Jiaxing

Weather in the Jiangnan region can change quickly, so bring rain gear when visiting South Lake.

Jiaxing is well suited to a walking trip over a weekend or short holiday. South Lake offers lakeside views, while Yuehe Old Street has the lanes and canals of a water town. Most attractions are free, so you can take your time.

• South Lake Scenic Area: Jiaxing’s best-known attraction. Take a boat to the island in the lake to see the Red Boat and Yanyu Tower, and enjoy the lake views.

• Yuehe Historic District: This free-to-enter water town district retains its small bridges, canals, white walls and dark tiled roofs. It has a zongzi culture museum and a flower and bird market, and is also worth visiting at night.

• Zicheng Ruins Park: The park preserves remains of the old city, and greenery can be seen through the windows of Duanben Hall. It is a quiet place to walk, linger and take photos.

• Catholic Church: This red-brick Gothic building has a spacious lawn in front. Sunset is a good time to view and photograph it.

• Haogu Pagoda Courtyard: Climb the pagoda for views over South Lake, and visit the Wu Xiang Shrine at its base.

• Puyuan Fashion Ancient Town: It draws fewer visitors than Wuzhen and is a good place for a leisurely walk. Actress Guo Xiaoting has also visited this filming location.

Suggested itinerary

• Day 1: Old city streets and South Lake
  • Morning: After arriving in Jiaxing, head to Xiexi Street for shaomai with bamboo shoots and fresh pork.

• Midday: Walk to the Catholic Church to look around and take photos, then visit nearby Zicheng Ruins Park.
  • Afternoon: Take a boat from Huijingyuan Pier to the island in the lake. Tickets cost ¥20 per person. Then visit Yanyu Tower and the Red Boat to learn about their history.

• Evening: After the boat ride, eat or rest at South Lake Tiandi, then head to Yuehe Historic District to browse the flower and bird market, try freshly steamed pork zongzi and enjoy the night views.

• Day 2: Pagoda and ancient town
  • Morning: Climb the pagoda at Haogu Pagoda Courtyard for views of South Lake. Alternatively, visit the South Lake Revolutionary Memorial Hall; admission is free, but reservations are required.

• Midday: Eat in the city center. Try the shrimp casserole at Lihua Bao Dian, or Jiangsu and Zhejiang dishes at Xue Ba Qian.
  • Afternoon: If you have time, take a taxi to Puyuan Fashion Ancient Town for a walk. If you stay in the city center, browse the snack street at Yuexiu Market.

Jiaxing food specialties

Besides zongzi, Jiaxing has snacks such as shaomai and pastries, as well as local restaurants for a full meal.

• Zhenzhen Laolao / Wufangzhai zongzi: Try a freshly steamed zongzi filled with egg yolk and pork. The glutinous rice and meat flavors blend together, with a soft, sticky texture.

• Xiexi Street shaomai: Fillings include bamboo shoots with pork and egg yolk. Pair them with savory soy milk or vermicelli soup for breakfast.

• Yuanshun Yuanxing corn flatbread: A cornmeal wrapper filled with rice noodles, pork tenderloin and sausage. It combines sweet and savory flavors and makes a substantial snack.

• Amao Pastry Shop: Sells freshly baked pork and egg yolk mooncakes with crisp pastry. They also make good gifts.

• Lihua Bao Dian: Serves generous casserole dishes. Try the prawn and chicken feet casserole.
• Xue Ba Qian: Serves Jiangsu and Zhejiang cuisine. Plum-braised duck and drunken freshwater prawns are two options.

Transport and accommodation

• Choosing a high-speed rail station: Jiaxing Station is close to the city center and main attractions. From the station, you can take a tram or use a shared bike. Jiaxing South Station is farther from the city center; tram line T1 reaches the main city attractions and costs ¥2.
• Getting around: Most city attractions are within a 3–5 km area. Choose a shared bike or tram to suit your route.
• Where to stay: Staying near the Catholic Church, Yuehe or Jiaxing Station makes it easy to reach attractions, with places to eat nearby. If your budget allows, consider South Lake Hotel.

Practical tips

• Boat trips: Boats to the island in the lake leave from Huijingyuan Pier. A round-trip ticket costs ¥20; routes and fares from other piers may differ.
• Opening hours: The South Lake Revolutionary Memorial Hall is closed on Mondays. Reserve ahead and check its opening hours before visiting. Some attractions and piers stop admitting visitors or running boats between 17:00 and 17:30.
• Weather: Carry an umbrella. On sunny days, protect yourself from the sun when boating or exploring South Lake.
• Luggage storage: On a day trip, you can use the free luggage storage near the exit of Jiaxing Station or at South Lake Scenic Area, then collect your bags after sightseeing.