Enjoy the misty rain over Nanhu Lake without rushing: A 2-day, 1-night weekend getaway to Jiaxing, featuring a high-density tour of the city center and the best of Xincheng in the suburbs.

Jiaxing's old town is compact, with attractions and restaurants concentrated in the Nanhu, Yuehe, and Zicheng areas, making it perfect for a quick weekend getaway. This itinerary dedicates Day 1 to a high-density tour of the city center and Day 2 to a highlight of the nearby Xincheng Ancient Town, offering a fast-paced experience without sacrificing the overall experience.

Day 1 Morning: South Lake Island and Misty Rain Pavilion

Our first stop was the Nanhu Huijingyuan Wharf, aiming to be among the first to board the boat to the island after the park opened. The island in the center of Nanhu is the heart of the lake, and the Yanyu Tower offers the best panoramic view. The red boat is moored on the southeast side of the island, creating a blend of historical setting and garden space that offers more than just a simple photo opportunity. Don't just take a standard picture when climbing the tower; walk around to the back to see the layers of the lake and embankment – the best time to do so is in the early morning light. After disembarking, you can walk along the Nanhu Greenway to the exterior of the Nanhu Revolutionary Memorial Hall. There's no need to spend the entire time inside unless you have a specific interest in modern history.

The Nanhu Lake cruise is greatly affected by the weather, so check the wind forecast before you set off; on weekends, the queue for the cruise is concentrated after 9:30, so arrive early if you want to save time.

Day 1 Lunch: Meal together in Yuehe Historic District

The distance from Nanhu to Yuehe is very short; you can take a bus or a shared electric bike. Yuehe Historical District is a good place to have lunch, as it features several representative flavors of Jiaxing: zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), braised duck, Nanhu water chestnuts, and shumai (steamed dumplings). It's recommended to prioritize local established brands to avoid repeating purchases on the main riverside street. The Zongzi Culture Museum is free to enter and showcases the zongzi-making process and the history of established brands; a quick tour takes about 20 minutes. The Yuehe Flower and Bird Market is connected to the ancient street; a stroll after lunch offers a more authentic experience than sitting in a coffee shop. If you're interested in waterside architecture, the river wharves along Zhongji Road and Tanlong Lane are the most captivating parts of Yuehe.

Day 1 Afternoon: Inner City, Catholic Church and Old Town Cultural Axis

You can easily walk into the old city's cultural axis from Yuehe. First, visit the Zicheng Ruins Park, where the preserved city walls and watchtower ruins offer a quick overview of Jiaxing's ancient urban layout. Next, walk to the Ziyang Street Catholic Church, where the Gothic architecture contrasts beautifully with the old city streets; the afternoon light is ideal for photography. The square in front of the church offers a wide view, but the midday sun in summer creates a strong contrast; photos of the facade will be cleaner after 3 PM. The adjacent Pingshan Park is a small park that can be explored in 15 minutes. Finally, walk to Meiwan Street, where Zhu Shenghao's former residence and Jin Jiu's refuge are quietly nestled, perfect for visitors interested in the stories of these figures.

Day 1 Night: Nanhu Tiandi and Lakeside Night View

For dinner, it's recommended to arrive at Nanhu Tiandi before 6 PM to get a number, as lakeside restaurants generally have long wait times on weekends. The value of this area lies in the stunning night view of Nanhu Lake. After dinner, walk along the lakeside path towards Huijing Garden; the Yanyu Tower appears and disappears under the lights, offering a more tranquil atmosphere than during the day. If you prefer not to visit commercial complexes, you can head to the Luxi Hui Historical District, where the alleys along the canal have a more understated nighttime atmosphere, perfect for a post-dinner stroll.

Day 2 Morning: Half-day highlight tour of Xincheng Ancient Town

The second day was dedicated to Xincheng Old Town, about a 30-minute drive from the city center, making it the most affordable option for a day trip to the suburbs. Xincheng doesn't rely on major tourist attractions, but rather on its "old town life + local cuisine." First, visit Xiaopenglai and Nengren Temple. The ancient ginkgo trees and tranquil gardens within the temple grounds are perfect for a morning stroll. Afterwards, walk along the old streets of Xincheng City River. The daily lives of the original inhabitants are still visible on both sides, without the overly commercialized feel of modern renovations. The alleyways between the old stone bridges and riverside houses are particularly suitable for capturing scenes imbued with the traces of daily life.

Xincheng's culinary delights are concentrated along both sides of the city river: steamed mutton noodles, crab-shaped wontons, and Xincheng mooncakes are a common breakfast combination for locals. Mutton noodle shops may already have queues before 9:30 AM, so it's recommended to arrive around 8:30 AM. Xincheng mooncakes are mostly small Suzhou-style mooncakes, suitable as souvenirs for your return trip.

Day 2 Afternoon: Return to the city for the final stages and departure

After returning to Jiaxing city center at noon, if you have an hour left, you can spend it on Meiwang Street or Fanli Lake Park. These two spots are conveniently located in the direction of the main stations, have good vegetation, and offer a slower pace, allowing you to wrap up your trip in a more relaxed manner. Around 4:00 PM, head to the train station or South Station. Before returning, you can buy some zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) inside the station; there's no need to go out of your way to shop.

Useful Tips: Transportation Saving Cards, Packing Tips, Avoiding Queues

For transportation, you can take the T1 tram line from Jiaxing South Railway Station to the old town. For short distances within the city, public electric bikes or buses are preferred, allowing for convenient connections without the need for taxis. Rural buses to Xincheng Ancient Town offer stable service and are cheaper than hiring a car. Luggage recommendations include a 20-liter backpack with the following items: ID card, power bank, comfortable walking shoes, rain gear, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent. Mosquitoes are plentiful around Nanhu Lake, especially in summer. To avoid long queues, remember three things: For the Nanhu Lake island cruise, queues are significant after 9:30 AM on weekends; try to arrive at the dock before 8:30 AM. Visitor numbers decrease after 12:30 PM at the Yuehe Zongzi Museum. For dinner at Nanhu Tiandi on weekends, getting a number before 5:30 PM is the safest option.