Tongxiang is in northern Zhejiang Province in the Hangjiahu Plain hinterland at the intersection of Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou. Tongxiang has a flat terrain, many rivers, and a first-rate natural environment. The historically and culturally renowned town of Wuzhen is in Tongxiang. The residences along the streets of Wuzhen date primarily from the Qing era and are well-preserved. Also in Tongxiang are the Former Residence of Mao Dun, the Luojia Jiao Relic Site, and other Major Historical and Cultural Sites Protected at the National Level.
1. Night Cruise in Wuzhen’s Water Town At night, take a small boat along Wuzhen’s ancient canals, where soft lights line the shores and historic buildings reflect on the water, creating an atmosphere that feels like a journey back to the Jiangnan of a thousand years ago. Along the way, enjoy water performances and experience the charm of this ancient town. 2. Visit the Wuzhen Theatre Festival Every autumn, the Wuzhen Theatre Festival gathers theater lovers and artists from around the world. Watch captivating performances and soak up the rich artistic atmosphere. 3. Experience Printed Blue Nankeen Making At Wuzhen’s Blue Nankeen workshop, try your hand at the traditional craft of Blue Nankeen printing and learn about the history and techniques of this intangible cultural heritage. 4. Taste Local Delicacies Sample local specialties at Wuzhen’s restaurants, including dishes like white-water fish, braised lamb, and soy-braised duck, and savor the unique flavors of the Jiangnan water town. 5. Explore the Puyuan Sweater Market The Puyuan Sweater Market is one of the largest sweater distribution centers in China, offering a wide range of products at reasonable prices, ideal for shopping enthusiasts. 6. Take Photos at Xizha Bridge in Wuzhen In the evening, head to Xizha in Wuzhen to capture the beautiful dusk scenery and nighttime lights, preserving the romantic and serene atmosphere of this water town. 7. Visit the Former residence of Mao Dun Located in Wuzhen’s Dongzha scenic area, the Former Residence of Mao Dun is the birthplace of the renowned modern Chinese writer. Tour this historic home to gain insight into his life and writing environment.
Tongxiang is a captivating destination in China, known for its ancient Wuzhen Ancient Town recognized by UNESCO, scenic West Gate which balances leisure and business travel, and Puyuan Fashion Resort which melds rich cultural heritage with a contemporary fashion scene.
Tongxiang's cuisine is renowned for its distinct local flavors and rich tastes. Highlights include the classic San Zhen Zhai braised delicacies, unique Aneng noodles, and the robustly flavored Tongxiang-style pot and tomato blackfish pot, each offering a taste of Zhejiang's unique culinary culture.
Tongxiang's transportation infrastructure is centered around its railway station and bus stations, which are essential for intercity travel and connectivity to nearby attractions and cities. Tongxiang Railway Station is the primary rail hub in the city, located approximately 12 kilometers from downtown Tongxiang and serving as the closest high-speed train station to Wuzhen Water Town. It connects Tongxiang with major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Hangzhou through high-speed trains, with Shanghai being just 30 to 60 minutes away. To reach Wuzhen Water Town from Tongxiang Railway Station, travelers can take bus line K282 to Wuzhen Coach Station and then transfer to bus line K350 or a taxi. The main bus station in Tongxiang is Tongxiang Bus Station, situated at National Road 320, Tongxiang, Jiaxing, China. It operates from early morning to evening and offers services to various destinations, including direct buses to Wuzhen and connections to Shanghai South Station and Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport. For those traveling to Wuzhen, bus route K231 is available from the bus station.
Tongxiang offers unique accommodation options across diverse regions, each featuring pleasant environments and easy access to local attractions. The main regions where travelers find accommodations in Tongxiang include West Gate/Wu Village, Puyuan Fashion Resort/Woolen Sweater Market, and Wuzhen and Surrounding Area.
The best time to visit Tongxiang is during the spring months between April and May, and the autumn months from September to October. During spring, the fruit trees are blossoming, and plants are budding, creating a beautiful natural backdrop. The weather is pleasantly warm and the evenings cool, offering a comfortable climate without the summer humidity. In autumn, the weather remains warm and dry, ideal for exploring the scenic landscapes adorned with striking red and yellow foliage, providing a stunning visual experience.
Tongxiang's official language is Mandarin Chinese, a standard form of Chinese that is widely taught, understood, and spoken throughout China, including Tongxiang. Due to the importance of tourism and international interactions, many villagers and local businesses may also offer translation services for better communication. The presence of other languages and dialects such as Wu Chinese could also be encountered due to regional variations and the historical silk trade pathways in the region. Tips for overcoming language barriers include using translation apps, carrying phrasebooks, or using visual aids like maps or pictures to assist with communication.