Wuzhen: A Holiday Destination for the Chinese

Wuzhen, as I have learned, is a tourist destination for the Chinese. I recall when brother Paul visited China, he told us that people would stop him on the street and ask to have their photo taken with him. That experience was very much an hourly experience today. Sitting on a bench along one of the canals, I felt very popular!


Our group of Americans was very noticeable. I saw one other person who looked like an American.

A bit more about the Scenic Zone of Western Wuzhen... It is an area consisting of lakes and canals. Arched shaped bridges criss cross the canals and restaurants line the water. Lots of shops selling popular indigo fabric shoes, bags, and scarves are everywhere. We waited until the sun went down and then rented a small boat to take us for a ride on the canal. LIghts from the shops glimmered on the water... it was magical.







Around 9:30 p.m., we left the WEST scenic zone and caught a taxi to take us to our hotel in the EAST. The hotel was located on a very old street. A single door, #403, opened into a small room. Stepping over the threshold we met the proprietor who told Tracy that there were two bedrooms in this building and three others, over the bridge and down the path. Elizabeth and I headed over the bridge and were happy to be in our room facing one of the canals.

In the morning, I was able to open the windows and enjoy a beautiful view of the canal below.



It was going to be a very hot day, but at 7:00 a.m., it was still pleasant. Elizabeth had some instant coffee, and the water in our blue thermos was still hot, so we enjoyed an early morning cup! Met the rest of the group and headed off to find breakfast. We left the East ....

As soon as we ate, we bought a ticket (150 RMBs) to get back into the East! Yes, you did just read that correctly. As it turns out, there is a section of Wuzhen called the East Scenic Zone. In this zone a ticket is needed to visit the many exhibits. Even though our hotel was located in the East, we still had to leave and reenter with a ticket in order to visit these exhibits! It was worth it. Small, old streets along which we saw a Coin Museum, the former residence of Mao Dung, a Woodcarving Museum, an old Fire Department and an Indigo Fabric Workshop. Lots and lots of people.

The tiny streets were thick with tourists! And the temperature continued to rise... Walking over one of many little bridges, I was struck by the sea of colorful umbrellas. Most every woman, and also many men carry a pastel colored umbrella to provide protection from the glaring sun!



About mid-morning, I had to find a bench and sit down. Felt kind of dizzy from the heat. You've got to keep drinking fluids and none of the water is cold... met up with the rest of the group for lunch (more pork and rice and beer) before leaving the Scenic East! Tracy and Estelle are both very careful shoppers and good to have along when entering a shop... no one is going to take advantage of foreigners when they are around!! In the indigo factory, I actually squeezed into the largest available Chinese traditional dress and will be sporting it back in Rochester! Also found a Chinese scroll for a very special artist I know!

Three hours, two busses and one taxi later, we arrived back in the Yuyao Business Hotel, and I am glad to be here! The place is looking more famiiar all the time. Really wasn't very hungry tonight... shared a bowl of beef and noodles with Sally... and a beer.
Time for bed...
Back to school tomorrow. Greg kindly offered to let me teach mornings this week for which I am grateful.
Good Night,
Joan



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Location:Wuzhen, Scenic Zones