Regretting not visiting Jiaxing sooner - now I'm back!

🏞️ Jiaxing (Hidden Gem of Jiangnan Water Towns) - Just 30 mins by high-speed rail from Shanghai/Hangzhou! Less crowded, scenic & budget-friendly, perfect for a 2-day weekend getaway! ------ 🚗 Transportation Guide How to get there? • High-speed rail: ◦ Shanghai Hongqiao→Jiaxing South (27min, ¥38). ◦ Hangzhou East→Jiaxing South (23min, ¥32). • Self-drive: ~1.5hrs from Shanghai/Hangzhou (via Hukun Expressway). Local transport: • Bus: Tourist lines (Y1/Y2) connect major attractions. • Taxi: Flag fall ¥10, under ¥15 between downtown sights. ------ 🏨 Accommodation Recs 【South Lake/Yuehe Area】 ✅ Pros: Downtown location, convenient for food & shopping. 🏡 Recommendations: • Budget: Yuehe Inn (¥200/night, traditional style). • Luxury: Nanhu Hotel (¥500/night, lake-view rooms). 【Wuzhen/Xitang】 ✅ Pros: Immersive water town experience (but pricier). 🏡 Recommendations: Wuzhen homestays (¥300-600/night), Xitang riverside inns (¥400+/night). ------ 🌿 Must-Visit Spots 【Downtown Jiaxing】 1. South Lake Scenic Area (Free, boat ¥60) ◦ Communist Party's First Congress site (Red Boat), Misty Rain Pavilion overlook. 2. Yuehe Historic Block (Free) ◦ Zongzi Culture Museum (Free), flower-bird market, bar street nightscape. 3. Meiwang Street (Free) ◦ Republic-era architecture, niche cafes. 【Nearby Ancient Towns】 4. Wuzhen (East ¥110, West ¥150) ◦ East: Local life vibes, Mao Dun's former residence. ◦ West: Stunning night views, paddle boat tours (¥60/pax). 5. Xitang (¥95, free night entry) ◦ Misty Corridors, Laifeng Bridge - best for dawn/dusk photos. 6. Yanguan Tide-Watching Spot (¥50) ◦ Best place for Qiantang River tidal bore (18th day of 8th lunar month). ------ 🍜 Must-Try Foods ✅ Jiaxing Zongzi: • Try "Zhenzhen Laolao" heritage version (salted egg & pork ¥12). ✅ South Lake Water Chestnuts: • Seasonal delicacy (Sep-Oct), stir-fried or in soup. ✅ Marinated Dishes: • Drunken chicken, drunken pork tongue (¥30), Zou Daxian's specialty. ✅ Wenhu Braised Duck: • Local time-honored brand, vacuum-packed as souvenir (¥40/duck). ------ ⚠️ Pro Tips 1. Wuzhen vs Xitang: ◦ Wuzhen: More polished but commercial; Xitang: More authentic but dated. 2. Zongzi Buying: • Avoid inflated prices at attractions - buy at downtown "Wufangzhai" flagship. 3. Tide Watching: • Check tide timetable for Yanguan, never cross safety barriers. ------ 📌 Itinerary Suggestion • Day1: South Lake cruise→Yuehe Block (lunch at Zou Daxian)→Meiwang Street→Stay downtown. • Day2: Wuzhen East (or Xitang)→Return. Jiaxing = Most underrated Jiangnan town near Shanghai - perfect weekend escape! 🚣‍♀️🌉