The Unmissable Beauty of Water Towns

Wuzhen, one of the six ancient towns in Jiangnan, is a dreamlike water town in the hearts of many. The beauty of Wuzhen goes far beyond what online photos can capture—under the morning mist, the water town with its willow trees along the banks and stone-paved paths looks like a painting come to life. Every casual snapshot is a masterpiece. The best way to experience it is to head out at 5:30 AM, walking through the ancient alleys of Wuzhen in the light mist to truly feel the tranquility and timeless charm. 🌊 Highlights of the Nujiang-Wuzhen Itinerary This route offers a mix of the majestic rivers and ecological wetlands of northwest Yunnan and the slow-paced life of Wuzhen's ancient town. Along the way, you'll encounter rich natural and cultural landmarks: traditional Chinese architectural complexes, willow-lined riversides, old streets and ancient bridges by the river. Photography enthusiasts will easily capture stunning scenes! On sunny days, the reflections of buildings on the water are particularly striking, while rainy days evoke the poetic charm of Jiangnan, making it perfect for those who enjoy quiet, leisurely travel. 🌳 Recommended Attractions 1. Wuzhen Ancient Town Area Address: Wuzhen Town, Tongxiang City, Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province Opening Hours: 08:00-17:00 Recommended Activity: Wake up early and stroll through the ancient streets and riversides in the morning mist to avoid crowds and enjoy the most serene moments of the water town. The traditional Chinese architecture in the town is highly photogenic, especially the riverside residences and ancient bridges. 2. Nujiang Riverside Walkway Why Visit: The scenery on both sides of the Nujiang River exceeds expectations. On sunny days, capture distant views; on rainy days, enjoy the ink-painting-like atmosphere. The mix of willow-lined riverbanks and modern architecture is uniquely charming. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and those who love slow-paced exploration. 3. Wuzhen Xizha Scenic Area Address: Xizha, Wuzhen Town, Tongxiang City, Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province Opening Hours: 07:30-21:00 Must-Visit Spots: Stroll along the old streets of Xizha, where various traditional Chinese buildings and stone bridges by the water make for perfect photo opportunities. To avoid crowds, visit early in the morning or in the evening. 4. Jiangnan Water Town Willow Scenery Special Experience: The willow-lined riverbanks are a signature feature of Wuzhen. They are most beautiful in the early morning, and the evening breeze is particularly pleasant. It's the most soothing place for a leisurely walk. 🌤️ Practical Travel Tips - Don't be lazy—wake up at 5:30 AM. The morning mist in Wuzhen, combined with fewer tourists, offers the best experience of the ancient town's slow-paced life. - Photography Tips: Sunny days are great for capturing distant views and water reflections, while rainy days bring out the Jiangnan charm, perfect for close-ups and alley shots. - Clothing Tips: The water town has many stone-paved paths, so wear comfortable flat shoes and bring a lightweight umbrella (for sun protection on sunny days and rain protection on rainy days). Opt for light and breathable clothing. - Recommended Food: Wuzhen tofu pudding, Xizha rice cakes, and Sanbai wine. The old-town specialty snacks are all worth trying. 🚄 Transportation Guide To get from Nujiang to Wuzhen, you can first fly to Shanghai or Hangzhou, then take a high-speed train to Tongxiang Station, and transfer to a bus or taxi to reach Wuzhen. Within Wuzhen, attractions are within walking distance, and some scenic areas are connected by free ferry services, so transportation is not an issue. 🍜 Food Tips The Xizha food street has a great night market vibe. Local specialties like Wuzhen tofu pudding and fermented rice balls are must-tries. In the morning, enjoy a cup of Wuzhen's specialty tea at an old-town teahouse, paired with rice cakes for an authentic experience. The most special feeling about this trip to Wuzhen is the quietness of the early morning and the picturesque original appearance of the water town. If you have the chance, be sure to try heading out early to avoid the crowds and slowly explore the most authentic and poetic ancient town.