Things To Do
in Jiaxing
Jiaxing is a mid-sized city in northern Zhejiang province, located between Hangzhou and Shanghai and famous for its waterways and rice-growing landscape. The city is historically significant as the site of the 1921 meeting on South Lake that led to the founding of the Chinese Communist Party, and its surrounding counties host well-preserved water towns such as Wuzhen and Xitang. Jiaxing combines relaxed canal-side old towns, modern transport links (high-speed rail) and agricultural countryside ideal for cycling and day trips.
Visitors come for cultural history, classic Zhejiang cuisine (notably Jiaxing zongzi), scenic boat rides and easy access to both Hangzhou and Shanghai attractions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Jiaxing Museum, where you can immerse yourself in the rich history of the region through fascinating exhibits. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the ancient streets of the city's historic center, admiring the traditional architecture and local artisan shops. Don't forget to stop by a local tea house to enjoy a refreshing cup of Jiaxing's famous Longjing tea.
In the afternoon, explore the bustling Dongxing Street, famous for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious street food. Sample local delicacies such as zongzi and dumplings as you navigate through the lively market stalls. As the afternoon winds down, visit the nearby South Lake, where you can enjoy a peaceful boat ride and take in the beautiful surroundings.
As evening approaches, find a cozy restaurant along the lake to savor a traditional Jiaxing dinner featuring fresh seafood and local vegetables. After your meal, take a sunset walk along the waterfront, enjoying the serene views and the reflections on the water. End your day by attending a cultural performance at a local theater, immersing yourself in the artistic heritage of Jiaxing.
Begin your day with a guided tour along the Grand Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the ancient waterway's stunning beauty. Enjoy the fresh morning air as you cruise past charming old towns and historic bridges, learning about the canal's significance in Chinese history. Stop at a few picturesque towns along the way to explore their quaint shops and cafes.
In the afternoon, continue your exploration of the Grand Canal by visiting the nearby town of Wuzhen, known for its traditional wooden architecture and canals. Wander through the narrow lanes, visiting the small museums and artisan workshops that showcase local crafts. Don't miss the chance to sample local snacks from street vendors as you soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
As dusk falls, settle down for dinner in Wuzhen, where you can enjoy a meal featuring local specialties such as fish dishes and rice wine. After dinner, take a romantic boat ride through the illuminated canals, experiencing the enchanting ambiance of the ancient town. Conclude your day with a stroll along the water's edge, admiring the beautifully lit buildings and bridges.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $2.50-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $40-80 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (~3–5 km) | $2-6 |
| 🎟️Typical attraction entrance fee | $2-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Easy access to Shanghai and Hangzhou by high-speed rail
- Beautiful, well-preserved water towns (Wuzhen, Xitang) within short drives
- Rich local food culture—famous Jiaxing zongzi and fresh river cuisine
- Relaxed pace of life and pleasant countryside ideal for cycling and photography
- Hot, humid summers and a rainy plum-rain season
- Limited late-night international dining or nightlife compared with major cities
- Language barrier outside tourist spots—limited English in smaller shops and hospitals
- Some attractions can be crowded on Chinese public holidays
- "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "谢谢 (Xièxiè)" - Thank you
- "请问厕所在哪里？(Qǐngwèn cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?)" - Excuse me, where is the restroom?
- "这个多少钱？(Zhège duōshǎo qián?)" - How much is this?
- "我不能吃肉。(Wǒ bù néng chī ròu.)" - I cannot eat meat.
- "我可以刷卡吗？(Wǒ kěyǐ shuākǎ ma?)" - Can I pay by card?
- "请给我发票。(Qǐng gěi wǒ fāpiào.)" - Please give me a receipt/invoice.
Places to Visit in Jiaxing
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic lake with boats, willow-lined paths and the South Lake Revolutionary Memorial — excellent for sunrise/sunset reflections and architectural shots.
Picturesque canals, arched bridges, old wooden houses and night illuminations; best photographed early morning or after dusk when lights reflect on the water.
Narrow alleys, covered corridors and canal scenes create timeless compositions; crowd-free photos possible at dawn.
Coastal dikes and tidal-view points provide dramatic skies and wide seascape photos; tidal bore events (nearby) offer action shots if timed right.
Seasonal fields and country lanes around Jiaxing are ideal for golden-hour landscape shots and bicycle-mounted photo outings.
Food in Jiaxing
Jiaxing Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Glutinous rice dumplings, often filled with pork belly, salted egg yolk or sweet red bean; best sampled at local specialty shops and markets, especially around Dragon Boat Festival.
Must-Try!
Locally sourced river fish and tiny freshwater shrimp prepared steamed, braised or in soup; available at family restaurants and waterside eateries.
A comforting Zhejiang-style steamed meat and rice-flour dish found at local homestyle restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Early markets around the city sell fresh produce, local snacks like soy milk, savory pancakes (jianbing) and zongzi; great for trying simple, inexpensive food and photographing daily life.
Small night markets near transit hubs and old streets offering skewers, fried snacks, dumplings and regional sweets; try sticky rice snacks and fried river shrimp when in season.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A simple 'Ni hao' (你好) is fine; show respect to elders, avoid loud public arguments and use polite gestures. Handshakes are common in business but formal bows are not required.
Ask permission before photographing individuals, especially in private or religious settings; avoid photographing government buildings or sensitive installations.
Sharing dishes is normal—use the communal serving spoons if provided. It’s polite to try multiple dishes and to accept offers of tea. Avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice (symbolic).
When exchanging business cards present and receive with both hands; gifts are polite but avoid overly expensive gifts on first meetings.
Safety
Tipping in Jiaxing
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not commonly expected in Jiaxing; rounding up taxi fares or leaving small change is fine. In high-end hotels, upscale restaurants or for private tour guides, a small tip is appreciated but not mandatory.
Alipay and WeChat Pay dominate local payments (mobile QR code). International cards are accepted at major hotels, some restaurants and larger shops; cash (RMB) is handy for markets and small vendors. Bring a UnionPay-enabled card or cash if you cannot use Chinese mobile payments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures with increasing rain, especially in March–May; good for blossoms and early-season rice-field colors but pack a light rain jacket and umbrella.
Hot, humid and rainy (plum-rain season in June); expect temperatures in the mid-20s to mid-30s °C (mid-70s to 90s °F) with high humidity — plan indoor/rest periods and stay hydrated.
September–November offers the most comfortable weather: cooler, drier and crisp — ideal for outdoor activities, cycling and sightseeing with fewer insects.
Cold and damp rather than snowy; temperatures often between 0–10 °C (30s–50s °F) with gray skies—bring warm layers and a water-resistant coat.
Jiaxing at Night
Hiking in Jiaxing
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A mountainous area with bamboo forests, colonial-era villas and established hiking paths—approximately 1.5–2 hours by car from Jiaxing and popular for cooler-weather outdoor escapes.
Flat coastal trails and dikes along parts of Hangzhou Bay offer easy walking, birdwatching and sunset views; accessible by short drive from Jiaxing.
Numerous self-guided loops through rice paddies, village lanes and lakeside roads around South Lake—low-impact, scenic options for active travelers.
Airports
How to reach Jiaxing by plane.
About 60–80 km from Jiaxing (roughly 1–1.5 hours by car or highway bus); convenient for domestic and some international flights and a common pick for travelers to Jiaxing.
Approximately 70–90 km away (around 1–1.5 hours by car or fast train to nearby hubs); closer for many domestic connections and has very good rail links to Jiaxing.
Larger international hub about 120–160 km away (1.5–2+ hours by car or train + shuttle); many international flights land here—access via high-speed rail or express bus to Jiaxing.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population; local residents often speak a Wu dialect (Jiaxing dialect) in daily life alongside Mandarin.
Many young professionals commute to or from Shanghai and Hangzhou for work, contributing to a growing urban middle class.
Surrounding counties include agricultural communities focused on rice, vegetables and freshwater aquaculture.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A culturally important sport tied to the Dragon Boat Festival and the region’s zongzi traditions; community and competitive events occur on local rivers and lakes.
Widely played at schools, parks and community centers; pick-up basketball and badminton courts are common.
A popular indoor sport and pastime across age groups with many local clubs and community tables.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Jiaxing.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist (tofu, vegetable stir-fries, noodle dishes), but many specialty dishes use meat or fish stock—ask for 'su shi' (素食) and confirm 'bu yao rou' (不要肉) or 'bu yao rou he dan' (不要肉和蛋) for vegan; larger restaurants near tourist spots can sometimes accommodate English requests.
Vegan requests are possible but cross-contamination with meat/fish stock is common; gluten-free options are harder to guarantee because soy sauce and wheat-based products are widely used—carry snacks if you have strict needs.
Carry a translated allergy card in Chinese explaining the specific allergy; most servers speak limited English but will respond to clear Chinese instructions.