Begin your day with a convenient hotel pickup in Hangzhou and head to Wuzhen, a living ancient town. As you travel, listen to your guide share stories about Wuzhen’s history and water town culture.

Upon arrival, explore Wuzhen East Gate, the main filming location for the TV series “Like Water Years.” Stroll along the riverbank, where ancient houses still stand, and feel the authentic atmosphere of local life.

Visit the former residence of Mao Dun, a master of modern Chinese literature, and see where he spent his childhood. Stop at the Zhenzhen Temple, a thousand-year-old Taoist temple, and the Liji Academy, where Mao Dun studied as a child.

Continue to the Lin Family Shop, a classic scene from Mao Dun’s writings, and the Double Bridge, symbolising a beautiful marriage. See the Dyeing Workshop, where blue printed cloth flutters in the wind, and the Distillery, where the aroma of Sanbai wine fills the air. Admire the Jiangnan Hundred Bed Museum, which houses a collection of carved beds from the Ming and Qing dynasties, and the Ancient Theatre, where you can still hear the sound of gongs and drums.

Next, head to Wuzhen West Gate, located next to the ancient Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. Explore the area, which consists of 12 islands surrounded by water and features a large number of Ming and Qing dynasty buildings. Stroll along the old street, which runs east to west, and cross one of the 72 ancient stone bridges.

In the evening, enjoy a self-guided dinner at one of the many local restaurants. Try specialities like San Zhen Zhai sauce, braised lamb, smoked bean tea, Sanbai wine, sister-in-law cake, white fish, and Ding Sheng cake.

After dinner, experience the magic of Wuzhen at night. As the lights come on, the entire West Gate is illuminated, creating a stunning scene. Watch as the warm and cool lights reflect off the ancient trees, bridge arches, stone pillars, and riverbank steps. See the high horsehead walls, Guanyin pockets, and the undulating rooflines of the old buildings, all outlined by the lights.

Finally, return to Hangzhou, taking with you memories of a poetic day in Wuzhen.