Impressions of Dongzha: A Journey through the Time-Honored Water Towns of Jiangnan

In a corner of southeastern China, there hides a water town that seems to have stepped right out of an ancient painting—Dongzha. Here, time strolls gently over the cobblestone paths, each alley harboring endless stories, each ancient bridge a link between past and present. Dongzha, as a part of Wuzhen, with its uncarved natural beauty and profound cultural heritage, has become an unforgettable haven in the hearts of travelers. Must-Visit Attractions • Indigo Fabric Workshop: Step into this blue world as if traveling back to an ancient dyeing workshop. Watch the cloth fluttering in the wind, feel the charm of traditional handicrafts, and perhaps try your hand at the fun of printing and dyeing, taking home a unique piece of indigo fabric as a memory of your journey. • Mao Dun's Former Residence: The birthplace of the literary master Mr. Mao Dun, a typical Jiangnan-style residence. By visiting, you can not only learn about Mr. Mao Dun's life but also deeply appreciate the elegance and tranquility of a scholarly family. • Ancient Stage: Located at the center of the old street, it is an excellent place to experience the culture of Jiangnan opera. If lucky, you may also enjoy an authentic Yue opera performance, with the water sleeves fluttering on stage and the fragrance of tea wafting from below, immersing the audience completely. Detailed Address Dongzha is located in Wuzhen, Tongxiang City, Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, China, specifically in the Wuzhen Dongzha Scenic Area. Transportation Tips • Self-driving: Depart from Hangzhou or Shanghai, take the Shanghai-Kunming Expressway to the Shenjiahu Expressway, exit at the Wuzhen exit, and follow the road signs to reach the Dongzha Scenic Area, which takes about 2 hours. • Public transportation: Take the high-speed train to Tongxiang Station, transfer to bus K281 to Wuzhen Bus Station, then walk or take the scenic shuttle bus to Dongzha, which is convenient and fast. Food Recommendations • Whitebait: Not eating whitebait in Wuzhen is like not having been there at all. The fish is fresh and tender, steamed to preserve the original flavor of the ingredients, making it the perfect choice to taste the flavor of the Jiangnan water towns. • Dingsheng Cake: Attractive in color, soft and sweet, it's not only delicious but also symbolizes good fortune, making it a star product among Dongzha snacks, not to be missed. • Sanbai Wine: A special product of Wuzhen, made from glutinous rice, wheat, and Jianhu water, the wine is rich and mellow, with a sip seemingly tasting a thousand years of historical sediment. Recommended Nearby Attractions • Xizha: Compared to Dongzha, Xizha is more commercialized, with particularly enchanting night views. At night, Xizha is dazzling with lights, and the boats drift gently, offering a unique flavor. • Nanzha Old Street: Compared to Dongzha and Xizha, Nanzha is more primitive and quiet. Strolling here, you can better appreciate the charm of the Jiangnan water towns that has not been completely invaded by commerce. • Wucun: Not far from Dongzha, it is a rural tourism complex that combines pastoral scenery with leisure and entertainment, suitable for family trips, and offers the fun of picking and farming. Dongzha is a flowing ink painting, every scene worth slowing down to savor. Here, time seems to become soft and slow, allowing one to forget the troubles of the world, only wishing to indulge in this simplicity and tranquility. With this travel guide, embark on an impromptu journey to Dongzha, and let your soul gently ripple in the soft waves of Jiangnan.