Embodying the charm of the Jiangnan region of yesteryears with its ‘small bridges, flowing water, and residential homes,’ Wuzhen has preserved its historical essence. This is largely due to the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal passing through the town, intersecting with the ‘Mother River’ of Wuzhen’s West Street, Xishi River. Numerous tributaries and harbors branch off, creating a landscape where every home faces the water and every household rests beside the river, resembling a small, watery kingdom. Unlike the surging waves of the Grand Canal, Wuzhen’s small rivers are elegant and charming, resembling emerald ribbons. The liveliest scene is along Xishi River, where rowing boats gently chase the waves, passing under bridges and along the shores. On board, people speak in the soft Wu dialect, laughing and chatting merrily.
Many streams converge at the southwest corner to form a vast lake, named Feicui Yang, with shimmering water and a green hue like uncut jade. Willows along the banks stretch out in a poetic, boundless manner, and boating in this area feels like being in a ‘cool world.’ Rowing boats are the spirits of the water town. Wuzhen’s narrow rivers are no more than 3 meters wide and the water depth does not exceed 2 meters. The small rowing boats are heavy in structure but draw little water, with the oar acting as a rudder, moving like a fish tail at the stern to propel the boat forward, ensuring a stable journey. The construction and repair of these boats take place in the boathouses. In the past, boathouses were hereditary, with fathers passing down the craft of boat making and repair to their sons. With the passage of time, boathouses have declined. Wuzhen, committed to preservation and heritage, has invited experienced masters to teach apprentices, reviving the boathouses. In the old days, during festivals, well-off families would go out together, with the choice of riding on lantern-decorated boats being a preferred option. These boats were equipped with tea, various pastries, and families would gather, chatting and laughing, enjoying a harmonious time. There were also literati and poets, traveling alone or in groups, aboard lantern-decorated boats, drinking and composing poetry, expressing their passion amidst the clouds and waters. Touring Jiangnan, playing in Wuzhen, and experiencing a boat ride through the clouds and waters, one feels the vastness of the world, forgetting the self, and understanding the true meaning of openness and freedom… Open all year round from 09:00 to 16:00.Wuzhen Cruise
Embodying the charm of the Jiangnan region of yesteryears with its ‘small bridges, flowing wat[...]
