- Wuzhen (乌镇, Wūzhèn) is an ancient water town in Zhejiang Province, founded in 872 CE.
- It is nicknamed the “Venice of the East” for its network of canals and bridges, which connect to the historic Grand Canal.
- The town is divided into districts, with most visitors focusing on Dongzha (East Area) and Xizha (West Area).
- Wuzhen is famous for traditional architecture, local fish dishes, silk production, opera, and shadow plays.
- Spring is generally the best season to visit, and Wuzhen has hosted the World Internet Conference since 2014.
Called the Venice of the East for its historic canals, Wuzhen Water Town (乌镇 Wūzhèn) is an amazing Chinese travel destination known for its architectural masterpieces, scenic rivers, colorful festivals, and mouthwatering local cuisine.
There is so much to see and do in this beautiful ancient water town that it belongs on any serious traveler’s bucket list. It also makes a rewarding stop for anyone hoping to Learn Chinese in China while exploring the country’s living heritage.
01 What is Wuzhen Water Town?
Wuzhen Water Town, or simply Wuzhen, is an ancient water town in Zhejiang Province, just south of the Yangtze River. It sits within a triangle formed by three of China’s most famous cities: Suzhou, Shanghai, and Hangzhou.
The town is 140km (87 miles) from Shanghai and 80km (50 miles) from both Suzhou and Hangzhou. Wuzhen was founded in 872 CE, and many of its ancient buildings have remained intact for hundreds of years.
This water town has six districts and an estimated total surface area of 27.49 square miles (71.19 square kilometers). It has a population of 60,000, of whom only 12,000 are permanent residents.
Wuzhen is well known within China as the home of artists, writers, and intellectuals who settled there during the Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties. It is also the site of the former residence of Mao Dun, a 20th-century essayist, playwright, and journalist born in the town.
Mao Dun’s ancestral home was renovated in 1984 and is now open to the public, a fitting tribute given the town’s deep ties to Chinese literature. Today, Wuzhen is praised for its ancient charm, rich history, abundant rice and fish, and picturesque scenery.
02 What makes Wuzhen Water Town famous?
Wuzhen is famous for many things. Here are some of the highlights.
Traditional Chinese architecture
Thanks to its well-preserved traditional architecture, visitors to Wuzhen can feel as if they have traveled back in time. The region was extremely prosperous throughout much of its history, and that wealth is reflected in the elegant wood carvings and stonework that adorn its ancient buildings.
The town also showcases its beauty through the many stone pathways that tie the ancient houses and canals together.
Canals and bridges
Wuzhen is called the Venice of the East for good reason. As the name “water town” suggests, it is crisscrossed by a network of canals that connect to the oldest and longest canal in the world, the Grand Canal, which runs beside the town.
In ancient times, the 1,118-mile Grand Canal connected Hangzhou and Beijing and facilitated trade between the two cities. Wuzhen benefited from its proximity to the canal, which helped it grow into a prosperous regional trading center.
In 2014, the Grand Canal was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it remains a must-see for visitors. Wuzhen is also famous for its picturesque bridges, the most well-known being the Bridge within a Bridge, made up of the Renji and Tongji bridges, each visible through the arch of the other.
Local delicacies
Reflecting its watery roots, Wuzhen’s most famous dishes are fish dishes, particularly baishui fish, which can be steamed, fried, or boiled. The town also serves flavorful specialties such as qingtuan (glutinous rice with barley grass), soy sauce mutton, and round gusao baked rolls.
Other local favorites include fried fermented tofu, seasoned duck, and ginseng cake. Sampling these dishes alongside a cup of Chinese tea is a delicious way to slow down and absorb the town’s atmosphere.
Markets and feasts
A visit to any Chinese town isn’t complete without experiencing a local market and joining a traditional feast, and Wuzhen is no exception. During winter, you can enjoy the Long Street Feast, where people gather around a long table for a banquet.
In the summer months, you can watch local farmers selling fresh fruits and vegetables from their boats at Wuzhen’s traditional Floating Market.
Free Wi-Fi
Although Wuzhen has always maintained its traditional Chinese heritage, it has also continued to evolve. Today, visitors and locals alike can access free Wi-Fi anywhere within the town.
World Internet Conference
Since 2014, Wuzhen has hosted the World Internet Conference, now widely known as the Wuzhen Summit. This annual event, organized by top Chinese government agencies, focuses on global internet policies and challenges.
03 Dongzha (East Area)
The waterways that run through Wuzhen naturally divide the town into four sections: Dongzha, Nanzha, Xizha, and Beizha. Many travelers prefer to spend most of their time exploring the Dongzha (East Area) and Xizha (West Area).
The Dongzha area is a popular section filled with museums, exhibition centers, and entertainment venues. Its name comes from the fact that it sits east of the Shi River.
During peak periods like Golden Week, the East Area can get very crowded, so it’s best to avoid major Chinese holidays. Mornings are ideal, when the river is shrouded in mist and locals can be seen burning honeycomb briquettes.
Dongzha’s key attractions include the following.
Martial arts
What is China without martial arts? In the East Area, there is no better place to experience the art of kung fu up close.
Don’t be surprised to catch martial arts performances taking place on boxing boats, with drums and gongs accompanying the action. The performers wear traditional kung fu attire and carry swords and other classic Chinese weapons.
Museums
While exploring the East Area, be sure to visit China’s first antique bed museum, the Ancient Bed Museum. There you can learn about exquisite Chinese antique beds, some dating back to the Ming dynasty (1368–1644).
You can also visit the Folk Custom Museum to learn about Wuzhen’s ancient customs surrounding weddings, seasonal changes, birthdays, and childbirth during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Chinese wine distillery
Wuzhen takes pride in its wine-brewing tradition. During the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), the town began brewing Sanbai Wine, a soft, mellow alcoholic drink.
You can sample this traditional brew at the Sanbai Wine Distillery Workshop.
Bamboo pole climbing
For lovers of acrobatics, no experience quite matches Wuzhen’s thrilling bamboo pole climbing demonstration. Weather permitting, you can catch this 15-minute act starting at 10:30 am or 2:30 pm.
Shadow Play Theater
The Shadow Play Theater offers the chance to watch shadow puppet shows on a large screen. Performances of this traditional art are often accompanied by instruments like the gong, erhu, and flute.
You can catch a 10-minute performance daily between 10:30 am and 11:20 am, or 1:00 pm and 4:30 pm.
Huagu Opera (Flower-Drum Opera)
Huagu Opera is a gripping local drama that walks you through stories of rural life in the Wuzhen area. It is accompanied by live music performed in the local dialect and features traditional costumes.
You can catch a 30-minute performance any time between 9:00 am and 4:30 pm.
04 Xizha (West Area)
The West Area is less crowded than the East Area, so it offers more room to move. It is also quite charming, thanks to its elegant bridges and ancient buildings.
Xizha’s streets are lined with guest houses, shops, and arts-and-crafts centers, and the area is especially beautiful at night when it is brilliantly lit. Evenings are always a great time to visit the West Area.
There is plenty to see and do in Xizha. Here are the highlights.
Wuzhen Grand Theater
The Wuzhen Grand Theater is everything you would expect from a historic cultural center. This architectural masterpiece blends the cultural diversity of north and south so you can experience the true beauty of China.
From local operas and classic films to storytelling, the theater offers a variety of memorable cultural experiences in a serene atmosphere.
Footbinding Museum
Foot binding refers to the once-widespread Chinese practice of binding and breaking young girls’ feet to make them smaller. In ancient times, bound feet were seen by some as a status symbol and even a mark of beauty.
Head to the Chinese Footbinding Culture Museum to learn more about this painful practice. Though banned in 1912, it still persisted in some parts of China up to the 1950s.
Wuzhen Water Market
Once an important transport hub, Wuzhen’s Water Market is now a thriving market for townsfolk and a popular stop for visitors hoping to soak up some local color. Visiting allows you to shop for the freshest groceries, take eye-catching photos, and even learn how to prepare local dishes.
If you want to experience life in Wuzhen first-hand, consider booking a room with a local family near the market. After shopping for vegetables, you can bring them home and learn to cook traditional dishes with help from your hosts.
Yadi Silk Workshop
Wuzhen is famous for its silk production, and there is no better place to learn about it than the Yadi Silk Workshop. There you can explore every step of the silk-making process, from planting mulberry trees to weaving the finished cloth.
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05 Weather, best times to travel, and what to wear
Spring (March–May)
Spring is generally the best time to visit Wuzhen, as temperatures range from 62 to 80°F (16.7 to 26.7°C) and feel quite comfortable. The spring mist also makes the town especially scenic during this season.
Women can wear comfortable dresses, skirts, cropped pants, jeans, light jackets, and sandals or boots. Men can opt for t-shirts, jeans, long pants, a light jacket, and comfortable shoes.
Summer (June–September)
In summer, Wuzhen is often crowded and there is a risk of heat stroke, as temperatures climb to 80 to 93°F (26.7 to 33.9°C). For these reasons, summer is not the best time to visit the water town.
Fall (September–November)
Visiting Wuzhen in the fall is ideal if you prefer cool weather of 42 to 54°F (5.6 to 12.2°C). A fall trip also lets you enjoy beautifully clear skies.
During this season, consider wearing a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, a light sweater or jacket, and comfortable shoes.
Winter (December–March)
Winter weather in Wuzhen is freezing, at 33 to 45°F (0.6 to 7.2°C), but it is also usually the driest time of year. That makes winter a great choice if you prefer a less crowded season.
In general, you should dress warmly in winter. Consider packing a thick sweater and a down jacket.
06 How to get to Wuzhen
By plane
To reach Wuzhen by plane, first arrive at Hangzhou Airport, then take a 1.9-hour bus ride to the water town.
By bus
You can catch a bus to Wuzhen Bus Station from several nearby hubs:
- Tongxiang Train Station (40 minutes)
- Shanghai Bus Station (2 hours)
- Hangzhou East Bus Station (50 minutes)
- Suzhou (1.5 hours)
- Nanjing (3.5 hours)
Once you arrive at Wuzhen Bus Station, you have a couple of options:
- A 5-minute bus ride to the East Area, or a 15-minute walk
- A 10-minute bus ride to the West Area, or a 30-minute walk
By train
You can also catch a bullet train from several major cities:
- Tongxiang (25-minute train ride + 20-minute cab ride)
- Shanghai (40-minute train ride + 20-minute cab ride)
- Suzhou (1.5-hour train ride)
- Nanjing (2-hour train ride to Tongxiang)
07 Useful Wuzhen travel vocabulary
The following terms will help you talk about Wuzhen and other water towns while traveling. For more phrases to use on the road, see our guide to Chinese travel phrases.
| Chinese | Pinyin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 乌镇 | Wuzhen (the water town) | |
| 水乡 | Water town; land of rivers and canals | |
| 古镇 | Ancient town | |
| 运河 | Canal | |
| 石桥 | Stone bridge | |
| 东栅 | Dongzha; the East Area | |
| 西栅 | Xizha; the West Area | |
| 皮影戏 | Shadow puppet play | |
| 丝绸 | Silk |
08 FAQ
When was Wuzhen founded?
Wuzhen was founded in 872 CE. Many of its ancient buildings have survived intact for hundreds of years.
Where is Wuzhen located?
Wuzhen is in Zhejiang Province, just south of the Yangtze River. It sits within a triangle formed by Suzhou, Shanghai, and Hangzhou.
Why is Wuzhen called the Venice of the East?
The nickname refers to the network of canals that crisscross the town. These waterways connect to the Grand Canal, the world’s oldest and longest canal.
What is the best time of year to visit Wuzhen?
Spring is generally considered the best season, thanks to comfortable temperatures and scenic mist. Winter is a good alternative for travelers who want to avoid the crowds.
What is the difference between Dongzha and Xizha?
Dongzha (East Area) is known for museums, performances, and daytime sightseeing, but it can get crowded. Xizha (West Area) is quieter and especially beautiful at night when it is illuminated.
09 Final thoughts
Visit Wuzhen to experience the richness of Chinese culture, savor delicious local dishes, and marvel at ancient architectural gems. It is a place to learn and have fun, and its proximity to China’s major coastal cities makes it a convenient getaway.
If you are visiting Wuzhen, you may also be planning trips to nearby cities. If so, explore CLI’s related travel guides, such as the Shanghai Bund and Suzhou’s traditional gardens, or browse our roundup of the best places to visit in China.
