A Poetic and Romantic Jiangnan Water Town Trip to Wuzhen, Hangzhou

Here's a 2025 travel guide to Wuzhen, Hangzhou, covering transportation, attractions, food, accommodation, and practical tips to help you plan the perfect trip: --- ### **1. Transportation Guide** 1. **Hangzhou → Wuzhen** - **High-Speed Rail + Bus**: Take the high-speed rail from Hangzhou East Railway Station to Tongxiang Railway Station (approx. 20 mins), transfer to bus K282 to Wuzhen Bus Station, then transfer to K350 to the scenic area (approx. 1.5 hrs total). - **Direct Bus**: Direct buses to Wuzhen are available from Hangzhou Jiubao Passenger Transport Center/Hangzhou East Railway Station (approx. 1.5 hrs, approx. CNY 35). - **Self-driving**: Take the S13 Shenjiahu Expressway (approx. 1.5 hrs). The maximum 24-hour parking fee at the scenic area's parking lot is CNY 20. 2. **Transportation within the Scenic Area** - Free shuttle buses run between the East Scenic Area and West Scenic Area (7:40am–5:40pm, approx. every 20 mins). - Within the West Scenic Area, you can take the sightseeing bus (CNY 5/person) or a rowboat (daytime: CNY 120/boat, nighttime: CNY 180/boat). --- ### **2. Must-See Attractions** **West Scenic Area (Entry Ticket: CNY 150)** - **Muxin Art Museum**: Featuring minimalist architecture and a collection of Muxin's artwork, the waterfront corridor is perfect for photos. - **White Lotus Pagoda**: Climb the pagoda for a panoramic view of the Grand Canal and the ancient town. Enjoy the melodious bell sounds at sunset. - **Cao Mu Ben Se Dyehouse**: Experience traditional blue calico dyeing. The cloth-drying area is ideal for taking photos with an ethnic vibe. - **Night Tour of West Scenic Area**: Take a rowboat to admire the illuminated canals. Recommended photo spots: Dingsheng Bridge, White Lotus Pagoda. **East Scenic Area (Entry Ticket: CNY 110)** - **Former Residence of Mao Dun**: Visit the birthplace of the literary giant and immerse yourself in the scholarly atmosphere. - **Hongyuantai Dyehouse**: Try your hand at tie-dyeing blue calico and experience intangible cultural heritage crafts. - **Jiangnan Hundred Beds Museum**: A display of exquisite antique beds from the Ming and Qing dynasties, with the Qing Dynasty Babuchuang (canopied bed) as the highlight. **Off-the-Beaten-Track Recommendations** - **South Scenic Area Old Street**: Free to explore, this area retains the original water town charm and is great for finding handicrafts. - **Wucun Village**: A rural resort where you can experience farming and fruit picking (3 km from the West Scenic Area). --- ### **3. Food Recommendations** 1. **Must-Try Snacks** - **Dingsheng Cake**: Symbolizing good luck, this red bean-filled cake is soft, glutinous, and sweet (available at "Lin Jia Pu Zi" in the West Scenic Area or near Dingsheng Bridge in the East Scenic Area). - **Gusao Cake**: A traditional pastry with a balanced sweet and savory flavor. You can buy it from time-honored brands in the South Scenic Area. - **Wuzhen Soy Sauce Duck**: Rich in soy sauce flavor, vacuum-packed for easy souvenir shopping. 2. **Specialty Restaurants** - **Morning Tea House**: Exclusive to guests staying within the scenic area. Enjoy small wontons and shredded radish pancakes by the water (arrive before 7:30am to secure a seat). - **Shusheng Mutton Noodles**: A must-try in autumn and winter, known for its rich broth (located in the West Scenic Area). - **Jiujiang Restaurant**: A century-old restaurant, recommended dish: steamed freshwater fish (located in the East Scenic Area). --- ### **4. Accommodation Suggestions** 1. **Inside the West Scenic Area** - **Pillow Water Resort Hotel**: 5-star hotel, includes Morning Tea House experience, rooms with canal views. - **Tong'an Inn**: Ming and Qing dynasty style, great value, provides free shuttle service. *Advantages: Enjoy the tranquility after the night tour crowds disperse, multiple entries with your ticket.* 2. **East Scenic Area/Outside the Scenic Area** - **Ziye Hotel**: Near the entrance of the East Scenic Area, approx. CNY 200/night, suitable for budget travelers. - **Wucun Village Homestays**: Includes three meals and rural activities, ideal for family trips (from CNY 780/person). --- ### **5. Itinerary (2-Day Highlights)** **Day 1: East Scenic Area + West Scenic Area Night Tour** - Morning: East Scenic Area (Former Residence of Mao Dun → Hongyuantai Dyehouse → Jiangnan Hundred Beds Museum). - Afternoon: Transfer to the West Scenic Area, visit Muxin Art Museum and Zhaoming Academy. - Evening: Take a rowboat for a night tour, enjoy hot pot with Sanbai Wine at Lingshui Street. **Day 2: In-Depth West Scenic Area Tour + South Scenic Area** - Morning: Enjoy the tranquility of the empty ancient town, Morning Tea House experience. - Afternoon: Visit Xuchang Sauce Garden and the Old Post Office to send postcards. - Evening: Explore the South Scenic Area Old Street for handicrafts and capture the authentic water town scenery. --- ### **6. Practical Tips** - **Best Seasons**: April–May (rapeseed flower fields), September–October (drama festival, autumn foliage). - **Ticket Discounts**: Combined ticket CNY 190 (valid for the same day), students/seniors enjoy half price with valid ID. - **Things to Avoid**: - Don't take the overpriced pedicabs at the entrance of the scenic area. - Bring mosquito repellent and sunscreen in summer. - Book your tickets in advance through the "Wuzhen Tourism Service" mini-program for facial recognition entry. --- Wuzhen blends the charm of a thousand-year-old water town with a modern artistic atmosphere. Whether boating on the canals, exploring ancient houses, or savoring local delicacies, you'll be immersed in the slow-paced life of "Pillow Water Jiangnan." It's recommended to spend at least 2 days to fully experience its charm.