Wuzhen

Written by Matteo Updated Mar. 26, 2025

Wuzhen is found in the north of Zhejiang province and, much like Suzhou, is part of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. The citizens’ way of life revolves around the rivers and canals that cut the land like snakes in the sand. Houses line the waterways, and the bustle of traders near bridges and ports, and piers seems relentless. The ancient docks, pavilions, and corridors contribute to a romantic atmosphere that hails from old China.

History has been kind to Wuzhen, and its simple lifestyle and folk customs have been well preserved. The style of the boxing boats is unique, as is Huagu Opera, shadow plays, and much more. These localized art forms invoke the rich tradition of the townspeople.

Through it all, Wuzhen is most known for its natural beauty and for being the home of many talented people throughout the centuries. The prince of the Liang Kingdom, Zhao Ming, once studied here, and literary masters such as Maodun have left cultural marks on the town.

Opening Hours and Ticket Prices for Wuzhen

7:40 - 17:30 for both Dongzha and Xizha Scenic Zones, and a night tour is available for the Xizha Scenic Zone, with opening hours between 17:30 and 22:00.

Ticket price for Dongzha Scenic Zone: CNY100. Ticket price for Xizha Scenic Zone: CNY120. Conjunction ticket price: CNY150. The conjunction tickets are only on sale between 8:00 and 14:00 at the ticket office at Dongzha, and between 8:00 and 12:00 at the ticket office at Xizha. The night (17:30-22:00) ticket price for Xizha Scenic Zone is CNY80.

Transportation

By Car or By Bus: as Wuzhen is very close to Shanghai, many Shanghaiese visit on the weekends and holidays. The Shanghai-Wuzhen highway is well serviced, and there are special bus lines that depart daily at most hours of the day.

From Hangzhou, there are no direct routes to Wuzhen; one must make a brief transfer at Tongxiang. From the town of Nanxun, travelers may take a bus to Jiaxing (or vice versa) to reach Wuzhen.

Local Transportation: The best way to get around Wuzhen is by rickshaw or taxi, both of which are economic options.

Attractions

Wuzhen, a charming ancient town full of Jiangnan flavor, has many famous attractions worth visiting. The East District has kept the strong atmosphere of water town life. The Maodun's Former Residence and Xiuzhen Guan are all places that show the deep historical and cultural background.

The Former Residence of Maodun

Maodun is a famous writer from the era of modern China. His novel titled “Midnight” is among his most well-known. The litterateur’s former home, where he spent his childhood, is found on Guanqian Street. The construction is distinctly traditionally Chinese in the Qing Dynasty style.

Xiu Zhen Guan

This is a Taoist temple created in the Xianpingyuan period of the Bei Song Dynasty. When considering the Yangtze River, Xiu Zhen Guan is among the top 3 most revered Taoist temples on the river’s south bank.

Ancient Stage

Found in the town, this stage is almost 300 years old (completed in 1749) and flanks a major river and faces a plaza. In the past, farmers would come into town to watch plays while rowing their boats. As such, the show would go on with boats moving all around it, a lovely sight indeed.

Local Housing

Countless homes stand today that were directly influenced by the style of the Qing Dynasty. See the pieces of history interact here in Wuzhen by way of architecture.

Food

Whether you patronize large restaurants to no-frills street stalls, food in Wuzhen is a delight to indulge in. One popular local dish is made of steamed pork slices with glutinous rice flour wrapped in lotus which can be found in the most traditional eateries.

Visitors may also eat in a local’s home, much easier to arrange if you speak Chinese! The food here may be a bit simpler than elsewhere in China, but the experience is always one to remember.

Weather

The climate of Wuzhen is subtropical and monsoon style much like other areas in China. Typically, there is a lot of sun. In the summer, it averages 28.2°C and 3.3°C in the winter which is quite cold and worthy of protecting yourself against. About two-thirds of the year is frost-free.

Accommodations

The town is a very rapidly popularizing destination for domestic travelers as well as outsiders. As such, there are many accommodation choices to choose from. Hotels, inns, and budget hotels are all available depending on your personal preference. Even in low travel seasons, many of the hotels may be fully booked due to Wuzhen’s attractiveness, so it is advised to book your spaces as early as possible.

Wuzhen Day Trip Route

It takes about 7 hours to see all the attractions in this day trip route, so it is suggested to arrive at the Wuzhen Water Town as early as possible.