A Canal-Faring Journey in Wuzhen
A Canal-Faring
Journey in Wuzhen
Merchant tales, antiquities, and well-preserved buildings with a Dynasty look and feel; Wuzhen
envelops the China of old through its charming water town. Destined to soak in the rustic
charm outside hectic Shanghai, this town delivers it all in one day.
WHY THIS TOUR?
Situated in northern Zhejiang province, Wuzhen dates back over 1,300 years and is the best-preserved of China’s six ancient water towns. It still has over 80 per cent of its buildings dating back to the 19th century and is a natural outdoor museum of Chinese architecture. This is an ideal destination for a historically intriguing exploration of narrow, granite-surfaced streets and alleys and picturesque hump-backed bridges that are reflected in the water.
The town is divided into districts, with each specialising in different traditional handicrafts such as silk spinning, pottery and wood-carving. Prominent attractions include Lotus Pagoda, a restored temple dating back to the beginning of the 12th century which sits alongside a stretch of the Grand Canal, the longest man-made waterway in the world.
TRAIL ITINERARY
08:30 - 17:00
A short drive from Shanghai and Wuzhen welcomes the Chinese cultural-savvy and historically interested traveller. Joined by a local English-speaking guide from your hotel lobby in Shanghai, the 1.5-hour one-way transfer gradually leaves the towering landscape of this metropolis behind. Seen as one of the finest examples of a well-kept water town, Wuzhen elates every visitor from beginning to end.
Dating back more than 7,000 years, the best way to explore Wuzhen is on foot and, of course, over the water. A myriad of cobbles-stone streets and equally charming bridges zigzag through this protected zone. Your guide will explain the stories behind the old houses and points out spots for an Instagram-perfect moment. Lunch is included during this day.
The afternoon is reserved to watch some of the local handicraft and traditional entertainment activities such as a puppet show. Some of these ancient performances date back to as early as the Ming and Qing Dynasty and have maintained its stunning yet romantic characteristics throughout the years. This is one of these no-rush explorations favoured by many as Wuzhen captures the Chinese essence as being one of the main transportation ways of old for ships to carry goods.
The day comes to an end as you and your guide will join your driver for the day for a comfortable drive back to bustling Shanghai. A day out and about in award-winning Wuzhen sadly comes to an end as soon as your vehicle drives up to your hotel lobby and your Chinese travel ambassadors thank you for your day out and about.