Got plans for the weekend? Looking for an alternative to eating and drinking your way straight to Monday? Opt for a weekend getaway to the lovely Ancient Watertown of Wuzhen.

Highlights: 

♥ Stroll down the stoned paved streets at dawn and appreciate the picturesque water scenery without the crowds.

♥ Create your own Chinese lantern, pottery or indigo-dyed fabric

♥ Explore the town’s sights: the tall White Lotus Pagoda, the Xuchang Paste Company and its home-made soya sauce and paste and the Chinese Foot binding Culture Museum with its hundreds of tiny shoes.

Day 1 Shanghai - Tongxiang - Wuzhen

Take high speed train SHANGHAI to TONGXIANG, in 2nd class. Upon arrival, make your own way to Wuzhen West Scenic Area. (Note: there is a taxi ramp outside of the station. Take one from there. Make sure the taxi driver is using a meter. The total fare will approximately RMB 110)

Upon arrival at the entrance of the Scenic Area, check-in and, if you wish to do so, drop off your luggage at the concierge. It will be delivered to your hotel, the traditional Waterside Resort, directly. Then take a golf cart (~ 5 minutes) or walk (~ 10 -15 minutes) to the river side.

Experience the beauty of Wuzhen Ancient Water Town on the banks of a series of canals dating back 1300 years ago. Though the town has been carefully restored, it still feels like very little has changed. In your own time, explore its gardens, little museums and flower fields.

You may choose to visit the Museum of Folk Customs, go on a boat tour, climb up the White Lotus pagoda and take a rest at the Fanglu Pavilion known as the best teahouse in town.

In the afternoon, take advantage of the 1 of 3 options included in this weekend package: create your own Chinese lantern, pottery or indigo-dyed fabric. Each of them take place at one of the small local workshops.

In the evening, take in the brightly coloured red lanterns as your stroll along the canal banks.

Meals: Not included

Accommodation: Waterside Resort (Twin Room)

Day 2  Wuzhen - Tongxiang - Shanghai

Enjoy an early breakfast and make the most of the peace and quiet in the Wuzhen West Scenic Area before the park opens to visitors (at 9am daily). Stroll down the stoned paved lanes, absorbing the picturesque scenery and slow lifestyle.

You may choose to stop by the fascinating foot binding museum, the interesting Bridge in Bridge made up of two ancient bridges and the Matchmaker’s Temple. If you have curious taste buds, this is the time to sample some of the town’s snacks.

Late afternoon, take a taxi back to Tongxiang railway station (Note: the taxi ramp is located just outside the Scenic Area, same place you got dropped off at the day before) and then a high speed train back from TONGXIANG to SHANGHAI, in 2nd class.

Meals: Breakfast