Wu Zhen - The Water Village

A visit to China would not be complete without a visit to one of its famous water villages, Wu Zhen. Here, everything seems authentic. It is really hospitable of the residents here to allow tourists into their town to gain an insight into their daily lives.

Here, wooden houses along rivers and creeks and brick bridges across rivers are a common sight.

In Wu Zhen, the locals have several uses for chrysanthemum flowers. According to local beliefs, chrysanthemum flowers help to ward off evil, gets rid of all sickness and keeps one healthy and strong. That is why most locals put the chrysanthemum in their water in the bath tubs to give a strong fragrant smell. This special flower is also used to make tea. They are plucked before they have fully bloomed when they're still just a bud. The most amazing thing happens when you put such a flower in a cup of hot water. It blooms so wonderfully and it serves as a stark reminder to our lives. Seemingly small and insignificant at the beginning, but under high heat and stress, we bloom to become the most interesting beings! We learn to appreciate the wonders of nature, its beauty and the lessons a simple chrysanthemum has to offer us.

On the 3rd of March every year, the locals will send a representative to climb to the top of this pole.

If the climber manages to reaches the peak, the villagers will be very gain lots of wealth for the coming year!

The splitting bridge. Left for Promotion, Right for Wealth!Lots and Lots of it!

These hand-woven cloths are dyed by traditional methods. The colour is obtained from a local flower.

It can even be used to paint a picture on the hand-woven cloth!



This is what is used to create the patterns/designs on the cloth. The thin wooden plank is cut into desired designs.

These are the tools used to dye and design

The interesting door knob on one of the doors in Wu Zhen!

Wuzhen is also famous for its intricate designs on wooden beds, windows and doors.

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What I Love Most About Wu Zhen

I love its scenery, its tranquility, its ancient docks, its rivers, its bridges, its arches, its roofs... every single thing!