Things to do in Wuzhen

Wuzhen truly embodies the idyllic Jiangnan region of my dreams. Small bridges over flowing water, white walls and black tiles, and cobblestone streets—everywhere you look, you'll find a photo opportunity. The scenic area is well-managed, the streets are clean, restrooms are easy to find, and the staff are very friendly.

The eight ancient towns of Jiangnan are crisscrossed by waterways. In ancient times, boats were the primary mode of transportation, so most houses were built along the water. However, only Wuzhen refers to houses built on the riverbanks as "water pavilions." This is because only Wuzhen's riverside houses are half built on the bank and half in the water. Land in Wuzhen is precious, while the waterways are wide. Many families had to dredge as much river mud as possible to the banks, then use stone slabs to stabilize the banks and prevent erosion. The people of Jiangnan call this "stone revetment." Stone piles were then driven into the riverbed, and stone slabs or planks were laid on top, with the other end resting on the bank, forming the foundation for the houses. This is how water pavilions were built. The houses are mostly constructed of lightweight materials such as wood. The second floor is generally low and used for living quarters, while the front of the ground floor is often used as shops or workshops, and the section facing the river is the kitchen or dining area. Now, the scenic area has been carefully planned and designed; the second floor is mostly used as guesthouses, while the ground floor is generally used for restaurants, tea houses, and shops. This is also why the night view of Wuzhen is so beautiful, because the lights are right in the middle of the river, making the reflections closer and brighter.

Dongzha retains the original, vibrant atmosphere of old Wuzhen, with its white walls, black tiles, small bridges, and flowing water, creating a quintessential Jiangnan water town ambiance. The scenic area boasts numerous exhibition halls, including Mao Dun's Former Residence, the Hundred Beds Museum, Huiyuan Pawnshop, and the Shadow Puppet Theater, all worth exploring in detail. Traditional folk performances can also be enjoyed. Online ticket purchase and exchange are convenient; simply scan the code to enter the park. The old streets are brimming with local life, offering a wide variety of snacks, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Complementing the style of Xizha, it's a must-visit in Wuzhen and highly recommended.

It was my first time riding a rowboat, and the experience was truly amazing. Although the price was a bit high, it was completely worth it. The rowers were all dressed in the same uniform. It was a much more authentic Jiangnan experience than on a machine-powered boat. The line was quite long, and this boat was incredibly popular. I recommend going in the evening to enjoy Wuzhen's vibrant blues scene. The feeling of sunset was truly captivating. It took about half an hour. When I uploaded it, it was still light, but by the time I got on the boat, it was almost dark. Although it was quite busy, sitting on the rowboat gave me a sense of detachment and tranquility. If you're in Wuzhen, instead of spending money on food and drinks, take a rowboat ride.

Like other ancient towns across the country, this place boasts upscale theaters and art galleries, as well as tourists from all over the world. It's packed with people who come here to admire the sights and appreciate each other's beauty.

Wuzhen Village is perfect for a family trip! The idyllic scenery is refreshing and soothing, and the park is kept clean and tidy. There are plenty of fun activities to enjoy, such as the mini train and the pea pod doll experience, which kids will absolutely love, immersing themselves in the joys of rural life. The staff are warm, friendly, and provide attentive service. The park offers complete accommodation and dining options, with fresh ingredients and excellent value for money. The pace of the trip is relaxed, allowing adults to unwind while children run wild. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in the slow pace of rural life. A day trip here is fulfilling and therapeutic, making it an excellent choice for a family vacation. Highly recommended for families with children!

When you come to Wuzhen, you must visit the post office. Because I live in a homestay, I can walk back and forth on this street many times. I also pass by the post office at different times to get a feel of the style. I personally like the post office during the day, so you can visit it. A collection of oil-operated jackets can help you imagine the scene of people wearing jackets and walking to deliver letters at that time. In addition to the collections you can visit, the post office also sells postcards. The price is not too expensive, you can fill in the address and mail it yourself. In fact, I really like postcards, but I don’t want to send them, because I have almost never received a postcard I sent to myself, which is really embarrassing.

It is all right to follow your desires, and the world is full of Jiangnan. In the exquisitely designed gardens, you can feel the ingenuity of the garden owner's design and his love and enjoyment of life. Passing through the gates of the houses, it seems that you can see the yearning of the women in the boudoir for the free world outside. The scenery changes with every step, and the most beautiful scenery is always on the road!

The Mao Dun Memorial Hall in Tongxiang City consists of two parts: Mao Dun's former residence and Lizhi Academy. In August 1984, the "Tongxiang County Mao Dun Former Residence Management Office" was established. On July 4, 1985, Mao Dun's former residence was completed and opened to the public. On June 11, 1990, Lizhi Academy was rebuilt in its original appearance as a Mao Dun Life Exhibition Hall. On July 4, 1991, it was officially completed and opened. In May 1993, Tongxiang was abolished as a county and established as a city, and the "Tongxiang County Mao Dun Former Residence Management Office" was renamed the "Tongxiang City Mao Dun Former Residence Management Office". On August 31, 1994, it was renamed the "Tongxiang City Mao Dun Memorial Hall".

The White Lotus Pagoda Temple is the most famous temple in the Wuzhen Scenic Area. It is named after the White Lotus Pagoda behind the temple. It is highly recognizable in the Wuzhen Scenic Area and is the commanding height of Wuzhen. It is very beautiful under the lights at night.