Beyond the Wuzhen Theater Festival, what other surprises does Jiaxing hold?

From the Nanhu Red Boat to the Wuzhen water town, unlock the dual romance of Jiaxing Recognized by National Geographic as one of "China's Most Worth Visiting" cities, what makes Jiaxing so special? Jiaxing, Zhejiang Travel Guide: Ancient Water Towns and Red Sentiments ### **[Jiaxing Impression]** Jiaxing is an ancient city with a history of thousands of years, nestled in the river network of the Jiangnan region. It possesses both the gentleness of small bridges and flowing water, and the solemnity of a revolutionary holy land. It is the birthplace of the Communist Party of China, the origin of Majiabang culture, and the hometown of delicacies such as zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) and Nanhu water chestnuts. Stroll along the bluestone streets, take a gondola, and experience the slow life of the "land of fish and rice." --- ### **[Must-Visit Attractions]** 1. **Nanhu Scenic Area** - **Red Boat Spirit**: The site of the "First National Congress" memorial boat (Red Boat) of the Communist Party of China. Climb the Lake Heart Island to visit the Misty Rain Tower, and overlook the integration of Jiangnan gardens and revolutionary history. - **Night Tour of Nanhu**: The Nanhu Lake under the light show has a unique charm. A boat trip at night is highly recommended. 2. **Wuzhen** (Tongxiang City, about 30 km from Jiaxing City) - **East Town (Dongzha)**: Full of the life of the original residents. The Former Residence of Mao Dun and the Blue Printed Cloth Workshop are worth seeing. - **West Town (Xizha)**: The night view is stunning. Take a gondola and stay in a waterfront B&B to experience the romance of "Years Like Water." 3. **Xitang Ancient Town** (Jiashan County, about 40 km from Jiaxing City) - **Covered Veranda (Yan Yu Chang Lang)**: Drink tea and listen to the rain under the thousand-meter-long corridor. There are fewer people and beautiful scenery in the early morning and dusk. - **Son-Sending Bridge (Songzi Laifeng Bridge)**: Check in at the popular stone bridge. The bar street is lively at night. 4. **Yuehe Historical Block** - Jiaxing version of "Along the River During the Qingming Festival." Visit the Zongzi Museum and the Flower and Bird Workshop, taste the Zhenzhen Laolao Zongzi, and stay overnight in a waterfront inn. 5. **Yanguan Tide Watching Scenic Area** (Haining City, 1 hour drive from Jiaxing City) - Around the 18th day of the eighth lunar month, watch the Qiantang River tide, a "world wonder." On weekdays, you can visit the Former Residence of Wang Guowei and the Sea God Temple. --- ### **[Food Recommendations]** - **Must-Eat Snacks**: - Jiaxing Zongzi (Egg Yolk Pork Zongzi, Red Bean Zongzi) - Nanhu Water Chestnut (Sweet and hornless) - Wenhua Braised Duck, Pickled Eggs, Mutton Noodles - **Food Gathering Places**: Yuehe Street (Zou Da Xian, Wufangzhai Main Store), Yuexiu Market (Student Favorite) --- ### **[Transportation Guide]** - **High-speed Rail**: Jiaxing South Station (about 20 minutes from Shanghai/Hangzhou). - **City Bus**: Convenient buses between attractions. There are tourist special lines to Wuzhen and Xitang. - **Self-driving**: 1.5 hours from Hangzhou/Shanghai. The parking fee in the ancient town is about CNY 10–20/day. --- ### **[Accommodation Suggestions]** - **Ancient Town Experience**: B&Bs in Xitang or Wuzhen (waterfront rooms about CNY 300–600/night). - **City Convenience**: Hotels near Nanhu or Yuehe (such as Jiaxing Nanhu Hotel). --- ### **[Tips]** 1. The entrance tickets for Wuzhen and Xitang are about CNY 100–150. It is recommended to stay in the scenic area to avoid the entrance tickets for the next day. 2. Nanhu is free. The Red Boat Scenic Area requires a boat ride (CNY 60 including entrance ticket + boat ticket). 3. Spring and autumn are the best seasons. Prepare mosquito repellent in summer, and you can enjoy the snow-covered ancient town in winter. --- **"Boating in the ink painting, one step, one Jiangnan"**—Jiaxing, waiting for you to encounter her poetry and legend!