Zhouzhuang Water Town - the Premier Water Town of China

Zhouzhuang Water Town is a small ancient town that was built in 1086. It is regarded as the "premier water town of China". Its name originated from a devout Buddhist named Zhou Digong who donated part of his own land and built temples for people to worship Buddha in. To commemorate him, the village's name changed to Zhouzhuang.  This small water town in South China is peaceful, authentic, and interesting. Taking a gondola and witnessing this 900-year-old water town is a must-do activity on your trip list.

Why You Will Love Zhouzhuang Water Town

• Admire the most beautiful and famous water town in China — Zhouzhuang, which has made CNN's list of "one of the top 10 most beautiful towns in the world".
• Experience an idyllic Chinese lifestyle at the famous water town. Escape the hustle and bustle of the cities and enjoy a simpler life, which was popular in water times.
• Explore an authentic water town that is lively and interesting, and totally different from solemn imperial palaces or other architectural structures.

Top Highlights to See in Zhouzhuang Water Town

Zhouzhuang Water Town was built in 1086 and is located in the southwest part of Suzhou City. Most of the buildings belong to the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368–1912). The representative structures among these are famous water people's residences, elegant bridges, and precious folk museums.

Famous Water Residences

• Shen's House: The lavish property known as Shen's House was built in 1742 by the descendant of a wealthy merchant named Shen Wansan.  It features typical Qing-style architecture and covers 2,000 square meters, containing seven courtyards, five corridors, and over 100 rooms.
• Zhang's House: This beautiful structure with 70 rooms and six courtyards was constructed between 1436 and 1449, and it has a total area of 1,800 square meters. Then this luxurious house was bought by the Zhang clan (a wealthy local clan) in early Qing times and renamed as Zhang's House.
• Ye Chucang's Residence: Ye Chucang was a famous poet and politician. His residence was built on Xiwan Street and consists of five yards. The Main Hall was his workroom and the Rear Hall was used to receive his friends.

Representative Water Bridges

• Twin Bridges: The Twin Bridges were built in the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) and are located in the northeast part of the town. They were also collectively known as "Key Bridge" because the shape of the two joined together looks like an ancient key. The Twin Bridges were well-known after an oil painting named "Memory of Hometown" was based on them.
• Fu'an Bridge: Fu'an Bridge was built in 1355 during the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368) by the brother of a renowned merchant named Shen Wansan. It's a unique bridge, which is famous for its bridge towers.

 Local Cultural Museums

• Folk Collection Hall: Tianxiaode Folk Collection Hall is a typical Ming-style building, which contains over 200,000 treasures. Ancient living tools and official goods form the main section of these collections. They vividly reflect the most authentic living customs and local history. 
• Yixitang Museum: Yixitang Museum is a folk porcelain museum, which covers 1,560 square meters. This museum displays the process of making porcelain from ancient times to modern times.

Top Typical Local Customs

Listening to Kunqu Opera

Kunqu Opera is called "the ancestor of Chinese opera" and is honored as one of the "Masterpieces of Oral and Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity". It is the most ancient opera and its history can be dated back to the Tang Dynasty. Kunqu Opera was created by a dramatist playwright named Gujian and featured the well-known

Hit a Tiancai

During every Lantern Festival, the local people erect a mast and put a bamboo stick across it. A string of colorful lights is hung on each end of the mast and some straw, firecrackers, and yellow papery yuanbao (ancient Chinese money) are put on it. This is called a Tiancai. When a Tiancai is lit by fire, the locals scramble to hit it, which is regarded as being lucky. The burning mast symbolizes happiness.

Shake the Clippers

Shaking the clippers is a typical local activity, which is popular in Zhouzhuang Water Town. Luxurious and colorfully decorated clippers are prepared before the race. During the race, every team tries their best and employs good teamwork to win this race. They are strong and valiant, despite their clothes being soaked in sweat.

Travel Tips

• Chinese: 周庄 (Zhōuzhuāng, joh- jwung)
• Location: in the southwest part of Kunshan City, Jiangsu Province
• Area: 81.6 square kilometers
• Climate: subtropical monsoon climate, so spring and autumn are the best seasons (March to May and September to November)
• Theme: historic and cultural town in China
• Construction period: in 1086
• Opening times: 8am to 7pm
• Entrance price: 100 yuan
• Visit duration: about 1 day

Transportation

From Shanghai to Zhouzhuang Water Water Town.

Go to Shanghai South Long-Distance Bus Station and take a tourist bus.

• Duration: 8:11am to 1:21pm
• Cost: 29 yuan

Go to Shanghai Hongqiao Long-Distance Bus Station and take a tourist bus.

Go to the general station of the Shanghai Tour Bus Center and take a tourist bus to Zhouzhuang.

Recommended Accommodation

• Zhouzhuang — A Sweet Night with the Sound of Streams

If you have enough time, stay a night at this peaceful and romantic water town. It's an enjoyable experience. There are plenty of local family inns where you can experience the most authentic lifestyle in Zhouzhuang. Inns that have good angles to admire the water town from will be more expensive than the others. Price: 80–200 yuan; it will be expensive on Chinese public holidays

• Shanghai — A Modern City's Night

Shanghai has all kinds of accommodations ranging from 5-star hotels to inns. There is a common trend in Shanghai: the hotels that are close to the city center are more expensive than the others. Choose a hotel that is close to your destination and make a comparison before booking it.

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