Wuzhen Water Town

A brief introduction of Wuzhen
Wuzhen lies at the north of Tongxiang City of Zhejiang Province, China, and at the center of the triangle formed by Shanghai, Hangzhou and Nanjing, positioning at the east longitude of 120°29’ and north latitude of 30°44’. The town covers an area of 71.19km2, with a total population of 60,000 and permanent residents of 12,000. The town is divided into four zones by a cross-shaped river, with the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal running across the town, making it the only ancient water town adjacent to the canal. The town lies on the Hangzhou-Jiaxing-Huzhou Alluvial Plain, with no hills but interlaced rivers. Due to its warm and humid climate, and abundant rainfalls and sunshine, the products here are rich, making Wuzhen well-known as “the town of fish, rice, and silk”.

History of Wuzhen
Wuzhen displays its two-thousand-year history in its ancient stone bridges floating on mild water, its stone pathways between the mottled walls and its delicate wood carvings. Also, setting it apart from other towns, it gives a unique experience through its profound cultural background. It is said that people have lived in Wuzhen for 7000 years and over time it has produced a galaxy of talents. Mao Dun, an outstanding modern Chinese writer, was born here and his masterpiece, 'The Lin's Shop', describes vividly the life of Wuzhen. In 1991, Wuzhen was authorized as the Provincial Ancient Town of History and Culture, so ranking first among the six ancient towns south of the Yangtze River.

What to see in Wuzhen

Two Areas
Dong Zha (the East Sector) is basically one waterway, about 400 meters long sandwiched between two streets of original Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) houses. The street on the entrance side has souvenir shops and restaurants and the street on the far side has various museums exhibiting beds, clothes, blue flower printed fabric, etc. There are various exhibitions showing the old way of life in this water town. In the peak season the streets are thronged with Chinese tourists (few foreigners) and the waterway is busy with single-oar skiffs carrying up to six passengers up and down the waterway. Despite being given over to tourism Dong Zha is still inhabited by the original residents who go about their lives among the tourists. Dong Zha’s uniqueness lies in its layout, being 2 kilometers (1.24 miles) long and divided into six districts. These are: Traditional Workshops District, Traditional Local-Styled Dwelling Houses District, Traditional Culture District, Traditional Food and Beverage District, Traditional Shops and Stores District, and Water Township Customs and Life District. Wandering along the east-west-east circuit created by these six districts, you will enjoy the atmosphere of the traditional cultures and the original ancient features of the town that have been preserved intact.

Xi Zha is quieter (during the day) and is more spacious. There is a marsh with a firefly aviary and wooden water-drawing system, and a sizable pagoda at one end by the Beijing Hangzhou Grand Canal. It is similar in layout to Dong Zha with a main waterway and streets either side, but larger at 1000 meters long, with a good number of side alleys, bridges, ancient docks and secondary waterways, which makes it a fascinating place to stroll around. Xi Zha has been rebuilt and renovated in the original style (it is still being constructed (August 2009) in the western corner), with many charming architectural features: colonnades, small bridges, balconies, piers, wooden windows and doors, and gray stone walls and paving. Xi Zha has few local residents and is instead given over to accommodation for visitors. There are three main accommodation providers. The largest and cheapest is Min Su (Wuzhen Guest House), with antique style wooden furnishings and all the modern conveniences including internet access and satellite TV. To enter Xi Zha, visitors need to take a short single-oar ferry ride across a man-made lake. The streets of Xi Zha are lined with guest houses, restaurants, bars and souvenir and arts and crafts shops. Xi Zha has a similar feel to West Street of Yangshuo (the backpackers mecca and highly-developed tourist town in Guilin, South China), but it is less crowded and hasn’t really been discovered yet. Xi Zha has the potential to become East China’s Xi Jie (West Street).

How to travel between Dongzha and Xizha in Wuzhen Water Town

There are free shuttle buses between Dongzha and Xizha.

Service hours:
Xizha to Dongzha: 07:30 - 17:30
Dongzha to Xizha: Mon. - Thu.: 07:40 - 17:20; Fri. - Sun.: 07:40 - 17:35.

Wuzhen Attractions

Dong Zha (the East Sector)

Jiangnan Hundred-Bed Museum 
Step into the Jiangnan Hundred-Bed Museum and explore an impressive collection of intricately carved antique beds. You’ll discover the craftsmanship, cultural meanings, and stories behind these unique wooden masterpieces from different dynasties.

Folk Customs Museum 
At the Folk Customs Museum, you’ll get a closer look at the traditions and daily life of Wuzhen’s residents. From wedding customs to seasonal festivals, you can experience the rich cultural heritage of Jiangnan.

Sanbai Wine Workshop 
Visit the Sanbai Wine Workshop to see how Wuzhen’s traditional rice wine has been brewed for centuries. You can observe the process, learn the secrets of fermentation, and even sample the authentic flavor of this local specialty.

Hongyuan Tai Dyehouse 
Step into the Hongyuan Tai Dyehouse and watch artisans create beautiful blue-and-white fabrics using ancient techniques. You’ll also have the chance to try your hand at dyeing and take home a unique handmade souvenir.

Jiangnan Woodcarving Museum 
In the Jiangnan Woodcarving Museum, you’ll admire stunning wooden artworks with delicate patterns and lifelike details. The museum showcases traditional techniques that highlight the region’s artistic excellence.

Former Residence of Mao Dun 
Explore the former residence of Mao Dun, one of China’s most celebrated modern writers. You’ll learn about his life, literary achievements, and how Wuzhen influenced his creative journey.

Shadow Puppet Show 
Enjoy a traditional shadow puppet performance and immerse yourself in one of China’s oldest folk art forms. You’ll see vivid storytelling come to life through light, music, and handmade puppets.

Huiyuan Pawn Shop 
Step into the Huiyuan Pawn Shop and experience what financial life was like in ancient Wuzhen. You’ll see original tools, contracts, and ledgers that reveal fascinating stories of trade and livelihood.

Xi Zha(the West Sector)

Indigo Dye Workshop 
Step into the Indigo Dye Workshop and watch how traditional plant-based dyes transform plain fabrics into vibrant works of art. You can learn about the ancient dyeing techniques and even try your hand at making your own indigo-dyed cloth.

Xuchang Sauce Garden 
At the Xuchang Sauce Garden, you’ll explore the secrets behind Wuzhen’s famous sauces. Walk through rows of traditional clay jars, smell the rich aroma, and discover how natural fermentation creates these authentic flavors.

Yichang Foundry 
Visit the Yichang Foundry to see how skilled craftsmen once forged metal tools and household items using ancient techniques. You’ll gain insight into traditional metallurgy and experience the charm of Wuzhen’s industrial heritage.

Three-Inch Golden Lotus Museum 
The Three-Inch Golden Lotus Museum reveals the fascinating yet painful history of foot-binding in ancient China. Through exhibits and authentic artifacts, you’ll learn about this controversial custom and its impact on women’s lives.

Zhaoming Academy 
At Zhaoming Academy, you’ll immerse yourself in the literary and academic traditions of ancient China. This historic site was once a hub for scholars, and today it showcases classic books, calligraphy, and cultural stories.

Water Market 
Experience the lively Water Market, where locals once traded goods directly from their boats. You’ll enjoy the vibrant atmosphere as you watch vendors sell fresh produce, handicrafts, and snacks along the picturesque canals.

How to Get to Wuzhen Water Town

Visitors can take buses from the three cities to Wuzhen Bus Station directly. Also they can take a train to Tongxiang and then change a local bus to reach.

 From Shanghai:

1. Take a bus from Shanghai South Long-Distance Bus Station. The route operates from 07:17 to 18:37 with an interval of less than an hour, and a fare of CNY 55. After arrival, tourists can take local bus K350 to reach Xizha. The bus K350 is available from 06:10 to 17:30 with an interval of 5-10 minutes.

2. Take a train from Hongqiao Railway Station to Tongxiang Railway Station. Upon arrival, tourists can take bus K282 to Wuzhen Bus Station and then get on bus K350 from there to the scenic area. The bus K282 is available between 07:30 to 18:20 every 20-25 minutes in peak time and 35-40 minutes in low time.

 From Hangzhou:

1. Take a bus from Hangzhou Passenger Transport Central Station (Jiubao Passenger Transport Center). The bus departs about every 25 minutes from 7:00 to 18:20, with a fare of CNY 31.

2. Take a train from Hangzhou Railway Station or Hangzhou East Railway Station to Tongxiang Railway Station. Then change to local city bus K282 going to the site.

3. Travel by bus from Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport. The bus departs at 9:10, 10:00, 10:40, 11:10, 12:10, 13:00, 13:50, 14:40, 15:20, 16:10, 17:00, 18:00, 18:40, 19:10, 20:10 and 21:10. Ticket fare is CNY 42 and duration is about 110 minutes. Upon arrival, take a local city bus to reach the scenic site.

 From Suzhou:

1. Take a bus from Suzhou South Bus Station. The route operates at 08:40, 09:55, 10:55, 11:55, 15:25, and 16:20, with a fare of CNY 35.

2. Take a bus from Suzhou North Bus Station (neighboring North Square of Suzhou Railway Station). The route operates at 08:15, 09:30, 10:30, 11:30, 13:45, 15:00, 15:55 and 17:10, with a fare of CNY 35.

3. Take a train from Suzhou, Suzhou North, or Suzhou Industrial Park Station to Tongxiang Railway Station. Then get to the scenic site using local buses.

The price of scenic spots
CNY 120 for Dongzha Scenic Area
CNY 150 for Xizha Scenic Area
CNY 200 for Combination Ticket;
Excluding the boat ticket:
CNY 80 (for 8 people) in Dongzha
CNY120 (day), CNY 150 (night) in Xizha for 6 people

Tour The Wuzhen Water Town with Your Way Holiday
 
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All-Inclusive Hangzhou to Wuzhen Water Town Discovery Day Tour with Private Boat Ride Three Days Hangzhou Highlights Tour Package with All-Inclusive Extension to Wuzhen Water Town

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