Avoid Xitang and Wuzhen in Jiaxing | A local's testimonial list to avoid pitfalls, don't be fooled by travel guides again.

During the May Day holiday, I accompanied a friend from out of town on a supposedly classic 3-day, 2-night itinerary in Jiaxing that was all over the internet. We ended up getting stuck in traffic for 40 minutes on Yuehe Main Street and waiting in line for two hours at the entrance of a tourist attraction for popular rice dumplings. In the end, my friend said, "Jiaxing is nothing special." That's when I wanted to write this.

Jiaxing is often described in travel guides as a "transfer station between ancient towns between Shanghai and Hangzhou," as if a trip to Jiaxing is incomplete without visiting Nanhu Lake, Xitang, and Wuzhen. However, locals' true experience is that these three places are precisely the worst to experience during holidays and the least worthwhile to rush through. Let's break down that classic route.

Even locals shake their heads at the queue for "Nanhu Lake Island".

Nanhu Lake is indeed Jiaxing's urban living room, but the queue for the boat tour to the island in the middle of the lake can exceed one hour on weekends and holidays. After arriving on the island, you can only see the Misty Rain Pavilion and the Red Boat in twenty minutes, and the rest of the time is spent waiting for the return trip. For those who are not obsessed with "checking off the island," it is not cost-effective.

Locals recommend walking along the South Lake Trail to the South Lake World side. It offers the same lake view, is free, less crowded, and you can also see the Hao Gu Pagoda and Wu Xiang Temple. If you're bringing elders for the first time and they want to take a boat, choose the evening when it's almost over; there will be far fewer people. Avoid queuing at midday.

Although the commercial complex at Nanhu Tiandi is new, the lakeside promenade is a popular spot for locals to stroll after dinner, and it takes on a more layered feel after the lights come on in the evening than during the day. If you really want to see the red boat, a quick glance from afar is sufficient; there's no need to go ashore.

Thirty minutes is really enough for Yuehe Historic District.

Yuehe is touted as the "Jiaxing version of Wuzhen," but the main street is actually quite short; a half-hour walk around is sufficient. During the day, the shops mainly sell zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), pastries, and small commodities, while the bar street is noisy at night, making it unsuitable for quiet strolls. The zongzi culture museum is truly worth visiting, but avoid buying freshly wrapped vacuum-packed zongzi in Yuehe; they are overpriced, and locals never stock up on them there.

The area around Yuehe River, known as Luxihui, has a more charming atmosphere. The old houses along the canal have been converted into cafes and teahouses, offering a quiet and less crowded experience. Yuehe River isn't off-limits, but it's best not to allocate an entire afternoon to it. Treat it as a convenient stop after a walk around Nanhu Lake.

Trying to cram Xitang and Wuzhen into the same day is the biggest mistake.

Many travel guides suggest "Day 2 Xitang, Day 3 Wuzhen," which is typical of tourists rushing from one place to another. Xitang and Wuzhen are both about an hour's drive from Jiaxing city, and they are not even in the same direction. Spending two full days in three days in two highly similar ancient towns in Jiangnan is less worthwhile than choosing one, or even choosing neither.

Both Xitang and Wuzhen are notorious for causing massive traffic jams at their entrances and parking lots during holidays, and even inside they are packed with people. Locals who want to experience the authentic water towns will go to Xincheng Ancient Town or Meihuazhou, where there are no entrance fees or the prices are affordable, and you can also enjoy local snacks. It's not that Xitang and Wuzhen are bad, but the decision to "make a special trip from Jiaxing city center" is a waste.

Some travel guides even suggest staying in a guesthouse in Xitang to enjoy the night view. However, during holidays, most guesthouses in Xitang are located in alleys with poor soundproofing, making it difficult to move luggage, and the bars are noisy until 11 or 12 at night. For the same amount of money, you can get a much more comfortable sleep in downtown Jiaxing.

Those "internet-famous zongzi" and "ancient town dishes" where people queue for two hours

Jiaxing is most famous for its zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), but the popular online zongzi shops recommended in travel guides are located near the scenic area, where people queue for two hours just for a single meat zongzi, which locals find absurd. For truly authentic local delicacies like braised duck, water chestnuts from Nanhu Lake, whitebait, and steamed double-stinky tofu, you should go to the small restaurants frequented by locals, not on the main street of the scenic area.

Yuexiu Market is touted as a food paradise, but it's more like a student cafeteria—the environment is so-so, and while some stalls offer cheap prices, hygiene is a matter of luck. It's not worth making a special trip there. If you're looking for street food, head to Hongbo Road or Shaonian Road in the evening and explore on foot instead of queuing. Don't let a single meal ruin half your day.

Delete these and replace them with places that locals actually go to on weekends.

If locals only have three days, they'll spend their time along the old city route, including the Zicheng Ruins Park, Pingshan Mountain, the Church of the Holy Mother's Apparition, and the Wensheng Monastery. These places are free or inexpensive, less crowded, perfect for leisurely photography, and allow you to truly appreciate the essence of Jiaxing's ancient city.

If you're looking to leave the city, I recommend cycling around Xiangjiadang Lake, or visiting Nanbeihu Lake in Haiyan to see the integrated mountains, sea, and lake – a more relaxing experience than being stuck in an ancient town. For families with children, the Jiaxing Museum or Science and Technology Museum are great options, especially on rainy days. The essence of Jiaxing isn't in "visiting ancient towns," but in "strolling through the old town and relaxing in the suburbs."

Jiaxing's old town is actually very suitable for walking. From the inner city to Ping Mountain and then to the outer edge of Yuehe, you can pass by old churches, old houses and canal banks, which is closer to the local people's life than queuing in scenic spots.

Indigenous Optimized Version: 3 Days 2 Nights + 1 Day Flexible Alternative

Day 1: In the morning, visit the Zicheng Ruins Park, the Church of the Holy Mother, and Pingshan. At noon, find a local restaurant in the north of the city to eat braised duck and water chestnuts from Nanhu Lake. In the afternoon, walk along the Nanhu Lake Trail to Nanhu Tiandi. In the evening, watch the Haogu Pagoda light up, but do not take a boat.

Day 2: Go to Xincheng Ancient Town in the morning and eat Xincheng mutton noodles or fresh meat mooncakes. Return to the city at noon. In the afternoon, stroll around the outer area of Yuehe River, including Luxihui and the canal, without entering the main street of Yuehe River.

Day 3: In the morning, choose between cycling in Xiangjiadang or visiting Nanbeihu in Haiyan. Leave the afternoon free; buy some loose zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) before heading back, but don't go into the tourist area shops. If you have an extra day, weather permitting, visit Meihuazhou or Jiulongshan in Pinghu; if it rains, visit the Jiaxing Museum and Library instead.

In closing: Don't ask the locals if I didn't tell you.

First, avoid visiting any ancient towns on weekends, as they are usually the most crowded; also, avoid buying vacuum-packed zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) at scenic spots, and instead buy loose ones at the market.

Second, avoid using shared bicycles to cross districts; instead, take a taxi or rent an electric scooter for nearby attractions. Also, don't cram both Xitang and Wuzhen into your itinerary; choosing just one is too much.

Third, avoid having dinner on Yuehe Main Street, as it's expensive and involves long queues; also, avoid queuing for a boat ride on Nanhu Lake at noon, as it's more comfortable to go in the evening.

Fourth, avoid planning trips to ancient towns during the spring rainy season and summer typhoon season; autumn and winter are more suitable for strolling. Also, avoid taking elders on long walks along the stone-paved streets of ancient towns.

Fifth, don't ask locals "Which is more worth visiting, Xitang or Wuzhen?" The answer will most likely be "Don't go to either." Also, don't believe the claim that you can "see all of Jiaxing in one day."