Wuzhen 1-day itinerary

Wuzhen (乌镇) is one of China’s most fascinating water towns. These picturesque small cities, built near rivers and crossed by networks of canals, which retain much of their original architecture, are present in a significant number in the region between Shanghai, Hangzhou and Suzhou.

Among all water towns in the area, Wuzhen stands out for its beauty enhanced by the careful preservation of its authenticity (both in its physical appearance and function). The city lies at about 80 km from both Hangzhou and Suzhou, which therefore makes it a perfect intermediate destination along a transfer between the two large cities.

Wuzhen was founded more than 5.000 years ago, in a region, near the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, blessed with abundant water and fertile land. It boasts one of the largest and best preserved historical centre, whose appearance is dominated by bi-chromatic patterns of black and white which echo the grace and harmony of Chinese traditional ink and wash painting. Narrow alleys, quaint canals, wooden boats, stone bridges form a landscape where time flows slowly in accordance with natural rhythms.

According to the four cardinal directions, the centre of Wuzhen is divided in four areas: DongZha, NanZha, XiZha and BeiZha. The first one, DongZha (东栅, Eastern Paling) survived in its original architecture. XiZha was reconstructed, fortunately in a respectful way.

 

 

XiZha

A number of places of interest make for good stops along your wandering path:

  • TongJi and RenJi bridges(通济桥和仁济桥), a couple of large and elegant arch bridges made of stone blocks that form a very picturesque sight (桥里桥). The surrounding area will entice the creativity of any keen photographer, especially at dawn or sunset;

  • YuanYang Lake(鸳鸯湖), a small lake named after the mandarin duck, a popular symbol of conjugal fidelity and real love in China;

  • XiQing Hall(囍庆堂), a temple visited by those who seek a happy marriage (“the double happiness”) and a place where you can discover more about China’s marriage-related customs.

  • ZhaoMing Academy(昭明书院), an expansive complex built by the local people to commemorate the guarding patron of Wuzhen. It comprises a beautiful garden and a few halls. At the centre is the shrine dedicated to General Wu. There is also a beautiful gingko tree;

  • Chinese Foot Binding Culture Museum(三寸金莲馆, SanCunJinLianGuan) in XiZha, a small exhibition that introduces to the old practice of foot binding. Aside from pictures and models, a large collection of shoes is on display;

Worth a visit is also the JiangZhe FenFu (江浙分府), seat of the former local government, comprising a number of ancient buildings of different kind.

Not to be missed is also BaiLian Pagoda (白莲塔寺, BaiLianTaSi), a graceful brick and wood seven-story pagoda overlooking a large octagonal square. The temple is lit at night.

Besides, XiZha is rich in restaurants and shops that preserve time-honoured traditions.

 

 

DongZha

DongZha has quite a few places of interest, among which a few interesting museums that will satisfy those who are interested in China’s traditional culture:

  • FangLu Pavilion(访卢阁, FangLuGe), a renowned tea house built during the Tang Dynasty Period. The place offers a magnificent view of GuanQianLu and a pleasant relaxing atmosphere;

  • Hong YuanTai Dyehouse(宏源泰染坊, Hong YuanTai RanFang), a dye-house built during the Song Dynasty Period. It produces a distinctive blue tonality cloth made according to ancient traditions. Products and souvenirs are sold;

  • JiangNan Museum of Ancient Beds(江南百床馆, JiangNan Bai Chuang Guan), a small museum housing a collection of exquisite ancient beds made in the Southern Yangtze Region. The highlight is a bed which purportedly required the work of over 1.000 craftsmen;

  • Folk Custom Museum(民俗风情馆, MinSu FengQing Guan), an exhibition that introduces to the local practices, habits and beliefs in a variety of fields (clothing, marriage, burial and so on). The museum is housed in a carefully preserved old residence located near the JiangNan Museum of Ancient Beds;

  • Yu LiuLiang Coin Museum(余榴梁钱币馆, Yu LiuLiang QianBi Guan), named after a famous coin artist and collector native of Wuzhen, it displays an extraordinary collection of over 25.000 ancient coins;

  • MaoDun House(茅盾故居, MaoDun GuJu), the residence of a famous writer and former Minister of Culture, transformed into a museum;

Other places worth a visit are MuXin Former Residence Memorial (the related art museum is in XiZha) and XiangShanTang (a beautiful ancient pharmacy).

 

 

Orientation

There are some tourist centres where you can get maps and information useful to organising the journey.

 

 

Tickets

Tickets can be purchased at various tourist offices. Entrance fees are 110 yuan for DongZha and 150 yuan for XiZha. A combined ticket is available for 190 yuan. Discounts and exemptions are available for children.

Entrance to all museums in Wuzhen is free of charge.

 

 

Activities

A boat rental service is available at AnDuFang Tourist Centre. Rates are reasonable (30 yuan per person or 160 and 240 per boat respectively up to 4 or 8 passengers. A convenient sightseeing bus is in service in XiZha (fee: 5 yuan; free for visitors whose hotel lies within the scenic area).

There are regular festivals and shows. Not to be missed is the Chinese Shadow Puppetry show performed at a hall located in HanLinDi.

 

 

How to get around in Wuzhen

The scenic town is best explored on foot. There is a free shuttle bus providing connection between DongZha and XiZha.

 

 

How to to get to Wuzhen

If you choose not to join a tour you can arrange all transfers by yourself. As it will take more time, we suggest you leave as soon as possible in the early morning hours.

Travelling by bus is simpler as it provides direct connection.

 

By bus:

  • The journey by bus from Hangzhou JiuBao Bus Station to Wuzhen takes around 1 hour and a half and costs 31 yuan. Buses are frequent and the earliest departure is at 7:00 am.

  • The journey by bus from Wuzhen to Suzhou takes around 1 hour and a half and costs 35 yuan.

 

By train:

  • Frequent trains provide connection between Hangzhou, Suzhou and TongXiang. From the latter you can reach Wuzhen by local bus (K282).

 

Related articles:

Suggested two-week itineraries in China

 

Nearby destinations:

Suzhou 1-day itinerary  |  Hangzhou 2-day itinerary 

 

468*60