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After traveling in Japan for a week and attending the China
International Travel Mart (CITM) in Shanghai for two days, there was no
doubt I wanted a much needed break from my rather intensive two-week
purchasing/inspection trip of Asia. I had already been to Shanghai a
dozen times, inspected countless hotels and visited most of the nearby
towns - so "where to go" on this day off remained the lingering
question.Somewhere along the line during the conference, I met an industry colleague who told me about a place called Wuzhen located not too far outside Shanghai. Excited about the prospect of this new destination, and frankly some R&R, I Googled "Wuzhen" and was disappointed to find little information (not even TripAdvisor!) as most websites on Wuzhen were only in Chinese. Not wanting to walk Nanjing Street, the Bund and Xintiandi for the 13th or 14th time, I decided to take a leap of faith. I called our local agent and had them arrange me a guide, car and an overnight stay in Wuzhen.
On the two-and-a-half hour mostly highway drive to Wuzhen on that very Saturday, I had little expectations of what I was about to see. Having visited several watertowns of similar description in the region on previous trips, I was anticipating more of the same and likely "roughing it" for the night as these little towns typically have only basic accommodations that cater to domestic travelers.
To my surprise, a very pleasant one nevertheless, I was delighted by Wuzhen's serene, almost surreal, atmosphere upon reaching the old town on a short ride across the pond via a large, hand rowed wooden sampan. Wuzhen is quaint, spotlessly clean and picturesque. It is an ancient watertown of unsurpassed charm that dates back 1,300 years, and the village's two-kilometer section of the Grand Canal is part of the world's longest man-made canal system spanning 1,200 miles connecting Beijing in the north and Hangzhou in the south.
Wuzhen is romantic yet family oriented, tranquil yet vibrant, ancient yet chic. Upon stepping foot on the cobbled streets of this ancient watertown, it takes no time for one to realize you're in a very special place - one that is steeped in history in the quaintest and most picturesque setting nearly extinct in today's modern and hectic world. Recently awarded one of China's Top Ten Historical & Cultural Towns, civilization in Wuzhen, then and now, centers around its sprawling Grand Canal that connects a string of islands via centuries-old stone and wooden bridges. Strolling along this ancient water village offers one of the most enchanting experiences to locals and visitors alike. Must do: a ride on a wooden sampan that allows one to explore every nook and cranny of the water village that further heightens the senses.
Art galleries, waterside teahouses, quaint boutique shops and cobbled alleyways beautifully complement the Ming Dynasty Era water town's quiet canals and ancient bridges. But unlike most tourist spots, you will not find flamboyant storefronts, postcard and souvenir stands or even signage for hotels and restaurants here. Each lodging, dining and shopping outlet is tastefully disguised as an ordinary home to preserve the pristine heritage setting as it was centuries ago. So while Wuzhen is indeed a tourist destination, it is far from being touristy.
Besides its surreal ambience reminiscent of ancient China, Wuzhen boasts a myriad of exhibits and workshops suitable for all ages. Day and night, there are numerous cultural and engaging attractions and activities that are both intriguing and educational - everything from a Shoe-making Workshop to an Ancient Bed Museum to a Wedding Museum; and fascinating shows like the Huagu Opera, Shadow Play and Martial Arts performances will delight even the most seasoned traveler.
For the photographer, Wuzhen is a dream. Photo opportunities abound at just about every turn, every vantage point - at every minute of the day. At sunrise, Wuzhen turns golden as the bright orange sun radiates off its stone bridges, waterside homes and tranquil waters while multi-colored skies create a dramatic, postcard-like effect at sunset. At night, the vibrantly lit canals, bridges and glimmering red lanterns reflect off the calm waterways to produce an entirely different ambience unlike anywhere in the world.
For the foodie, Wuzhen is filled with delectable delights - everything from delicious rice cake stands to mouthwatering noodle shops and to fine Western cuisine, most of which boast open air dining commanding stunning views of the canal. Once nightfall, Wuzhen comes alive with its bustling atmosphere of happy people, colorful shops, outdoor performances and an eclectic array of pubs and bars with live music.
China has countless spectacular off-the-beaten-path places but not all them have adequate accommodations (and English) to cater to the Western Folk. I fully expected that of Wuzhen. And having spent hours walking the old town, I had forgotten about the somewhat 'dreaded" overnight stay, especially just having spent two nights at the beautiful Peninsula Shanghai.
Since I did not notice any hotels or lodges walking around town for a good part of the day, I envisioned some small grungy guest house outside of the scenic zone would be where I'd spend the night (which would have been fine, and worth it, given how much I enjoyed Wuzhen). Until my guide takes a sharp left turn, that is, on to a small alleyway that branched off the Grand Canal. With no obvious signs leading up to that point, I was met by the amazement of the hotel entrance to the single-storied Waterside Resort that boasts a beautiful courtyard surrounded by small canals and a well appointed lobby of shiny marble flooring.
Upon traversing through maze-like corridors to my room, I was relieved to see a charming guest room of traditional wooden Chinese décor - nice bath, coffee/tea maker and even a mini-bar. This was icing on the cake, I thought. Just then, I peeled open the curtains and was completely blown away by the room's private terrace that sits literally on the small canal over the water. Immediately and almost instinctively I poured myself a class of wine and there I was in paradise.
Later that evening, I spent a few relaxing hours strolling around town, taking pictures and soaking in the bustling yet sophisticated atmosphere. Along the way, I sampled some delicious local flavors including the spicy lamb soup noodle that I saw being prepared earlier in the day and some home-dumplings at a different joint. I then proceeded to explore the nightlife at a couple of happening bars with live music near Renji Bridge at the far end of the Old Town. On my way back to Waterside Resort, I couldn't resist the temptation of having at least s glass of wine at Ripples that boasts a nice selection of wines from 20 countries overlooking the Grand Canal. What a way to end an enchanting stay in such an unexpected way.
Having had the opportunity to travel much of China, I can honestly say Wuzhen is truly a hidden gem, an oasis, and a special place for those looking for a unique experience to relax, unwind and appreciate China of old. Since my visit in 2012, there's been a lot more information available online on this little hideaway - so the secret's out and Wuzhen is hidden no more.
Being just a stone's throw from Shanghai, it can be awfully tempting to do Wuzhen as a daytrip. Don't. You will positively not do this place (or yourself for that matter) justice not spending at least an evening to soak up its serene and heritage atmosphere. There are a dozen or so well appointed accommodations ranging from guest houses to B&Bs to deluxe resorts that will meet the needs of just about any traveler. But book early. Rooms fill up fast now that the secret is out.
About Explorient
Headquartered in Stamford Conn., Explorient Travel Services is a premier tour operator that creates and delivers high-end tours and vacation packages throughout Asia and the Pacific Rim spanning China, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, South Korea, Indonesia, India, Bhutan and Nepal.
Our array of private luxury tours to China and Asia are amongst the most expansive the marketplace, ranging everything from luxury honeymoon trips, to unforgettable family vacations to inspiring active, cultural and epicurean adventures. With 20 years of excellence in the Orient travel industry, Explorient's deep expertise, superior quality service and extensive reach in Asia are what make the very difference between an ordinary vacation and a trip of a lifetime.
Wuzhen is featured on our China Impressions - Ancient Waterways Tour. To learn more about our this and other amazing China Tours and vacation packages, visit us at Explorient.com or call us at 800.785.1233 and make that dream vacation a reality.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kervin_Yu
Headquartered in Stamford Conn., Explorient Travel Services is a premier tour operator that creates and delivers high-end tours and vacation packages throughout Asia and the Pacific Rim spanning China, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, South Korea, Indonesia, India, Bhutan and Nepal.
Our array of private luxury tours to China and Asia are amongst the most expansive the marketplace, ranging everything from luxury honeymoon trips, to unforgettable family vacations to inspiring active, cultural and epicurean adventures. With 20 years of excellence in the Orient travel industry, Explorient's deep expertise, superior quality service and extensive reach in Asia are what make the very difference between an ordinary vacation and a trip of a lifetime.
Wuzhen is featured on our China Impressions - Ancient Waterways Tour. To learn more about our this and other amazing China Tours and vacation packages, visit us at Explorient.com or call us at 800.785.1233 and make that dream vacation a reality.
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