Zhejiang Travel Guide

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Wuzhen Town

Wuzhen Water Town

In the south of the Yangtze River Delta, there are many ancient water towns like Wuzhen. They are common in possessing ancient bridges, streets, lanes and delicate residences. But Wuzhen seems to contain richer historical and cultural flavors, maybe because it boasts the most venerated history and most fertile cultures.

Wuzhen Town, in Tongxiang City, Zhejiang Province, has a history of more than 1,000 years. Over 80% of the ancient residential houses, workshops, and stores still standing on the banks of the rivers have remained unchanged, lending an atmosphere of antiquity.

Wuzhen has many sites of historical and cultural interest. From the Song (960-1279) through the Qing (1644-1911) Dynasties, Wuzhen produced more successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations than any other town south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River.

During the Spring and Autumn Period (BC770-221), Wuzhen is the boundary area of Wu Kingdom and Yue Kingdom. And Wu Kingdom sent station troops to stay here to garrison their land.

During the Qin Dynasty (BC221-206), Wuzhen belonged to Kuaiji Prefecture. With the Che Brook (today's Shi River) as the boundary, the west part was named Wudun, which belonged to Wucheng County, the east part was named Qingdun, which belonged to Youquan County. That was the beginning of the dividing and ruling of Wuzhen. This situation lasted till the year 1950. During that period, Wuzhen was administrated by Zhejiangs Huzhou, Jiaxing or Jiangsus Suzhou respectively.

In the Tang Dynasty(618-907), Wuzhen belonged to Suzhou Prefecture. In the year of 872, on a stone tablet in Nobility Suojinming's Temple, the name of "Wuzhen Town" was inscribed for the first time. At that time, on another stone tablet in Guangfujiao Temple, the town was inscribed as "Wuqing". That might be the beginning of Wuzhens history as a township.

In the Later Liang Period (907-923), Wuzhen belonged to Wu and Yue kingdoms. In the year of 940 (Later Jin Period), Xiuzhou Prefecture was established, and Qingdun(Wuzhen) belonged to Jiaxings Xiuzhou Prefecture.

Tradition is still very much alive in Wuzhen. In addition to flower-drum opera, shadow-puppet shows, and temple fairs, Wuzhen also attracts visitors with its time-honoured art of making indigo-dyed printed calico. In ancient times, indigo-dyed printed calico was used for curtains, scarves, and tablecloths in every household in the countryside of Zhejiang Province. Today, it is still common to see old women in indigo-blue gowns leisurely operating spinning wheels or looms at weaving workshops in the old lanes of Wuzhen, while the squeaks of the looms resound throughout the lanes. Carrying on this tradition has become a part of the lives of the old women.

Wuzhen has been included by UNESCO in the reserve list of world cultural heritages.

• Wuzhen Tour - 8 Days Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Wuzhen, Hangzhou