Wuzhen itinerary A Travel Guide blog

Trip to Wuzhen Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

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Last updated on June 8th, 2025

Here is a detailed Wuzhen itinerary and travel tips for this charming Water Town to help you plan your trip.

Wuzhen Water Town (Chinese: 乌镇水乡) is a hidden gem that is definitely worth a visit. Established over 1,300 years ago, it ranks among the top six ancient towns in the southern region of the Yangtze River. Wuzhen is incredibly authentic and steeped in history, offering stunning views and a memorable experience. Despite being a popular tourist destination, it possesses a unique charm that makes it feel poetic. Every corner presents an excellent photo opportunity.

We visited Wuzhen as part of our trip to Shanghai during our three-day journey to Hangzhou. Travel back in time with me as we will share our travel experience exploring this enchanting town.

How To Get to Wuzhen from Hangzhou

How To Get to Wuzhen Water Town

Hangzhou is the closest city to Wuzhen, and most travelers opt to travel from Hangzhou to Wuzhen when planning for Wuzhen itinerary. Here are a few options for getting to and from Wuzhen. Please note that there is no direct train service connecting the two locations. Choose the option that best fits your schedule and preferences for a smooth trip to Wuzhen!

By Bus: There are two bus options from Hangzhou to Wuzhen.

  • From Hangzhou Jiubao Bus Station (九堡客运中心) to Wuzhen Water Town Bus Station: Buses depart daily starting at 7 AM, with a frequency of approximately every 20 minutes. The one-way ticket costs CNY 32, and the journey takes about 2 hours. However, you will need to transfer to reach the Scenic Zone. You can either take a 5-minute bus ride from Wuzhen Water Town Bus Station to the Scenic Zone or walk for 20 minutes.
  • From Hangzhoucheng Bus Center (杭州城站客运站) to Wuzhen Water Town Scenic Zone: Buses depart daily at 7:30 AM, with a frequency of every 30 minutes. The one-way ticket costs CNY 31, and the journey takes around 1.5 hours. This bus goes directly to the Scenic Zone, so no transfer is needed.

Check Trip.com for transportation options

By Train + Bus: There is no direct train from Hangzhou to Wuzhen Water Town. Travelers need to take a high-speed train from Hangzhou East Station (杭州东站) to Tongxiang Station (桐乡站) and then transfer to public buses K282 or K231 near Tongxiang Station to reach Wuzhen Water Town Scenic Area. The transportation cost is approximately CNY 25, and the total travel time is around 70 minutes, depending on the transfer time. Alternatively, you can use a ride-hailing service or take a taxi from Tongxiang Station to the scenic area, with fares generally around CNY100.

By Taxi / ride hailing Didi: Some travelers prefer to take a taxi or hire a Didi for a hassle-free journey directly from Hangzhou to Wuzhen Water Town. This option takes about 1.5 hours, and a one-way trip usually costs more than CNY300, including toll fees.

Wuzhen Water Town Entrance Ticket

How To Visit Wuzhen Ancient Water Town

Wuzhen Water Town is divided into four quadrants: East, South, West, and North. The South and North quadrants serve as living quarters for locals and not for visit. The East and West quadrants are scenic areas to visit and require a separate entrance fee.

East quadrants (东栅, Dongzha) charges an entrance fee of CNY110 per person, while the West quadrants (西栅, Xizha) charges CNY150 per person. There is also a combined ticket for both the East and West quadrants available for CNY190, but this ticket must be used on the same day.

Wuzhen Ancient Water Town Scenic Area:

Wuzhen Water Town Entrance Ticket

If you decide to purchase the combined ticket, it’s best to buy it early in the day and begin your visit in the East quadrant. This is advisable because there is a nighttime light show in the West quadrant.

Note that each ticket allows only one admission to each quadrant, it is recommended to plan your time and reserve your visit to the West quadrant for later in the day after you have explored the East quadrant.

What To do for Wuzhen itinerary

What to do when visit Wuzhen - traditional houses on the canals

Wuzhen Water Town is a picturesque place, rich in history and full of remarkable attractions. There isn’t much you can plan for your Wuzhen itinerary. What you need to do is simply stroll along the ancient water town and relax.

The village features traditional buildings, charming houses, and stone-paved streets that meander throughout the town. The small bridges connecting the streets along the river, along with the houses on the banks and the alleyways, give Wuzhen Water Town a nostalgic charm.

Wuzhen traditional architecture

The town seamlessly blends modern and traditional elements. Modern buildings such as the grand theater and the art museum sit alongside the village without clashing. This combination of contemporary and traditional architecture creates a unique atmosphere that enchants visitors.

The Statue of Guan Yu at Wuzhen Ancient Water Town

There are also a few exhibits showcasing old mansions and traditional lifestyles, such as the Tiny Feet Museum and the Dyeing Museum.

Wuzhen itinerary - boat rides through the picturesque canals

Photography packages are widely available for travelers who want to wear traditional Chinese clothing and pose in the ancient water town. Additionally, you can enjoy boat rides through the picturesque canals.

Things to Do in Wuzhen

There are numerous activities and sightseeing spots where you can easily spend hours. You’ll find small shops offering various art pieces, clothing, souvenirs, and even handmade crafts.

More Wuzhen Travel Guide Tips

Visit Wuzhen at Night

Admission Fee: The East and West quadrants are both scenic areas worth visiting, and each requires a separate entrance fee. Admission to both areas is CNY190. If you only have time to visit one, I recommend the West quadrant. It tends to be less crowded, offers more space for walking, and is generally more tranquil during the day. One notable difference is that some of the riverside buildings have been converted into guesthouses and hotels.

How to travel between East and West Scenic Area of Wuzhen: There is a free shuttle bus that operates between the East Scenic Zone and the West Scenic Zone. The bus ride takes approximately 8 to 10 minutes. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes to walk from one area to the other, but I do not recommend walking unless you are confident with the directions. Be sure to have a good map or navigation on hand.

Boat Ride: Travelers can enjoy boat rides while exploring Wuzhen. Generally, the boat ride costs CNY 30 in the East and CNY 60 in the West.

Wuzhen at Night

How Much Time Required when planning for Wuzhen itinerary: Considering the travel time from Hangzhou to Wuzhen Water Town and back, you will need a full day to fully enjoy this attraction.

Wuzhen at Night: Don’t miss to visit Wuzhen after dark. The ancient Wuzhen town transforms into a different experience at night, as the canal walkways and squares are illuminated. Very dreamy.

Spend one night in Wuzhen: If you can afford to spend the night at one of the hotels in the West area, I highly recommend it if you can add one night for your Wuzhen itinerary. The atmosphere is beautiful in the evening when the crowds thin out. Please be aware that day visitors who do not spend the night in Wuzhen must depart the area by 9:00 PM.

Wuzhen Visitor Center

Where To Stay in Wuzhen

Accommodation Options in Wuzhen: There are many choices available for different budget groups when it comes to accommodation. Travelers can opt to stay inside or outside the scenic area. While staying inside is generally more expensive, it is highly recommended if possible.

One popular option is Wuzhen Homestay, a local homestay located in West Scenic Area, XiZha. Although it may not offer a hotel-class experience, the host provides exceptional hospitality, creating a cozy and comfortable environment. The homestay also offers free luggage delivery directly to the property, making it an excellent choice for those who want to explore the old village and its beautiful scenery at their own pace. Check room availability for Wuzhen Homestay.

Wuzhen Tong’an Inn is an amazing tavern-style hotel. The location is incredibly convenient located, situated right next to the tourism center. The rooms are clean, comfortable, and quiet. The best part is that staying here includes a West Scenic Area entrance ticket, allowing you multiple visits during your stay. Limited rooms available, so be sure to reserve early to secure your stay.

Another great option is Hampton by Hilton Wuzhen, which is situated about a 10-minute walk from Xizha. The rooms are spacious and clean, and the service provided by the staff is top-notch. Check for room availability.

Overall: A Visit to Wuzhen Water Town

Visit to Wuzhen Water Town

Overall, our trip to Wuzhen was memorable and highly recommended. A visit to Wuzhen allows you to experience the simple beauty and romantic atmosphere of this ancient Chinese water town. While some people may dislike its commercial vibe and the large crowds, I believe that the restored architecture and canals in Wuzhen are still worth seeing. Be sure to visit Wuzhen if you are in the vicinity of Hangzhou or Shanghai!

Lastly, this Wuzhen itinerary is part of our Shanghai Suzhou Hangzhou travel blog. Continue reading for more travel stories.

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