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Wuzhen Water Town

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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”.

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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

Former Residence of Mao Dun
Originally built in the central 19th century covering a total area of 650 square meters (7020 sq. ft), the former residence of Mao Dun, a well-known Chinese revolutionary writer, was the Mao family home for many generations and witnessed the growth of this great revolutionist and writer. In 1984, the former residence of Mao Dun was renovated and extended to cover a total area of 1,731.5 square meters (18,700 sq. ft) - it opened to the public one year later. In 1988, it was listed as one of the Key State Preserved Relic Units and in 1994 was renamed the Mao Dun Museum of the City of Tongxiang. The house has three exhibition areas: 'Wuzhen, the Hometown of Mao Dun', 'the Way of Mao Dun', and 'the Former Residence of Mao Dun (renovated)'. The present Mao Dun Museum can be found to the east of the residence, which used to be Lizhi Shuyuan (Aspiration Academy) where Mao Dun spent his early school years.

Xiuzhen Guan
Xiuzhen Guan is a Taoist temple which was built in the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). It is one of three famous Taoist temples on the south bank of the Yangtze River.

Xiuzhen Guan Stage
The stage was built in 1749. In ancient times, farmers around the town came by boat to watch plays. While the play was going on, the spectators would be in boats floating on the waterway.

Roofed Corridor
A 1000-meter long roofed corridor runs along the bank of the river, which is one of the key architectural features of water towns south of the Yangtze.

Local Housing
The architectural style is from the Qing Dynasty and reflects the traditional lifestyle of the people.

Aged Ginkgo Tree
A ginkgo tree over 1000 years old has witnessed the town's history since the Song Dynasty. Formerly located in the courtyard of General Wu Temple along the river's south ba

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

The following Wuzhen tours may also interest you!
1. Private Hangzhou to Wuzhen Water Town Day Tour
2. Three Days Hangzhou Highlights Tour with excursion to Wuzhen Water Town

Tour The Wuzhen Water Town with Hangzhou Private Tour 
We design private and tailor-made Hangzhou Tours customized to your style of travel at affordable local prices.  We will provide a private & spacious car and a local professional tour guide with over 5 years guiding experience only work for you or your group. Transport, ticket, and dining (We find the most authentic dishes popular with locals) all we will arrange for you according your requirements. Please check our most popular Hangzhou Tours including The Wuzhen Water Town as below: 

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Are the above sample tour programs not suitable for you? We have more Hangzhou Tours. Our tours can be tailor-made based on your requirements and budget to create unique Hangzhou experiences that allow you to interact with the local people and culture. We are Hangzhou travel experts who know what your guidebook and foreign agencies don't.  Our enthusiastic tour expert will promptly reply you in details within 24 hours.

Most Asked Questions about Wuzhen Tours

1. How to get to Wuzhen Water Town from Hangzhou?

?Take a bus from Jiubao Passenger Transport Center. The bus departs about every 25 minutes from 7:00 to 18:20, with a fare of CNY 31.

?Take a train from Hangzhou East Railway Station to Tongxiang Railway Station. 

2. What can I do in Wuzhen Water Town?

Wuzhen, with a history of 6000 years. Since 1999, most of the ancient buildings and culture have been well preserved. Tourists can experience the most primitive natural scenery and the most simple way of life. If you are a photography enthusiast, Wuzhen is definitely your best choice.In addition,since the first World Internet Conference has been held there on November 19, 2014, it has become the permanent venue of this summit.Most importantly, Wuzhen's delicious food is not to be missed! Sample local snacks like stinky tofu, victory cake (dingsheng bing), or sister-in-law cake (gusao bing).

3. What is the different between Dongzha and Xizha in Wuzhen Water Town

Dongzha has a strong flavor of life. Most of the historical site are in dongzha. Xizha is famous for its night view. There are few tourists and strong business atmosphere. There are many teahouses and bars on both sides of the river. If you want to choose a quiet place for holiday, xizha must be the best choice.

4. Is it possible to have a day tour in Wuzhen Water Town from Hangzhou?

It takes only around one hour from Hangzhou to Wuzhen by driving, about 60km distance. You can do Hangzhou to Wuzhen day tour both by train, by bus or by car. It’s very easy to access. And you’ll have enough time to explore the Wuzhen Water Town. Our company provide numerous Wuzhen Water Town tours from Hangzhou as well, please see the tours listed on ‘Water Town Tours’, we can also customize the tour that fits your needs.

5. How to get to Wuzhen from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport? Is there any public transportation?

Yes, you can take the airport commuter bus to Wuzhen.  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 Wuzhen Water Town.

6. Could you tell us the price of Wuzhen water town, Dongzha and Xizha? is there any extra charge?

CNY 120 for Dongzha Scenic Area and CNY 150 for Xizha Scenic Area, CNY 200 for Combination Ticket;
In addition to the tickets, there is an extra charge for the boat cruise:
CNY 80 (for 8 people) in Dongzha
CNY120 (day), CNY 150 (night) in Xizha for 6 people


7. What we can see in Wuzhen water town?

1)Former Residence of Mao Dun
Wuzhen is a scenic area with cultural landscape as the main part, and Former Residence of Mao Dun is one of the reasons why Wuzhen is famous. Mao Dun is a famous Chinese revolutionary and writer. It was built in the middle of the 19th century.

2)Xiuzhen Guan
Xiuzhen Guan is a Taoist temple which was built in the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). It is one of three famous Taoist temples on the south bank of the Yangtze River.

3)Xiuzhen Guan Stage
The stage was built in 1749. In ancient times, farmers around the town came by boat to watch plays. While the play was going on, the spectators would be in boats floating on the waterway.

4)Roofed Corridor
A 1000-meter long roofed corridor runs along the bank of the river, which is one of the key architectural features of water towns south of the Yangtze.

5)Local Housing
The architectural style is from the Qing Dynasty and reflects the traditional lifestyle of the people.

6)Aged Ginkgo Tree
A ginkgo tree over 1000 years old has witnessed the town's history since the Song Dynasty. Formerly located in the courtyard of General Wu Temple.

8. I want visit Wuzhen from Hangzhou and stay in Xizha for a night? Is there any LUXURY hotel?

The Luxury Hotel listed as below:
1)Eden Club House (CNY 2100/per room/per night,with breakfast)
2)Wuzhen Club House (CNY1570/per room/per night,with breakfast)
3)Wuzhen Tong'an Inn (CNY850/per room/per night,with breakfast)
4)Wuzhen Waterside Resort (CNY1100/per room/per night,with breakfast)


9. When is the best time visit Wuzhen Water Town?

The most beautiful season of the year in Wuzhen is spring and autumn, which is undoubtedly the best time to visit Wuzhen Water Town. From March to May every year, the climate is pleasant. In these two seasons, you may also have the opportunity to participate in the traditional customs activities here.


10. What kind of souvenir we can buy after the Wuzhen trip?

Wuzhen is an area with various specialties, mainly handmade products, snacks and natural products.
Handicrafts: Wood carving art, Wood comb, Blue printed cloth
Snacks: Handmade sauce, Sanbai rice wine, Dingsheng cake
Natural products: White Chrysanthemum, Freshwater fish


Questions & Answers or Review
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C
Carol Pakula
Reviewed on 24 July 2020

Hi, can I take bus from Jiaxing to Wuzhen? And which bus can I take? And may I know which hotel is Xi Zha are considered to be within the Wuzhen scenic area, and which are outside the scenic area. I have been looking at the map and could not figure out where the boundaries are. For example, is Wuzhen Guest House considered to be within the scenic area or outside? Becuase based on the map, it seems to be outside the North Gate of Xicha? Appreciate of someone can clarify/advise. Thank you very much.

Replied:24 July 2020

Yes, you can take bus from Jiaxing Bus Station to Wuzhen. It operates from 7:00 to 17:00 with an interval about 40mins. It takes about CNY11. There is no specific bus number and you need to tell the staff that you will go to Wuzhen. Wuzhen Guest House is inside Xizha area. You can tell from the price, the price of the hotel above 350RMB+, normally inside Xizha.  And all hotels within the scenic area is managed by a single tour company. Everyone has to check in at the entrance irregardless which hotel you stay. My advise is to book the hotel from their official webpage.

M
Monti Pier
Reviewed on 24 July 2020

I'm unable to find much hotels online. Is it possible to arrive there and book a room on the same day in Mid November? Also is there a luggage storage in wuzhen bus station or at wuzhen scenic area? Are there any special discount fares for senior citizens In Wuzhen?

Replied:24 July 2020

Yes, you can arrange for a hotel on site, at the main entrance. There are hotels inside of the park in various price ranges. If you book your hotel, staff will bring luggage to your hotel, all is quite well arranged. Allow for sufficient time, it can be busy. People who are 60 years old (include 60) get enjoy discount policy if you show your ID card. 

T
Tom Rufo
starstarstarstarstar
Reviewed on 09 July 2020

This place is divided into East and west zone. Both requiring separate entrance fees, with discount given if you are visiting both locations. We visited the west only as there were bus loads of visitors at the East side when we visited. Understand that hotels and inns are located at the west zone.

We really recommend this little canal town. Some of China's greatest painters and writers are from here, and there are many historic buildings and sights. The place is well conserved and as you meander through the streets, you get a feel of what life must be like during the ancient times. Restaurants are good, too. Be sure to ride in one of the boats! Definitely a must visit.

Probably need two days and a night. One day for each Zone and a night for the night scene, which we missed as we were on the way to the airport.

E
Edward Ruggiero
Reviewed on 09 July 2020

Is the town admission ticket valid for one entry only per day? That means I can't go in and out of the town using the ticket on that same day? Would you please tell me how did you get to Wuzhen from Hangzhou? Thanks for your time.

Replied:09 July 2020

Hey If you stay overnight inside the town then the ticket is valid for 2 days , if you are staying outside then its valid only for a day or till late night. You can take the CRH Train from Hangzhou to Tongxiang, then transfer the bus to Wuzhen. But i prefer direct transfer from Hangzhou But Station to Wuzhen Bus Station which costs around one hour.

D
Dinh Luong
Reviewed on 02 July 2020

Which bus number should I take from Hangzhou Passenger Transport Central Station (Jiubao Passenger Transport Center) directly to Wuzhen Scenic Area?

Could I buy the combo ticket (Dongzha & Xizha) and visit Xizha on the 1st day and visit Dongzha the next day?
Thank you very much!

Replied:02 July 2020

It is exclusive line to Wuzhen so there is no bus number. Yes, you can buy the combo ticket but it is only valid for 1 day. It is suggested to visit Dongzha in the day and Xizha in the evening. However, if you live in the scenic area and don't come out, you can stay for several days.

C
Carol Pakula Australia
starstarstarstarstar
Reviewed on 02 July 2020

This is a beautiful water town located less than two hours drive from Shanghai. There are quite a few water towns around Shanghai, but this by far is the best.

The township has done a very good job of preserving the original architecture. It is clean and well organized.

You can do a day trip from Shanghai, but I would recommend a 1 night stay within the West or East Zha (gates). The reason is so that you can enjoy the wonderful scenery in the morning before the gates are open to day trippers. The highlight must be the lighting along the banks of the river town because it’s awesome so you must definitely make it a point to stay for the evening.

Entrance fee for the West park is 150 RMB. If you are staying within the park, you will get a 20% discount for the entrance fee.

W
Windy
Reviewed on 02 July 2020

I would like to visit both Wuzhen and Xitang in Nov. There is any easy way to travel from Wuzhen to Xitang? How long it will take? Thanks!

Replied:02 July 2020

There are several direct coach from Wuzhen to Xitang. The bus schedules are 09:15, 10:30, 14:20, 15:35, 16:40 and 18:00. It costs CNY 25 per person. And the duration is around an hour.

R
Roger
Reviewed on 22 July 2018

Dear,

Our family of 4 will visit hangzhou on Aug., we want to see the Wuzhen water town from Hangzhou. Shall we take the high speed train from Hangzhou to Wuzhen? Thanks!

Roger

Replied:24 April 2020

Dear Roger, 

Hangzhou (East)Dong Railway Station to take the High-speed Train to Tongxiang Railway Station. Then take Bus K282 to Wuzhen Bus Station

Some recommended Hangzhou to Tongxiang Train Schedule

G7330 08:58/09:22 Hangzhou East to Tongxiang

G42 09:24/09:41 Hangzhou East to Tongxiang

G7386/G7387 09:35/10:02 Hangzhou East to Tongxiang

M
Melvin Tan
Reviewed on 22 July 2018

Hello, we want to travel from Hangzhou to Wuzhen water town on Aug., could you please suggest the best way travel from Hangzhou to Wuzhen? Thanks!

Replied:24 April 2020

Take the express bus from the Hangzhou East Bus Station (6:30-17:30, every half an hour, taking 1 hour, price: 15–17 yuan).

There is a Zhejiang express bus from Hangzhou going directly to Wuzhen. (taking 1 hour 20 minutes, price: 20 yuan). The last bus back to Hangzhou from Wuzhen is at 5:30 pm.

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