Jiaxing is a city in Zhejiang Province, in eastern China. It is known for three things: South Lake, the place where the Chinese Communist Party was founded, and the traditional water towns that lie in the surrounding countryside. Its name is also written 嘉兴.
What draws visitors
- South Lake (Nanhu) is the city's best-known scenic spot, a lake with islands and waterside paths that many visitors come to see.
- The birthplace of the Communist Party makes Jiaxing an important revolutionary historical site, and a visit here gives a direct link to that history.
- Water towns in the area offer a slower pace, with canals and old streets that show a different side of the region.
Planning a visit
Jiaxing suits a day or two of unhurried sightseeing. Visitors interested in modern Chinese history can combine the historical sites with a walk around South Lake, and then take a short trip out to one of the water towns. Its location in Zhejiang makes it a practical stop for travellers exploring the wider province.
