Yan Zhou
Quick Read
I once had a couple from Texas stuck at the South Lake ticket booth for 20 minutes. Their international Visa? Declined. The WeChat QR code? No clue. Relax — I’ve got your back. In this Jiaxing travel guide, I’ll show you exactly how to avoid that mess.
Jiaxing is often overshadowed by Hangzhou and Shanghai, but the water towns here are quieter, cheaper, and just as stunning. Best part: you can see the highlights in one day without rushing. Book your train tickets early — the bullet train from Shanghai takes only 30 minutes.
Here’s the deal: skip the midday crowds by arriving at South Lake before 9 AM. Now, let’s dive into what makes Jiaxing special and how to make your trip flawless.
Why Jiaxing Should Be on Your China Itinerary
Jiaxing, in northern Zhejiang Province, is the birthplace of the Chinese Communist Party (the Red Boat on South Lake) and home to two of China’s most famous water towns: Xitang and Wuzhen. Unlike the overly commercialized Zhujiajiao, these towns retain authentic charm—cobblestone alleys, old bridges, and locals selling handmade tofu.
For foreign travelers, Jiaxing offers a glimpse into traditional Jiangnan culture without the overwhelming crowds of Suzhou. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly destination: a decent hotel goes for $30-50 per night, and a full meal costs under $10.
How to Get to Jiaxing
By Bullet Train (Recommended)
From Shanghai Hongqiao Station, take the high-speed train to Jiaxing South Station. Trains run every 20 minutes, 30-minute ride, cost around ¥50 ($7). Pro Tip: Buy your ticket on Trip.com or through the official 12306 app. You’ll need your passport number to book.
From Hangzhou East Station, it’s only 25 minutes to Jiaxing South. From Suzhou, about 40 minutes via Suzhou North Station.
By Car or Bus
If you’re driving or taking a bus, Jiaxing is 100km southwest of Shanghai. The bus from Shanghai South Bus Station takes about 1.5 hours and costs ¥60. But honestly, the train is faster and more comfortable.
Insider Advice: When arriving at Jiaxing South Station, use Didi (Chinese Uber) to get to your hotel. Avoid touts outside the station — they might overcharge you. Didi works with Alipay and usually costs ¥15-30 within the city.
Best Time to Visit Jiaxing
| Season | Weather | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar-May) | 15-25°C, light rain | Mild weather, blooming flowers | Popular, moderate crowds |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | 28-35°C, humid | Less crowded (except July), lotus flowers | Hot and sticky |
| Autumn (Sep-Nov) | 15-22°C, clear skies | Best for photography, comfortable | Can be busy on weekends |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | 0-8°C, chilly | Very few tourists, cheap hotels | Cold, some outdoor activities limited |
My recommendation: come in late October. The weather is crisp, the autumn leaves are beautiful, and the crowds are manageable. Avoid Chinese public holidays (May Day, National Day) — the train tickets sell out weeks in advance.
Top Attractions in Jiaxing
South Lake (Nanhu) – The Red Boat and More
Official name: Nanhu Scenic Area (嘉兴南湖). Price: ¥60 for adults (¥30 for students/seniors 60+). You must make a reservation at least one day ahead on Trip.com or via WeChat mini-program (search “南湖景区”). Bring your passport for entry.
How to get there: Take bus 8, 36, or 92 from city center to “Nanhu” stop. Alternatively, Didi from Jiaxing South Station costs about ¥20, 15 minutes. Best time to visit: 8-10 AM for soft light and fewer people. The island with the Red Boat (memorial of the 1921 Party congress) has a small museum.
My experience: The ticket office near the main gate often has a queue. Buy your ticket online and show the QR code on your phone. Also, the restrooms at the south entrance are small — use the ones at the visitor center before you start.
Xitang Water Town – A Step Back in Time
Official name: Xitang Ancient Town (西塘古镇). Price: ¥100 (¥50 for students, free for children under 1.2m). Tickets are valid for one day only. Book on Trip.com or Klook — they accept international credit cards.
How to get there: From Jiaxing city, take bus K222 from Jiaxing North Station (45 minutes, ¥8). Or Didi costs about ¥80, 35 minutes. Opening hours: 8 AM - 5 PM (but you can enter later if staying inside; the town is open 24h for hotel guests).
Pro Tip: Morning before 10 AM is magical — the mist over the canals and local vendors opening their shops. Avoid the main street (Xitang Street) at noon; it’s packed with tour groups. Instead, wander into the side alleys like Shitong Lane.
Wuzhen Water Town – The Venice of the East
Wuzhen is divided into two sections: East Zha (dongzha) and West Zha (xizha). East Zha is more rustic and cheaper (¥110), while West Zha is more developed with night scenery (¥150). You can buy a combined ticket for ¥190. I recommend visiting West Zha if you have limited time — it’s beautifully lit up at night.
Transport: From Jiaxing South Station, take bus K282 to Wuzhen (1 hour, ¥10). Didi costs about ¥100. Head to West Zha for sunset — the view from the bridge near the water stage is iconic. One warning: Many restaurants inside the scenic area overcharge. Walk 5 minutes outside the south gate for better prices.
Jiaxing Museum – Understanding Local Culture
Free admission, but you need to reserve via the museum’s official WeChat account (search “嘉兴博物馆”). Show your passport at the entrance. Closed on Mondays. Highlights: Neolithic artifacts from the Majiabang culture and a modern exhibition on the water town lifestyle. It’s a good Plan B for rainy days. Located at 500 Haiyan West Road. Didi from city center: ¥15.
Where to Stay in Jiaxing
| Hotel | Location | Price Range (night) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jiaxing Nanhu Hotel(嘉兴南湖宾馆) | Near South Lake | $40-80 | Families, sightseeing |
| Jiaxing Old Town Hostel(嘉兴老城客栈) | City center | $10-20 (dorm), $30 (private) | Backpackers, solo travelers |
| Blossom Hill Inn Xitang(西塘花筑轻奢民宿) | Inside Xitang | $60-120 | Couples, romance |
Note about accommodation: Most budget hotels and hostels expect you to pay via Alipay or WeChat. Cash is rarely accepted at check-in. If you don’t have mobile payment, ask the property beforehand if they accept international credit cards. Wi-Fi is generally reliable in mid-range hotels, but you’ll need a VPN for Google services.
What to Eat in Jiaxing
Zongzi (rice dumplings) are Jiaxing’s claim to fame — sticky rice wrapped in bamboo leaves, stuffed with pork, red bean, or egg yolk. The best place: Wufangzhai (五芳斋), a chain with a branch at 420 Zhongshan East Road. Try the pork zongzi (¥8 each). Google Maps rating: 4.2. Be warned: It’s cashless; pack some cash just in case.
Another must-try is Nanhu Ling (南湖菱), a local water chestnut (only about 2cm long!). They’re served boiled or stir-fried. I always order them at Lao Jiaxing Restaurant (老嘉兴饭店), near the South Lake. A plate costs ¥28. Payment: Alipay or WeChat. The menu has pictures, so pointing works.
Pro Tip: For a quick bite, try the street food near the East Gate of Xitang: stinky tofu (don’t knock it till you try it), and sugar-coated hawthorn sticks. Vendors prefer mobile payments but may accept small cash (¥5-10 bills).
Practical Tips for Foreign Visitors
Payments
As I mentioned, China is nearly cashless. Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with your international bank card before the trip. Many small shops and taxis will not accept cash or foreign credit cards. Exceptions: large hotels and some restaurants, but don’t rely on it.
Navigation
Google Maps will not work reliably in China. Download Apple Maps (works fairly well) or use Amap (高德地图) which has an English version called “Amap Global”. For public transport routing, I use the Baidu Maps app but its English is limited. Just show the Chinese address to your Didi driver.
Internet and VPN
You need a VPN to access Google, Facebook, WhatsApp, and many other sites. Install it before you leave home. Also, download a translation app like Apple Translate or Baidu Translate — they work offline for basic phrases.
Language
English is not widely spoken outside major hotels. Learn a few key phrases: “Xiexie” (thank you), “Duoshao qian?” (how much?), and “Wo yao qu...” (I want to go to...). Keep a note on your phone with Chinese text for your destination.
Insider Advice: If you get stuck needing help, look for young people – they often speak some English and are willing to help using translation apps. Hotel receptionists usually can handle basic English.
Sample 1-Day Itinerary for Jiaxing
This itinerary assumes you start from Jiaxing city center (near South Lake) and have no car. It’s designed to minimize backtracking.
- 8:00 AM – Arrive at South Lake, walk the lake path, visit the Red Boat. (1.5 hours)
- 9:30 AM – Take bus K222 from Jiaxing North Station to Xitang (about 45 min).
- 10:30 AM – Explore Xitang’s quiet alleys before crowds arrive. Visit a local silk workshop. (2.5 hours)
- 1:00 PM – Lunch at a restaurant inside Xitang: try the fish soup (¥35) and vegetables. (1 hour)
- 2:30 PM – Take bus K222 back to Jiaxing (or Didi if you’re tired). From Jiaxing South Station, take a 30-min train to Hangzhou or Shanghai for your next destination.
If you have extra time, swap Xitang for Wuzhen West Zha (but you’ll need to start earlier or skip South Lake). For a rainy day, replace Xitang with the Jiaxing Museum and a food tour of the city center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team.
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