Lanterns, Boats & “Pillow Water” Memories
Visitor Summary * Locations: Wuzhen West Scenic Area & Xitang Water Town. * Key Experience: Overnight stay inside Wuzhen (“Pillow Water” experience). * Inclusions: Wuzhen Night Tour, Xitang Boat Ride, and Hanfu Dress-up Experience. * Vibe: “Stay in Wuzhen, Dream by the Water”.
The Tour Pathway
This section of the tour immerses you in the romantic atmosphere of China’s most famous water towns.
Arrival in Wuzhen: Arrive at the Wuzhen West Scenic Area (Xizha), a charming water town known for its tranquility away from city noise.
Night Tour: Participate in the exclusive “Lantern Walk on the Bridges,” enjoying the dazzling night lights that outline the ancient architecture.
Overnight Stay: Unlike day-trippers, you will stay overnight in the town to experience the serene “Pillow Water” lifestyle.
Journey to Xitang: The next morning, travel to Xitang, a “living” thousand-year-old ancient town.
Cultural Immersion: Enjoy a sightseeing boat ride and a complimentary Hanfu (traditional clothing) experience, complete with a digital souvenir photo.
General Introduction & History
Wuzhen West (Xizha) Wuzhen is famous as the filming location for the drama “Time in the Water”. It is divided into East and West zones, with the West Zone (Xizha) being renowned for its night scenery.
The Atmosphere: If the daytime gives you an authentic feel of a Jiangnan water town, the night brings a completely different charm with warm lights reflecting on the quiet canals.
The Lifestyle: Staying here allows you to experience the true rhythm of life by the water, described as “Sleep in Wuzhen, Dream by the Water”.
Xitang Water Town Recognized as the “most perfect original ecological water town,” Xitang is famous for its layout where “houses are by the water, and every household has a boat”.
Architecture: It features the unique Misty Rain Corridor (Langpeng), a covered walkway that runs along the river, allowing life to continue rain or shine.
Pop Culture: It served as a filming location for the Hollywood movie Mission: Impossible III.
Attractions & Fun Facts
1. The “Corridor” of Xitang
Unique Feature: The Misty Rain Corridor is a rare architectural feature not found in most other water towns. It allows you to stroll along the riverbank while protected from the elements.
Museums: While walking the lanes, look out for the quirky Tile Eaves Museum and the Button Museum.
2. Wuzhen Nightlife
Contrast: Wuzhen isn’t just about quiet history. You can visit spots like the “Time in the Water Wine Workshop,” “Old Wood Bar,” or “500 Hui Bar” to experience the cycle of dynamic energy and quiet peace.
3. The Hanfu Experience
Inclusion: To help you blend in with the historic scenery, the tour gifts you a Hanfu dress-up session in Xitang.
Souvenir: You will receive one electronic photo of yourself in traditional dress as a keepsake.
4. Shipi Lane
Hidden Gem: In Xitang, be sure to walk through Shipi Lane and visit the West Garden and Songzilai Feng Bridge. These spots offer the classic “small bridge, flowing water, and people” scenery that defines Jiangnan.