Nanzha South Square · A Morning Watertown Scene

Located about 3 kilometers from the Residences. In the early hours, the riverside morning market comes alive with authentic local energy — a perfect place to experience the true rhythm of Wuzhen.

Longtang Food Street · A Taste of Local Delights

A gathering of Wuzhen’s beloved snacks: Ding Sheng pastries, lamb shao mai, lamb tripe soup, and Gutong cookies. Stroll and savor — one stop to unlock the flavors of this ancient water town

Wuzhen Scenic Area

(approximately 6 kilometres, 10-40 minutes by car from the residence)

Wuzhen is known for its stone bridges, flowing canals, whitewashed walls, grey-tiled roofs and atmospheric night views. Xizha is the main visitor area, especially impressive when lit up at night, while Dongzha preserves the traditional everyday charm of the ancient town. Landmarks such as Muxin Art Museum and Bailian Pagoda are also located nearby, making it suitable for a half-day or full-day visit.

Puyuan Ancient Town

(approximately 18 kilometres, 30 minutes by car from the residence)

Puyuan Ancient Town is a thousand-year-old silk town and a national 5A tourist attraction. Historically famed for its silk trade, it was once described as producing “thousands of silk bolts at dawn, clothing the world.” The town preserves a Song-style double-grid layout of waterways and streets, offering a rich Jiangnan water-town experience.

Mao Dun’s Former Residence

(approximately 2.6 kilometres, 7 minutes by car from the residence)

Located in Wuzhen’s Dongzha, Mao Dun’s Former Residence is the birthplace and early home of the renowned Chinese writer Mao Dun. Now open as a literary memorial museum set in a traditional Jiangnan residence, it offers a glimpse into the formative years of this literary master.

Nanxun Ancient Town

(approximately 23 kilometres, 35 minutes by car from the residence)

Nanxun is one of the six famous ancient towns of Jiangnan and a national 5A tourist attraction. Its blend of Chinese and Western-style architecture is interwoven with centuries-old silk merchant heritage, earning it the saying: “One Nanxun town, half of Jiangnan’s history.”

Parks and Gardens

Wuzhen People’s Park and Bailu Wetland Park are both natural leisure spaces near the residence, ideal for a relaxing walk or a quiet pause between activities. The former is more of a local urban park, while the latter features wetland, waterside and ecological scenery, offering an easy way to experience the natural side of Wuzhen’s water-town setting.

Wucun Village

(approximately 6 kilometres, 10 minutes by car from the residence)

Located just north of Xizha, Wucun Village is a 450-mu Jiangnan countryside retreat that preserves a natural rural atmosphere away from commercial bustle. Guests can enjoy hands-on farming experiences such as rice planting, fruit picking and fishing, along with authentic local farmhouse cuisine — ideal for families and travellers who appreciate countryside experiences.

Local Experiences｜Discover Wuzhen in Depth

Beyond the classic sightseeing routes, Xizha offers a variety of local experiences worth exploring at a slower pace. Through hands-on crafts, intangible cultural heritage and Wuzhen’s night-time water-town scenery, guests can discover a richer side of the destination:

Natural Dye Workshop: Try blue calico DIY and experience traditional Chinese plant-dyeing techniques.

Yida Silk Workshop: Watch the silk-reeling process and take part in hands-on silk-making experiences.

Wutao Workshop: Try pottery shaping and create your own piece of Wuzhen black pottery.

Night Tour by Rowing Boat: After dark, glide through the waterways by boat and admire the lights reflected against whitewashed walls and grey-tiled roofs.

Major Annual Events in Wuzhen

Wuzhen is renowned not only for its water-town scenery, but also for two major annual events that draw international attention. The Wuzhen Theatre Festival and the World Internet Conference Wuzhen Summit are two widely influential events in Wuzhen. The former showcases the integration of theatrical arts with the ancient town’s streets and waterways, while the latter focuses on global exchange within the internet industry. Together, they further enhance Wuzhen’s profile as a destination for cultural tourism and international conferences and exhibitions.

July–August｜Wuzhen Summer Festival / Water Festival

A signature summer event in Wuzhen, featuring water-themed parades, night markets, art exhibitions and music activities. It is an ideal way to experience the lively atmosphere of Wuzhen’s summer nights by the water.

October｜Wuzhen Theatre Festival

Held every October in Wuzhen’s Xizha, the Wuzhen Theatre Festival is an important theatre event in China with international influence. Featuring theatre performances, young creators and the ancient town’s streets and venues, it brings theatrical arts together with the atmosphere of Jiangnan’s water town.

November｜World Internet Conference Wuzhen Summit

Held in Wuzhen in early November each year, the World Internet Conference Wuzhen Summit brings together global exchange and resources in the internet industry. Together with the Wuzhen Theatre Festival, it forms one of Wuzhen’s two representative annual events, further enhancing the town’s influence as a destination for cultural tourism and international conferences and exhibitions.