Jiaxing Treasure Guide, Ideal Retirement Destination

Oops, I seem to have found my ideal retirement life. Taking advantage of the weekend to relax, I unexpectedly discovered my ideal retirement life here. Just an hour's drive from Shanghai, Jiaxing is a treasure travel destination overlooked by many. It boasts scenery comparable to Hangzhou and Suzhou but with far fewer tourists. Jiaxing Museum offers free parking. Currently, there is an astronomy-themed exhibition called 'Stargazing,' which is both educational and entertaining, making it worth visiting with kids. The permanent exhibition on Jiaxing's history is also worth seeing. Both the South and North Halls are spacious. You can enter directly with an ID card or make an on-site reservation. Note that the museum is closed on Mondays. Jiaxing has seven pagodas, and I highly recommend visiting Haogu Pagoda, the only one in Jiaxing that you can climb to the top. From there, you can enjoy a panoramic view of this beautiful Jiangnan town. Jiaxing Mansion is also worth a visit. There is a night market in the evening, and during the day, it is not crowded. The Tang-style wooden buildings, along with large areas of greenery and ancient trees, make for picturesque scenes. You can even explore it as if it were a small Nara. Not far from there, you can visit the Wensheng Monastery. The twin-tower building has a large green area in front, which exudes a European charm. For accommodation, you can drive to Puyuan. Yuan She Puyuan is highly recommended. As its name suggests, it combines an eco-friendly environment with homestay living, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in rural life. Most of the furniture in the rooms is made of natural wood and straw, providing a deeply healing experience for the body, mind, and soul. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you can enjoy the summer breeze, surrounded by the lively sounds of insects and birds. With a cup of tea and a book, you might be surprised at how easily you can set your phone aside and finish an entire book in an afternoon.