Jiaxing is located in the northeastern part of Zhejiang Province, in the hinterland of the Hangzhou-Jiaxing-Huzhou Plain. It borders Shanghai to the east, Hangzhou Bay to the south, and Suzhou to the north. It has a subtropical monsoon climate with four distinct seasons, warm and humid, with an average annual temperature of around 16°C and abundant rainfall.
Jiaxing has a long history and is one of the birthplaces of the Majiabang culture, dating back about 7,000 years. During the Spring and Autumn period, it was a battleground between the states of Wu and Yue. A county was established here during the Qin Dynasty. In the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal passed through the city, making it an important grain transport hub in Jiangnan, earning it the nickname 'Pearl of the Canal.'
Jiaxing has a rich cultural heritage and is a typical representative of Jiangnan water town culture. The Red Boat on South Lake is where the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China concluded, giving birth to the 'Red Boat Spirit.' The city is famous for its zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), with Wufangzhai zongzi renowned nationwide. Other local specialties include South Lake water chestnuts, Wenhu braised duck, and Xitang eight-treasure cake.
Today, Jiaxing is one of the core cities in the Yangtze River Delta, with a developed economy and national-level platforms such as the Jiaxing Economic and Technological Development Zone. The city is changing rapidly while also focusing on ecological protection. Ancient towns like Wuzhen and Xitang are thriving in tourism, and Wuzhen has become the permanent venue for the World Internet Conference.
The best time to visit 嘉兴 is Spring and autumn (March-May, September-November).
Spring (March-May) has pleasant temperatures and blooming flowers, making South Lake, Xitang and other attractions beautiful for outings and flower viewing.
Autumn (September-November) is clear and crisp with osmanthus fragrance, ideal for visiting ancient towns and tasting local food, especially around Mid-Autumn when South Lake water chestnuts are in season.
Summer (June-August) is hot and rainy, but you can enjoy the lotus flowers at South Lake and night tours in Wuzhen; winter (December-February) is damp and cold, but fewer tourists allow you to experience the tranquility of the ancient towns.
Jiaxing is one of the important birthplaces of the Majiabang culture, a Neolithic culture in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River.
The First National Congress of the Communist Party of China concluded on a pleasure boat on South Lake in Jiaxing, announcing the birth of the Communist Party of China.
Recommended places to visit
South Lake in Jiaxing is one of the three famous lakes in Zhejiang. It became a red tourism destination because the First National Congress of the CPC concluded here. There is an island in the lake with historical sites like the Misty Rain Tower.
Wuzhen is one of the six major ancient towns in Jiangnan, with a history of over 1,300 years. It is known for its water town scenery and houses built along the water, and is the permanent venue for the World Internet Conference.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
The Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal is the longest and greatest ancient canal in the world. The Jiaxing section is an important part, with many historical sites along the route.
Explore rich intangible cultural heritage and traditional crafts
Jiaxing stove painting is a folk art that paints auspicious patterns on stoves, with bright colors and good meanings. It is listed as a national intangible cultural heritage.
Haining shadow play is a traditional drama in Haining, Jiaxing, using cowhide to make figures, with delicate performance and beautiful singing. It is a national intangible cultural heritage.
Must-know transportation for exploring the city
Jiaxing currently has no civil airport, but Jiaxing Airport is under construction and expected to open in 2025. Currently, you can fly to Shanghai Hongqiao or Pudong airport, then transfer to high-speed rail or bus to Jiaxing.
Depends on departure
Jiaxing South Station is an important stop on the Shanghai-Hangzhou high-speed railway. It takes about 30 minutes from Shanghai Hongqiao to Jiaxing South, and about 20 minutes from Hangzhou East to Jiaxing South. There is also Jiaxing Station (conventional speed).
Shanghai Hongqiao-Jiaxing South about ¥50
Public buses in Jiaxing are well-developed and can reach various attractions. Long-distance coaches from nearby cities like Shanghai and Hangzhou go directly to Jiaxing Coach Center.
Taste the most authentic and popular local specialties
Jiaxing zongzi is a famous Jiangnan snack, with Wufangzhai being the most renowned. Fillings include pork, egg yolk, bean paste, etc., with soft glutinous rice and fragrant reed leaves.
South Lake water chestnut is a specialty of Jiaxing, hornless, with thin skin and tender flesh. It is sweet when raw and powdery when cooked, a seasonal delicacy in autumn.
Wuzhen was selected as the permanent venue for the World Internet Conference, held annually, enhancing Jiaxing's international visibility.
Xitang is one of the six major ancient towns in Jiangnan, known for its covered corridors and alleys, and is called a 'living thousand-year-old ancient town'.
Yuehe is the best-preserved historical block in downtown Jiaxing, gathering traditional residences, shops, and food, a great place to experience Jiaxing's local culture.
South-North Lake is China's only scenic area integrating mountains, sea, and lake, known as 'Little West Lake', ideal for leisure vacations.
City bus starts at ¥2, long-distance coach depends on distance
Wenhu sauce duck is a traditional Jiaxing dish, with a reddish-brown color, tender meat, rich sauce flavor, and a balanced sweet and salty taste.
Xitang eight-treasure cake is a traditional pastry made from eight Chinese herbal medicines and rice flour, crispy in texture, and beneficial for the spleen and stomach.
Xieqiao pickled mustard is a specialty of Haining, Jiaxing, with a crispy texture and savory taste, perfect as a side dish.