Yan Zhou
Quick Look – What's Inside
I've been guiding groups around Jiaxing for years, and the #1 question I get: "Which water town should I pick?" The honest answer? Both. But only if you plan it right.
Here is the catch – most online itineraries treat Xitang and Wuzhen as interchangeable, but they're wildly different in vibe, crowd levels, and logistics. I'll show you how to squeeze both into 3 days without losing your sanity (or your wallet).
Let's cut the fluff. You want a plan that works with real-life constraints: payment issues, map troubles, and the fear of getting ripped off. This guide has you covered.
Day 1: Xitang – The Lively Water Town
Morning: Arrival & First Steps
Take an early high-speed train from Shanghai Hongqiao or Hangzhou East to Jiaxing South Station (about 30–40 minutes). From there, a taxi to Xitang costs around 120 RMB and takes 45 minutes. Pro tip: Show the driver the Chinese address: 浙江省嘉兴市嘉善县西塘古镇. Google Maps is useless here – use Apple Maps or the local Didi app (though a foreign credit card may not work; better to have cash for the taxi).
Xitang's official ticket is 95 RMB (adult), and you can buy it at the entrance or on Trip.com using your passport. Don't buy from touts outside – they'll overcharge. The ticket allows single entry, so plan to stay inside until you leave.
Afternoon: Walk the Covered Corridors
Xitang's signature is its covered walkways (廊棚) along the canals. Start at the west entrance and wander aimlessly. Must-see spots: Fragrant Garden (醉园) and West Garden (西园). Admission is included in the ticket.
Lunch pick: 钱塘人家 (Qiantang Renjia) – near the central bridge. Their steamed white fish and scallion oil noodles are legendary. Expect to pay 60–80 RMB per person. Note: they accept Alipay and WeChat, but not international credit cards. Cash works if you have small bills.
After 4 PM, the day-trip crowds thin out. This is prime photo time – the golden light hits the wooden houses perfectly. I always tell my groups: skip the sampan ride during peak hours (it's overpriced and slow). Instead, grab it around 5:30 PM when the red lanterns start glowing.
Evening: Stay Overnight in Xitang
I recommend staying inside the town – it's worth the premium. Xitang Romance Inn (西塘浪漫客栈) has rooms facing the canal, around 400–600 RMB in shoulder season. Ask for a room with a balcony. The front desk speaks basic English. Wi-Fi is stable, but you'll need a VPN to access Google or WhatsApp.
Dinner: Try Fangxiang Noodle Shop (方祥面馆) for local fried noodles with pork. Cash only, under 20 RMB. Afterward, join the locals at the West Gate Night Market – cheap skewers and live music. But beware of fake souvenirs; the hand-painted fans are mostly machine-made.
Day 2: Wuzhen – The Polished Gem
Morning: Transfer & East Gate
Check out of your Xitang hotel by 9 AM. Take a Didi or local bus (K222, 2 RMB) to Wuzhen West Gate – about 1 hour. If you bus, get off at Wuzhen West Gate Station and walk 10 minutes.
Wuzhen has two sections: East Gate (东栅) and West Gate (西栅). For a first-timer, West Gate is the must-do – it's larger, better maintained, and has the famous night scene. Ticket: 150 RMB (adult) for West Gate only; combo with East Gate is 190 RMB. I'd skip East Gate – it's smaller and feels overly touristy.
Insider advice: Book your West Gate ticket online via Klook – they accept international cards and you can scan the QR code at the entrance. No need to print.
Afternoon: Deep Dive into West Gate
Start at the Incense Lot (香山堂) – a preserved pharmacy from the Ming dynasty. Then walk south along the main canal to the Wood Carving Museum. The detail is stunning.
Lunch at Heji Restaurant (和记酒楼) inside the scenic area – order braised lamb with brown sauce (reputation: very tender, slightly sweet). Price: around 100 RMB per person. They have an English menu with pictures – a lifesaver.
After lunch, visit the Sorghum Wine Workshop – fermentation vats and a free shot of local baijiu (warning: strong!).
Best photo spot: the Bridge within a Bridge (桥里桥) near the center. But go at 3 PM – at noon you'll fight selfie sticks.
Evening: Wuzhen Night & Stay
Wuzhen at night is a different world – fewer crowds, warm lights, cool breeze. I suggest a gondola ride (260 RMB per boat, holds 6 people) around 7 PM. Split with others to save cost.
Stay at Zhaoming Bookstore Guesthouse (昭明书舍) – located inside West Gate, so you don't have to leave. Rates from 500 RMB. They offer luggage storage. Breakfast is simple but included.
Pro tip: The hotel front desk can help you rebook your VPN if it's acting up – common issue in rural China.
Day 3: South Lake & Jiaxing City
Morning: South Lake Revolutionary Memorial
Take a Didi from Wuzhen to South Lake (南湖) in downtown Jiaxing – 40 minutes, about 100 RMB. The lake is free to walk around, but the Memorial of the First CPC National Congress (a red boat) requires a ticket: 60 RMB. Buy at the gate or on Trip.com.
Spend 2 hours strolling the lakeside. The memorial museum is fascinating even if you're not into politics – it's very well-curated with English descriptions.
Insider advice: Avoid the lake at midday – no shade. Go early morning (opens 8 AM) or after 4 PM.
Afternoon: Moon River Street & Food Hunt
From South Lake, walk 15 minutes to Moon River Street (月河街) – a restored historical street with shops and cafes. This is where you'll find Jiaxing-style zongzi (sticky rice dumplings). Head to Zhenxian Zhai Glutinous Rice Dumpling Shop (真仙斋粽子店) – their meat zongzi is the best, 8 RMB each.
Lunch at Zou Dafu Restaurant (邹大福) – try sweet and sour lake fish and Osmanthus cake. Average 70 RMB per person. They accept WeChat but again no international cards – bring cash.
Late Afternoon: Departure
Jiaxing South Station is 20 minutes by taxi. Trains to Shanghai or Hangzhou run every 20 minutes until 9 PM. If you have time, grab a box of Meijia zongzi at the station for the trip.
Transport & Connectivity
| Route | Best Option | Duration | Cost (RMB) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Hongqiao → Jiaxing South | High-speed train | 30 min | ~40 | Book on 12306 app |
| Hangzhou East → Jiaxing South | High-speed train | 30 min | ~30 | Same as above |
| Jiaxing South → Xitang | Taxi/Didi | 45 min | ~120 | Cash or Alipay |
| Xitang → Wuzhen West Gate | Bus K222 | 1 hr | 2 | Board at Xitang bus station |
| Wuzhen → South Lake | Didi | 40 min | ~100 | Prepare cash |
| South Lake → Jiaxing South | Taxi | 20 min | ~30 | Easy |
Insider Advice for Foreigners
VPN & Maps
Your hotel Wi-Fi will likely block Google, Facebook, WhatsApp. Install a reliable VPN on your phone before arriving. For navigation, Apple Maps works well in Jiaxing (it's backed by Chinese data). Baidu Maps is better but only in Chinese – have your hotel staff type destinations in Chinese and screenshot them.
Booking Tickets
Most major attractions (Xitang, Wuzhen) allow walk-up ticket purchase, but peak weekends (Saturday) can have long queues. I always buy through Trip.com – it's in English, accepts foreign cards, and you get a QR code. South Lake's memorial museum can be booked on-site, but bring your passport for registration.
Scams to Avoid
“Free” tea ceremony near Xitang's west gate – they'll push expensive tea on you. Walk away firmly. Also, taxi drivers at train stations may refuse to use the meter; insist on “meter” (跳表) or call a Didi via the app. If you can't get Didi (no Chinese phone number), go to the official taxi stand and ask for the printed receipt.
FAQ – Your Burning Questions
Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team. Information is based on personal guiding experience and may change – always confirm opening hours and ticket prices on official sites.
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