Tongxiang 2025 Guide: Must-see attractions, local cuisine, and practical tips! | Trip.com

Night Cruise in Wuzhen’s Water Town

At night, take a small boat along Wuzhen’s ancient canals, where soft lights line the shores and historic buildings reflect on the water, creating an atmosphere that feels like a journey back to the Jiangnan of a thousand years ago. Along the way, enjoy water performances and experience the charm of this ancient town.

Visit the Wuzhen Theatre Festival

Every autumn, the Wuzhen Theatre Festival gathers theater lovers and artists from around the world. Watch captivating performances and soak up the rich artistic atmosphere.

Experience Printed Blue Nankeen Making

At Wuzhen’s Blue Nankeen workshop, try your hand at the traditional craft of Blue Nankeen printing and learn about the history and techniques of this intangible cultural heritage.

Taste Local Delicacies

Sample local specialties at Wuzhen’s restaurants, including dishes like white-water fish, braised lamb, and soy-braised duck, and savor the unique flavors of the Jiangnan water town.

Explore the Puyuan Sweater Market

The Puyuan Sweater Market is one of the largest sweater distribution centers in China, offering a wide range of products at reasonable prices, ideal for shopping enthusiasts.

Take Photos at Xizha Bridge in Wuzhen

In the evening, head to Xizha in Wuzhen to capture the beautiful dusk scenery and nighttime lights, preserving the romantic and serene atmosphere of this water town.

Visit the Former residence of Mao Dun

Located in Wuzhen’s Dongzha scenic area, the Former Residence of Mao Dun is the birthplace of the renowned modern Chinese writer. Tour this historic home to gain insight into his life and writing environment.

Tongxiang is a captivating destination in China, known for its ancient Wuzhen Ancient Town recognized by UNESCO, scenic West Gate which balances leisure and business travel, and Puyuan Fashion Resort which melds rich cultural heritage with a contemporary fashion scene.

Wuzhen Water Town holds a deep historical significance as one of China's renowned ancient towns, decorated with the prestigious UNESCO award for its cultural preservation. It features areas like West Gate and East Gate that present different aspects of its rich heritage. East Gate offers a glimpse of traditional life with its crafts, while West Gate focuses on Ming and Qing architectural styles. The town's enchanting environment, reminiscent of a Chinese ink-wash painting, enhances its historical charm and provides a full cultural experience.

West Gate (Tongxiang) stands out not only for its scenic water town landscape characterized by dense rivers and numerous bridges but also for its mix of leisure and business travel amenities. Tourists can engage in water cruises, enjoy unique cultural performances like the water flower drum opera, and relax in deluxe SPA and landscape settings. The presence of considerable accommodation and advanced conferencing facilities underscores its role as a hub for large-scale business events, such as the World Internet Conference .

Pu Yuan Fashion Resort is renowned for its rich cultural heritage intertwined with a vibrant contemporary fashion scene. Visitors can immerse themselves in various cultural activities such as Hanfu fashion shows and traditional Song Dynasty performances. The annual Puyuan Fashion Week showcases international fashion, highlighting the resort's seamless blend of historical charm and modern fashion trends.

Tongxiang's cuisine is renowned for its distinct local flavors and rich tastes. Highlights include the classic San Zhen Zhai braised delicacies, unique Aneng noodles, and the robustly flavored Tongxiang-style pot and tomato blackfish pot, each offering a taste of Zhejiang's unique culinary culture.

Sanzhenzhai, located in Tongxiang, is a renowned soy sauce stewed food shop beloved for its authentic flavor and wide variety of braised dishes. The signature dish, soy sauce stewed pig trotters, is prepared using fresh trotters meticulously braised to create a rich flavor. Customers often buy soy sauce stewed items in bulk to take home and enjoy with their families.

Aneng noodles are the signature noodle dish of Tongxiang, renowned for their unique flavors and preparation techniques. Enjoying a steaming bowl of Aneng noodles on a chilly day offers a perfect taste of Tongxiang's local culinary culture.

A celebrated traditional dish from Zhejiang, the Tongxiang Flavor Pot is renowned for its spicy, numbing, fresh, and aromatic qualities. It's a local favorite, particularly enjoyable in the winter season. A steaming bowl of this dish not only provides warmth but also offers a taste of genuine Zhejiang cuisine.

Served by Lihua Pot Restaurant, the Tomato and Blackfish Stew is a signature dish from the Tongxiang region. Pairing tomatoes with blackfish elevates the dish's freshness and infuses it with vibrant colors and enticing aromas.

Tongxiang's transportation infrastructure is centered around its railway station and bus stations, which are essential for intercity travel and connectivity to nearby attractions and cities.

Tongxiang Railway Station is the primary rail hub in the city, located approximately 12 kilometers from downtown Tongxiang and serving as the closest high-speed train station to Wuzhen Water Town. It connects Tongxiang with major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Hangzhou through high-speed trains, with Shanghai being just 30 to 60 minutes away. To reach Wuzhen Water Town from Tongxiang Railway Station, travelers can take bus line K282 to Wuzhen Coach Station and then transfer to bus line K350 or a taxi.

The main bus station in Tongxiang is Tongxiang Bus Station, situated at National Road 320, Tongxiang, Jiaxing, China. It operates from early morning to evening and offers services to various destinations, including direct buses to Wuzhen and connections to Shanghai South Station and Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport. For those traveling to Wuzhen, bus route K231 is available from the bus station.

Bus Services: Tongxiang offers a comprehensive bus network that connects various parts of the city, including the route from Wuzhen Bus Station to Tongxiang High-Speed Railway Station with services running from early morning to evening at frequent intervals. The bus system is designed to cater to the needs of both locals and tourists, providing a convenient and affordable mode of transportation within the city.

Car Rentals: For those who prefer the flexibility of private transportation, Tongxiang has options for cheap car rentals. 

Bike Sharing: The bike-sharing industry has seen significant growth in China, and Tongxiang is no exception. With the convenience of smartphone-enabled services, bike sharing provides an economical and environmentally friendly way to cover short distances and navigate the city.

Tongxiang offers unique accommodation options across diverse regions, each featuring pleasant environments and easy access to local attractions. The main regions where travelers find accommodations in Tongxiang include West Gate/Wu Village, Puyuan Fashion Resort/Woolen Sweater Market, and Wuzhen and Surrounding Area.

West Gate/Wu Village is celebrated for its peaceful surroundings and cultural significance. This region hosts hotels such as Wuzhen Tong'an Inn and Passage d'Eau Hotel, which are noted for their serene settings and comfortable accommodations. The area is known for beautiful night views, giving visitors a tranquil retreat amidst busy travel schedules. Conveniently, it is positioned near various cultural attractions, making it an ideal spot for travelers interested in exploring local traditions and architecture. Accommodations here enhance the cultural experience by offering traditional activities and design elements reflective of the local heritage.

Puyuan Fashion Resort/Woolen Sweater Market is renowned as a bustling shopping destination, especially appealing to fashion enthusiasts. The area hosts a significant number of fashion-related events such as Puyuan Fashion Week, adding to its appeal as a stylish accommodation zone. Hotels around here, like the Meshang Resort Hotel, provide easy access to extensive shopping and dining options, unraveling a dynamic stay experience. The blend of modern amenities with the area's buoyant atmosphere makes it suitable for those who appreciate local craftsmanship and wish to witness the booming sweater trade firsthand.

Wuzhen and Surrounding Area is often referred to as "The Venice of the East" for its beautiful waterways and traditional architecture. The region offers a mix of historical charm and modern conveniences, ideal for those enchanted by scenic beauty and cultural depth. Hotels here are usually nestled along the water, providing stunning views and a romantic backdrop. This area is perfect for exploring traditional markets, theaters, and local cuisine, offering a comprehensive glimpse into the region's rich heritage and lifestyle.

The best time to visit Tongxiang is during the spring months between April and May, and the autumn months from September to October.  During spring, the fruit trees are blossoming, and plants are budding, creating a beautiful natural backdrop. The weather is pleasantly warm and the evenings cool, offering a comfortable climate without the summer humidity.  In autumn, the weather remains warm and dry, ideal for exploring the scenic landscapes adorned with striking red and yellow foliage, providing a stunning visual experience. 

Tongxiang's official language is Mandarin Chinese, a standard form of Chinese that is widely taught, understood, and spoken throughout China, including Tongxiang. Due to the importance of tourism and international interactions, many villagers and local businesses may also offer translation services for better communication. The presence of other languages and dialects such as Wu Chinese could also be encountered due to regional variations and the historical silk trade pathways in the region. Tips for overcoming language barriers include using translation apps, carrying phrasebooks, or using visual aids like maps or pictures to assist with communication.

Alipay: This app is widely used for payments and also comes with a convenient transport feature for public transportation and taxis.

WeChat: Essential for communication and serves as a digital wallet for various transactions, integrating payment for meals and taxis within its platform.

Baidu Maps: Known for its accurate real-time navigation and street views, helping travelers maneuver around cities in China.

Dianping: Combines restaurant reviews and food delivery, making it a top app for discovering local dining options and deals.

MetroMan: Useful for navigating metro systems in major Chinese cities, providing route planning and cost calculations.

Trip.com: is a popular online travel platform that provides a comprehensive range of services including booking flights.

Mobile data packages for immigrants in China are available through local carriers such as China Mobile and Unicom. China Mobile offers prepaid data SIM cards with unlimited text messages and calls within China, and high-speed connections, sometimes even 5G. Unicom provides SIM cards with data packs that include unlimited music applications, and both do not require long-term contracts. Prices for eSIMs with unlimited data start at just $6 for China.

Public WiFi in China is widely available in places like airports, restaurants, coffee shops, and malls. However, connecting to these networks often requires a Chinese phone number for text verification, which can be a challenge for travelers without a local SIM card. Global WiFi devices like Skyroam can be a convenient alternative, offering the ability to connect multiple devices and requiring no additional setup upon arrival in China.

Tongxiang, located in Zhejiang, China, enjoys a humid subtropical climate. This region typically experiences warm temperatures year-round, with an average yearly temperature of around 18.31ºC (64.96ºF).  The district receives moderate precipitation, approximately 156.92mm (6.18 inches) annually, and has around 160 rainy days.  Due to high moisture levels, it is advisable to carry breathable, light clothing but also include rain gear throughout the year. High humidity can lead to a warmer feel, so dress comfortably in light, moisture-wicking fabrics.

During periods of peak summer temperatures, light-colored and loose clothing combined with sun hats and UV protection are recommended. Winter brings cooler temperatures especially in January, the coldest month, demanding warmer attire like jackets and layered clothing. It is also beneficial to be cautious of potential ultraviolet radiation, particularly in summer, by routinely applying sunscreen, seeking shade during peak UV hours, and wearing UV-protective sunglasses. 

In Tongxiang, mobile payments, particularly Alipay and WeChat Pay, are the most popular and convenient payment methods for foreign tourists.

Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted for a variety of services, from shopping to transportation. You can link international cards to these platforms, simplifying payments without the need for cash.

For cash payments, it's advisable to carry some RMB, as it is accepted everywhere, especially in rural areas or for smaller transactions.

Bank Card payments with logos of UnionPay, Visa, and Mastercard at merchant POS are also an option.

Be aware of transaction fees when using ATMs to withdraw cash, and consider consultation with staff if opting for currency exchange at bank outlets. Additionally, recognize the spending limits and transaction fees associated with using mobile payments for foreigners, such as possible charges on international card transactions linked to Alipay or WeChat Pay.