Huzhou sits on the south bank of Lake Tai in northern Zhejiang, a city of canals and silk with a history stretching back well over two thousand years. The Changxing-Huzhou-Shanghai Channel runs through it, carrying a steady flow of barge traffic, and the lake itself lies just to the north of the centre.
For a visitor, the practical geography is simple: the main urban district, Wuxing, holds the city centre and the lakefront, while Nanxun District to the east contains the old water town of the same name. The city is served by Huzhou railway station, west of the centre, with both conventional and high-speed trains, and the main roads and expressways fan out toward Hangzhou, Shanghai and the neighbouring provinces. This guide covers which of these areas to base yourself in, and what each is like for different kinds of traveller.
Best areas to stay in Huzhou
1. Wuxing District (city centre)
Wuxing is the built-up heart of Huzhou, the district that makes up the main urban area. Staying here puts you within reach of the city's everyday life: the shopping and dining streets, the parks, and the canal that runs through the centre. It suits first-time visitors who want to see the city itself rather than only the lake or the old town, and it works well for anyone relying on trains, since Huzhou railway station sits to the west of the centre.
Accommodation here ranges from long-established city hotels to simpler chain properties. One practical point from the sources: parts of the centre sit close to Yishang Street and Lianhuazhuang Park, so if you want to walk to those, look for somewhere in that part of the district rather than on its edges.
2. Taihu Road area, Wuxing District (lakefront)
The lakefront along Taihu Road is where Huzhou meets Lake Tai, roughly ten kilometres north of the city centre. This is the resort side of town, built around the water and the views across it. It suits travellers who want a quieter, more scenic base and don't mind being a short trip from the centre, and it is a reasonable choice for a special-occasion stay.
The landmark here is the Sheraton Huzhou Hot Spring Hotel, built on the water and recognisable by its shape; it has become one of the symbols of the city. Note that this is a resort strip rather than a neighbourhood with everyday shops and restaurants on the doorstep, so plan on travelling into the centre for those.
3. Nanxun Ancient Town, Nanxun District
Nanxun is a separate district east of the city centre, and its ancient town is the reason most visitors come to this side of Huzhou. Basing yourself here means waking up inside the old water town rather than commuting to it. It suits travellers who prioritise the historic streets and canals over city conveniences, and it can work for families who want everything within walking distance.
Accommodation in the area includes simple chain hotels as well as places tied to the old town itself. The practical point from the sources is that the town has a lively cluster of eating and drinking places around its intersections, so you won't lack for options in the evening. The trade-off is distance: Nanxun is not part of the main built-up area, so you will need transport to reach the city centre and the lake.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: simple chain hotels, including properties in the Nanxun old town area and around the city centre, offering clean, functional rooms without resort facilities.
- Mid-range: long-established city hotels in Wuxing District, convenient for the centre's streets and parks, with more space and services than the chains.
- Splurge: the lakefront resort hotels on Taihu Road, where the draw is the setting on Lake Tai itself and the facilities that come with a resort stay.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself in Wuxing District, the city centre. It gives you the easiest access to Huzhou's everyday streets, its parks and its canal, and it keeps you close to the railway station for onward travel. From there you can make day trips to the lakefront and to Nanxun without committing your whole stay to either.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Huzhou?
Huzhou is served by Huzhou railway station, situated to the west of the city, where both conventional and high-speed trains stop. The city also sits on major roads, with State Way 318 running east–west and State Way 104 north–south, plus expressways linking it to Hangzhou, Shanghai and the surrounding provinces.
Should I stay in the city centre or by the lake?
The centre, in Wuxing District, is better for everyday dining, shopping and transport connections. The Taihu Road lakefront is better if you want a resort setting on the water; it lies about ten kilometres north of the centre, so you will travel in for city amenities.
Is Nanxun a good base for a whole trip?
Nanxun suits travellers whose main interest is the ancient town and who want to stay within it. It is a separate district east of the centre and not part of the main built-up area, so it is less convenient if you also plan to spend time in the city or by the lake.
What is the climate like through the year?
Huzhou has a subtropical monsoon climate with four distinct seasons and abundant rainfall. Summers are hot and humid with southeast winds, while winters are mild and dry with northwest winds.
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