Jiaxing

Jiaxing is a small Jiangnan city that is perfect for leisurely wandering and eating. It has both the gentle charm of a water-town old town and a rich historical and cultural heritage. Here is a classic 3-day, 2-night itinerary for you: unhurried, yet still immersive!

Recommended Three-Day Itinerary

• Day 1: Urban Culture and Water-Town Charm

Arrive in Jiaxing in the morning and head to Nanhu Lake Scenic Area (take a boat from Huijingyuan Pier to Mid-Lake Island, 20 yuan/person round trip). Check in at the Red Boat and Yanyu Tower, then walk to Nanhu Revolutionary Memorial Hall (free, ID required) to experience the city’s revolutionary history. In the afternoon, visit Zicheng Site Park and the Gothic-style Catholic Church, both great for photos. In the evening, go to Yuehe Historical District for dinner, enjoy the water-town night views, and browse the flower and bird market.

• Day 2: In-Depth Tour of Wuzhen

Spend the whole day at Wuzhen Xizha (staying inside the scenic area is recommended, as you can enter and exit multiple times). Visit Muxin Art Museum in the morning (closed on Mondays), have tea and enjoy the view at Qiaoliqiao Teahouse in the afternoon, watch the waterside light and shadow show at dusk, and experience a rowboat ride and the old town’s night scenery in the evening.

• Day 3: Old-Town Leisure or Natural Scenery

Option A: Go to Xitang Ancient Town to experience the Covered Corridor in the Misty Rain and Bar Street, then return in the afternoon. Option B: Visit Puyuan Fashion Ancient Town to see Southern Song-style architecture, or go to Shendang Town in Haiyan for a cup of coffee, seaside wind turbines, and a relaxed pace.

Must-Visit Attractions

Jiaxing’s attractions are divided into free urban areas and paid ancient towns nearby, so you can choose flexibly based on your budget and schedule.

Local Food List

Jiaxing cuisine is centered on carbohydrates and fresh, mildly sweet flavors. The following well-regarded local spots are worth trying:

Accommodation and Transportation Guide

• Transportation: For high-speed rail, prioritize Jiaxing Railway Station (close to the city center and Nanhu Lake, 10 minutes by taxi). Do not choose Jiaxing South Railway Station (more than 10 km from the city center). Within the city, the T1 tram line or shared bikes are recommended; for nearby ancient towns, take intercity buses.
• Accommodation: The best choice is near Nanhu Lake/Yuehe, with convenient transport and lots of food nearby. If you want an in-depth Wuzhen experience, stay inside the Xizha scenic area. If you prefer good value, choose a guesthouse inside Xitang Ancient Town.

Pitfall-Avoidance Tips

• Internet-famous snacks inside the ancient towns tend to be overpriced, so ask locals more often for authentic small eateries.
• When buying specialties such as zongzi and blue calico, compare several shops and do not trust exaggerated sales claims too readily.
• Jiangnan weather is changeable, so in spring and summer be sure to carry an umbrella for both sun and rain; mornings and evenings can be much cooler, so bring a jacket.
• If you go to Yanguan in Haining to see the Qiantang River tidal bore, be sure to check the tide table in advance; at ordinary times, it is just a regular riverside.