Wuzhen

Wuzhen (乌镇; Wūzhèn) is one of China's most famous ancient water towns, located in the Tongxiang area of Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province. With a history of over 1,300 years, Wuzhen is a beautifully preserved network of canals, stone bridges, and traditional Ming and Qing dynasty buildings. It is divided into four zones: Dongzha (East Gate) — the most traditional and photogenic; Xizha (West Gate) — larger and better for overnight stays with scenic night illuminations; and the less-visited Nanzha and Beizha. Wuzhen has been the setting for several Chinese films, including Ang Lee's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (at the Dali Bridge). It is also the home town of the writer Mao Dun. Wuzhen is extremely popular — visit on weekdays to avoid the worst crowds. The best times to visit are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November).

By Plane

The nearest airports are Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport (HGH), 90 km south (1.5 hr by shuttle bus, ¥60), and Shanghai Pudong (PVG) or Hongqiao (SHA), 130 km northeast (2 hr by bus or car).

By Train

Take a high-speed train to Tongxiang Railway Station from Shanghai (40 min, ¥50) or Hangzhou (20 min, ¥30). From the station, take a bus (¥5, 30 min) or taxi (¥80–100) to Wuzhen.

By Car / Road

Wuzhen is on the S12 Shenjia Expressway, 130 km southwest of Shanghai (1.5 hr drive) and 90 km northeast of Hangzhou (1 hr). Free shuttle buses run between the east and west zones.

Both Dongzha and Xizha are entirely pedestrianized — you explore the water towns on foot, via stone pathways that follow the canals. Gondola rides are available for a canalside perspective.

• Dongzha (东栅) — The more traditional and photogenic of Wuzhen's two main sections. Mao Dun's birthplace, hundred-bed houses, traditional workshops (dyeing, wine-making). 7AM–6PM, ¥110.

• Xizha (西栅) — Larger, more developed section with accommodation, restaurants, bars, and evening illuminations. The night scenery is beautiful. 9AM–10PM (scenic area), ¥150.

• Mao Dun's Former Residence (茅盾故居) — The birthplace of the famous modern Chinese writer. In Dongzha.

• Folk Culture Museum — Exhibits of traditional water town life and customs.

• Wood Carving Museum — Fine examples of traditional Chinese wood carving.

• Dyeing Workshop — Traditional indigo-dye cloth-making demonstrations.

• Old Post Office — A Qing dynasty post office still in operation.

• Ladies' Bridge (Picturesque Bridge) — One of Wuzhen's most photographed stone bridges.

• Gondola ride (乌篷船) — A 20-minute boat ride along the canals. ¥60–120 per boat.

• Night walking in Xizha — The illuminated canals and buildings are magical.

• Watch a shadow puppet show — Traditional Chinese shadow-puppet performances in Dongzha.

• Photography — Wuzhen's bridges, canals, and evening lights are a photographer's dream.

• Try local snacks — Taste Wuzhen's street food along the waterways.

• Wuzhen braised pork (乌镇红烧肉) — Rich, slow-cooked pork belly. ¥40–60.
• Whitebait fish (银鱼) — Small, translucent fish from the local waterways, usually fried. ¥30–50.
• Zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) — Triangular glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves. ¥10–20.
• Wuzhen stinky tofu (臭豆腐) — Deep-fried fermented tofu, a local specialty. ¥10–15.
• Sister-in-law's cake (姑嫂饼) — A traditional sweet pastry. ¥15–25.

• Wuzhen liquor (三白酒) — A strong, clear rice wine (baijiu), traditionally brewed in the town.
• Green tea — Served in numerous tea houses along the canals.
• Bottled water — tap water is not safe.

• Budget: Guesthouses outside the scenic areas (¥150–300).
• Mid-range: Boutique hotels within Xizha (¥400–800).
• Upscale: Wuzhen resorts and hotel-in-scenic-area (¥800–2,000).

• Indigo-dyed cloth (蓝印花布) — Traditional blue-and-white patterned fabric from local workshops.
• Wuzhen beer — Locally brewed craft beer, available at Xizha.
• Wood carvings — Small decorative wood carvings and furniture.
• Mao Dun's books — Copies of the author's most famous works.

• Xitang Water Town (40 min drive) — Another beautiful canal town, known for its covered corridors.
• Hangzhou (1 hr bus) — West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Longjing tea.
• Shanghai (1.5 hr drive/train) — The Bund, Pudong skyline, Nanjing Road.
• Suzhou (1.5 hr north) — Classical gardens, the Grand Canal, and Pingjiang Road.
• Nanxun Water Town (1 hr north) — Another historic canal town less touristy than Wuzhen.