WuZhen
N
Stepping into WuZhen is
like stepping into a traditional black and white ink wash painting - the
houses’ white walls contrasting sharply with their black tile and timber
framework. A town with over a thousand years of history, WuZhen’s popularity is
largely due to famous writer and novelist Mao Dun. A native of WuZhen, he
described the warmth of the town in several of his novels.
You
too will feel the warmth, as you stroll along the water. There are numerous
places where you can learn about the culture in a hands-on environment. Have a
try at dyeing cotton or help make some cut tobacco. Or, take a step back to
witness the making of cloth shoes, silk cotton, rice wine and traditional snacks.
Finally, let the culture envelope you by sipping on a cup of white
chrysanthemum tea while taking in the history that surrounds you.
Location and Cost
WuZhen
is located an hour north of
Attractions
WuZhen
is unique in that it has been divided into several districts, each of which
portraying cultural traditions and ancient features that have been preserved:
·
Traditional Workshops
District:
View and participate in the production of local specialties (batik fabric,
white rice wine, local snacks, etc.)
·
Traditional Residences District: Visit a number of
traditional family residences available, each with unique features.
·
Traditional Culture District: Find an ancient Taoist temple, the home of Mao Dun, the
Wenchang pavilion, as well as other sites.
·
Traditional Food and Beverage District: Enjoy famous teahouses and restaurants serving up WuZhen
specialties.
·
Traditional Shops and Stores District: Shop till you drop
among stores selling WuZhen handicrafts.
Former Residence of Mao Dun – Visit the home of
famous revolutionary writer Mao Dun, located in the middle part of
Xiuzhen Guan – Take a trip to this Taoist temple, which was constructed in
the Xian Ping Yuan period of the Bei Song Dynasty. It is one of three most
renowned Taoist temples in
Zhu Family Hall – Step into history
while visiting this residence built in the late Qing Dynasty. This
two-story house features unique flooring in the hallways – square bricks,
unusual for the time.
Fanglu Pavilion – Enjoy a rejuvenating
cup of tea at the best teahouse in WuZhen. Just south of the
1,000-year-old Gingko Tree – In the center of town,
you’ll find one of the only living witnesses to the long history of WuZhen.
Foods
Recommended Snacks
San Bai Jiu (Three White Wine) – A
mild, sweet wine with a glutinous rice base.
Bai
Ju Huai
(White Chrysanthemum) – This sweet flower is commonly used in teas, which also
has several medicinal uses.
Sanzhenzhai
Ji (Three
Treasures Chicken) – Find this delicious braised chicken at the Sanzhenzhai
Food Store.
Gusao Bing (Sister-in-law cake) – a mixture of flour, sugar and
sesame, set in a mold depiction a Chinese character or beautiful design. Xundou Cha (Baked Bean Tea) – This tea mainly consists of baked
young soybeans combined with dried osmanthus flowers, sesame, and other
ingredients.
Recommended Dishes
Hong
Shao Yangrou-- Braised lamb with soy sauce
Yuan
ti—Pork joint, (can be braised with soy sauce, steamed, salted)
Fenzheng
Rou - Pork and sticky rice steamed in lotus leaves
Recommended Restaurants and Snack Shops
Jiujiang
Mansion Restaurant (Jiujianglou) – This hundred-year-old restaurant has served
up literary award winners as well as APEC guests. Dine in style at the only designated
international tourist restaurant in town.
Fengyuan
Restaurant
– If you are in the mood for some traditional snacks, or would like to dig into
some fresh local farmer’s dishes and seafood, then head to fengyuan restaurant.
Sanzhenzhai
Food Store
– This spot is known for its braised chicken, duck and pork.
Shopping
Local
Handicrafts
Batik
(Blue Print Cotton) – In WuZhen’s dyeing workshop, find clothes, purses, toys,
and fans made of this printed material. You can even participate in the process
of making it!
Bamboo
Engravings – Purchase some small gifts such as fans, pencil holders, and brush
pots all carved from bamboo.
Silk
Cotton – This traditional cloth is made from silkworm cocoons.
Accommodation
Ziye
Grand Hotel – largest 3 star hotel in WuZhen 0573-872-8088
Wangfo
Hotel – 3 star standard hotel, just beside Wuzhen tourist site 0573-872-8188
Transportation
Train to JiaXing
This
is probably the most efficient way to travel, because it can allow you more
freedom and flexibility. Take the train from
Bus from
Buses
to WuZhen depart at 7:55 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. on weekends from the
Price
for round-trip bus ticket including entrance fee: RMB 140