Puyuan Fashion Ancient Town is located in Puyuan Town, Tongxiang City, Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province. It is the first ancient town along the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal after it flows out of downtown Jiaxing. The core scenic area covers 1,287 mu, bordered by the Changshui River to the south and the Grand Canal to the north, preserving the traditional layout and characteristics of Jiangnan architecture. Relying on the region’s water town heritage, local history and culture, and its renowned sweater industry, the town is positioned overall as a “Chinese Fashion Ancient Town.”
With a history spanning nearly a thousand years, Puyuan Town was once hailed as a “Great Town of Jiahe” for its production of “ten thousand bolts of silk at sunrise.” Established during the Southern Song Dynasty when Imperial Son-in-Law Pu Feng settled here with a princess, the town took shape during the Song and Yuan dynasties and expanded further in the Ming and Qing eras. It became one of the five famous towns of Jiangnan during the Ming and Qing periods and stands as a quintessential Jiangnan water town. Historically known as “Youhu” and “Meijing,” Puyuan lies in the land of Jiahe, characterized by distinct seasons and abundant waterways. Economically prosperous throughout history, it is celebrated as the hometown of “the finest silk under heaven.”
Puyuan Ancient Town spans 3,360 mu, with its protected and developed area three times the size of the Wuzhen Scenic Area. The core scenic area covers 1,287 mu with a total floor space of approximately 710,000 square meters, featuring newly built facilities including a visitor service center, hotels, a performance plaza, and parking lots. The entire ancient town was planned and designed by Chen Xianghong’s team from Wuzhen. Adhering to the philosophy of “restoring the old as old to preserve authenticity,” they meticulously restored numerous buildings with distinctive historical features. This approach maximized the preservation of historic relics such as streets, ancient bridges, old trees, and traditional residences. After nine years of protection and development, Puyuan Fashion Ancient Town has revived nearly 900 years of Jiangnan cultural history.
How should one describe this ancient town? It is arguably the most modern among all the ancient towns I have visited. While it is indeed newly constructed, it has been built with exceptional care; every plant, tree, brick, and tile has been thoughtfully designed, making it perhaps the most beautiful ancient town of all. Surprisingly, in Jiaxing—a city already rich in ancient towns—this destination offers a completely fresh experience. Whether for photography or leisurely strolls, it is an excellent choice. Visitors can also stay at one of the inns within the town to experience a unique side of Puyuan.
As for drawbacks, there are two main points. First, during our visit, construction was not yet fully complete, and the parking arrangements were somewhat makeshift. However, the completed sections are impressive, and even the pagoda features an elevator for added convenience. Second, commercial amenities are still developing; options remain limited, resulting in long queues at many snack stalls.
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