Tongxiang is a county-level city in northern Zhejiang Province, China, renowned for its rich cultural heritage, thriving economy, and picturesque water towns like Wuzhen, serving as the hometown of famous writer Mao Dun and a key hub for textiles and tourism.
Understand
[edit]Tongxiang is situated in the northern part of Zhejiang Province, within the heart of the Hangjiahu Plain. It covers an area of 727 square kilometers and has a population of approximately 1.227 million. The city is strategically located in the "Golden Triangle" between Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou, with convenient access to major cities within a one-hour drive.
Get in
[edit]Air
[edit]Rail
[edit]- 1 Tongxiang Railway Station.
Get around
[edit]
See
[edit]Central Tongxiang
[edit]- 1 Tongxiang Museum (桐乡博物馆), No. 555, Zhenxing Road (Next to the city government complex). Displays local history and cultural artifacts including ancient pottery, agricultural tools, and documents about the region’s development. Free.
- 2 Fengxiang Lake Park (凤翔湖公园), Fengxiang Road (Central Tongxiang). A large public park with walking paths, pavilions, and a lake surrounded by gardens. Popular for morning exercise and leisure walks. Free.
Wuzhen
[edit]
Wuzhen used to be two towns administered by different prefectures, divided by a canal. The two main preserved quarters of Wuzhen today (the "Eastern Quarter" and "Western Quarter") are located on opposite sides of the same canal, and access to them are quite separate. They are based around two old main streets called the "Eastern Palisade" (Dongzha) and "Western Palisade" (Xizha) respectively. Both of these quarters have been comprehensively redeveloped for tourists, are fenced off and charge admission. The areas around the "Northern Pallisade" and "Southern Palisade" (two other old main streets) are also preserved scenic areas, but have not been redeveloped for tourists as much (and still have local residents) and so have less of a "theme park" feel. They are not as scenic, but the Southern Quarter in particular is interesting for a walk that is further off the beaten track, although there are few attractions open to the public. The Northern Quarter has a couple of preserved buildings open to the public, but it has mostly been replaced by modern buildings, so is much less atmospheric. Between the old streets is the modern town centre, which is less atmospheric but has cheaper accommodation than (especially) the Western Quarter.
- 3 Eastern Quarter (东栅, Dongzha), Northwest of the intersection of Yaotai Road and Ziyi Road, Tongxiang City (main entry is from Ziye Road, near parking lot). Redeveloped and opened as a tourist attraction earlier, the Eastern Quarter or Dongzha features a variety of preserved or restored old-style shops, temples, houses and streets. It has a large variety of small museums and other attractions, but is viewed as slightly less authentic than the Western Quarter, as the restoration process here was less scrupulous in preserving the buildings' original appearance. It is often crowded. The former residence of Mu Xin, 20th-century international Chinese artist and writer, is located here. While the Eastern Quarter was also redeveloped, most inhabitants remain (unlike the Western Quarter), although some of them also now operate inns, restaurants and tourist-orientated shops. free to enter street, ¥100 to enter all attractions; ¥150 combined ticket with Western Quarter.
- 4 Western Quarter (西栅, Xizha), 18 Shifu Nan Lu, Tongxiang City (main entry is from Longyuan Road). Redeveloped later, Xizha or the Western Quarter is larger than Dongzha or the Eastern Quarter, and is based around a network of narrow canals. A boat-bus takes visitors around the quarter. It also features a collection of preserved or restored old-style shops, temples, houses and streets. Some key attractions include the study of an imperial prince from 1,000 years ago, and an ancient theatre. There are also a variety of small museums. It is also often crowded. During the redevelopment process all original inhabitants were moved out, and the only "locals" you will see are those who operate the inns, restaurants and shops in the tourist quarters. As a result, it can feel very much like a theme park. One benefit of the theme park set-up is that the Western Quarter has a larger selection of higher end, but more expensive inns set in traditional houses, so it is the best area to go for a comfortable stay in a traditional house (if you are willing to pay for it). ¥120; ¥80 for evening entry; ¥150 combined ticket with Eastern Quarter.
- 5 Mao Dun residence / Lizhi College (茅盾故居 / 立志书院), Guanqian Street (in the "Beizha" or Northern Quarter, but very close to the Eastern Quarter). Mao Dun's residence was the family home of the family of Mao Dun, renowned 20th-century Chinese writer and playwright. It is an example of the residence of a well-to-do family of this area. The former Lizhi College is next door, and was an important school of the area. Both buildings together form the Mao Dun Memorial.
Other areas of Tongxiang
[edit]- 6 Jiaxing Nanbei Lake Scenic Area (嘉兴南北湖风景区), Near Shimen Town (Accessible by bus or taxi from downtown Tongxiang). A natural area combining lakes, hills, and wetlands. Offers walking trails and viewpoints overlooking the surrounding countryside. Admission required.
Do
[edit]Buy
[edit]Eat
[edit]- Local Cuisine in Tongxiang
- Mutton noodles – A beloved comfort food and a must-try for locals and visitors alike.
- Fermented delicacies – Tongxiang people have a taste for “stinky” foods, such as stinky dried tofu, fermented amaranth stalks, and fermented fish.
- 1 Tongxiang Noodle House, Downtown Tongxiang (Near the main bus station). A small local restaurant known for traditional Tongxiang noodles served in light soy-based broth. Simple, fast, and popular with residents.
- 2 Grand Canal Kitchen, No. 88, Canal Road, Tongxiang (Facing the Grand Canal). Serves Hangzhou-style dishes and local river fish. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating with canal views.
- 3 Wuzhen Local Flavor Restaurant, Wuzhen Scenic Area (Inside the East Gate area). Provides regional specialties such as braised pork and bamboo shoots. A convenient option for visitors exploring the old town.
- 4 Lotus Vegetarian Café, Near Fengxiang Lake Park (Across from the main park entrance). Vegetarian restaurant serving tofu dishes, noodles, and seasonal vegetables in a quiet setting.
- 5 Tongxiang Night Market Stalls, Zhongshan Road area (Around the central shopping street). Evenings only. Street food stalls selling skewers, fried noodles, and local snacks. A lively spot to experience the city’s night atmosphere. Budget.
Stay healthy
[edit]Hospitals
[edit]- 1 Tongxiang People’s Hospital.
- Tongxiang Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital.
Next
[edit]