Things To Do
in Jiaxing

Jiaxing, located in Zhejiang Province, China, is a picturesque city known for its rich cultural heritage and beautiful waterways. It is often referred to as the 'Venice of the East' due to its extensive network of canals and lakes. The city is famous for its rice dumplings and the renowned Jiaxing Zongzi Festival.

With a blend of historical sites and modern amenities, Jiaxing offers a unique experience for visitors.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Exploring the Ancient Water Towns
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to Wuzhen, a traditional water town just a short drive from Jiaxing, where you can wander through ancient streets and enjoy the serene canals.

afternoon
:

After lunch, head to Xitang, another beautiful water town known for its picturesque bridges and traditional wooden houses. Spend time exploring the narrow alleyways and local shops.

evening
:

Return to Jiaxing and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, followed by a stroll along the scenic South Lake to watch the sunset.

day 2
Day 2: Culture and Nature
morning
:

Visit the Jiaxing Museum to learn about the city's history and cultural significance, then explore the nearby Nanhu Revolutionary Memorial Hall.

afternoon
:

Have lunch at a local eatery, then take a bike ride around the picturesque Nanhu Lake, enjoying the natural scenery.

evening
:

Conclude your trip with a visit to a local night market where you can try various street foods and shop for souvenirs.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍜Bowl of noodles$3
🥡Meal at a local restaurant$10
🍵Cup of tea$2
🚕Taxi ride (within city)$5
🏨Night in a hotel$50

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich cultural heritage and beautiful scenery.
  • Delicious local cuisine and street food.
  • Friendly locals with a welcoming attitude.
  • Language barrier for non-Chinese speakers.
  • Public transportation can be crowded during peak hours.
  • Limited nightlife options compared to larger cities.
  • "你好" - Hello
  • "谢谢" - Thank you
  • "请问厕所在哪里?" - Excuse me, where is the restroom?
  • "我不懂" - I don't understand
  • "多少钱?" - How much does this cost?

Places to Visit in Jiaxing

Visit one of these nice places.

Wuzhen Water Town

A picturesque water town with traditional wooden buildings and serene canals, perfect for capturing the essence of ancient China.

South Lake

A beautiful lake surrounded by parks and historic sites, offering stunning sunset views.

Nanhu Revolutionary Memorial Hall

An important historical site with picturesque landscaping, ideal for capturing cultural architecture.

Culinary Guide

Food in Jiaxing

Jiaxing is a food lover's paradise with a variety of local dishes that reflect its rich culinary heritage. Don't miss the chance to sample the famous Jiaxing zongzi, a type of sticky rice dumpling filled with various ingredients.

Jiaxing Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Zongzi

Sticky rice dumplings filled with meat or sweet bean paste, wrapped in bamboo leaves, and traditionally eaten during the Dragon Boat Festival.

Must-Try!

Jiaxing Rice Noodles

Local rice noodles served in a savory broth, often topped with fresh vegetables and meats.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Jiaxing Night Market

A bustling market offering a variety of street foods, snacks, and local delicacies, ideal for trying different flavors.

Climate Guide

Weather

Jiaxing experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by four distinct seasons. Summers (June to August) are hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). Winters (December to February) are cool, with average temperatures around 5-10°C (41-50°F). Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are mild and pleasant, making these seasons ideal for travel.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greeting

A polite handshake is common when meeting someone for the first time, and using titles is important.

Dining Etiquette

When dining, wait for the host to start eating before you begin, and avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice.

Respect for Elders

Showing respect to elders is a vital part of Chinese culture; be courteous in conversations and interactions.

Safety Guide

Safety

Jiaxing is generally a safe city for tourists. However, it is advisable to be cautious with personal belongings in crowded areas. It's also recommended to avoid poorly lit areas at night. Always have the contact details of your accommodation handy in case you need assistance.

Tipping in Jiaxing

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Customs

Tipping is not customary in Jiaxing, but rounding up the bill or leaving small change is appreciated in some restaurants.

Payment Methods

Mobile payment apps like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted, along with cash. Credit cards may not be accepted everywhere.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures and blooming flowers make spring an ideal time to visit, with various festivals taking place.

Summer

Hot and humid, summer is great for enjoying water activities, but be prepared for occasional rain.

Autumn

Cooler temperatures and colorful foliage make autumn a beautiful time to explore the city and its surroundings.

Winter

Cold and damp, winter sees fewer tourists, but you can enjoy a quieter experience and indoor attractions.

Nightlife Guide

Jiaxing at Night

Jiaxing offers a vibrant nightlife scene with various options ranging from bars and clubs to night markets. The Jiaxing Night Market is particularly popular, where visitors can enjoy local street food and shop for souvenirs. Additionally, there are several bars along the waterfront where you can relax and enjoy a drink while taking in the views.

Hiking in Jiaxing

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Tianmu Mountain

Located about 100 km from Jiaxing, this mountain offers various trails with stunning views, suitable for all levels of hikers.

Lianhua Mountain

A nearby hiking spot with well-marked trails and beautiful natural scenery, perfect for a day trip from Jiaxing.

Airports

How to reach Jiaxing by plane.

Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport

Located about 70 km from Jiaxing, this airport offers both domestic and international flights, making it a convenient entry point for travelers.

Getting Around

Walkability

Jiaxing is a walkable city, particularly in its historic areas and around the waterfront. Many attractions are located within walking distance, making it easy to explore on foot. The city's layout includes pedestrian-friendly pathways and parks.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Han Chinese

The predominant ethnic group in Jiaxing, comprising the majority of the population and playing a significant role in the city's culture and traditions.

Hui Ethnic Minority

A smaller yet notable demographic group known for its unique cultural practices and contributions to the local community.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Badminton

Badminton is a widely played sport in Jiaxing, with many locals enjoying casual games in parks and dedicated facilities.

Basketball

Basketball is popular among the youth, and you can find many courts in neighborhoods and schools throughout the city.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Jiaxing can be busy during peak hours, especially in urban areas. Public transportation includes buses and taxis, with mobile apps available for easier navigation. Biking is also a popular mode of transport, with designated bike lanes in many parts of the city.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Jiaxing.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian Options

Many restaurants in Jiaxing offer vegetarian dishes, but it's advisable to ask about specific ingredients as some may include meat broth.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Jiaxing has a range of healthcare facilities, including hospitals and clinics that cater to both locals and tourists. Major hospitals offer services in English, but it may be wise to bring a translation app for specific medical terms. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers health services.

Discover China

Read more in our China 2025 Travel Guide.

China Travel Guide