Top 10 Best Things to Do in Jiaxing



叽里呱啦派大星

Wuzhen, the Water Town: A Jiangnan Narrative Traversing Bygone Eras and Artistic Dreams When you think of Jiangnan water towns, Wuzhen is always the first name that comes to mind. It's not just a geographical location, but a sentiment, a collective imagination of "small bridges, flowing water, and traditional houses." I once traveled there with this imagination, and when I returned, my suitcase no longer contained vague longings, but real memories soaked in the river, warmed by the lights, and touched by the culture. This was not just a trip, but an immersive reading of the poetic life of Jiangnan. Morning Light and Fireworks: The Original Colors of Life in Dongzha My time in Wuzhen began in the morning in Dongzha. Unlike the uniformly renovated and exquisitely picturesque Xizha, Dongzha preserves a more vibrant "life in progress." As the first rays of sunlight slant onto the eaves of the Fengyuan Twin Bridges, the residents on both sides of the river have already begun their day. Piece by piece, the wooden doors along the water's edge are removed, revealing the full view of the general stores or breakfast stalls inside; an old man leisurely lights a coal stove at his doorway, the smoke mingling with the water vapor from the river; a boatwoman wearing a blue-dyed cloth headscarf rows her boat under the stone bridge, scattering golden light across the river. The pace here is slow, the sounds are old, and the air is filled with the aroma of old wooden houses, damp stone slabs, and home-cooked meals. Walking through the alleys of Dongzha is like stepping into a weighty history book. At Mao Dun's former residence, I glimpsed the childhood scenes of the literary giant; the simple furnishings silently told the story of his lofty ambitions. And at the blue-dyed cloth workshop, the high-hanging, azure fabrics flutter in the wind, like a frozen sky, where the ancient tie-dyeing technique is vividly preserved. The beauty of Dongzha lies in this "unrefined" authenticity. It may lack uniformity, but it's brimming with vibrant, down-to-earth human warmth, making it the best textbook for understanding the original form of a "water town." Sunset and Lanterns: A Poem of Light and Shadow Under Xizha If Dongzha is a simple prose poem, then Xizha is a meticulously crafted lyric poem. Stepping into Xizha in the afternoon, the atmosphere suddenly becomes tranquil and artistic. The buildings here have been carefully restored; the wooden waterside pavilions from the Ming and Qing dynasties stretch for miles, reflected on the mirror-like river, their lines clear and beautiful. You can wander aimlessly, experience the elegance of an ancient academy at Zhaoming Academy, or send a postcard to your future self from the old post office. However, the soul of Xizha belongs to the night. As the sun sets, the magic moment arrives. The lights on both sides of the river illuminate one after another, not with dazzling neon, but with warm yellow, twinkling lights, gently outlining the contours of eaves, bridge arches, and willow branches. At this time, taking a rowboat is a must-do experience. The oars slice through the river, its surface shimmering like silk under the lights, making a soft, rhythmic sound as the boat navigates under bridges and through tunnels. People on the banks admire the scenery and the lights, while you, on the boat, observe them, becoming part of this flowing scroll of life. This scene perfectly embodies the meaning of "being immersed in a painting."

行走在民间的艺术家

Xitang, nestled by the water, offers a stolen moment of tranquility. Stepping into Xitang is like stepping into a watercolor painting. The cobblestone streets, polished smooth by time, creak underfoot, like the ancient town whispering tales of a thousand years. Black-awning boats glide swaying on the emerald water, their oars shattering the reflections on the surface, and also silencing the hustle and bustle of the world. The covered walkways, long and short, connect along the streets, providing shade on sunny days and shelter from the rain, embodying the most comfortable daily life of the people of Xitang. Elderly people sit on bamboo chairs under the walkways, chatting and fanning themselves; the sweet aroma of water chestnut cakes and the refreshing scent of green bean tea waft from the shops, enticing you to stop and linger. Turning into the deep alleys, old houses with white walls and black tiles are scattered in a charmingly disordered manner, their mottled walls covered with ivy, exuding a gentle warmth of time amidst the lush greenery. As dusk falls, Xitang transforms. Red lanterns lit up one after another, their warm yellow glow spreading across the river and reflecting in the water like a flowing galaxy. Melodious songs drifted from the riverside taverns, carried on the evening breeze, intoxicating the tourists and enchanting the Jiangnan night. No need to rush to see the sights, no need to hurry. In Xitang, simply slow down, stroll along the riverbank, watch the boats come and go, watch the clouds drift by. Those little surprises hidden in the alleyways, those leisurely moments infused with the everyday life, are what make Xitang so captivating.

D10***38

This ancient town offers exceptional value for money. While it's not as crowded as Zhouzhuang or Wuzhen, the scenery is just as stunning, and transportation is very convenient. It's a great place for taking photos. For guests staying overnight in the ancient town, a one-on-one travel concierge service is provided. The hostess, Xiaoyinxingwanwan, is incredibly enthusiastic and attentive to every detail.

Carrie-cubic

This was the most enjoyable place we visited this year. My child is now obsessed with these immersive NPC experiences. He asks me every day where else we can find something similar. We took him to an escape room, and he still wants more. It seems like this experience really raises his bar. The NPCs are incredibly engaged, and there are tons of story quests. The scenery is also absolutely beautiful. We absolutely loved it!

跳跳老爷

Nanhu Lake is not only beautiful, but also filled with historical stories, particularly those related to the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China. There's even a museum there. The scenery is closely integrated with revolutionary education. A guided tour is highly recommended.

Anonymous user

The Halloween carnival was amazing! Parking was convenient, tickets were reasonably priced, and the chocolates inside were delicious 😋. I highly recommend going if there are any special events.

晨光2023

Haining Yanguan Resort is located in Haining City, Zhejiang Province. With Yanguan Ancient Town as its core, it has unique seaside scenery and rich historical and cultural heritage. There are many ancient monuments such as ancient towers and ancient streets in the scenic area, as well as food and handicrafts. Visitors can feel the strong historical and cultural atmosphere and Shanghai style here. It is a good place for vacation and leisure.

Anonymous user

I've never seen such a desolate 4A-level tourist attraction, practically deserted, but the visitor center is incredibly well-built. It's a good place to experience the desolate beauty of dilapidated old houses covered in creepers. Photography enthusiasts can also create some great photos. It's a shame you can't enter the old houses, otherwise, horror games like ancient escape rooms wouldn't need set designs, and it would be really atmospheric.