Dragon Boat Festival Getaway: A 3-Day Trip to Hangzhou and Wuzhen!

Immerse yourself in the poetic charm of Jiangnan over three leisurely days 🌿🚤 In just three days, explore three iconic ancient towns in Jiangnan: Wuzhen, Nanxun, and Xitang. Then, return to Hangzhou to admire the beauty of West Lake and savor authentic Hangzhou cuisine. This journey captures the essence of water towns and the elegance of the city, leaving unforgettable memories. 🗓️ Itinerary DAY 1｜Arrival in Hangzhou → Wuzhen Xizha 📍 Highlights: Art, ancient streets, and night views After arriving in Hangzhou, head to [Wuzhen Xizha]. Adjust your visit based on your arrival time. 🎨 Muxin Art Museum: A perfect blend of art and architectural aesthetics, worth a detailed visit. 🚶♀️ Stroll through ancient streets and along riverside wooden houses to experience the serene charm of the water town. 🚣♀️ Take a traditional sculling boat ride, gliding under ancient bridges and weeping willows. 🌃 Enjoy local delicacies for dinner within Xizha, followed by a night view stroll or a drink at a riverside bar. 🔸 Photo Tip: Capture reflections under Xizha's stone bridges and the illuminated water surface at night. DAY 2｜Morning in Xizha → Nanxun → Xitang 📍 Highlights: Scholarly gardens, ancient town hopping, and nighttime wishes 🌅 Take a morning walk in Xizha. The tranquil morning light is perfect for photography. 🚗 Head to [Nanxun Ancient Town]. 📚 Jiayetang Library: One of Jiangnan's most beautiful libraries, with impressive architecture. 🏡 Xiaolianzhuang: A classical garden with pavilions and ponds creating a picturesque scene. In the afternoon, proceed to [Xitang Ancient Town]. 🚶♀️ Wander through ancient streets and visit [Drunken Garden] to soak in the rich Jiangnan garden atmosphere. 🍲 For dinner, choose a riverside restaurant to dine while enjoying the view. 🎐 At night, release river lanterns and make a wish. The reflection of red lanterns on the water creates a stunning ambiance. DAY 3｜Xitang → Hangzhou 📍 Highlights: West Lake scenery, ancient temples, and food & shopping 🚗 Return to Hangzhou from Xitang. 🏞️ Visit [West Lake]: Stroll along Bai Causeway and Su Causeway, admire the Broken Bridge in Snow, or rent a boat to explore the lake. 🛕 Explore [Lingyin Temple]: A solemn ancient temple with vibrant incense offerings. You can pray or admire the stone-carved Buddha statues. 🍽️ Enjoy Hangzhou cuisine for dinner by West Lake. 🛍️ After dinner, shop at [Hubin Yintai] and don't miss the West Lake Music Fountain to conclude your trip perfectly. 🍴 Must-Try Foods｜Top 2 Picks in Each Location Wuzhen Braised Duck: Marinated in old brine, savory with a hint of sweetness, and tender yet firm. Dingsheng Cake: Pink rice cake with a glutinous base and osmanthus fragrance, sweet but not cloying. Xitang Gorgon Cake: Chewy and flavorful, available in original, osmanthus, or sesame flavors. Jiaxing Yellow Wine: Brewed from glutinous rice, rich and mellow, perfect for warming up in winter. Hangzhou West Lake Vinegar Fish: A perfect balance of sweet and sour, with tender, non-fishy fish meat, representing Hangzhou cuisine. Dongpo Pork: A mix of lean and fatty meat that melts in your mouth. It's said to pair best with a bit of wine. 📌 Tips: - Stay within Xizha in Wuzhen for a more immersive experience. - Visit Xitang in the evening to avoid daytime crowds. - Jiangnan ancient towns offer many street snacks, but for main meals, choose riverside restaurants with window seats. - West Lake has multiple sections. Allocate at least half a day for a leisurely visit.