Wuzhen May Day Holiday: A 3-Day, 2-Night Spontaneous Trip
Wuzhen May Day 3-Day, 2-Night Spontaneous Trip
Preliminary Preparations
1. Itinerary Planning: Wuzhen is divided into the East Scenic Area and the West Scenic Area. The East Scenic Area preserves the original water town life, while the West Scenic Area offers charming night views and abundant attractions. Plan your itinerary in advance for a more efficient trip.
2. Booking: Wuzhen receives a large number of tourists during the May Day holiday, so book tickets, accommodation, and transportation in advance. You can book tickets on the official website of Wuzhen Scenic Area or via travel apps. Tickets for the East Scenic Area cost CNY 110, tickets for the West Scenic Area cost CNY 150, and combined tickets cost CNY 190. For accommodation, we recommend the riverside guesthouses in the West Scenic Area. Book 3 weeks in advance to enjoy services such as morning tea and boat rentals. Riverside rooms start from CNY 200 per night. For a more comfortable stay, the Tis Shang Resort Hotel offers smart mattresses and free shuttle service for around CNY 600 per night.
3. Packing: Bring your ID card, phone charger, camera, and comfortable shoes for walking on the stone paths. The temperature in Wuzhen during May Day is 15–25°C, so pack a light jacket. Check the weather forecast in advance and bring an umbrella. If you like taking photos, bring Hanfu or cheongsam, which perfectly match the Jiangnan charm of Wuzhen.
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive in Wuzhen in the afternoon, check in to the hotel, and take a short rest before heading to the East Scenic Area. Stroll along Fengyuan Double Bridge, experience the charm of the water town, and visit the Mu Xin Former Residence Memorial Hall to learn about Mu Xin's artistic life. Then, visit the Jiangnan Hundred Beds Museum, Jiangnan Folk Customs Museum, Hongyuantai Dyeing Workshop, and other attractions to experience the rich history, culture, and folk customs of Wuzhen. In the evening, return to the hotel area and savor local delicacies such as Wuzhen soy-sauce duck, Dingsheng cake, and plain white fish for an authentic Wuzhen culinary experience.
- Day 2: Start a beautiful day in the West Scenic Area. First, go to the Caomu Bense Dyeing Workshop to experience tie-dyeing and make your own blue printed cloth. Then, visit the Floating Market, experience the lively atmosphere of morning tea, and enjoy delicacies such as fresh meat and bamboo shoot siu mai, while enjoying Pingtan performances. Next, visit attractions such as Lingshui House, Zhaoming Academy, and the Chinese National Music Theatre. In the afternoon, enjoy tea by the window at the Qiao Li Qiao Teahouse and watch boats glide across the clear water. At 6:50 p.m., embark on a relaxing evening cruise to admire the dazzling lights and experience the romantic night view of Wuzhen.
- Day 3: Wake up early to enjoy the tranquility of the West Scenic Area in the morning, then pack your bags and check out. If you have time, you can stroll around the scenic area and buy some souvenirs, such as blue printed cloth products and wood carvings. Afterward, return home, concluding your pleasant Wuzhen trip.
Transportation Guide
1. High-Speed Rail: Take the high-speed train from your departure city to Tongxiang Station. The travel time depends on your departure city. After arriving at Tongxiang Station, take bus K282 directly to Wuzhen Bus Station. The bus ticket costs CNY 10, and the journey takes about 1 hour. You can also take a taxi from Tongxiang Station directly to your hotel. The taxi fare is around CNY 100.
2. Bus: Some cities have direct buses to Wuzhen. For example, from Shanghai, there are buses from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Departure stations include the South Long-Distance Bus Station, Shanghai Tourist Distribution Center, and Pudong Airport. The journey takes 2–3 hours, and the ticket price is around CNY 60. Wuzhen Bus Station is very close to the scenic area. You can search and book tickets on platforms such as Trip.com.
Food Recommendations
1. Wuzhen Soy-Sauce Duck: With its reddish-brown color, tender texture, and rich soy-sauce aroma, this is Wuzhen's signature dish. You can find it in many restaurants, such as some of the Shanghai-style restaurants in the West Scenic Area.
2. Dingsheng Cake: With its delicate appearance, soft texture, and subtle sweetness, this cake symbolizes good luck. It is usually sold at street food stalls.
3. Plain White Fish: With its tender meat and delicious flavor, steaming is the best way to preserve its original taste. You can enjoy this water town specialty at restaurants in the scenic area.
4. Gusao Cake: Sweet and savory, crispy and delicious, this is a traditional Wuzhen pastry. It can be purchased as a souvenir at specialty stores in the scenic area.
5. Shusheng Mutton Noodles: With chewy noodles, tender mutton, and rich broth, this is a warming and delicious dish for winter. You can find it at local noodle restaurants.