Just returned from Jiaxing—3 days & 2 nights for only 1.5k per person to explore the water towns!

💰 **Budget Breakdown** ✅ **1,200–1,500 RMB/person** (perfect for students/bestie trips) - **Transport**: Round-trip high-speed rail (Shanghai/Hangzhou → Jiaxing South Station, 30 RMB/way) + local taxis/bike-sharing ≈ **200 RMB** - **Tickets**: Must-visit paid spots (Wuzhen West Scenic Zone + Nanhu Lake boat ride + Meihuazhou) — combo tickets save money ≈ **250 RMB** - **Accommodation**: 2 nights in themed B&Bs/cozy hotels ≈ **400–600 RMB** (splitting doubles the savings!) - **Food**: Local street eats + full meals ≈ **300 RMB** 📌 **Pro tip**: Free spots—Nanhu Lake, Yuehe Old Street, Zicheng Ruins Park! Zero-cost photo ops: Xiangjiadang lakeside cycling & Xiuhu Lakeside picnics. 🌿 **Must-Visit Spots｜July Edition** 1️⃣ **Nanhu Lake · Lotus Extravaganza** - **1,000-acre lotus fields peak in late June!** Arrive before 7 AM for dewdrop-covered petals + dreamy lighting 📸 - **Must-do**: Paddleboat into the blooms (40 RMB/person) + visit the Red Boat (20 RMB boat ticket). 2️⃣ **Wuzhen West Scenic Zone · Nighttime Magic** - **Skip crowds—choose West Zone!** Charter a gondola (60 RMB) after 3 PM through hidden canals. At dusk, lanterns reflect on water—time-travel vibes! - **Hidden photo spots**: Behind Mu Xin Art Museum + indigo-dyed fabric hanging area at Caomu Bense Dyehouse. 3️⃣ **Xiangjiadang · Monet-Inspired Escape** - **Free! Free!** Purple verbena fields + lakeside "beach" digging (bring tools!). Sunset picnics 🌅 - **Family bikes for lakeside rides** (30 RMB/hour)—kids’ energy-burner! 4️⃣ **Meihuazhou · Ancient Village Lotus Charm** - **White walls + black tiles + lotus ponds = Ultimate Jiangnan aesthetic!** Try tie-dyeing or making traditional sweets (40 RMB ticket = worth it!). 🚶 **3D2N Itinerary｜Tested & Efficient** **Day 1: Cultural Stroll** - **AM**: Nanhu Lotus Embankment (arrive by 7 AM) → Climb Yanyu Tower - **Noon**: Braised duck noodles at Nanhu Tiandi (25 RMB/bowl) - **PM**: AR dress-up at Zicheng Ruins Park (epic Hanfu photos!) - **Night**: Yuehe Old Street—devour Zhenzhen Laolao’s pork zongzi (8 RMB) + riverside bar hops. **Day 2: Water Town Immersion** - **All day**: Wuzhen West Zone (leave at 7 AM to dodge crowds) → Mu Xin Art Museum spiral staircase → DIY indigo dyeing → **Stay overnight** (300+ RMB riverside B&B). - **Late-night snack**: Dingsheng cake + Sanbai wine (40 RMB/person). **Day 3: Nature Finale** - **AM**: Xiangjiadang cycling + flower field photos - **PM**: Make mung bean cakes at Meihuazhou (5 RMB/bowl) **OR** chase tidal bores at Yanguan (check tide schedules!). 🍜 **Foodie Alerts｜Carb Overload Warning** 🔥 **Street Eats Hall of Fame**: - **Jiaxing zongzi**: Yuehe’s "Zhenzhen Laolao" broth-infused pork version—juicy & fatty (15 RMB/pc). - **Nanhu water chestnuts**: In season July! Boiled with shells (10 RMB/jin)—creamy & sweet. - **Wine-marinated eggs**: Jelly-like whites + boozy yolk—perfect with congee (15 RMB/box). - **Wenhu braised duck**: Yuehe’s "Lu Gaojian"—sauce-soaked goodness (30 RMB/half duck to-go). 📍 **Hidden gem**: Crab roe noodles (20 RMB) + sweet osmanthus rice balls at Nanmentou Market’s 2nd-floor stall. 🏠 **Stay Smart｜Top Picks** 🏮 **Old-World Vibes**: - **Yuehe Inn**: Ming-Qing style + riverside views (300+ RMB w/ breakfast)—steps from nightlife! - **Wuzhen B&Bs**: "Tong’an Inn" inside West Zone—cobblestone paths + lantern-lit nights = full immersion. 💯 **For Families/Squads**: - **Shuyue Hotel (Yuehe Branch)**: Ocean/space-themed rooms! Play corners + premium bedding (from 225 RMB). - **Jiaxing Nanhu Parisi Hotel**: Gaming/movie rooms—youth hotspot (237 RMB = unbeatable value!).