Key Takeaways:
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Zhuji is a culturally rich city in Zhejiang Province known for pearls, ancient legends, and beautiful riverside landscapes.
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Whether you’re into history, nature, food, or local crafts, Zhuji offers year-round activities for travelers of all kinds.
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The city’s blend of ancient heritage, rural charm, and modern comforts makes it a relaxing and enriching destination any season of the year.
Zhuji, located in the heart of Zhejiang Province, is a hidden gem that combines centuries-old heritage with scenic beauty and strong cultural identity. Known as the hometown of Xi Shi—one of the Four Beauties of ancient China—Zhuji is deeply connected to classical legends and Chinese storytelling. Today, it’s also the world’s largest freshwater pearl production center, drawing both cultural travelers and global buyers.
What visitors love most about Zhuji is its authenticity. You can stroll through ancient water towns, hike through bamboo-covered hills, visit family-run pearl farms, or explore Confucian temples that feel untouched by time. With mild winters, lush summers, and plenty of year-round charm, Zhuji is perfect for travelers looking to discover a softer, story-rich side of China.
Table of Contents
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Visit the Hometown of Xi Shi and Zhuji’s Scenic Xi Shi Hometown Scenic Area
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Explore the Ancient Dongbai Mountain Scenic Area
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Walk Along the Puyang River and Riverside Park
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Tour the Pearl Market and Local Craft Villages
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Hike the Green Trails of Wuxie National Forest Park
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Discover Yaojiang Ancient Town and Its Ming-Qing Architecture
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Attend the Zhuji International Pearl Festival
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Learn Local History at the Zhuji Museum
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Visit Confucian Temples and Traditional Academies
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Sample Zhuji’s Famous Shaoxing Cuisine and Street Snacks
1. Visit the Hometown of Xi Shi and Zhuji’s Scenic Xi Shi Hometown Scenic Area
The legend of Xi Shi, one of ancient China’s most revered beauties, comes to life in the Xi Shi Hometown Scenic Area. This peaceful park blends classical Chinese architecture, quiet lakes, and garden paths with poetic sculptures and pavilions that tell the story of Xi Shi’s life and legacy.
Visitors can stroll along lotus-filled ponds, cross stone bridges, and explore shrines dedicated to Xi Shi and her role in Chinese history. It’s not just beautiful—it’s meaningful, too, giving insight into China’s ancient values and storytelling. Open year-round, it’s particularly stunning during spring when flowers bloom across the gardens.
2. Explore the Ancient Dongbai Mountain Scenic Area
For panoramic views and spiritual tranquility, Dongbai Mountain is a must-see destination just outside the city. This sacred mountain range is dotted with historic temples, hidden grottoes, and misty forest paths that reward hikers with serenity and beauty.
The air is cool and refreshing, especially in summer, while autumn colors make it ideal for photographers and walkers. It’s not uncommon to see local monks or artists meditating in secluded corners. The area is accessible yet never too crowded, making it a peaceful retreat for nature lovers.
3. Walk Along the Puyang River and Riverside Park
The Puyang River winds through Zhuji and offers some of the city’s best year-round views. A newly renovated riverside promenade features walking paths, modern sculptures, outdoor fitness zones, and plenty of quiet corners to sit and enjoy the flowing water.
Sunsets over the river are a favorite among locals, and weekend evenings bring out couples, joggers, and families. In spring and summer, flowerbeds bloom along the walkway, while winter remains mild enough for a comfortable stroll. It’s a simple yet essential way to experience Zhuji’s natural rhythm.
4. Tour the Pearl Market and Local Craft Villages
Zhuji is famous worldwide as a freshwater pearl capital, and the city’s bustling pearl market is a feast for the senses. Shiny rows of jewelry, ornaments, and unprocessed pearls fill the multi-story complex where local traders and global buyers meet.
Visitors can learn about the pearl cultivation process, bargain for souvenirs, or even join a short tour of nearby family-run pearl farms. Beyond the market, local craft villages offer handmade embroidery, calligraphy, and bamboo weaving. It’s a fascinating window into Zhuji’s economic and artistic identity.
5. Hike the Green Trails of Wuxie National Forest Park
Wuxie National Forest Park is a lush expanse of waterfalls, tea fields, and bamboo forests located a short drive from downtown Zhuji. Its name—meaning “Five Waterfalls”—reflects the main attractions along the trail, where cascading water flows over mossy rocks in a series of scenic drops.
The park is open all year and offers cool shade in summer, colorful foliage in fall, and misty trails in winter. Several easy and moderate trails allow visitors of all fitness levels to enjoy the park’s peaceful beauty. Whether you’re hiking solo or with family, Wuxie offers a nature-filled escape from city life.
6. Discover Yaojiang Ancient Town and Its Ming-Qing Architecture
Yaojiang Ancient Town is one of Zhuji’s best-preserved historical areas, where stone lanes, wooden houses, and carved gateways reflect architectural styles from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Walking through the town feels like entering a living museum, with locals still residing in the centuries-old structures.
You’ll find ancestral halls, tea houses, and small family-owned shops selling traditional snacks and souvenirs. The town is particularly lively during traditional festivals, when red lanterns and music fill the streets. It’s a fantastic place to experience local heritage and the enduring charm of old-world China.
7. Attend the Zhuji International Pearl Festival
Held annually in the fall, the Zhuji International Pearl Festival is a vibrant celebration of the city’s identity as the world’s freshwater pearl capital. The event features pearl exhibitions, cultural performances, fashion shows, and live demonstrations from artisans and divers.
The festival draws visitors from across China and abroad, offering a dynamic mix of business, entertainment, and tradition. Beyond pearls, you’ll enjoy folk dances, food stalls, calligraphy, and more. If your visit lines up with the festival dates, it’s one of the best ways to see the city’s energy and pride on full display.
8. Learn Local History at the Zhuji Museum
For a deeper understanding of the region’s roots, the Zhuji Museum offers a well-curated collection of archaeological finds, cultural relics, and exhibits about local legends like Xi Shi. Highlights include jade artifacts, ancient tools, and beautifully preserved scrolls and ceramics.
The museum provides context for many of the city’s attractions and is a worthwhile stop at the beginning or end of your trip. Displays are modern, informative, and some include English signage. It’s a peaceful and educational experience that brings Zhuji’s 2,000-year history to life.
9. Visit Confucian Temples and Traditional Academies
Zhuji has long valued education and philosophy, and its Confucian temples and old academies are reminders of this scholarly tradition. One of the most well-known is the Zhuji Confucian Temple, where scholars once studied the classics and prepared for imperial exams.
Visitors can admire stone archways, calligraphy plaques, and ancient classrooms still furnished with wooden benches and ink stones. The courtyards are quiet and shaded, often filled with the soft sound of bamboo rustling in the wind. It’s a tranquil stop that invites reflection and a sense of historical continuity.
10. Sample Zhuji’s Famous Shaoxing Cuisine and Street Snacks
Zhuji is part of the broader Shaoxing culinary region, famous for its fermented flavors, handmade noodles, and rice wine. Local dishes like stinky tofu, Shaoxing drunken chicken, and freshwater fish stew are must-tries, available at family-run restaurants throughout the city.
Don’t miss the street food scene, where vendors sell skewers, dumplings, and sweet glutinous rice cakes known as “ci ba.” Morning markets are also excellent for food lovers seeking authentic tastes and traditional cooking methods. From breakfast buns to banquet-style dinners, food in Zhuji is a memorable and delicious adventure.
What to do if you have kids?
Zhuji is a fantastic city for family travel, offering plenty of open green spaces, cultural parks, and easy nature hikes. Kids will enjoy places like Wuxie Forest Park, the Xi Shi Hometown Scenic Area, and the riverside walkways with bike rentals. Several pearl farms and museums also include hands-on activities for children, such as trying on traditional clothing or watching pearl polishing.
Restaurants are family-friendly and menus often feature simple dishes kids can enjoy. With a clean, calm environment and friendly locals, Zhuji makes a great year-round destination for traveling families.
Where can I find free events in Zhuji China taking place this weekend?
To find free events happening in Zhuji this weekend—from community performances and art fairs to temple festivals and outdoor movie nights—check out PlanMyWeekend.ai. This free platform helps you discover real-time events in your city so you can enjoy cultural activities without spending a dime. Whether you’re local or visiting, it’s the easiest way to fill your calendar with unforgettable, cost-free experiences in Zhuji.
Final Thoughts
Zhuji may not be the most famous destination in China, but its blend of natural beauty, living history, and cultural pride makes it a true standout. Whether you’re following the footsteps of Xi Shi, hiking to a quiet waterfall, or bargaining at the pearl market, the city offers an experience that feels both grounded and inspiring. Year-round, Zhuji invites you to slow down, explore deeply, and discover one of Zhejiang’s most treasured places. It’s not just a place to visit—it’s a story waiting to be lived.
Author: Dejon Brooks
Dejon Brooks is an entrepreneur who founded Trend Watchers with his life savings. Aged 24, Dejon has turned Trend Watchers into a successful business. After reaching over 150M+ people on his personal accounts, he now spends his time growing Planmyweekend.ai
