Wuzhen: West and East - ancient, modern Chinese town - a scenic spot

Located not too far from the great city Hangzhou, you will find Wuzhen. I loved my visit it there, for it was unique, eye-opening and a provided a glimpse at how their ancient civilizations existed.

I started of in my town, Ningbo, and took a train to Tongxiang, and from there took a bus to the Wuzhen bus station and then another bus to the scenic spot. It took some time to get there, maybe 3 hours, but I wasn't in a rush, so it didn't really matter. The weather was pleasant, not too sunny and warm .

Map of Wuzhen

 When I arrived at the gates, I wasn't sure what to do, so I went to the information desk to find out. The guy explained that there was a West and East Wuzhen, and that I can stay right in Wuzhen (the scenic spot: the walled in ancient town) or stay outside. I opted to stay within the walls because after you buy a ticket you can't go in and out. So, I ask for the cheapest room, payed for it and payed the entrance fee of 200 rmb (which was for the west and east: The west being the bigger and more populated side.) The room I got was a shared room with two beds in a hostel for 150rmb but luckily no one else showed up!

The trolley to hostel/hotel.

I put down all my stuff and headed right out.

Seating at an amphitheater 

 So many areas to see. Basically it's about 1.2 kilometers long with small streets made of stone with a river running down the middle and out to different places. You can take a ride on a boat, which I didn't do. It was costly already.

 Above is a pagoda: You can climb up but just to the 3rd floor. The rest of it is blocked off. Wandering the streets, I went to try different types of food and sat at a few places to take in the scene and ambiance.

Making soya sauce: You have to let the soya beans
ferment, something like that, under the sun (read the sign).

Beautiful scenic pathway through a garden/pond area. The
architecture here is quite pleasing and the town flows
very nicely.

Interesting sign, I wonder what was happening
here before they put up the sign.

 I found a little place along the canal and tried some terrible tasting Chinese desert, an acquired taste, I guess, but nice scenery.

The night was slowly creeping in, and I saw some bars that I figured I would visit. I headed back to the hostel to hangout for a bit and put my feet up, nice walking!

Headed out... wow.. beautiful at night - my camera couldn't really capture it, or I don't know how to use it properly.

Below is the place I ended up at after walking around and checking them all out, the bars/night clubs that is. It had a live band that was really rocking with an African lead singer and just one other guy and a computer providing the rest of the instruments. Actually the other guy played guitar really well and sang with a kind of raspiness in his voice that was appealing.

The next day, I spent the morning on the west side to check out a few museums then head to the east side by a free shuttle bus.

A few university students looking to practice English
took me to a eat at place where you can sample the local cuisine. 

This is the east side: Much smaller than the west but had more museums and a little more quaint. What a wonderful place to visit. I would definitely recommend it to anyone!

Kind of a poor local show.. not much
pizzazz  

This would go towards the roof, like you would see
upon entering a great room.