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Zhouzhuang Water Town
Introducing Zhouzhuang Water Town
Zhouzhuang Water Town is a historic water town located 41 km (25.4miles) southeast of Suzhou city. Zhouzhuang Water Town is renowned as China’s premier water town, celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, well-preserved ancient residential architecture, and picturesque waterways. With origins dating back to 1086 AD, the site boasts a remarkable array of ancient structures – including 60 original brick archways and 100 courtyards that remain intact.
Shaped by centuries of socio-economic progress, Zhouzhuang Water Town has flourished into a bucket-list destination. Encompassing 38.96 square kilometers (15.04 square miles), it provides a fascinating look into the charm and beauty of a quintessential Chinese water town, welcoming millions from around the world every year.
Zhouzhuang Water Town Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Zhouzhuang Guzhen 周庄古镇
• Best Time to Visit: March to May; September to November
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 3 to 5 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Architecture, Nature, Cruise
• Opening Hours: 7:30 – 21:00 (Zhouzhuang Water Town), 8:00 – 16:30 (Chengxu Taoist Temple)
• Entrance Fee: CNY100
• Address: Southwest of Kunshan, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province
What to Expect at the Zhouzhuang Water Town
Spare some hours wandering through Zhouzhuang Water Town, the ‘Venice of the East,’ with its amazing maze of ancient stone sidewalks beside the canals and beautiful surrounding structures. Here, disappointment is not an option, but a quiet awe will undoubtedly take hold.
The Twin Bridges
Zhouzhuang Water Town, with its intricate network of lakes, rivers, and stone bridges, is epitomized by the iconic Twin Bridges. Comprised of Shide and Yongan Bridges, these structures gracefully intersect over Yinzi Creek and Nanbeishi River, their form resembling a traditional Chinese key—hence the local nickname, “Key Bridges.” The bridges’ allure reached international acclaim in 1984 when painter Chen Yifei’s evocative work, “Memory of Hometown,” featuring the Twin Bridges, was showcased in New York, captivating audiences worldwide.
Fu’an Bridge
As a lasting symbol of artistry and engineering, Fu’an Bridge has gracefully spanned the waters for over six hundred years. Originally built in 1355 AD, the bridge has undergone three major renovations, ensuring its enduring presence. Today, the granite bridge spans 17.4 meters (57.1 ft) in length and 3.8 meters (12.5 ft) in width, featuring intricate relief carvings and adorned with pavilions at each of its four corners. Its design reflects its historical importance as a vital link for trade and travel, connecting the streets in Zhouzhuang Water Town. Furthermore, the name “Fu’an” (wealth and peace) reflects the builders’ wish for prosperity and well-being.
Zhouzhuang Museum
Despite its intimate size of just over 1,000 square meters (explorable in about 30 minutes), Zhouzhuang Museum is highly recommended for anyone wanting to delve into the heart of this historic town. The museum primarily showcases the town’s history, ancient culture, and folk customs. Exhibits include traditional wedding ceremonies, banquets, and everyday tools used in production and daily life. Visitors can also view unearthed black pottery, stone tablets, and other artifacts reflecting the town’s architecture and history. Adding a layer of global significance, the museum houses a reception room that once hosted a ministerial meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).
Shenting House
Built in 1742 and located at the southeast side of Fu’an Bridge, Shenting House was the private property of the descendant of Shen Wansan (沈万三), the first millionaire of South of Yangtze River region in the early Ming dynasty. The whole architectural complex is of the Qing’s style and occupies an area of more than over 2,900 square meters (0.72 acres). Over 100 rooms are divided into three sections. The front, featuring a water gate and dock, was designed for mooring boats and laundry, a distinctive feature of water towns. The central section houses the main gate, tea room, and main hall, used for receiving guests and hosting ceremonies like weddings and funerals. The rear section, comprising halls and chambers, was for daily living. Elevated passageways and corridors connect the front and rear, creating a unique, continuous loop within the structure, a rarity in similar buildings, making Shenting House a truly remarkable example of ancient Chinese architecture.
The House of the God of Wealth
The House of the God of Wealth, originally the former residence of Shen Wansan, is situated in the east of Zhouzhuang Water Town. As a revered figure in Zhouzhuang, Shen Wansan is known as the “God of Wealth,” embodying the values of luck and prosperity that Zhouzhuang holds dear. This site features an exhibition showcasing the legends surrounding Shen Wansan’s fortune, the trials and tribulations of his business ventures, the legendary events of his life, and scenes from the daily life of the Shen family. The exhibition utilizes a variety of artistic mediums to tell these stories, including bronze statues, brick carvings, lacquer carvings, clay sculptures, and comic strips. Don’t miss the place if you want to learn more about this fascinating historical figure.
Zhangting House
Zhangting House, also known as Yuyan Hall (Jade Swallow Hall), is a dapper and graceful residential house dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Later acquired by the Zhang family during the Qing Dynasty, the sprawling complex spans over 1,800 square meters (0.44 acres). Sixty rooms are arranged across six interconnected courtyards, surrounding a private garden. As centuries went by, the ornate brick-carved gatehouse, sturdy stone pillars, and exquisite carvings spoke to the resident’s former glory. Its spacious and bright halls, furnished with Ming Dynasty rosewood and adorned with calligraphy scrolls, still dazzle all who enter.
Chengxu Taoist Temple
Nestled on Zhongshi Street, Chengxu Taoist Temple holds over 900 years of history. Despite undergoing several renovations, the temple has meticulously preserved its Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD) architectural style, with towering pavilions and magnificent halls scattered around the temple, housing awe-inspiring statues of deities. Inside, a serene ambiance prevails, with soft candlelight flickering and incense smoke dancing through the air, carrying with it the gentle sounds of Taoist music and chanting. More than just a place of worship, Chengxu Taoist Temple embodies the rich religious culture of the water town, revealing a hidden dimension of Chinese culture.
How to Get to Zhouzhuang Water Town
From Suzhou
• Take a Suzhou-Zhouzhuang direct bus from Suzhou North Bus Station or the north square of Suzhou Railway Station.
From Shanghai
• Take a Shanghai-Zhouzhuang direct bus at Shanghai South Long-Distance Bus Station or to Shanghai Hongqiao Long-Distance Bus Station to the town.
• Take Kunshan Tourist bus Line 7 at Huaqiao Station and get off at Zhouzhuang Bus Station.
From Hangzhou
• Take a bus from Hangzhou North Bus Station to Kunshan New Bus Station. Then take bus No. 130 or Tourist bus Line 1 and get off at Zhouzhuang Water Town.