Jiangnan Road Trip: Xitang | Nanhetou | Wuzhen | Recommended Stays

Tired of the hustle and bustle of city life and yearning for a gentle encounter with the water towns of Jiangnan? Pack your bags, hop in your car, and join us on this road trip connecting the three hidden gems of Xitang, Nanhetou, and Wuzhen to experience the authentic charm of Jiangnan. Travel Itinerary Day 1: Encounter Xitang and Immerse in the Gentle Beauty of the Water Town Navigate from your starting point to the Xitang Ancient Town parking lot. Parking Lot No. 5 is the closest to the scenic area and offers convenient parking. Upon arrival, check into a pre-booked riverside inn. Open the window to see the tranquil river and ancient stone bridges, instantly transporting you to a nostalgic Jiangnan dream. In the early morning, while the sunlight is soft and the crowds are sparse, take a leisurely stroll along the Misty Rain Corridor. Beneath your feet are time-worn bluestone slabs, above your head is a covered walkway shielding you from the elements, and in your ears is the soft Wu dialect of boatwomen rowing their boats. Time seems to slow down. Next, visit Wang Residence to touch the ancient bricks and tiles and explore the historical threads of Xitang. For lunch, enjoy a special meal on a boat. The steamed white fish is tender, and the lotus leaf steamed pork is soft and fragrant. Savor the meal while admiring the water town scenery on both sides. In the afternoon, head to Xiyuan to view an art exhibition and experience the magical fusion of art and the ancient town. As evening approaches, go to Yongning Bridge to watch the sunset dye the sky and river in golden red—a breathtaking sight. When night falls, take a night tour of Songzi Laifeng Bridge. The colorful lights outline the bridge's silhouette, reflecting beautifully in the water. At this moment, order a cup of tea or a drink at a riverside bar and enjoy the romantic night unique to Xitang. Day 2: Explore Nanhetou and Savor Historical Charm After breakfast, drive to the Nanhetou Historical and Cultural District. First, stop at the nearby Pinghu Qiju Hotel (Mo's Manor branch), where parking is free. Park your car at the hotel and explore Nanhetou on foot. The ancient street of Nanhetou has not been overly commercialized, retaining the authentic lifestyle of Jiangnan. Stroll through the district, where the aroma of tea wafts from teahouses along the street. Find a seat, order a cup of Longjing tea, and listen to the locals share stories of the past. There are also many handicraft shops worth exploring. Pick a favorite item as a travel keepsake. The district is home to many historic bridges with stories, such as Tangji Bridge, which spans about 12 meters in length and 3.2 meters in width. This single-arch stone bridge crosses the Gan River, with 12 intricately carved stone lion balustrades. Standing on the bridge, you can take in the surrounding scenery. Additionally, visit the nationally protected historic site, Mo's Manor. For lunch, try Pinghu's local delicacies near the district. The unique flavor of pickled eggs, with their milky white jelly-like egg whites and semi-solid orange-red yolks, is delightful. The mellow and sweet yellow wine leaves a lingering aftertaste. In the afternoon, visit the Pinghu Museum, which spans three floors and features at least eight exhibition halls. The rich exhibits provide an in-depth understanding of Pinghu's history and culture. If you're lucky enough to catch a special exhibition, it's a visual feast. Then, head to the Pinghu Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum to experience the charm of intangible cultural heritage up close, such as pickled egg making, yellow wine brewing, and traditional weaving. Spend the night at the Pinghu Qiju Hotel (Mo's Manor branch) near Nanhetou, falling asleep to the gentle evening breeze and the company of the adorable smart assistant, Xiaodu. Day 3: Step into Wuzhen and Experience the Riverside Charm From Nanhetou, navigate to Wuzhen. Parking near the Wuzhen scenic area costs 20-30 RMB per day, so choose accordingly. It is recommended to visit the West Scenic Zone, which preserves the most complete water town features. In the early morning, start your Wuzhen journey with a ride on a rowing boat. Admire the white walls, black tiles, green trees, and red flowers along the riverbanks, and feel the tranquility and vitality of the water town. Then, visit the Muxin Art Museum, which displays Muxin's paintings, manuscripts, and more, offering a deep dive into his artistic life and spiritual world. When you're tired, find a riverside tea house or café, order a serving of Sister-in-law Cake, and enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea. As night falls, Wuzhen dons a dazzling outfit. Take a night tour on a Wupeng boat. Under the glow of lights, the riverside's ancient buildings appear dreamlike, as if you've traveled back in time. After disembarking, stroll along the stone-paved streets and soak in the lively and bustling atmosphere of the ancient town at night. The streets are lined with unique shops, so pick up some souvenirs for friends and family. Accommodation Recommendation: Pinghu Qiju Hotel (Mo's Manor branch) near Nanhetou. The rooms are equipped with smart features and offer a self-service breakfast. Most importantly, parking is free, making it convenient for a walking tour of Nanhetou.