Exploring China’s Wuzhen: Study Abroad Experiences

Wuzhen: An Ancient Chinese Watertown

Halfway through my semester in Shanghai, our IFSA coordinators organized a getaway to Wuzhen, an ancient water town. We boarded a bus outside the dorms and headed west. Our journey included a stop at a restaurant just outside the town for a traditional Chinese lunch of Shanghai cuisine and local specialties. Our guides, Tina, Michael, and Stella, explained each dish.

Upon arriving in Wuzhen, we embarked on a tour that explored the town’s rich history. Next, we boarded small, traditional wooden river boats, maneuvered by men with long poles. As we glided through the narrow passageways, under bridges, and along the shores, the ancient architecture along the canal was mesmerizing.

After the boat tour, we spent the evening wandering the town’s narrow streets, sampling local snacks and buying souvenirs. Exhausted from our day of exploration, we checked into a comfortable hotel. My friends and I ended the night at a local outdoor BBQ, where we enjoyed skewers of salted meats on small plastic stools at the side of the road.

Thank you IFSA, for a truly incredible weekend!

Leo Miller | Bentley University | IFSA Study in Shanghai: Intensive Chinese Language | Fall 2024