Wuzhen Water Town Day Tour from Shanghai
There are many water towns near Shanghai, and Wuzhen is the largest. The trip from Shanghai to Wuzhen takes 2-hour each way by private van from your hotel in Shanghai.
Wuzhen offers visitors a glimpse into traditional Chinese culture and a tranquil escape from bustling cities. Let's explore the highlights of this picturesque town.
Price Per Person in US Dollars
1. Book now and benefit from a free cancellation policy: full refund if cancelled up to 3 days before the experience starts (local time).
2. You will receive your booking confirmation email within 24 hours once we receive your payment.
Highlights
- Visit a water town that became prosperous at the beginning of the 20th century.
- Since the deep culture of Wuzhen is in the former residence of a literary giant.
- Enjoy action-packed local acrobatics and kung fu shows on boats.
- Understand more of Wuzhen's history by visiting museums.
Tour Itinerary
We will pick you up from your hotel in Shanghai. The trip to Wuzhen takes two hours, but your insightful tour guide will keep you entertained with an interesting introduction to the town on the way.
The Ancient Bed Museum is home to over 30 ancient beds. One of them took a local craftsman three years to carve. The local people believe that these carvings will bring them a good harvest, a peaceful life, and fertility.
The Folk Custom Museum displays scenes from local ceremonies, including weddings, birthday celebrations, and funerals. The costume hall's main exhibits are exquisite ceremonial dresses that vividly reflect the region's vibrant culture.
Your tour guide will help you order the most authentic local food in a restaurant. You may also discover attractive food during the rest of your tour. Feel free to tell your guide what you’d like to eat.
The Hongyuantai Dye House was first opened over 1,000 years ago. The ancient process of dyeing cloth is still used today, and visitors are welcome to observe the entire process. Dyed clothes make meaningful souvenirs and offer insight into the water-town culture.
The Wood Carving Museum's collections include ornamentation on windows and doors. The incredible number of intricate carvings in such a confined space is astonishing. You won't believe it until you see it!
Mao Tun (1896–1981) was a well-known writer in the 20th century. At the resident house of Former Residence of Mao Dun, you will see a 19th-century wooden house where he grew up. Explore his family rooms, renovated study, and exhibits of photos, manuscripts, and personal items showcasing his life and literary legacy.
Transfer back to your hotel in Shanghai after the visit. There are other water towns different from Wuzhen. If you are interested in visiting them, just drop us a line!
What's Included
- Entrance fees.
- Meals are listed in the itinerary.
- Private transfers.
- Private English-speaking guide and driver.
- Service Charge & Taxes.
Important Info
- Operates: daily
- Departure point: Hotels in Shanghai
- Return details: returns to the original departure point
- Languages: English|German |French|Spanish|Russian|Italian (The price is based on an English-speaking guide. Extra fees apply if you need a guide with another language)
- The price of this tour will rise during the China National Day holiday (September 30th to October 7th) and the Chinese New Year holiday.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
- Cancellation received 3 or more days before departure: Full refund, excluding any penalties from hotels, airlines, and rail services, if applicable.
- Cancellation received 2 days before departure: 50% refund, excluding any penalties from hotels, airlines, and rail services, if applicable.
- Cancellation received 1 to 0 days before departure: No refund will be issued.
- No-show travelers will be charged 100% of the tour price. Additionally, we are unable to provide refunds for any unused services once the trip has commenced, whether due to non-participation, early departure, late arrival, or missed tour days.
Difference Between Each Water Town
The water towns in the Jiangnan area are mostly in the Yangtze River Delta, and each town has its charm. Wuzhen is full of ancient charm, Xitang has small bridges and flowing water, Zhouzhuang is peaceful like a painting, and Tongli has a long-lasting flavor.
| Watertown | Location | Feature | Crowded |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zhujiajiao | Qingpu District, Shanghai City | A charming water town near Shanghai, with busy shops and many ancient bridges. | Crowded |
| Wuzhen | Tongxiang City, Zhejiang Province | A mix of art and tech, with white walls and black tiles. | Crowded |
| Zhouzhuang | Kunshan City, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province | Known as China's No.1 Water Town, famous for its Twin Bridges and beautiful night views. | Most crowded |
| Tongli | Wujang District, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province | Old buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, a quiet place to enjoy a slow life. | Less Crowded |
| Xitang | Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province | Long covered walkways, beautiful in misty mornings and sunsets. | Less Crowded |
| Nanxun | Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province | A rich and elegant town with a mix of Chinese and Western styles. | Least Crowded |
Good to Know
- This is a private tour. The local private English-speaking guide and the private car will serve your group only.
- You will receive a confirmation letter within 24 hours of making your payment.
- Your guide will contact you in the evening (Your guide will call you at around 18:00. If you missed your guide’s phone call, he or she will send you a short message) before your tour and confirm the exact pick-up time according to your preference.
- Your guide will pick you up from your hotel lobby on the tour date at the appointed time.
- The meal (if included) is in a Chinese restaurant, and your guide will help you order the dishes according to your taste.
- There is absolutely no forced shopping.
- An extra fee applies if you need to be picked up or dropped off at airports or cruise terminals.