Experience the timeless charm of Wuzhen with this two-day itinerary that captures the essence of this ancient water town. Begin your journey exploring the East and West Zha areas, where traditional craftsmanship and serene landscapes await. From visiting historic sites like the Jiangnan Folk Museum and the renowned Hongyuan Tai Dye Workshop to enjoying the picturesque evening boat rides on the West Zha, this guide offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion and relaxation. Discover the unique local flavors and cozy accommodations that make Wuzhen a memorable destination.
Day 1: Jiangnan Folk Museum > Hongyuantai Dye Workshop > Mao Dun’s Former Residence > Jiangnan Wood Carving Museum > West Zha Night Tour
Arrive in Wuzhen from Tongxiang Passenger Center or Tongxiang Railway Station by taking Bus No. 281/k281, with a travel time of approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour. Begin your exploration around 10:00 AM. It is recommended to purchase a combined ticket for the scenic spots, which offers good value. Spend the morning visiting the East Zha Scenic Area, including the Jiangnan Folk Museum (about 30 minutes), Hongyuantai Dye Workshop (about 30 minutes to 1 hour), Mao Dun’s Former Residence (about 30 minutes), and Jiangnan Wood Carving Museum (about 30 minutes). These attractions provide a deep insight into local customs and offer hands-on experiences.
Since traveling in the morning can be tiring and you will likely see other attractions along the way, expect to finish visiting these spots by the afternoon. As East Zha and West Zha are not far apart, if you’re up for it, walk to your hotel in West Zha for a brief rest. In the evening, enjoy a traditional boat ride to view the night scenery, which is a relaxing and charming experience.
Accommodation: Stay in West Zha for convenience, allowing you to explore the night scenes and prepare for the next day’s activities. The Wuzhen West Zha Zhang Shushu Inn (章叔叔客栈) is a good choice, offering authentic pricing and free shuttle service from Tongxiang Railway Station to Wuzhen Bus Station from 8 AM to 8 PM, making your return trip easier. For a homestay experience, consider Wuzhen 1992 Themed Homestay (乌镇1992主题民宿), located near the entrance of the second scenic area in West Zha, with convenient parking.
Dining: Braised Duck, Red Braised Lamb Noodles, Qingtuan (Green Rice Balls)
Dining Recommendations: Try the century-old restaurant San Zhen Zhai (三珍斋酒楼), founded during the Qing Dynasty, located outside the East Zha Scenic Area, on the road to Hanlin Mansion. Their signature dishes include braised duck and red braised lamb noodles, with tender and flavorful duck legs at reasonable prices. For snacks, try Wuzhen Qingtuan, a local specialty with three flavors: traditional red bean, yellow bean, and pickled vegetable with dried tofu. The red bean variety features a coarser bean paste with a fragrant and sticky outer layer, freshly made and perfect to take home as a souvenir.
Day 2: Exploring West Zha: Water Market > Xu Chang Soy Sauce Workshop > Yi Da Silk Workshop
On the second day, focus on exploring the West Zha Scenic Area. You can start your day early around 7:00 AM to enjoy the serene morning scenery of the water town, or you can sleep in and start your exploration later. The key attractions in West Zha include the Water Market (about 1 hour), Xu Chang Soy Sauce Workshop (about 0.5 hours), and Yi Da Silk Workshop (about 1 hour).
The Water Market was traditionally a place where Wuzhen residents would row boats to sell and buy goods. Although the market is not held daily anymore, there are still periodic markets, and you can also enjoy the koi viewing area along the boardwalk. Xu Chang Soy Sauce Workshop, established in the ninth year of the Qing Dynasty’s Xianfeng reign, is the oldest soy sauce workshop in Wuzhen. Yi Da Silk Workshop showcases the entire process of silk production, from mulberry cultivation and sericulture to silk reeling and weaving. You can see centuries-old mulberry trees, watch silkworms grow and spin their cocoons, try your hand at traditional silk reeling on ancient machines, and admire the exquisite Wuzhen brocade craftsmanship.
By the time you finish exploring these attractions, it will be around noon. If you wish to visit additional sights, you can plan for the afternoon, or alternatively, head back home, arriving in the evening for a delightful home-cooked dinner.
Dining: As it is your last day, consider purchasing some local snacks in West Zha, or enjoy a hearty meal at home after your return.