Wuzhen

Open to visitors since 2001, Wuzhen appears less artificial than some of the other water towns because of the sympathetic restoration it has undergone instead of wholesale rebuilding and renovation. The town lies on the Grand Canal in the north-east of Zhejiang province, about 140km from Shanghai and 90 minutes by road. Entry is ¥100, or ¥145 including return bus travel from Shanghai. A private car and guide costs ¥1,500. Besides its many old waterside houses, Wuzhen’s main attractions include the Qing-era former residence of celebrated writer Mao Dun, the Xiu Zhen Guan Taoist Temple, dating back to the Northern Song Dynasty, and a pair of old bridges – Tongji and Renji – each of which can be viewed through the other. Fanglu Pavilion is one of Wuzhen’s most noted teahouses.­­­­

Newsletter Subscription