I don't know when I started liking folk songs, I don't know when I started liking the water towns of Jiangnan, and I don't even know when I started. Although I am a science student, it seems like I have a literary and artistic self in my body. If the north is the battlefield on which I rely for survival, then the warm Jiangnan is the poetry and distant land that I yearn for.

Actually, I didn't have a long plan for this trip, it's just that I've been drooling over Xitang, one of the six ancient towns in Jiangnan, and coincidentally, my friend also wants to go to another ancient town Wuzhen We both booked this free trip together. Before departure, besides making a guide, the most important thing may be that I have been crazily leaving messages on Weibo and searching for hikers in the same city

Two single men started going out on a wave together, without the company of Meizhi, it felt like something was missing. Haha, if Meizhi from the same city as Dongying Weibo saw this travelogue and happened to have been left a message by me before, let me apologize first. I did want to join the car rider AA to go out on a wave, but probably because of the principle of prioritizing Meizhi, haha.

Like previous travelogues, there are no high-definition SLR images, and the entire process is taken with a mobile phone. If there are occasional flaws, they will be automatically skipped. If there are any incorrect answers, please feel free to correct them. This is a homework assignment for elementary school students, just to leave a memory for myself. At the same time, I hope it can help those who aspire to Xitang like me.

First, take a screenshot and share the per capita consumption. This may also be a concern for most friends. After spending 2 days on the circuit and 3 days playing, the per capita consumption is less than 2000, with an average fuel cost of 332.5 per person, a road and bridge cost of about 380 per person, and an accommodation cost of 401 per person. These three factors account for the majority. When it comes to eating, we mostly eat local specialties that are relatively expensive. If we eat casually, we won't have that much.

In addition, we also checked the air tickets and found that the flight from Dongying to Shanghai costs around 400 yuan per person, while the high-speed rail from Shanghai to Jiashan costs 29.5 yuan per person. However, when we arrived in Shanghai at 12 pm, there was no bus to Jiashan Xitang, and we needed to stay for one night. Therefore, the price of air tickets, high-speed rail, and accommodation is approximately the cost of self driving fuel and transportation. This price and mode of transportation are for reference only.
These are both shared expenses between the two, and personal expenses are not included. In addition, there is a toll fee of around 20 yuan that is also not included
The day before departure, I booked a homestay and inn in advance. The owner was very enthusiastic and called and introduced me with VX. The owner was very nice
When I went, the navigation indicated that the journey was 869 kilometers, with an estimated time of 9 hours and 14 minutes, and the fare was 434. However, the actual total travel time was 9 hours and 45 minutes, with a distance of 879 kilometers and a total fare of 375.25. The fare for the Shandong section was 95, the Jiangsu section was 256.5, and the Zhejiang section was 23.75.
The night before last, I filled up the gas and tried to get a box of gas to run down. I did indeed do it, and Santana is indeed very fuel-efficient
Before setting off, let's have a stink and wait for a friend's house downstairs.
I was planning to take the South Second Road expressway, but upon seeing the road conditions, the toll station was actually blocked. I wonder if it was because I didn't open it at all and didn't even wait. I went straight to the East Second Road and took Dingzhuang to Guangrao, then took the expressway from Guangrao.
The biggest benefit of self driving is being able to enjoy different scenery along the way. I have driven across the Yellow River many times, but crossing the Yangtze River is also my first time in my life. I also encountered a warship moored and docked.
Namo Amitabha
Jeep Wrangler Dragon Edition!!! The blood is boiling!!
Guanhe Bridge
Sutong Bridge North Toll Station
Encounter a military ship by chance, a friend who knows military skills, tell me what ship it is

It's been cloudy and rainy all the way, and the south is really rich in rain
As we were about to cross the Yangtze River, we encountered a serious traffic jam of 4.6 kilometers, with an estimated travel time of 20 minutes. In fact, it took about half an hour to 40 minutes to pass.
Starting to cross the Yangtze River
How many years has the Yellow River been without such abundance? It's because of its water volume
Passing through Lili Ancient Town on the highway, it is not one of the six ancient towns in Jiangnan (the six ancient towns are Biyu Zhouzhuang, Futu Tongli, Fengqing Luzhi, Mengli Xitang, Shuige Wuzhen, and Fujia Nanxun)
To the gas station next to the third parking lot of the destination, the whole journey is 879 kilometers, the average fuel consumption is 5.2 liters, the journey is 9 hours and 45 minutes, and the air conditioner is on all the way, which is awesome fuel consumption. The oil here is also very cheap, Sinopec only has 5.75.
It's 5:15 pm when I arrived at Xitang. I had a conversation with the boss before and learned that on Wednesday, the ticket gate in Xitang will be closed at 5 pm. As long as I wait for their shift to finish before entering the Xitang scenic area, it will be free. Therefore, although there was a delay on the way, it saved me ticket fees. Here is also a brief talk about the ticket issue with the travelers who want to go to Xitang. Many hotels in Xitang are in the scenic area, so you only need to book a room in advance (see clearly that the words "in the scenic area" are written, and the hotels that do not write "in the scenic area" are outside the scenic area, that is, outside the ticket gate, and I booked them from Ctrip). The boss will confirm the arrival time with you. The off time of Xitang scenic area is different seven days a week. Generally, it is 5:00 p.m., and it is 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, so you must say hello in advance. If you buy tickets by yourself, it is 100 people. If you want to buy tickets from the inn boss, it is best to send your ID number and his name will be sent to the innkeeper. This is 70 tickets. After we contacted the boss at the parking lot around 5 o'clock, a couple from Ningbo arrived earlier than us for a meeting. After chatting a few words, we learned from them that they were asked to buy tickets, but they still had discounted tickets for 95 yuan. When we heard that we could enter without spending money, we looked regretful and expressed that we couldn't calculate their psychological shadow area

The boss invited someone to take us to the inn and chatted a few times while walking. He told us that as long as we entered the scenic area at night and didn't leave the ticket gate during the day, we could freely wander around the area. Of course, there are also 12 scenic spots in the scenic area that can be entered with tickets, and other places can be played and strolled freely. If you leave the ticket gate during the day and want to come in again, there are only two ways: either buy a ticket or wait for the night.
The bluestone road in front of the inn
The winding path leads to a secluded place, and the inn is well hidden
Dream of Xitang is really like a dream, even the entrance of the inn is decorated with a unique flavor.
The pedestrian street outside the scenic area, although it has been rainy all the way, the weather in Xitang is really nice. Several ancient trees over 600 years old are very eye-catching, and the Xitang Cinema is also located on this pedestrian street.
The bridge on the left of the photo turns into a long corridor of smoke and rain, leading straight to a street of snacks. The Juyuan Restaurant on the right of the photo is the most popular bar street
At night, these bars are really bursting! It is N times more popular than the bars in the Old Town of Lijiang. Of course, friends who don't like the bars can also go to the bars. Several bars are also very good.
The corridor next to me is the most famous Smoke and Rain Corridor, which is very long
The ancient town of Xitang at dusk
I previously searched online for the most famous restaurant in the scenic area, called "7 Tables". We prepared to eat before nightfall, but we were told that there were no seats left and we had to leave a phone call to wait for their notification. We sat along the river, bored and watching the ancient town gradually become brightly lit at dusk, which was very comfortable. Of course, the premise is that you cannot think about the hot and humid weather
The "7 Tables" restaurant is the specialty restaurant with the most comments and likes from netizens, and it is also owned by our inn owner Anli. The reason why it is called "7 Tables" is because although this restaurant has two floors, it only has 7 tables, 6 on the first floor and 1 on the second floor. It is situated by the river and can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Xitang by the window or on the second floor. Unfortunately, we did not have such an opportunity. Fortunately, the food in the restaurant still attracts us
I ordered a few of his family's specialty dishes, which were all full of ceremony. Each dish was filled with dry ice and smoke, really like a fairyland in a dream. The restaurant owner has gone abroad and chatted with the person in charge inside the restaurant. They found out that we came here in admiration and even gave us a plate of snails. It's really thick skinned and sweet mouthed, and we always enjoy it wherever we go haha
I forgot what this dish is called. Anyway, its name is also very fairy, it looks like dumplings, and it's wrapped in shepherd's purse. It's ten pieces in one serving, with a large and thin skin. The taste is very good.
After finishing my meal, I came out to eat and stroll around, ready to go find a bar to play. The night view of the misty rain corridor also has a unique flavor
After 6pm every day, the bar street is so high that it explodes. Handsome waiters loudly greet guests at the door, doors and windows open wide, and you can take photos and videos casually. You can see hundreds of people venting their fatigue under the guidance of DJs. This Juyuan Restaurant is almost one of the largest bars in the ancient town, with a maximum capacity of nearly 300 people. It has a sofa area, seating, and dance floor, and there is more than one DJ. If you are friends who love singing and dancing, don't miss the bar street.
Compared to the crowded and crazily swaying bars in Jinba, many Qingba bars are really deserted because after driving for a whole day, we were really tired. We didn't linger on the bar street much, but found a relatively good looking Qingba bar across from the inn, ordered a cocktail set meal, and sat there for over an hour.
Qingba resident singer, his voice is quite pleasant. If you have a sudden desire to sing a song, you can get one free for every 100 you buy. However, the next night when we went to Qingba to play, we found out that there are also many Qingba songs that can be sung for free, and drinks can also be discounted in half.
Cocktail Package: Two cocktails, one fruit platter, two snacks, a total of 228. I ordered a 4-star alcoholic drink, and a friend ordered a 2-star alcoholic drink, Sunrise. I asked the waiter and found out that my drink was mainly made by mixing 2 ounces of vodka, 1 ounce of tequila, a few drops of concentrated lemon, and other ingredients, which had a strong aftertaste! I haven't finished drinking yet, and I feel dizzy. I'm about to get drunk and dream to death!
All the inns, homestays, restaurants, bars, and shops in the ancient town are decorated in a very stylish way. Here, you can see all the classic quotes or insightful jokes that are popular on the internet everywhere. I'm not afraid you don't know, but I'm afraid you can't remember watching too much.

After finishing drinking and singing, I returned to the inn room after 11 o'clock. The bars in Xitang Ancient Town usually close their microphones at 11:30 pm and listen to music. There are several days every week until 12:30 pm, so if you go to the bar to play, you can basically feel at ease and have a high time without delaying the next day.

The next day when I woke up, it was already sunny. Thinking about the hot and humid weather outside, I didn't want to go out, but everyone came and lying in the inn was not worth it. So I got up to tidy up and went out again in the scorching sun after ten o'clock.
I went out for a simple brunch, two bowls of soybean milk+one fried rice noodle+one drawer soup bag=32.
After finishing my meal and strolling around, the ancient town of Xitang in the morning was particularly comfortable. There were no bustling crowds, and many shops were closed. Only a few fish therapy restaurants and department stores, as well as several storefronts on the snack street, began operating. I stumbled upon this sign in a corner and later went back to watch his video. It was only then that I found out that "Xitang Brother" Jiang Hao was the male guest of the 2017 If You Are the One program. In 2012, he resigned and opened this homestay in Xitang, receiving guests from 50 countries in total. He is a very story and gentle man.
Next to Jiang Hao's homestay, there is the most famous cat's eye coffee shop in Xitang, which may not be open for business due to morning weather.
At the entrance of an inn, I saw a very vivid and easy to immerse myself in a limerick poem. The most beautiful life is undoubtedly like this, probably inspired by this limerick poem. In addition, I also like to read books and write something. When I went back, I improvised a few lines, which was purely inspired and written for fun. I believe that every friend who has personally experienced Xitang will have the same inspiration.
At noon, Xitang is quiet and elegant. Many students or art enthusiasts from the art academy sit in pairs under the trees by the river, creating their own works. They are very immersed and do not care if anyone stops by to watch
My painting skills are really profound. For someone like me who is a war five scumbag, even though it hasn't been painted yet, it's already a masterpiece.
There are many tourists, and rows of canopies are quietly parked by the river.
This is the most famous Bridge for Sending Children to Phoenix, also known as the Qingyu Bridge. There are steps and slopes on one side of this bridge, and there are different ways to walk the bridge. The ancients emphasized the theory of yin and yang, with the south yang and north yin. In ancient times, men were yang and women were yin, so the side with steps facing the sun was male, and the side with the slope facing the sun was female. Therefore, some people say that walking on the bridge steps gave birth to men, and walking on the bridge slope gave birth to women. The bridge should be separated by a hollow flower wall, making it convenient for two to face each other. Whether this statement is true or false, it is nothing more than a word for "emotion", with a good meaning.
The bridge is filled with messages. Is this considered an uncivilized tourism phenomenon or a continuation and spread of culture?
It has a history of hundreds of years.
This building is very fun. Interested friends can take a look. If you want to go to the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors, how to get up, and there is only one way to get up on each floor
Xitang Big Wings is also one of the popular check-in spots on the internet. Friends can go and check-in
This regrettable restaurant is also one of the popular features online. The storefront is very small and for some unknown reason, it did not open. Unfortunately, the restaurant has truly become a regret
We followed the navigation back and forth from the entrance of Gesanghua several times, but did not find the regretful restaurant next to us. It was very inconspicuous and hidden. If you don't want to leave any regrets in Xitang, you really need to try the restaurant mentioned online.
This hand drawn map is very interesting and Q, but it is indeed not easy to recognize
The dinner was arranged at the boat restaurant on the river, which is not very recommended. There are no special dishes, but the night view is really beautiful.
This stone skin lane is also one of the check-in attractions in Xitang Scenic Area, but since it is already evening and you can't see the effect of the sky when looking up, I didn't take a photo. Suggest checking in here during the day.
In the evening, in a small alley very close to the bar street, I discovered a summer resort. One alley was filled with Qingba, and there was a Qingba called "Da Bing's Cabin". I don't know if it was owned by Da Bing himself. Due to overcrowding, I couldn't go in and experience it. In the end, I turned two circles and was pulled into this Qingba, which is a flower on the street. Mainly because one street is full of male resident singers, only his family has female resident singers
The resident singer's voice is very pleasant. We arrived earlier, less than 8 o'clock, and there were only two tables of guests in the bar. We sat down and picked up the wine list to look at it. The original price was 388 yuan, and after bargaining with the waiter, we not only asked for an additional 3 bottles of beer, but also negotiated a price of 260 yuan, including 6 bottles of beer, 2 cocktails, 1 fruit plate, and 2 plates of snacks. Most importantly, singing here is free, but you can only sing after the resident singer finishes work at 11:20 pm. Any few songs are fine, and after 11:20 pm, this is your exclusive KTV.

While listening to the music, I also wanted to write some personal notes. I had to leave some memories. I looked through the photos on my phone and slowly calmed down. It took about an hour to type out this feeling essay.
I was completely inspired by the previous limerick poem, which gave me this kind of inspiration This has been revised. I previously posted an original manuscript on Weibo, and the first word in the second sentence was "read". Later, I felt it was not good, so I changed it to "read"
After singing and drinking, it's almost 12 o'clock again. The nightlife here is really comfortable, and there is no nightlife in Dongying at all... Probably suppressed for a long time, I completely relaxed here. Although I was singing all night, I didn't feel tired at all. On the contrary, there was a feeling of being immersed in it.

Being in Xitang Ancient Town is basically equivalent to playing for over a day. Xitang Ancient Town is not very big, and one day and one night is enough to go sightseeing, but it gives people a very fun feeling. Although there are 12 scenic spots in the scenic area that have not been visited, there is not much regret. Although the shops on both sides of the river are both large, they are all antique and give people a sense of familiarity. If there is plenty of time and no other arrangements, I would like to stay here for a few more days and make a few more transfers, because it's true that every store will have a different feeling when entering.

At around 9 o'clock in the morning, we woke up to tidy up and checked out. After greeting our boss on WeChat, we set off for our next destination - Wuzhen. Wuzhen is about 60 kilometers away from Xitang, an hour's drive away. We didn't choose to take the highway, but instead took the road to enjoy the local scenery. However, the most stunning thing on the whole road was probably the sales advertisement priced at 2.52 million yuan This is not the city center yet, it's just a county town. When I think about the housing prices in Dongying, I suddenly feel like I'm from Mars
The People's Government of Xitang Town, Jiashan County is located next to the Xitang Scenic Area
During the Spring and Autumn period and the Warring States period, Xitang was once the border of the conflict between Wu and Yue, hence it was also known as "Wu Gen Yue Jiao".
This focus was not done properly and the shot was blurry. I wanted to take pictures of the buildings outside. Each building has a pointed and decorative object, is it a lightning rod? Do we have to have such a sense of ceremony? The lightning rod in Dongying is just a metal pole standing there...
I have done a strategy before. Wuzhen is divided into four gates: southeast, northwest, and four gates. The most famous gate is the West Gate, and both the East and West Gates are packaged as tourist attractions. The South Gate is mostly an old street, while the North Gate is the smallest and coldest. The East West Gate has a combined ticket of 190, the West Gate has a single ticket of 150, and the East Gate has a single ticket of 110.

Unlike Xitang, most of the hotels and homestays that can be booked online in Wuzhen are located outside the scenic area. There are also a few hotels and guesthouses within the scenic area, but the prices are also very beautiful. Compared to Xitang, it still retains a hint of ancient style and charm, which can make you forget that it is in the scenic area and think it is in the daily life of local residents; Wuzhen Xizha is more like a pure tourist attraction, with many people in the scenic area from morning to evening. Moreover, Xizha is really not ordinary in size. We bought tickets to enter the scenic area at 12 noon and turned out almost 9 pm in the evening. Although it rained in the middle and we rested on the shore for over an hour, we still couldn't fully explore Xizha! 8 hours, didn't finish browsing, I really don't know if it was us browsing slowly or if the scenic area is really big!
Entering from the north entrance of Wuzhen Scenic Area, walking along the tour bus lane for about a few hundred meters, you will reach the entrance of the main scenic area. As soon as you enter the porch, you will find the ticket gate on the cruise ship to your left. The building in the distance is Wuzhen Grand Theater. Green water with a canopy, lush and lush.
Many houses are built directly facing the water, and what's interesting is that these stone steps, one by one, are not leaning against each other. They should all be fixed directly to the wall, looking like they are suspended. Is this made for the convenience of washing clothes or getting on and off the boat? People who understand both wood and wood can provide science popularization.
At first, I thought this water market was just a name, but later I searched online and found out that it was really a market. Every time the market opened, people from all over the country would come out to go to the market. The seller would row a small boat loaded with goods and dock on the shore. Everyone passing by the bridge was equivalent to going to the market
This picture was downloaded from the internet, and the water market is like this
This picture was downloaded from the internet, and the water market is like this
I wanted to have something to eat at the restaurant across from the water market. Looking at the menu, I looked confused and didn't know what to order. At first glance, it felt like all the dishes were hard, and it seemed like neither of them could eat. In fact, after ordering, I realized that the portions were really small..
On the left side of the water market is the Xuchang Sauce Garden, which has a long history. It is very clean and tidy, and there is no smell of soy sauce. I don't know if there is any wood or fermented soy sauce inside.
Next to Xuchang Soy Sauce Garden is the world's best pot, which was cast in the Tongzhi period, which coincides with the 100th anniversary of Yichang Yefang's tribute to the imperial court. In order to show their strength and technology, the Shen Family has cast this big pot. Every winter, they will build stoves to install pots, and heat three pots of Congee to help the hundreds of people who are in difficulty. Therefore, people praise it as "the world's best pot, popularizing people all over the world".
During the Republican era, it was also the most popular themed restaurant in Wuzhen online, but we didn't come at the right time. The interior decoration of this restaurant was closed, and it is expected to reopen by the end of September. The closure of this restaurant is also the reason why we casually found a restaurant at a water market to eat.
From the Republic of China era, there is the Mao Dun Memorial Hall. Mr. Mao Dun has two former residences, one in Beijing and the other in Wuzhen. Here, many items used by Mr. Mao Dun during his lifetime are displayed, and his study is also restored. A statue of his body is also made to commemorate him. Mr. Mao Dun's tomb is also located in the backyard of this memorial hall.
The items used by Mr. Mao Dun during his lifetime and the appointment certificate of the Minister of Culture
The Tomb of Mr. Mao Dun


Restored Mr. Mao Dun's study in his later years. There is also a sign on the counter that reads "Books for sale in this cabinet".


Coming out of Mr. Mao Dun Memorial Hall, passing through a garden, I turned around and wanted to go back to the previous fork in the road before taking another road to see. However, Wuzhen is really big. I didn't turn back to the fork in the Republic of China era, but accidentally turned into a large garden. The farthest tower is the White Lotus Pagoda, the highest point of the West Gate. Looking from the garden, there is still a long way to go


In Xitang, there was no photo taken of Yixiantian, but in Wuzhen, a photo was added, although it was a bit wider than the most famous Yixiantian in Xitang
I ran into two street performers at the alley, and their singing was still very pleasant.
Turning back from the garden to the ancient town street, I met the Wuzhen Post Office, where many people wrote postcards. They can really be sent out or pasted on the wall to leave a mark of the past.

When we passed by this pastry shop for the first time, not many people were buying it, but by the time we passed by again at 6 pm, there were already about 30 people queuing up to buy pastries. If we go there again, we must try it again
A storefront that specializes in selling oil paper umbrellas, where you can see the decoration from afar, and many young girls are shopping in the store
The Guandi Temple, located at the westernmost end of the scenic area, is also about to exit the west ticket checkpoint.
A huge distillation pot, it's really the first time I've seen it
One of the most famous traditional crafts in Wuzhen - blue printed fabric. The production process of blue printed fabric includes several steps, including pattern design, engraving, coating, embossing, dyeing, leveling, and sun drying.
The Grass and Wood Natural Color Dyeing Workshop is one of the most famous dyeing workshops.
Bailian Temple; The White Lotus Pagoda was first built in the Song Dynasty and underwent three renovations during the Ming Dynasty. During the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty, the tower was tilted, and during the Qianlong period, it was repaired again. During the Tongzhi period, it collapsed and was rebuilt in 2005.
The White Lotus Pagoda can reach the third floor, from which you can enjoy the entire West Gate Scenic Area. The yellowed river next to it is the most famous Beijing Hangzhou Grand Canal, separated by a wall from the West Gate Scenic Area
The yellow color of the Beijing Hangzhou Grand Canal contrasts sharply with the green color of the Xizha Water Pavilion
The naivety in the south changes as we speak, with dark clouds rising and rain falling as we speak. Coincidentally, we were also tired from strolling, so we found a tea house across from the bar street and ordered two cups of tea to rest. This tea house charges a fee for seating, and only tea can be taken. There are many outdoor tables and chairs on the bar street across the river, and umbrellas are also set up, where we can rest for free. When it rains, it is filled with people, but there are still more people who are not afraid of wind and rain and continue to stroll in the scenic area.



Sitting idle and bored, I began to ponder what to write as a souvenir. In fact, the style of Wuzhen and Xitang is completely different, which is why Xitang is called "Mengli Xitang" and Wuzhen is called "Shuige Wuzhen". In my personal opinion, the beauty of Xitang lies in the authentic flavor of the ancient town, which is very down-to-earth. You can fully experience the local people's life in the ancient town, with a unique charm. It doesn't feel like being in the scenic area, just like daily life; As for Wuzhen Xizha, there is a feeling of being in a modern scenic area from time to time. It's not just because I didn't buy a ticket when I entered Xitang, but also because I bought a ticket in Wuzhen. Some parts of Xizha are still very commercialized and modern, and only when I see the night scenery in the evening, can I feel a unique charm rise up.

However, it cannot be denied that the beauty of Jiangnan water towns does exist in both Wuzhen and Xitang. If you like Jiangnan water towns, it is this kind of charm that you love, even if it is hidden and present.
Come on, come on, play games. There are six colors in this essay poem, can you find them? Isn't it very simple? Haha
After six o'clock, the rain cleared in Xizha, and the sky was particularly bright. Tourists suddenly increased, and everywhere they went, they were overcrowded and had to queue up. After finally squeezing into their home noodle shop, they ordered two bowls of noodles and a dish, and ate something casually.


Two bowls of noodles, one dish, and two bottles of Sprite=85
It is said that Xizha becomes more beautiful at night, which is true. Without further ado, let's just take a picture.



















Oh by the way, while strolling around after dinner, I happened to see a filming team blocking the way to shoot, but I didn't see any celebrities. I heard someone talking about filming scenes on a boat under a bridge. There are many scenes taken in the west gate of Wuzhen.

It's already past 8 pm when we came out of Xizha, and there are also many entrances to Wuzhen Scenic Area. Keep an eye on which entrance is closest to our inn. Generally, we come in and out from wherever we go. We wanted to take a look because we had changed places we haven't been to before, but the exit we turned out was just opposite to the inn. We took a long detour and went back to the inn for a simple wash, a shower, and then fell asleep in bed.

When it comes to strolling around Xitang and Xizha, you can actually finish it in a day. However, it is recommended to spend an extra two days in Xitang. Firstly, it is definitely because there is a chance to enter for free. Secondly, living in the Xitang scenic area is really a refreshing feeling. It feels like you have let go of everything and don't want anything. If you can't finish today, you can continue to stroll tomorrow. If you haven't played enough, you can continue to play in the shops the next day. After playing in the scenic area, you can also leave the scenic area and go to the pedestrian street to the surrounding area. You can come back and stay in the evening.

However, due to ticket restrictions, Wuzhen definitely wants to complete the entire West or East gate as soon as possible within one day. We did not buy anything in the gate, and the ticket stubs are more cost-effective. Moreover, the validity period of the ticket stubs is two days, which is enough for one day to go to the East gate and one day to go to the West gate.

On the fourth day of the itinerary, after waking up, I had no plans to visit other scenic spots. I just wanted to find a place to buy some local specialties and bring them back. After inquiring with the innkeeper, she said there was an old street on the east side of Dongzha, which was outside the scenic area. You could go and take a look.
I can still see such rickshaws everywhere in Wuzhen. I only saw them when I was young, and it's been many years since I last saw them
The east gate is not large, and the river channel is not wide. It is quite difficult for the Wupeng boat to turn around.
Dongzha Old Street
Well, this is probably my backyard in the south
I spent the morning strolling in the old street of Dongcha. I bought a lot of special products in Xitang before. The special snacks in Xitang are gorgon cake, and the special snacks in Wuzhen are sister-in-law cakes. I bought two hundred yuan, three boxes of local special products, three Baijiu, and several souvenirs with hand gifts. All of them are for gifts. It costs me hundreds of dollars to buy these special products alone.

Friendly reminder, if you want to buy specialty products in Wuzhen, it's best not to hesitate. Either buy them all in the scenic area, don't go to specialty stores after going out, don't compare prices, or just stay in the scenic area and don't spend a penny before looking for a store to buy! You can't complain about the high prices of things in the scenic area and the unattractive things outside. Spend an extra 150 yuan to buy a ticket just to buy things! As for Xitang, there are no such issues. You can freely enter and exit at night. You can ask about the prices inside the scenic area, and then go out to ask about the prices outside. You can buy whichever you want.

Returning to the inn, I didn't go anywhere at noon or at night. I took a good rest and took a good rest. After all, I still have to drive for ten hours to go back. It's necessary to stay energized in advance. Besides, it's really too hot. Apart from strolling through the old street, there's nowhere else to go.
On the last day, I woke up early and prepared to bid farewell to Wuzhen and Xitang. The 5-day self driving tour only took up 2 days on the way, but in reality, I could only play for 3 days. Although it was enough to visit two ancient towns, there was still a feeling of not having enough time, mainly because I didn't have enough time in Xitang. Before leaving, pass by the gate of Wuzhen and leave a memorial.
The road back is not very pleasant either
When heading north, I encountered a long traffic jam and happened to stop at a fork in the road, with the other side pointing towards Shanghai. So I decisively turned on the turn signal and headed towards Shanghai, intending to take a detour and continue north. Along the way, I passed through the Yangcheng Lake service area, where I had planned to just stop for a restroom. However, I didn't expect that the service area in Yangcheng Lake had refreshed my understanding of the world. It's really poverty that limits my imagination.
Dreamy water town, picturesque Jiangnan, Suzhou gardens, well deserved reputation
The gate of Yangcheng Lake service area feels like it has become one of the check-in attractions. It's difficult to park a car, and even entering the service area will make you doubt your life first.
The regular service area is on the right side of the road, just turn right and change lanes. The service area in Yangcheng Lake will prompt you to follow the signs and leave the highway first, enter the ramp and make a big turn, which will make you doubt whether you have gotten off the highway or if there is a toll station exit ahead. Then turn to the other side of the highway to officially enter the service area. Be sure to keep an eye on the signs, otherwise you are likely to follow the car out of the service area and onto the highway again!
Fountains can be seen everywhere in the service area.
The feeling of entering is that this is not a service area, it's clearly a shopping mall! Not inferior to Wanda! Even the roof has been specially designed to look like blue sky and white clouds
Small bridges and flowing water, pavilions and towers, completely unlike a service area
There are so many people, it's really one of the essential tourist attractions for checking in
Yangcheng Lake Intangible Cultural and Art Center is free to visit and requires queuing. The number of visitors is limited each time, and the visiting time is from 10:30am to 8:30pm.
The second floor is a place for tea tasting and dining, as well as a robot restaurant.
This attic is facing the entrance to the bathroom, it's really 666, and a small Suzhou garden has been built in the service area.
You can enjoy the scenery while using the restroom.
Take a walk around this small garden
Retro vintage car
I'm afraid this emperor crab has become a sperm, it's too big!
Big Big Shrimp
Entering and exiting the Peony Pavilion stage, I really liked Wang Leehom's Peony Pavilion when I was in school
There is also an interstellar exploration amusement park in the service area, but it is not open.
The legendary cat poop coffee, the most expensive coffee. Muscat coffee is produced in Indonesia. Locals accidentally discovered that civets love to eat locally grown coffee fruits and will excrete the beans intact when defecating. After fermentation in the cat's stomach, locals found that the coffee made from these coffee beans is much better than ordinary coffee beans that have not been swallowed by cats, with a mellow and delicious taste. As a result, civets have gradually gained popularity until now.
A sea of people and mountains... Serving scenic spots!
It's half past eleven in Yangcheng Lake Service Area. I bought two Jinyun Shaobing (Baked cake in griddle) for 20 yuan. They taste great! Anli wave! I checked in at the Yangcheng Lake service area for an hour before continuing to depart. I took a detour to avoid traffic jams and save time, but I didn't save any time and used it all to visit the service area
If there are still 200 kilometers left, it will prompt you to enter the tunnel! What are you doing on Tencent Maps!!
Entering Shandong, there are still 50 kilometers left to enter the tunnel! It's another long traffic jam.. I added another 100 yuan of fuel in the service area in the middle, so I'm afraid I won't be able to make it home in the traffic jam
Bored traffic jams, unable to see anything, can only wait and see.. I only found out after passing by that two large cars had collided.

The journey takes 10 hours and 18 minutes, covering 917 kilometers, finally ending a 5-day free journey! It's almost two thousand kilometers back and forth, but my friend only drove one hour and 120 kilometers, and I drove everything else! Many people around me know that I enjoy driving, and the more I drive, the more energetic I become. However, I don't have a specific concept at first. This time, I should have gained a new understanding of myself, hahaha. I only used the restroom throughout the journey without parking, which really made me overcome the addiction of long-distance driving! Santana is indeed very awesome. It's usually very close to work. The car has been running for 5 years and only 55000 kilometers. This trip really shows the fuel saving side of Santana!

Alright, the article is coming to an end here. It's a streamlined work, especially like an elementary school essay. I would like to use this article as a souvenir for myself, and also give some advice to friends who want to go to Xitang Wuzhen. I hope that friends who are planning to go to Xitang Wuzhen can read my article and find it helpful! Also, friends who want to go to Nanjing can also take a look at my previous Nanjing travelogue

Three days, measuring the ancient charm of Nanjing with footsteps and savoring Jinling cuisine

Write at the end,
Carrying a backpack to travel is the long-awaited goal.
Poetry and the distance are at your feet.
Both good and bad are landscapes.
Life requires a sense of ceremony, just like ordinary days require a beam of light.
On the road carrying backpacks, I have seen many people, heard many stories, and seen the scenery of travel.
So, I slowly learned to grow up.
Next time, I hope we meet on the road!