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Famous Landmarks in Jiaxing

Famous Landmarks in Jiaxing

Jiaxing Zhejiang, China Travel Guide

Iconic Landmarks

Explore South Lake, celebrated as the birthplace of the Communist Party of China, alongside the charming Yuehe Historic Block, showing traditional Jiangnan architecture.

These sites connect visitors to major moments in Chinese history and the old way of lifestyles.

Visitor Information

  • South Lake Scenic Area: Open daily, 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
  • Entrance to South Lake Park is generally free; Yanyu Building has a fee (¥30-50).
  • Boat rides on South Lake have a fee (¥30-60).
  • Yuehe Historic Block: Always open, no general entrance fee.

Museums & Cultural Institutions

Major Museums

  • Jiaxing Museum: Collections on Jiaxing's history, culture, and archaeology.
  • Jiaxing Zongzi Culture Museum: Focused on the iconic glutinous rice dumpling.
  • Revolutionary Memorial Hall: Commemorates the founding of the Communist Party of China.
  • Wu Zhen Memorial Hall: Dedicated to the ancient city layout and historical area.
  • Jiaxing Folklore Museum: Showcases local customs and daily life.
  • Jiaxing Art Museum: Hosts traditional Chinese painting, calligraphy, and contemporary art.

Revolutionary Sites

  • The Red Boat: A replica of the boat where the CPC First National Congress concluded.
  • South Lake: The historical lake where a pivotal moment in current Chinese political history unfolded.
  • Get insights into modern Chinese history.
  • Exhibits on early CPC history and founding figures.

Consider a guided tour of the South Lake area to fully appreciate these sites. GetYourGuide features local tour options.

Historical Architecture

  • Yuehe Historic Block: Features traditional Jiangnan water town architecture with canals and stone bridges.
  • Whitewashed walls, black tiled roofs, and narrow waterways characterize the district.
  • Pu'a Bridge: An ancient stone bridge within Yuehe, demonstrating historical engineering.
  • Old residences, shops, and restaurants are on the sides of the heritage-lined streets.

Religious & Natural Sites

  • Zhichuan Temple:

    An ancient Buddhist temple with a long history, presenting local religious practices.

  • South Lake Park:

    The main natural attraction, encompassing the lake, islands, and green spaces.

  • Yanyu Building:

    Located on Yanyu Island, it offers panoramic vistas of South Lake.

  • Changhong Park:

    A large urban park with recreational facilities and walking paths.

  • Jiaxing Canals:

    The city is crisscrossed by numerous canals, part of the Grand Canal system.

Hidden Gems & Insider Tips

Beyond the well-known sites, Jiaxing features quieter, less-traveled spots that reveal more about local life and beauty.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Attractions

  • Jiaxing Ancient Canal Scenic Area

    Explore lesser-known sections of the Grand Canal for daily life along the waterway.

  • Fuyan Temple

    A quieter, less visited temple offering a peaceful atmosphere for contemplation.

  • Local Wet Markets

    Immerse yourself in a traditional market for an authentic cultural experience and local commerce.

  • Local Parks

    Beyond South Lake, Changhong Park has locals engaged in tai chi and other activities.

  • Surrounding Water Towns

    Wuzhen and Xitang, often day trips from Jiaxing, continue to evolve their tourism offerings.

  • Unique Photo Opportunities

    Capture reflections in Yuehe canals at night or sunrise over South Lake with the Red Boat.

Local Favorites

Discover eateries and spots cherished by locals, offering an authentic taste of Jiaxing life.

Best Viewing Times

Visit early mornings or late afternoons for serene views and fewer crowds at popular sites.

Avoid Peak Seasons

Steer clear of major Chinese national holidays for a more relaxed experience at all attractions.

Getting Around Jiaxing

Public transportation is reliable, with buses and taxis (Didi) readily available.

  • City buses connect major attractions and neighborhoods.
  • Taxis and ride-hailing services (Didi) are numerous and convenient.
  • Bike-sharing systems offer an eco-friendly way to explore scenic routes.

Natural Attractions

Jiaxing’s natural attractions offer serene escapes and picturesque views, centered around its waterways and green spaces.

South Lake

A freshwater lake featuring islands and pavilions, perfect for peaceful walks and boat rides.

Urban Parks

Changhong Park and Children's Park present recreational facilities, walking paths, and green landscapes.

Wildlife Spotting

Bird spotting opportunities exist around South Lake, especially for migratory birds during certain seasons.

Beyond the City

Canal Exploration

Jiaxing is crisscrossed by numerous canals, part of the Grand Canal system.

Scenic Water Towns

The bridges and canals of Yuehe Historic Block present picturesque urban scenery.

Rural Landscapes

The flat Yangtze River Delta plain features agriarts scenery and local life.

Green Spaces

Green spaces provide a tranquil setting for relaxation and leisure activities.

South Lake Views

Views from Yanyu Building offer panoramic vistas of the lake and its surroundings.

Cultural Immersion

Opportunities exist to immerse yourself in local traditions and arts.

Workshops & Performances

  • Zongzi Making Workshops: A hands-on culinary experience.
  • Heritage Arts: Explore Chinese painting or calligraphy.
  • Tea Ceremony Experiences: Gain insights into this important cultural practice.

Regional Day Trips

Jiaxing serves as a hub for exploring nearby renowned destinations.

Nearby Highlights

  • Wuzhen/Xitang: Ancient water towns, around 1-hour bus trip.
  • Hangzhou: Famous for West Lake, a 30-45 minute high-speed train ride.
  • Shanghai: Global metropolis, a 30-45 minute high-speed train journey.
  • High-speed rail connects easily to major cities.

Travel Planning Tip

Weekdays generally present fewer crowds at major attractions compared to weekends.

Explore smaller alleyways in Yuehe for tranquil locations and unique photo opportunities.

Further Exploration

Extend your journey to discover more of Zhejiang Province and the surrounding regions, creating a comprehensive travel experience.

Multi-Day Extensions

Look into including 1-3 days to your itinerary for exploration.

Suggested Itineraries

  • 2-3 days in Shanghai: Iconic landmarks, museums, diverse dining.
  • 1-2 days in Hangzhou: West Lake, tea plantations, historical temples.
  • 1-2 days in Suzhou: Classical gardens and canals.

Logical Next Destinations

These metropolises form a natural travel circuit with excellent transport connections.

Connected Cities

  • Hangzhou, Shanghai, Suzhou, and Nanjing.
  • A classic "Jiangnan Water Town and Cities" itinerary.
  • All cities are well-connected by China's high-speed rail network.

Natural Escapes

While Jiaxing is flat, nearby regions present the beauty of the natural world for a refreshing escape.

Mountainous Areas

  • Tianmu Mountain: A national nature reserve with ancient trees.
  • Moganshan: Scenic mountain area famous for bamboo forests and resorts.
  • These destinations often require a longer day trip or an overnight stay.

Experience autumn foliage in late October and November, or blooming flowers in spring.

Cultural Excursions

Expand your cultural exploration beyond Jiaxing with trips to historically rich sites.

Historical Sites

  • Ancestral Temple of Yue Fei in Hangzhou: A memorial to a revered Song Dynasty general.
  • Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou: One of China's most important Buddhist temples.

Explore former residences of famous writers or rural villages around water towns.

Getting There

Jiaxing is well-connected for regional exploration, making travel straightforward.

Transportation Options

  • High-speed Train: Fast and frequent services to major cities like Hangzhou and Shanghai.
  • Buses: Direct routes to nearby water towns like Wuzhen and Xitang.
  • Taxi/Didi: Convenient for shorter regional trips.

Both independent travel and organized tours are options for regional excursions.

Travel Essentials

Mobile Apps

Install essential apps like WeChat (for communication/payments) and Didi (for transport).

Translation Tools

Utilize translation apps to overcome language barriers, especially outside major hotels.

Local Currency

While mobile payments dominate, carry some RMB for smaller merchants or emergencies.