Jiaxing: Jiangnan's Hidden Gem, Overlooked by *National Geographic*

Escape to Jiaxing in March Sleep by the water, listen to the rain from a swaying boat This is the true Jiangnan of ancient poetry. 7 Tips for a Spring Trip to Jiaxing Beautiful scenery, fewer crowds than Wuzhen and Xitang Save this post—perfect for a quick getaway! Transportation Guide High-speed Rail: Jiaxing South Station (23 mins from Hangzhou/27 mins from Shanghai) Local Travel: Car rental/ride-sharing recommended; buses between ancient towns can be indirect. Spring Highlights ▫️Mid-March to early April: Peach blossoms in full bloom at Meihua Zhou ▫️Late March to mid-April: Peak bloom of Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms at Sakura Park ▫️Year-round: Hydrangeas at Yuehe, misty rain over South Lake, and morning mist in ancient towns 2-Day Itinerary 🚩Day 1: Meihua Zhou → Yuehe Historic District → Night tour of Wuzhen West Scenic Area 🚩Day 2: Ogiwara Museum → South Lake Tiandi → Southwest Lake Sky Corridor Attraction Guide: 📍Meihua Zhou Featured in Feng Xiaogang's *If You Are the One*, this scenic spot features a thousand-year-old ginkgo tree and the serene Shifo Temple. Thousands of peach trees line the riverbanks, creating a scene reminiscent of *Peach Blossom Spring*. Take a traditional wupeng boat ride under ancient stone bridges for an unforgettable experience. 📍Yuehe Historic District A living *Along the River During the Qingming Festival*! Wake up to the aroma of zongzi wafting from beneath the tiled roofs. The sounds of parrots from the flower and bird market blend with the melodies of Pingtan from the antique market. Enjoy a traditional double-yolk zongzi at Zhen Zhen Lao Lao while watching boats glide through the spring waters. 📍Wuzhen West Scenic Area Beat the crowds: Stay overnight! At 7 am, enjoy the empty bluestone streets as blue-printed fabrics dance in the morning light. The water market comes alive with early morning tea and the sweet scent of Dingsheng Cake. As night falls, carry a lantern across the bridges for an even more enchanting experience. 📍Ogiwara Museum Designed by a renowned architect, this pure white geometric space overlooks a cherry blossom forest that appears to snow in April. The "By the Lake" art installation reimagines Jiangnan imagery. Enjoy a picnic in the cherry blossom forest, letting the petals adorn your latte art. 📍Southwest Lake Sky Corridor A red ribbon winding through the forest! This steel corridor spirals through the wetlands, passing by an abandoned train station, a glass walkway, and an egret habitat. Catch the sunset from the top as cargo ships traverse the golden waters of the Grand Canal. Must-Try Spring Flavors ▫️Fresh Yan Du Xian soup ▫️South Lake boat cuisine: crab roe tofu ▫️Wuzhen Gusao Cake with spring tea ▫️Lingjiao Lake seafood hot pot Tips 1️⃣Stay at Meizhou Hotel in Meihua Zhou for stunning views of the ancient ginkgo tree. 2️⃣Book Wuzhen's early morning tea in advance; the water market opens at 7:30 am. 3️⃣Wear comfortable shoes for the 3 km Southwest Lake Sky Corridor. Some say Jiaxing is Shanghai's backyard, but it's an underrated Jiangnan gem. While Zhouzhuang and Wuzhen overflow with tourists, Jiaxing retains the authentic spring poetry of a traditional water town.