Luxury Travel Guide to the Water Towns of Jiangnan

Visited Wuzhen West Scenic Zone and stayed at the legendary Alila Hotel – the experience was absolutely top-notch! Sharing this travel guide with you all, so save it if you're planning a trip! 📍 Transportation Guide: I took the high-speed train to Tongxiang Station. From there, there are two ways to get to Wuzhen West Scenic Zone: - Take bus K282 for just ¥2, but the ride takes about 50 minutes. - Alternatively, a taxi takes around 40 minutes but costs about ¥70. 🎫 Ticket Info: - West Scenic Zone ticket: ¥150/person, covering both daytime and nighttime access. - If staying inside the scenic area, you get a 20% discount on tickets when checking in. - The combined ticket for East and West Scenic Zones is ¥150 after discount. If you have time, this is a great deal for exploring both areas. 🏨 Alila Hotel Experience: Staying at Alila was totally worth it! The hotel is perfectly located within the scenic area. Its exterior blends seamlessly with the Jiangnan water town aesthetic, while the interior is modern and stylish, with impeccable attention to detail. The room was spacious and cozy, with an incredibly soft bed for a great night's sleep. The decor was elegant, and they even provided local specialty snacks. My room had a small balcony where I could sit, sip tea, and enjoy the view of the quaint bridges and flowing water – pure bliss! Service was outstanding too: the staff were warm and efficient, and any requests were handled promptly. 💡 Itinerary Suggestions: Start at Andu Ferry Pier: 1. **Caomu Bense Dyehouse**: The fluttering indigo-dyed fabrics make for stunning photos. 2. **Zhaoming Academy**: Immerse yourself in classical scholarly vibes. 3. **Wuzhen Post Office**: Send a postcard stamped with the Wuzhen postmark – a perfect souvenir. 4. **Bailian Pagoda**: Climb to the top for panoramic views of the ancient town and the Grand Canal. 5. **Evening Gondola Ride**: Charter a boat for ¥300 (insurance included) and glide along the river, soaking in the magical night lights. 🍜 Food Recommendations: - **Scholar’s Lamb Noodles**: Tender braised lamb in a sweet, savory broth. One bowl is enough for two. - **Dingsheng Cake**: Freshly steamed with red bean filling – soft, sweet, and only ¥3 each (limit 5 per person). - **Radish Cake**: Crispy on the outside, just ¥3, but expect long lines – go early! 📸 Photo Spots: - **Caomu Bense Dyehouse**: The blue-and-white fabrics create a dreamy backdrop. Wear a solid-color dress and visit before 9 AM for soft light and fewer crowds. - **Bailian Pagoda**: Capture sunset silhouettes around 5 PM, or the pagoda’s glowing lights at night. - **Wuzhen Post Office**: Vintage rickshaws and mailboxes make for great retro shots. - **Bridge Within a Bridge**: The intersecting twin bridges are perfect for wide-angle shots with an ancient vibe. Wuzhen West Scenic Zone is truly a must-visit, and staying at Alila elevates the experience. Follow this guide for an unforgettable trip!