gentle tenderness of Jiangnan, and appreciate the ultimate beauty of Jiaxing's water town.
3. Xitang: The antique covered walkways stretch for thousands of meters. Take a boat through the river and see the ancient houses lining the banks, where residents live a leisurely life. The strong atmosphere of daily life makes it a perfect place to experience the slow pace of Jiangnan and feel the leisurely charm of Jiaxing's ancient town.
4. Yuehe Historic District: Ancient bridges, flowing water, and houses. The district gathers various specialty shops and traditional food of Jiaxing. Stroll through it, find some handicrafts, taste Jiaxing's delicacies, feel the strong atmosphere of local life, and touch the pulse of this city.
Practical Tips
🎫Tickets are required for ancient towns such as Wuzhen and Xitang. You can book in advance on the official WeChat public account or major travel platforms, often with discounts, and avoid the hassle of queuing on-site. Nanhu Lake and Jiaxing Museum are free, but reservations are required in advance. Pay attention to reasonable time arrangements to avoid delays.
🕙Opening Hours: Different attractions have different opening hours, generally around 9:00 am and closing at 4:00-5:00 pm. Be sure to check the official website before traveling and arrange your itinerary reasonably to avoid wasted trips.
🍱Food Recommendations
1. Meat Zongzi: A signature Jiaxing dish, made with glutinous rice and pork belly as the main ingredients. The aroma of zong leaves fills the air. After the zongzi is cooked, the glutinous rice is soft and sticky, and the meat is a perfect balance of fat and lean, oily, and fragrant, starting your day full of energy.
2. Nanhu Water Chestnuts: Tender and juicy, sweet when eaten raw, and soft and glutinous when cooked. Without sharp corners, they are unique and a seasonal delicacy, offering an authentic taste of Jiaxing.
3. Dingsheng Cake: Shaped like a small pillow, with a soft and glutinous texture, filled with red bean paste, etc. Sweet but not greasy, it symbolizes good luck and is a popular snack in the streets, often given as a souvenir.
4. Wenhu Sauce Duck: Bright red in color, with tender duck meat and a rich marinade aroma. Take a bite, and the richness of the duck meat spreads on your tongue, leaving an unforgettable aftertaste.
🏨Hotel Accommodation
1. Nanhu District Hotels: Recommended Jiaxing Dragon Dream Hotel in Jiaxing's Nanhu District. It boasts a superior location, close to attractions such as Nanhu Lake and Yuehe Historic District, with complete surrounding facilities, spacious and comfortable rooms, and first-class service. It's convenient for traveling and quickly reaching city attractions.
2. Tongxiang City Hotels: Wuzhen Waterside Resort in Tongxiang offers great value for money. It's close to the Wuzhen Scenic Area, allowing you to quickly return to your room to rest after a day of sightseeing. The hotel has complete facilities, rich dining options, and offers stunning views of Wuzhen.
3. Jiashan County Hotels: If you choose to stay overnight after visiting Xitang, the Xitang Misty Rain Jiangnan Hotel in Jiashan County offers a beautiful environment and is close to the scenic area. Some rooms offer views of the ancient town or the countryside. The hotel has complete facilities, allowing you to enjoy a pleasant holiday.
💡Tips
1. The temperature difference between day and night in Jiaxing in February is relatively large. Remember to bring a warm coat to wear in the morning and evening to prevent catching a cold.
2. When tasting Jiaxing cuisine, the taste is generally sweet and fresh. If you are not used to it, you can communicate with the waiter in advance to adjust it and ensure a pleasant dining experience.
3. When visiting ancient towns, museums, and other attractions, please follow the rules, do not touch cultural relics, protect the environment, and travel responsibly.
My friends, Jiaxing, the place I came to because of "Dreamy Water Town," is full of charm. Plan your trip now and embark on this Jiangnan journey💖!