Wuzhen Water Town
A historic water town with 1300 years of history, Wuzhen offers a glimpse into traditional Jiangnan life with its canals, stone bridges, and ancient a...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, blooming nature
Wuzhen Water Town
Best Time
Pleasant weather, blooming nature
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic water town with 1300 years of history, Wuzhen offers a glimpse into traditional Jiangnan life with its canals, stone bridges, and ancient architecture.
"Wuzhen is a beautiful scenic water town, touted as the Venice of the East, and a must-visit destination."
🎯 Choose Your Scenic Area Wisely
Dongzha offers raw authenticity, while Xizha is more polished and ideal for night views.
🌙 Stay Overnight in Xizha
Experience the magical night scenery and vibrant nightlife without needing a new ticket.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dongzha's Authentic Charm
Dongzha Scenic Area
Experience the 'real' water town with elderly locals, quiet alleys, and a palpable sense of history.
Xizha's Enchanting Night Views
Xizha Scenic Area
Witness the magical transformation as lanterns illuminate the canals and ancient bridges after sunset.
Canal Boat Rides
Throughout Wuzhen
Glide along the picturesque canals, taking in the traditional white-walled, black-tiled architecture.
Historic Bridges
Throughout Wuzhen
Admire iconic structures like the Fengyuan Twin Bridges and Tongji Bridge, steeped in history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Authenticity of Dongzha
Overnight Stay for the Full Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Choose Your Scenic Area Wisely
Dongzha offers raw authenticity, while Xizha is more polished and ideal for night views.
🌙 Stay Overnight in Xizha
Experience the magical night scenery and vibrant nightlife without needing a new ticket.
🛶 Don't Miss the Boat Ride
A canal boat trip is a must-do for soaking in the traditional architecture and atmosphere.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on stone-paved alleys, so comfortable footwear is key.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Choose Your Scenic Area Wisely
Dongzha offers raw authenticity, while Xizha is more polished and ideal for night views.
🌙 Stay Overnight in Xizha
Experience the magical night scenery and vibrant nightlife without needing a new ticket.
🛶 Don't Miss the Boat Ride
A canal boat trip is a must-do for soaking in the traditional architecture and atmosphere.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on stone-paved alleys, so comfortable footwear is key.
📸 Capture the Night Lights
The lanterns and ancient bridges create a dreamy, photogenic scene after sunset.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Wuzhen Water Town is lauded for its picturesque canals, traditional architecture, and enchanting night views, often called the 'Venice of the East'. Visitors appreciate the authentic charm of Dongzha and the magical ambiance of Xizha at night. However, some find it quite commercialized and can be crowded, especially on weekends.
"Wuzhen Dongzha 乌镇东栅 is like the gritty indie film version of China’s water towns – raw, unpolished, and completely unbothered by neon lights or commercialized stage sets. While West Scenic Zone struts around like a Tang Dynasty celebrity, 东栅 just shrugs and keeps things real.
Mornings here are cinematic an elderly man rows past collecting river trash with the patience of someone who has seen more dynasties than tourists. Many residents have long since moved out leaving behind elderly parents who run tiny shops selling handmade trinkets and snacks – authenticity with wrinkles included.
By night the place empties out into near silence. The lanterns are sparse the alleys fall quiet and you suddenly feel transported back centuries. It’s not polished or staged just the pure ancient town experience the kind that makes you forget what century you’re in.
If you want Disney-fied nostalgia go West. If you want the quiet raw heartbeat of a 1300-year-old water town that gives you history straight no chaser come to 东栅. Five stars for being beautifully human and unapologetically authentic."
The Compass Guy
"Wuzhen is a laid-back beautiful ancient town which isn’t that commercial. The old town is split into 2 areas east and west. Daytime visitors who don’t stay overnight at an accommodation in town an have access only to the east town. Lodgers will stay in the west town which has plenty of eateries and accommodations"
Minh Nguyen
"Overall the place is so nice. It was raining, but people are still enjoying under the hot and humid shower. But because it pours in the afternoon. The night view making the looks so good.
Even though it was a weekday, already quite pack. So if you really want to come, please come on weekdays. You cannot imagine for weekend.
Although the place is quite commercialised but overall is really a nice place to soak your day in. Eat, Drink, Stroll along the street.
Worth to take the boat ride by the canal."
JooZoo WG
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wuzhen is about 135 km from Shanghai. You can take a high-speed train to Tongxiang station and then a bus or taxi to Wuzhen. Alternatively, direct bus services are available from Shanghai's bus stations.
Yes, Wuzhen is approximately 85 km from Hangzhou. Similar to Shanghai, you can opt for a train to Tongxiang followed by local transport, or direct bus services.
Absolutely! Wuzhen is a popular day trip destination from Shanghai, taking about 1-1.5 hours to reach by bus or car.
Wuzhen is about 70 km from Suzhou. High-speed trains to Tongxiang or direct bus services are common options for travel between these cities.
Within the scenic areas, walking is the primary mode of transport. Boat rides are available for a fee to navigate the canals.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The ticket price for the West Gate (Xizha) is around CNY 150, and for the East Gate (Dongzha) it's about CNY 110. Prices may vary.
Yes, Dongzha and Xizha are separate scenic areas and require individual tickets for entry.
No, boat rides are an additional cost. For Xizha, it's around CNY 60 per person or CNY 480 per boat (up to 8 people). For Dongzha, it's around CNY 30 per person or CNY 160-240 per boat.
It's advisable to check official tourism websites or reputable travel platforms for online ticket purchases to potentially save time and secure your entry.
The scenic areas are generally open from morning until late evening, especially Xizha, which is popular for its night views. It's best to confirm current hours before your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the boat rides, historic bridges like Fengyuan Twin Bridges, exploring the stone-paved alleys, and visiting museums like the Hundred-beds museum. The night views in Xizha are spectacular.
Wuzhen can get quite crowded, especially on weekends and during peak seasons. Visiting on weekdays and during the shoulder seasons (spring/autumn) is recommended to avoid large crowds.
Dongzha is known for its raw, authentic feel with elderly residents and quiet alleys, while Xizha is more polished, commercialized, and famous for its stunning night illuminations.
You can often see traditional performances such as blue-printed cloth making demonstrations and high-pole boat performances.
Wuzhen is incredibly photogenic, especially during sunrise, sunset, and at night with the lanterns. The traditional architecture and canals offer endless photo opportunities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Sample traditional snacks and local delicacies. Many small shops offer handmade trinkets and snacks. Longjing tea is also a popular choice.
Yes, Wuzhen has numerous restaurants and cafes offering a variety of local and regional Chinese cuisine.
Dining options in Xizha are generally well-managed and offer good quality food, with many restaurants providing scenic views of the canals.
While traditional Chinese cuisine can be meat-heavy, many restaurants can accommodate vegetarian requests. It's advisable to communicate your dietary needs clearly.
Beyond the restaurants in the scenic areas, you can find more affordable local snacks and eateries, especially if you explore slightly off the main tourist paths.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful light. The night views with lanterns are particularly stunning and highly recommended for photographers.
Iconic bridges, the canals with traditional boats, narrow stone alleys, and the illuminated buildings at night are prime photography locations.
Generally, no special permit is required for personal photography. However, commercial photography or drone usage might require permissions.
A versatile lens (e.g., 24-70mm) is useful for capturing both landscapes and details. A tripod is highly recommended for night photography to capture the best lantern shots.
While generally permissive, be mindful of private residences and respect local customs. Avoid intrusive photography of residents.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on the Xizha area for its more open spaces and well-maintained paths, which are easier for strollers. While Dongzha offers authenticity, it might be less engaging for very young children due to its quiet nature. Pack comfortable shoes for everyone, as there will be plenty of walking.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider visiting on a weekday to potentially find slightly lower prices for accommodation if staying overnight, and to avoid peak season surcharges. Eating at smaller, local eateries outside the main tourist hubs can also offer more affordable dining options.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Explore both Dongzha and Xizha for different photographic opportunities. Dongzha offers a more raw, documentary style, while Xizha provides the iconic, picturesque night scenes. Don't forget to capture the details: the textures of the old buildings, the reflections in the water, and the daily life of the residents.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Wuzhen's Two Faces: Dongzha vs. Xizha
Xizha, on the other hand, is the more developed and polished counterpart. It's renowned for its stunning night views, with lanterns illuminating the canals and ancient bridges, creating a magical atmosphere. While it can feel more curated, Xizha offers a wider range of amenities, better-facilitated hotels, and a more vibrant evening scene. Many visitors choose to stay overnight in Xizha to fully immerse themselves in its beauty.
Choosing between them, or visiting both, depends on your preference: for a genuine historical feel, Dongzha is the choice; for picturesque night scenes and modern comforts, Xizha excels.
The Magic of Wuzhen at Night
Exploring Xizha at night is particularly recommended. The well-preserved architecture, stone bridges, and flowing canals are bathed in light, offering a truly picturesque scene. It's the perfect time for a leisurely stroll, to enjoy the quietude, and to capture breathtaking photographs. Many visitors find the night experience to be the most memorable part of their visit, making an overnight stay highly worthwhile.
Beyond the visual spectacle, the night also brings a different energy to Wuzhen. While still peaceful, there's a subtle vibrancy in the air, with some shops and teahouses remaining open, allowing visitors to soak in the atmosphere a little longer. The contrast between the quiet historical setting and the gentle evening buzz is captivating.
Navigating Wuzhen: Transport and Logistics
+1Once inside Wuzhen, the primary mode of transport within the scenic areas is walking. The stone-paved alleys and bridges are best explored on foot, allowing you to discover hidden corners and soak in the atmosphere. For a more traditional experience and to cover longer distances along the canals, boat rides are available for an additional fee. These offer a unique perspective of the town's architecture and layout.
For those planning to stay overnight, it's highly recommended to book accommodation within the Xizha Scenic Area. This not only provides convenient access to the night views but often includes entrance tickets and other amenities, simplifying your logistics and enhancing your overall experience.
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