Qiang Huang
I’ve been guiding tours in Zhejiang for over a decade, and Jiaxing is always the city I tell first-timers to add to their China itinerary. Why? Because it’s compact, full of history, and gives you a real taste of water-town life without the overwhelming crowds of Wuzhen. Here’s the truth: most group tours rush through, but with this 1-day plan, you’ll see the highlights at a relaxed pace. No WeChat mini-program nightmares, no getting lost – just good old-fashioned exploration.
Why Jiaxing Deserves Your Day (or Why Not Skip It)
Jiaxing sits right between Shanghai and Hangzhou – a 30-minute bullet train ride from either. It’s the perfect day trip base. But what really sets it apart? The blend of revolutionary history (South Lake) and preserved water-town alleys (Moon River) that don’t feel overly commercialized. Plus, the food scene is criminally underrated. I always tell my clients: skip the overpriced tourist restaurants in Tongli and come here instead.
Morning: South Lake (Nanhu) – The Revolutionary Heart
Start your day at South Lake, the birthplace of the Chinese Communist Party (yes, the iconic red boat is here). But don’t worry – it’s not just a political site; the lake itself is beautiful, with weeping willows and ancient bridges.
Getting There and Tickets
From Jiaxing Railway Station, take a taxi (about 15 minutes, around 20 RMB) or bus line 6 to Nanhu Scenic Area. Address: 1 Huancheng East Road, Nanhu District (南湖区环城东路1号). Open daily 8:00-17:00, last entry at 16:30. Entrance is free – yes, free – but you need to reserve a time slot via Trip.com or the official WeChat mini-program. Pro tip: If the WeChat interface gives you a headache, ask your hotel receptionist to book it for you.
What to See
Take a boat ride to the island where the replica red boat is moored (boat ticket: 20 RMB, cash or Alipay accepted). Best photo spot: the bridge near the south gate around 9 AM – the light hits the water perfectly. Avoid the noon sun; it’s harsh and the reflections disappear. I’ve seen too many tourists leave disappointed because they came at 1 PM.
Late Morning: Moon River Historical Street (Yuehe)
A 10-minute taxi ride from South Lake (or 20-minute walk along the canal) brings you to Moon River Street. This is where Jiaxing’s old soul lives – cobblestone lanes, wooden houses, and locals selling homemade pastries.
Navigating the Alleys
The street runs roughly north-south. Start at the northern entrance (near Jian’guo Road). Apple Maps works fine here – search “Yuehe Historical Street.” Google Maps will show you a wrong location; trust me, I’ve made that mistake. The street is about 800 meters long; allow 1–1.5 hours if you browse the shops.
Breakfast or Snack
Grab a zongzi (sticky rice dumpling) from the stall at No. 12 Yuehe. They have pork and sweet bean varieties, each about 5 RMB. Cash only for most small stalls, so carry some small bills. If you need a coffee break, head to “South Lake Cafe” at the midpoint – they accept Alipay and have decent Americano for 25 RMB.
Lunch: Where to Eat Like a Local
Do not eat at the restaurants directly on Moon River Street – they’re overpriced and mediocre. Instead, walk 5 minutes east to Chengdong Road, where locals eat. My go-to is “Old Jiaxing Home-style Restaurant” (嘉兴老家菜馆). Address: 198 Chengdong Road. Google Maps is unreliable, so tell your taxi driver the Chinese name. Must-order dishes: steamed Mandarin fish (清蒸鳜鱼, 68 RMB) and braised bamboo shoots (油焖笋, 28 RMB). The owner speaks no English, but the picture menu saves you. Average per person: 60–80 RMB. They accept WeChat Pay and Alipay, but not international credit cards.
Afternoon Option A: Xitang Water Town
If you want the classic water-town experience without the crowds, Xitang is your best bet. It’s about 40 minutes by taxi from Jiaxing city center (around 100 RMB). Or take bus 151 from Jiaxing North Station to Xitang – 1 hour, 12 RMB. Ticket: 95 RMB (includes entry to all small museums inside). Open 8:00-17:00. My favorite spot: the covered corridor along the main canal – perfect for photos even in light rain. Allow 3–4 hours to wander.
| Feature | Xitang | Wuzhen (Option B) |
|---|---|---|
| Distance from Jiaxing | 40 min taxi | 50 min taxi |
| Ticket price | 95 RMB | 150 RMB (West Scenic) |
| Crowd level | Moderate (weekday) | Very crowded |
| Best for | Photography, relaxed walk | Impressive scale, night views |
Afternoon Option B: Wuzhen
If you’ve seen pictures of Wuzhen and must go, choose the West Scenic Zone – it’s better restored. But be warned: it’s a tourist machine. Lines for rowboats can exceed 40 minutes on weekends. Skip the East Zone; it’s smaller and feels like a theme park. Wuzhen is about 50 minutes from Jiaxing by taxi (120 RMB) or direct bus from Jiaxing North Station (1.5 hours, 20 RMB). I personally prefer Xitang, but if you’re a first-timer in China, Wuzhen’s scale might impress you more.
Evening: Return to Jiaxing City for Dinner
After a long afternoon, head back to Jiaxing city center. The train station is convenient for late departures back to Shanghai or Hangzhou. For dinner, I recommend “Canal Night Market” near the Jiaxing Hotel. It’s a small street food market open from 17:00 to 22:00. Try the stinky tofu (smelly but addictive – trust me, get the fried version) and shao bing (flatbread with sesame). Prices range from 5–20 RMB per item. Most stalls take Alipay; some only cash.
“I always end my Jiaxing tours here. The crispy stinky tofu from stall #7 is life-changing – and I’m not even kidding.”
Practical Tips for Foreigners
- Payments: Alipay and WeChat Pay are king. Link your international card before you go. Carry about 200 RMB in cash for small stalls.
- Navigation: Forget Google Maps. Use Apple Maps or download AMap (高德地图) which has an English mode. Type addresses in Chinese characters for accuracy.
- VPN: Install a reliable VPN before your trip – otherwise, many sites (including Google) won’t work.
- Translation: Use Apple Translate or Baidu Translate. Some restaurants have picture menus, but pointing at the food next table works too.
- Booking: For South Lake and water towns, book tickets on Trip.com to avoid WeChat mini-program headaches.
FAQ
Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team. All prices and schedules are subject to change; please confirm with official sources before your trip.
A wonderful day that felt like stepping into a painting. My favorite part was the quiet corner of the canal near the East Gate, where the guide let us wander for 20 minutes. I sat on a stone step and watched a fisherman mend his nets—so peaceful! The included lunch was a generous spread of local dishes, and the braised pork belly melted in my mouth. Only wish we had more time in the small craft workshops. Highly recommended for anyone wanting authentic Jiangnan vibes.
Absolutely loved this day trip! From the moment we stepped off the bus, the charm of the old stone bridges and willow trees hit me. The itinerary was well-paced: we saw the best spots (the Ming dynasty bridge, the old silk mill) without feeling rushed. The local guide, Lily, was fantastic—she pointed out where to get the best street food (sweet osmanthus cake, yum!) and even helped us bargain for some hand-painted fans. Five stars without a doubt!
Honestly, I was a bit disappointed. The itinerary promised a 'best water town experience,' but it felt rushed and overcrowded. We spent more time waiting for the boat than actually on the water, and the guide barely explained the history of the old houses. The afternoon tea stop was a tourist trap—overpriced and tasteless rose tea. For the price, I expected much better. Maybe try it on a weekday if you must, but I'd skip it overall.
Overall a solid day trip, but I wish the itinerary had included more time in the less touristy back alleys. The main streets were packed with souvenir shops, which felt a bit generic. The lunch stop at a riverside restaurant was decent—the fried river shrimp were fresh—but the service was slow. Still, the ancient bridges and traditional architecture were lovely. I'd give it 4 stars because it's a good introduction, but next time I'll explore on my own.
This water town itinerary was a perfect escape from Shanghai! I loved the early morning canal walk—the mist over the water and the local grandmas selling freshly steamed zongzi made it feel so authentic. The boat ride at sunset was the absolute highlight; our boatman even sang a folk song. Everything ran smoothly, and the guide's tips on avoiding the midday crowds were spot on. Can't recommend it enough for a peaceful day trip!