The words may be harsh, but this is the current state of Wuzhen...

A Quick Look at Wuzhen Today: The Dual Charm of Bustling Activity and Tranquility People keep asking: "Is Wuzhen becoming too commercialized?" As someone who just returned from an in-depth visit to Wuzhen, I want to say: it has indeed changed, but it has become warmer and more inviting! 🔥 ✔️ Health Conference making headlines: The Wuzhen Health Conference from April 8-12 brought traditional Chinese medicine and intangible cultural heritage into the scenic area! 👵🏻👨 You can make your own medicinal sachets, watch acupuncture demonstrations, and participate in health runs and fun sports events (secretly: Deng Yaping was there too!) ✔️ New district launching in May: The South Xizha Art District is under renovation, with old factories transforming into trendy spots! 🎨 Soon there will be wooden cabin markets, art galleries and morning tea houses. Expected to be completed in May, it will be another great place for night markets! ✔️ Enhanced visitor limits: Advance reservations are now required to enter the scenic area! ⚠️ Especially for seniors over 70 and those eligible for free entry, remember to reserve through the official mini program (avoid third-party platforms to prevent problems!) 📸What to do: 5 hidden spots to avoid the crowds 🌅Early morning at 6am in Xizha: Enjoy the peaceful ink-painting scenery • Route: Start from Tong'an Bridge, walk along the stone path to White Lotus Pagoda, watch the morning mist over the river with occasional rowing boats passing by 🚣 • Hidden activity: Try blue calico DIY at the Caomubense Dye House (fewer people in the morning, and the master will teach you hands-on!) 🎭Theater Festival aftermath: Encounter street performances • Location: Xizha Street, near Lingshui Residence • Time: After 3pm (often featuring impromptu theater and stand-up comedy, free to watch!) 🍵Wuzhen Village rural lifestyle: Rice planting, feeding animals • Transportation: Free shuttle buses from the scenic area • Must-do: Pick peaches in the orchard 🍑, grind soymilk at the mill, and watch the sunset at the Educated Youth Coffee Bar in the evening 🛍️Nanzha Old Street: Local favorite with authentic atmosphere • Route: Start from Nanzha Inn, visit old teahouses and antique shops, buy and eat Dingsheng cake along the way • Hidden shop: "Lao Ding's Store" sells handmade woodcarvings, and the owner tells old Wuzhen stories! 🌌New night tour: Lantern walks + drone show • Time: Every Friday and Saturday at 20:00 (canceled during rain) • Location: Near White Lotus Pagoda (the drone light show is spectacular!) 🍜What to eat: Authentic flavors beyond the tourist traps 🍜Wu Ma's Wonton: A local favorite since childhood • Recommendation: Wild vegetable wontons (limited to 100 servings daily, arrive before noon!) • How to eat: Add a spoonful of chili oil and pair with a freshly fried scallion roll 🍖Jinan Private Kitchen: Traditional flavors from wealthy households • Must-order: Braised bones with aged wine (the meat sauce with rice is enough for three bowls!) • Hidden menu: Master Xu's meat sauce bamboo shoots (Tianmu Mountain bamboo shoots stewed for 3 hours, incredibly delicious!) 🥟Scholar's Lamb Noodles: Jack Ma's favorite • Recommendation: Signature lamb noodles (Hu lamb stewed with sugarcane and water chestnuts, without any gamey taste!) • Pairing: Add a braised egg, the broth is so delicious you'll want to take it home! 🏨Where to stay: High-value accommodation list 🏠Xizha Guesthouses: Waterside Jiangnan dream • Recommendation: Tong'an Inn (has a private dock, very convenient for boat rides!) • Perks: Includes Xizha tickets + morning tea experience 🌿Wuzhen Village Homestays: Perfect for a rural retreat • Recommendation: Rice Barn Complex (rooms have small kitchens, suitable for families) • Perks: Includes all village experience activities, unlimited rice planting and animal feeding! 🛏️Accommodations outside the scenic area: Best value for money • Recommendation: Nanzha Inn (10-minute walk to Dongzha, half the price of staying inside the scenic area!) • Perks: Includes Dongzha tickets and the opportunity to try the host's hand-dripped coffee 📍Wuzhen travel tips: 1️⃣ Avoid crowds: The scenic area is least crowded before 9am and after 5pm! 2️⃣ Transportation advice: Don't take unlicensed cars outside the scenic area, Didi is more economical 3️⃣ Outfit suggestion: Wear light-colored Hanfu for perfect photos against the white walls and black tiles! 4️⃣ Scam alert: Don't buy "handmade silk quilts" in the scenic area—they're all from Yiwu wholesale markets! ✨Summary: Wuzhen is still Wuzhen, but it's embracing young people with new experiences