Here is your comprehensive guide for a trip to Wuzhen!
I finally visited Wuzhen Water Town, which I had been dreaming of. This trip made me feel like I was immersed in the gentle dream of a Jiangnan water town. Now, I'm sharing my travel experiences with you, so save this guide!
Pre-trip preparations
- Documents: Be sure to bring your ID! If you're a student, don't forget your student ID, as you might be able to get a discount.
- Clothing: If you go in the spring or fall, bring a light jacket as it can be a bit chilly in the morning and evening. If you go in the summer, protect yourself from the sun and bring light, breathable clothing. If you go in the winter, wrap up warmly and bring a down jacket.
- Other items: Bring a power bank, umbrella, and comfortable flats so your feet don't get tired from walking on the cobblestone paths.
Transportation guide
1. By plane: You can fly to Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, or Shanghai Hongqiao Airport. There is a direct bus from Xiaoshan Airport to Wuzhen, which takes about 1.5 hours.
2. By high-speed train: Take the train to Tongxiang Railway Station. After exiting the station, take the K282 bus, which takes about 45 minutes to Wuzhen Bus Station, then transfer to the K350 bus to Dongzha or Xizha Scenic Area. The fare is RMB 2 per person.
3. By car: The transportation in the Hangzhou-Jiaxing-Huzhou area is convenient. Wuzhen has several parking lots, such as Xizha No. 1 parking lot, Xizha No. 1 underground parking lot, Xizha No. 2 parking lot, Dongzha parking lot, and Wucun parking lot. The fees are also quite reasonable. Parking is free for the first 30 minutes. For vehicles with 7 seats or less, it costs RMB 10 within 6 hours (inclusive), and an additional RMB 5 for every 3 hours exceeding 6 hours, with a maximum charge of RMB 20 within 24 hours. For vehicles with more than 7 seats, it costs RMB 20 within 12 hours (inclusive), and RMB 30 for more than 12 hours. The fees for Dongzha and Wucun parking lots are slightly different: RMB 10/vehicle for vehicles with 7 seats or less, and RMB 20 for overnight parking; RMB 20 for vehicles with more than 7 seats within 12 hours (inclusive), and RMB 30 for more than 12 hours.
Attraction introduction
1. Dongzha: This area was developed earlier and still retains many original residents, making it more lively. You can go to Mao Dun's Former Residence to see where the literary master lived as a child. The Jiangnan Bed Museum is also worth a visit, as it houses many ancient Jiangnan beds from the Ming and Qing dynasties and modern times, with exquisite craftsmanship. There is also Hongyuan Tai Dyehouse, where you can see the production process of blue printed fabric. The blue and white patterns are particularly charming. Also, don't miss the folk performances in Dongzha, such as the pole boat performance at Caishen Bay, which takes place twice a day at 10:30 am and 2:30 pm, but not in special weather. The fist boat performance time is from 8:30 am to 4:10 pm, about once every hour. The shadow puppet show is from 9:30 am to 11:00 am and from 1:00 pm to 3:50 pm, about once every 30 minutes.
2. Xizha: This area is more commercialized, but the night view is stunning! Walking along Xizha Street, you can see the White Lotus Pagoda. Climb to the top of the pagoda to get a panoramic view of Wuzhen and the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. At Caomu Bense Dyehouse, you can experience handmade tie-dyeing. The Muxin Art Museum displays Mr. Mu Xin's paintings, manuscripts, etc., which art lovers will definitely love. Be sure to take a gondola ride at night, with the lights reflected on the water, creating a full atmosphere.
3. Muxin Art Museum: Designed by a well-known architect, the overall architecture is very artistic. The museum displays Mr. Mu Xin's various works. The handwriting on the manuscripts and the brushstrokes in the paintings can make people feel his talent and thoughts. If you are tired from shopping, you can also sit in the cafe in the museum, drink a cup of coffee with the water town scenery outside the window, which is very pleasant.
Food recommendations
1. Dingsheng Cake: This is a special snack in Wuzhen. It is small and exquisite in appearance, soft, glutinous and sweet in taste, with a faint fragrance of osmanthus. It has a particularly good meaning and must be tasted.
2. White Water Fish: A specialty of the waters near Wuzhen. Steaming is the best way to highlight its freshness and tenderness. The fish melts in your mouth, but there are a few bones, so be careful when eating.
3. Wuzhen Braised Duck: After being marinated and braised, the duck is bright red in color, the meat is crispy and tender, and the sauce is rich in flavor, making it super satisfying to gnaw on.
4. Sanbai Wine: Brewed with white rice, white flour, and white water, it has a mellow taste and a rich aroma. Friends who like to drink can have a small glass.
Accommodation recommendations
1. Near Dongzha: The prices are relatively affordable and close to Dongzha Scenic Area. In the morning, you can get up early to feel the quiet water town atmosphere, which is suitable for friends with limited budgets.
2. In Xizha Scenic Area: Living in the scenic area, you can see the scenery when you open the window, and you can enjoy the tranquility of the ancient town at night. The B&Bs are very distinctive, but the sound insulation may be a bit poor. There are also many hotels to choose from, and Tong'an Inn and Pillow Water Hotel are cost-effective. If you have a sufficient budget, such as Tishang Hotel, Wangjinli, and Constellation Water Villas, the experience will be directly enhanced.
3. Wuzhen City: Complete supporting facilities and convenient transportation are suitable for family travel or business people, but there is less water town charm.
Itinerary planning
1. One-day tour: Go to Dongzha in the morning to visit folk museums and former residences of celebrities, and watch folk performances. Go to Xizha in the afternoon to check in at iconic attractions, and take a boat trip at night.
2. Two-day tour: On the first day, visit Dongzha and slowly feel the original water town life. On the second day, go to Xizha, visit the Muxin Art Museum during the day, and enjoy the night view at night.
3. Three-day tour: Dongzha on the first day; Xizha on the second day; on the third day, go to Wucun to experience rural life, and then visit the Wuzhen Internet International Convention and Exhibition Center.
Precautions
1. Try to avoid holidays and weekends, as there will be fewer people and a better experience, and accommodation prices may be more affordable.
2. There are many cobblestone roads in the scenic area, which are prone to water accumulation. Wear non-slip shoes and safety first.
3. The joint ticket for Dongzha and Xizha is valid for one day, so plan your visit time reasonably. If you live in Xizha, you can enter and exit multiple times before checking out with the Xizha Scenic Area room card.