🏞️ Discovering Puyuan Town — The Hidden Water Town in Tongxiang

During my last trip around Zhejiang, I decided to stop by Puyuan Town in Tongxiang, and honestly — it felt like stepping into a calm, elegant version of Wuzhen.

The town sits quietly between Hangzhou and Shanghai, surrounded by peaceful rivers, stone bridges, and traditional black-and-white houses. But what makes Puyuan different is that it’s not just another “ancient water town” — it’s also the heart of China’s sweater industry. You’ll actually see locals working with wool, small fashion studios hidden inside old houses, and cute cafés where modern design meets history.

As soon as I entered the scenic area, I was amazed by how clean and well-designed everything looked. The canals were glowing under the sunset, with reflections of the lanterns dancing on the water. I took a small wooden boat through the narrow waterways — just me, the sound of the paddle, and the smell of old wood around. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down and just breathe.

At night, Puyuan turns magical. The streets light up with soft yellow lamps, and locals start playing music by the river. There are several boutique hotels inside the scenic zone — staying there overnight is 100% worth it. You wake up with birds singing outside and have your breakfast overlooking the canal.

If you love photography, this place is a dream. Every bridge, every turn, every alley gives you a new scene — like it was built for photos. Compared with Wuzhen, it’s less crowded, so you can really enjoy the quietness.

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🌿 Travel Tips

📍 Location: Tongxiang, Zhejiang Province — around 1h from Hangzhou, 1.5h from Shanghai
🚗 How to get there: Take the high-speed train to Tongxiang Station, then a short taxi ride to the Puyuan Scenic Area.
🕰️ Best time to visit: Late afternoon till night — perfect for golden hour shots and the night lights.
🍵 Don’t miss: Local tea houses by the canal and the Puyuan Fashion Street for creative boutiques and handmade knitwear.
🏨 Where to stay: Choose one of the boutique inns inside the old town — it’s quiet, beautiful, and you get night access to the scenic area.

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💬 Final Thoughts

Puyuan Town isn’t just another tourist spot — it’s a mix of history, craftsmanship, and peaceful life. If you’ve already been to places like Wuzhen or Xitang and want something new but with the same water-town charm, Puyuan is the perfect hidden gem.
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