Wuzhen Water Town

Brief Introduction of Wuzhen
Wuzhen Water Town is located in Tongxiang City, Jiaxing. Wuzhen is one of the Historical and Cultural towns, Top-10 Charming Towns and Towns with Beautiful Environment. It is known as “The Last Riverine Town in China”. In 2003, it was given the Asia-Pacific Heritage Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation by UNESCO. In 2006, it was shortlisted as a World Heritage Site by the UN and the Chinese government. In 2010, Wuzhen was rated National AAAAA Tourist Attraction, the first one in Jiaxing City.

History of Wuzhen
Wuzhou is a town with a long history which over 6000 years, it was established in the late 9th century. According to historical records, Xinchun Village in the East Village district of Wuzhen has relics from the Neolithic Period, belonging to the Majiabin civilization. Over more than 1,000 years, Wuzhen still keep it's name, water system and local lifestyle. For hundreds of years, its residents have been building houses along the rivers and trading near the bridges, the ancient docks and waterside pavilions. One of the main attractions for the visitors is the “Bridge within a Bridge”, created by two ancient bridges, the Tongji Bridge which crosses the river from east to west and the Renji Bridge running from south to north that joins the former at one end. In 1991, Wuzhen was authorized as the Provincial Ancient Town of History and Culture. And Wuzhen has become the permanent venue for the World Internet Conference after 2014.

Wuzhen Scenic Area
Wuzhen Scenic Area is divided into two main parts: Dongzha (East) Scenic Area and Xizha (West) Scenic Area, each offering you a unique experience.

Dongzha Scenic Area (East)
In Dongzha, you will find the authentic water town lifestyle and a rich display of traditional culture.
Cultural Experience: This area is perfect if you want to learn about local customs, traditional crafts, and the daily life of Wuzhen residents. You can visit workshops showcasing handicrafts, silk weaving, dyeing, and wood carving, giving you a hands-on look at centuries-old techniques.
Scenery & Leisure: As you stroll along the canals, bridges, and narrow lanes, you can enjoy the picturesque scenery, sample local snacks, and shop for souvenirs.
Best for: Experiencing water town culture, folk customs, and a quiet one- or two-day cultural visit.

Xizha Scenic Area (West)
Xizha is larger than Dongzha, made up of twelve interconnected islands that showcase the classic Chinese water town style.
Historical Architecture: Here, you will see many buildings and streets from the Ming and Qing dynasties. While the exterior remains historic, modern facilities inside ensure your comfort throughout your visit.
Tourism & Leisure: Xizha is designed for you to shop, dine, and stay overnight. You can wander scenic canals, explore quaint streets, enjoy gourmet food, cafes, and boutique hotels, and fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a living water town.
Best for: Travelers who want to shop, eat, stay overnight, and enjoy a complete water town experience in comfort.

Top Things to Visit at Dongzha scenic area of Wuzhen Water Town
Indigo Fabric Workshops
The Indigo Fabric workshops can be found in both Dongzha and Xizha, as Wuzhen has long been famous for its traditional blue-dyed fabric, a specialty deeply rooted in local culture. The workshop offers fascinating exhibits where visitors can learn about the original dyeing techniques that date back to the Tang Dynasty (618–907), showcasing the entire process from preparing the dye to finishing the fabric. Here, you can also witness skilled artisans at work, preserving centuries-old craftsmanship with precision and artistry. The indigo-dyed products are one of Wuzhen’s most iconic specialties, and you can shop for a wide range of items including fabrics, bags, scarves, hats, tablecloths, and other beautifully handcrafted souvenirs.

Jiangnan Hundred Bed Museum
It is the first and only museum in China dedicated to collecting and displaying beds from the Jiangnan region, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the area's rich cultural heritage. In addition to beds from the Ming and early Qing periods, the exhibition also features more modern pieces from the late Qing dynasty, which, despite being newer, still follow the traditional styles and techniques. The Yangtze River Delta region, where Wuzhen is located, was historically renowned for its grand and intricately designed beds. However, such masterpieces were not easily created — it is said that crafting a single bed could take a skilled artisan several years of painstaking work. These antique beds, with their beautifully carved details, exquisite decorations, and impressive sizes, showcase the peak of traditional craftsmanship and never fail to amaze visitors with their elegance and artistry.

Sanbai Wine Workshop
You can visit the Sanbai Wine Workshop in the Dongzh Scenic Area, where around 200 liters of San Baijiu are produced daily. The name “San Baijiu” literally means “three white wines,” which include strong bai jiu (55% alc/vol), mellow sticky rice wine (12% alc/vol), and light sweet rice wine (4% alc/vol). Wuzhen has a long and proud history of traditional wine-making, dating back hundreds of years, and this workshop continues to preserve and showcase these ancient techniques. Here, you can not only watch the brewing process up close and learn about the traditional methods used but also experience wine tasting, discovering the unique flavors and aromas of Wuzhen’s local wines. It’s an immersive experience where history, craftsmanship, and culture come together, making it a must-visit spot for anyone interested in exploring Wuzhen’s heritage.

Chinese Wedding Museum
When you enter the Wedding Museum in the Xizha Scenic Area through the red entrance door, the first thing that catches your eye is the stunning collection of colorful, elaborately crafted silk wedding dresses, each reflecting the elegance and traditions of Wuzhen’s past. These dresses can even be borrowed by visitors, allowing you to dress up and take memorable photos, whether posing as a bride sitting gracefully in a chair or as a bride and groom together in the beautifully decorated bridal chamber in front of the ornate bridal bed. However, many visitors tend to take a few pictures and leave, missing out on the deeper stories behind these customs. In fact, the museum offers much more to explore, including displays of traditional wedding rituals, rare historical artifacts, and fascinating insights into the symbolic meanings behind ancient marriage ceremonies. Taking your time here allows you to fully experience the rich cultural heritage and unique traditions preserved within this museum.

Folk Customs Museum
The Folk Customs Museum highlights the daily life, traditions, and festivals of Wuzhen’s ancient residents, offering a vivid glimpse into the lifestyle and values of this historic water town. Through carefully curated exhibits, you can explore traditional wedding rituals, farming tools, household utensils, and delicate handicrafts that reveal the ingenuity and aesthetics of Jiangnan culture. The museum also showcases festive celebrations, such as lantern festivals, dragon boat races, and seasonal customs, allowing visitors to understand how people once lived in harmony with nature and their community. With detailed explanations and immersive displays, it provides a deeper appreciation of Wuzhen’s unique cultural identity and historical charm, where every corner tells a story and every exhibit brings the past vividly to life.

Jiangnan Woodcarving Hall
This hall houses an impressive collection of delicate wooden carvings, showcasing the intricate artistry and craftsmanship of Jiangnan’s skilled artisans. From finely carved decorative furniture and elegant screens to religious sculptures and architectural ornaments, each piece reflects exceptional skill, aesthetic refinement, and profound cultural depth. The exhibits reveal not only the technical mastery of the craftsmen but also the artistic values, social customs, and lifestyle of the region, allowing visitors to appreciate how traditional aesthetics were integrated into daily life. It offers a fascinating glimpse into Jiangnan’s rich architectural heritage and enduring cultural traditions, making the hall an unmissable stop for anyone interested in the artistry and history of this vibrant region.

Yu Liuliang Coin Museum
The Yu Liuliang Coin Museum displays an extensive and carefully curated collection of ancient Chinese coins, ranging from early knife-shaped currency and spade coins to intricate silver ingots and Qing dynasty copper coins. Through these well-preserved artifacts, visitors can trace the fascinating evolution of China’s monetary system and gain a deeper understanding of the economic exchanges that contributed to Wuzhen’s prosperity as a historic water town. The exhibits not only highlight the diversity of currency forms across different dynasties but also illustrate the development of trade, commerce, and artisanal craftsmanship over centuries. With informative panels, historical context, and rare pieces rarely seen elsewhere, the museum offers an educational, engaging, and immersive journey into China’s rich financial history, the social and cultural significance of money, and the enduring heritage of Wuzhen’s local economy.

Huiyuan Pawnshop
The Huiyuan Pawnshop recreates a typical pawnshop from ancient Wuzhen, where residents once exchanged valuables such as jewelry, silk, and household items for short-term loans to meet urgent financial needs. Through well-preserved ledgers, traditional scales, counters, and display cases, visitors can gain a comprehensive understanding of the daily operations of these establishments and see firsthand how pawnshops played a crucial role in supporting the local economy and community life. The exhibits also highlight the social interactions, trust, and negotiation practices that were central to this system, as well as the etiquette, rules, and cultural norms that governed these transactions. By exploring these detailed displays, visitors are offered a vivid and immersive glimpse into the economic, social, and cultural fabric of Wuzhen’s past, revealing how these humble yet essential institutions shaped the lives of ordinary residents over centuries.

Top Things to Visit at Xizha scenic area of Wuzhen Water Town
Mu Xin Art Museum
The Mu Xin Art Museum is dedicated to the works and legacy of the celebrated contemporary Chinese artist and writer Mu Xin, whose paintings, calligraphy, and literary manuscripts reflect his profound thoughts on life, history, and art. The museum’s architecture and interior design are carefully crafted to mirror Mu Xin’s aesthetic philosophy, combining minimalist elegance with reflective spaces that encourage contemplation. Visitors can explore thematic exhibitions that trace his artistic evolution, gain insight into his unique blend of Eastern and Western influences, and immerse themselves in the poetic and intellectual world that shaped his creativity. The serene environment, punctuated with courtyards and natural light, makes it not just an art gallery but a cultural experience that deeply resonates with the visitor.

Caomu Bense Indigo Dye Workshop
The Caomu Bense Indigo Dye Workshop preserves the ancient art of indigo dyeing, a craft for which Wuzhen is famous. Visitors can witness the complete process, from preparing the natural indigo dye to producing the intricate blue-and-white patterns characteristic of the region. Skilled artisans demonstrate folding, tying, and dyeing techniques, allowing visitors to see how each piece reflects both precision and artistry. Guests can even participate by dyeing a small item themselves, making for a hands-on cultural experience. The workshop also offers a curated selection of hand-dyed fabrics, scarves, bags, and home textiles, providing an opportunity to take home a piece of Wuzhen’s vibrant artisan heritage. This experience not only highlights the skill involved but also connects visitors to the historical and cultural significance of the craft.

Xuchang Soy Sauce Workshop
The Xuchang Soy Sauce Workshop continues Wuzhen’s centuries-old tradition of soy sauce brewing, offering a fascinating look at the fermentation and production processes that give this staple ingredient its unique flavor. Visitors can explore the large wooden vats where soy sauce matures slowly, gaining an understanding of the careful timing and craftsmanship involved. Informative displays explain the history of soy sauce in Jiangnan cuisine and its role in local culture. Guests are often invited to taste freshly brewed soy sauce, experiencing firsthand the rich aroma and complex flavors that distinguish handcrafted Wuzhen soy sauces from mass-produced varieties. The workshop combines history, culinary tradition, and sensory engagement, making it a must-see for food lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike.

Yichang Iron Workshop
The Yichang Iron Workshop showcases the traditional metalworking techniques that have been an essential part of Wuzhen’s daily life and local economy for generations. Skilled artisans demonstrate how iron is forged, shaped, and finished into durable tools, household items, and decorative objects. Visitors can observe the precision, patience, and artistry required to transform raw materials into functional works of craftsmanship. The exhibits also provide historical context, explaining how ironwork supported both domestic life and trade in ancient Wuzhen. Through live demonstrations and detailed displays, guests gain an appreciation for the ingenuity, skill, and cultural significance of Wuzhen’s traditional metalworking practices, making the workshop both educational and visually captivating.

Three-Inch Golden Lotus Museum
The Three-Inch Golden Lotus Museum delves into the historical practice of foot binding, a deeply rooted custom in ancient China, especially in the Jiangnan region. The museum displays a remarkable collection of preserved bound shoes, photographs, and personal artifacts, each telling the story of the women who wore them. Through these exhibits, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the social norms, aesthetic ideals, and daily life of women during past centuries. The museum also provides context on the cultural significance of “golden lotus” feet, exploring the interplay between beauty, social status, and gender expectations. This thought-provoking visit offers a reflective experience, highlighting both the artistry of the shoes and the resilience of the women behind them.

Zhaoming Academy
Zhaoming Academy stands as a testament to Wuzhen’s rich scholarly heritage. Originally an institution for teaching Confucian classics, it now welcomes visitors to explore its carefully preserved architecture, tranquil courtyards, and traditional study halls. Exhibits showcase teaching methods, academic achievements, and daily life of scholars in ancient Wuzhen, providing insight into the intellectual and cultural development of the region. Visitors can experience the atmosphere of a traditional academy, observe ancient writing implements, and learn about the rigorous education that shaped generations of literati, giving a vivid sense of Wuzhen’s enduring dedication to knowledge and learning.

Wuzhen Tranditional Performances
Bamboo Acrobatic Show
As Wuzhen is one of places to produce the silk in Jiangnan area, it is performing on a boat used for praying for the harvest of "silkworm cocoon" in the area of mulberry and silkworm breeding in Wuzhen. Artists can perform on the pole top, which is a traditional folk cultural activity. It was begun in the Qing Dynasty. You can find this performance near the entrance to the Wuzhen East side, a bamboo pole acrobatic performance happens twice a day. It’s 10 minutes of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon-esque stunts–pretty cool if you are wandering by!

Boat Boxing or Kungfu Performance
The history of Boat Boxing in Wuzhen can date back to the Southern Song Dynasty, and is very popular in the Taihu Lake Basin. In the old days, the water system in Wuzhen was well-developed, and bandits in Taihu Lake were prevalent. Government officials were often helpless and unable to guarantee local security. Therefore, the boat people and fishermen prepared their own blades, hired martial artists, and practiced martial arts in public, both to strengthen the body and resist the lake bandits. Gradually developed into a fist boat. The current fist boat no longer has the effect of training martial arts and banditry, but practicing martial arts on board has become a traditional activity that has spread to the present day.

Shadow Puppet Show
This small theater offers live performances of traditional shadow puppetry, one of China’s most cherished folk art forms with a history spanning centuries. Using colorful, intricately crafted puppets and a carefully lit screen, the performances combine expressive storytelling, dramatic gestures, and live music to vividly bring ancient tales, legends, and local folklore to life. Visitors can observe the skillful manipulation of the puppets, the synchronization with narration and instruments, and the cultural nuances embedded in each story. The shows are both entertaining and educational, offering a unique opportunity for families and international travelers to experience an authentic piece of Chinese heritage, appreciate the artistry behind the craft, and gain a deeper understanding of the traditions and values of Wuzhen and the Jiangnan region.

Basic Information
Location: Wuzhen Town, Tongxiang City, Jiaxing.
Entrance fee: CNY110 for east part; CNY150 for west part; CNY190 for combation ticket; Half price for child above 1.2m under 1.5m; Free for child under 1.2m.
Opening Hours: 07:00am-17:30pm(east part); 09:00am-22:00pm(west part, please kindly note the museums will close on 17:30pm)

How to get to Wuzhen from Nearby Cities
Shanghai--Wuzhen:
1. By High-Speed Train + Shuttle / Taxi (Recommended Option)
Taking the high-speed train is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to reach Wuzhen.
Route: Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station ? Tongxiang Railway Station ? Wuzhen by shuttle or taxi
Space Distance: ~130 km
Duration:
Train: 45–60 minutes
Shuttle/Taxi: 15–20 minutes to Wuzhen East or West Scenic Area
Train Ticket Price (One-Way):
Second Class: CNY 40–80
First Class: CNY 60–120
Shuttle/Taxi Cost: CNY 60–100 per vehicle
Notes:
Shuttle buses run frequently from Tongxiang station to Wuzhen. Check the schedule in advance.
Trains are frequent, departing every 30–60 minutes from Shanghai Hongqiao. Booking tickets 1–2 weeks in advance is recommended during weekends or holidays.

2. By Direct Bus / Coach
For those who prefer a direct route without transfers:
Departure Stations in Shanghai:
Shanghai South Long-Distance Bus Station
Shanghai General Bus Station
Arrival: Wuzhen Bus Station
Duration: About 2–2.5 hours
Cost: CNY 35–50 per person
Frequency: Buses depart every 30–60 minutes during daytime
Tips:
Buses are a budget-friendly option but may take slightly longer than high-speed trains depending on traffic.
Arrive 10–15 minutes early to secure your seat, especially on weekends.

3. By Private Car / Taxi
A private car or taxi is the most flexible and comfortable way to visit Wuzhen from Shanghai.
Space Distance: ~130 km
Duration: About 1.5–2 hours depending on traffic
Cost: Around CNY 500–700 per vehicle for a one-way trip
Advantages:
Door-to-door service, pick-up at your hotel
Flexible departure time
Ideal for families or small groups with luggage
Tips:
Many travel agencies offer private transfers from Shanghai to Wuzhen. You can email or WhatsApp to arrange pickup.
This option allows combining Wuzhen with nearby attractions such as Xitang or Hangzhou for a customized itinerary. We also provide transfer services and tour package. Feel free to contact us to inquire about more customized options and additional services now!

Hangzhou--Wuzhen: 
1. By High-Speed Train + Shuttle / Taxi (Recommended Option)
Taking the high-speed train is fast and convenient.
Route: Hangzhou East Railway Station ? Tongxiang Railway Station ? Wuzhen (by taxi or shuttle)
Space Distance: ~100 km
Duration:
Train: 30–40 minutes
Shuttle/Taxi: 15–20 minutes
Train Ticket Price (One-Way):
Second Class: CNY 40–60
First Class: CNY 60–100
Shuttle/Taxi Cost: CNY 60–100 per vehicle

2. By Bus / Coach
For travelers who prefer a direct route without transfers:
Departure Stations in Hangzhou:
Hangzhou Long-Distance Bus Station 
Arrival: Wuzhen Bus Station
Space Distance: ~100 km
Duration: About 1.5–2 hours
Cost: CNY 30–50 per person
Frequency: Buses depart every 30–60 minutes during daytime

3. By Private Car / Taxi
A private car or taxi offers maximum flexibility.
Space Distance: ~100 km
Duration: About 1.5 hours depending on traffic
Cost: Around CNY 400–600 per vehicle for a one-way trip

Suzhou--Wuzhen: 
1. By High-Speed Train + Shuttle / Taxi (Recommended Option)
High-speed trains are the fastest and most convenient way to reach Wuzhen from Suzhou.
Route: Suzhou Railway Station ? Tongxiang Railway Station ? Wuzhen (by shuttle or taxi)
Space Distance: ~70 km
Duration:
Train: 30–50 minutes
Shuttle/Taxi: 15–20 minutes to Wuzhen East or West Scenic Area
Train Ticket Price (One-Way):
Second Class: CNY 40–80
First Class: CNY 60–120
Shuttle/Taxi Cost: CNY 60–100 per vehicle

2. By Direct Bus / Coach
For those who prefer a direct route without transfers:
Departure Stations in Suzhou:
Suzhou Long-Distance Bus Station
Arrival: Wuzhen Bus Station
Space Distance: ~70 km
Duration: About 1–1.5 hours
Cost: CNY 30–50 per person
Frequency: Buses depart every 30–60 minutes during daytime

3. By Private Car / Taxi
A private car or taxi offers maximum flexibility and comfort.
Space Distance: ~70 km
Duration: About 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic
Cost: Around CNY 350–500 per vehicle for a one-way trip

Explore Your Way Holiday's Best Recommended Tours 

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Incredible Shanghai to Wuzhen Water Town Day Tour

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