Wuzhen Water Town Tours
Update time：2024-03-18
Wuzhen is found in the north of Zhejiang province and much like Suzhou, is part of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. The citizens’ way of life revolves around the rivers and canals that cut the land like snakes in the sand. Houses line the waterways and the bustle of traders near bridges and ports and piers seem relentless. The ancient docks, pavilions, and corridors contribute to a romantic atmosphere that hails to old China.
History has been kind of Wuzhen and its simple lifestyle and folk customs have been well preserved. The style of the boxing boats are very unique, as is Huagu Opera, shadow plays, and much more. These localized art forms invoke the rich traditional of the townspeople.
Through it all, Wuzhen is most known for its natural beauty and for being the home of many talented people throughout the centuries. The prince of the Liang Kingdom, Zhao Ming, once studied here, and literary masters such as Maodun have left cultural marks on the town.
Highlights in Wuzhen Water Town
The Former Residence of Maodun
Maodun is a famous writer from the eras of modern China. His novel titled “Midnight” is among his most well known. The litterateur’s former home where he spent his childhood is found on Guanqian Street. The construction is distinctly traditionally Chinese in the Qing Dynasty style.
Xiu Zhen Guan
This is a Taoist temple created in the Xianpingyuan period of the Bei Song Dynasty. When considering the Yangtze River, Xiu Zhen Guan is among the top 3 most revered Taoist temples in the river’s south bank.
Ancient Stage
Found in the town, this stage is almost 300 years old (completed in 1749) and flanks a major river and faces a plaza. In the past, farmers would come into town to watch plays while rowing their boats. As such, the show would go on with boats moving all around it, a lovely sight indeed.
Local Housing
There are countless homes that stand today that were directly influenced by the style of the Qing Dynasty. See the pieces of history interact here in Wuzhen by way of architecture.
Kungfu Ferry in Wuzhen
Transportation
As Wuzhen is very close to Shanghai, many Shanghaiese visit on the weekends and holidays. The Shanghai-Wuzhen highway is well serviced and there are special bus lines that depart daily at most hours of the day.
From Hangzhou, there are no direct routes to Wuzhen; one must make a brief transfer at Tongxiang. From the town of Nanxun, travelers may take a bus to Jiaxing (or vice versa) to reach Wuzhen.
The town itself provides convenient shuttles and buses; tour buses can be taken from Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou and Ningbo every day.
Food
Whether you patron large restaurants to no-frills street stalls, food in Wuzhen is a delight to indulge in. One popular local dish is made of steamed pork slices with glutinous rice flour wrapped in lotus which can be found in the most traditional eateries. Visitors may also eat in a local’s home, much easier to arrange if you speak Chinese! The food here may be a bit simpler than elsewhere in China, but the experience is always one to remember.