Zhouzhuang Water Town Tours
Update time：2024-03-18
Zhouzhuang lies at the middle between Shanghai and Suzhou, is an ancient town of Kunshan city, Jiangsu province, where abounds with rivers and lakes. It is thought by many to be the best water town in China. This ancient town has a history of more than 900 years old with many houses built in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. There are about 100 houses with courtyards and 60 of them have arch gateways made by carved bricks.
With lakes on four sides, the beauty of Zhouzhuang is specially to be found along the waterside lanes and around a number of the stone bridges. A different vista at every turn can be found here. All those make a visit most enjoyable. also, one can enjoy the fairyland atmosphere of the evenings here when the myriad stars twinkle as though in communication with the glittering lights.
Highlights in Zhouzhuang Water Town
Zhouzhuang itself with its quiet waterways and relaxed atmosphere is an attraction in itself, there are several particularly interesting places to visit. Most of these attractions are accessible by boat or walking, and a vigorous visitor can realistically see them all in one day. The major attraction of the town is the atmosphere and the view, and something you shouldn’t miss from catching a view from afar is Nanhu Lake. It’s called the Pearl of Zhouzhuang for a reason. The lotus-shaped Quanfu Temple is located in the middle, and the view of its pavilions and palaces from the shore has been described as “sublime”.
Twin Bridges
The attraction that sets the standard for the town is or are the twin bridges. Not exactly twins, because one, Shide, was first built in 1573 while the other, Yong’an, wasn’t completed until after 1619. However, both bridges cross just above the confluence of the rivers Yinzi and Nanbei and land on the same corner. Viewed from downstream, the combination of the round arch that makes up Shide Bridge and the square arched Yong’an makes the two bridges look like an ancient key. From there, they are also called “Key Bridge”. The bridge or bridges became the face of t
Twins Bridge (top), Fu'an Bridge (bottom left) and Zhang Residence (bottom right)
Shen Residence
Built in an aristocratic style during the early Qing Dynasty, this sprawling palace covers almost 2,000 m2 (21,500sqft) and is the biggest residence in the town. It is made up of over 100 rooms surrounding seven courtyards, and is divided into three sections: The water gate and warf; the Tea and Main Halls which were for receiving guests and conducting important ceremonies; and the living quarters. They are open to the public now.
Construction on the residence began in 1742 over a smaller complex inherited by Shen Benren. At first considered a typical playboy wealthy heir, Benren made a complete about-face upon is father’s death and dedicated himself to expanding the family business. His home is a reflection of his business work. Benren was a descendent of another famous local entrepreneur, Shen Wanshen, who contributed significantly to the town’s heritage.
Chengxu Daoist Temple
Located near the Quanfu Temple, this Daoist (Taoist) temple also dates back to the Yuanyou Period (1086-1093) of the Song Dynasty. It was expanded during the Ming and Quing Dynasties with donations from local wealthy traders and merchants until it became one of the largest in Jiangsu. The temple has three main buildings in a wonderful garden, and is surrounded by futher pavilions. It is still an active place of worship and during the 22nd and 23rd days of the sixth month in the Chinese lunar calendar, there is a large celebration at the temple with traditional activities, customs and wardrobes.
Best Times in Zhouzhuang
Weekdays
Due to the mild climate of Zhouzhuang, it is worth to visit the water town all the year around. However, it is sensible to avoid national holiday, otherwise you can’t enjoy the peace of the water town.
Mornings and Dusks
If you plan to stay in Zhouzhuang for one night or two, make sure you have enough time to admire the sunrise and sunset in Zhouzhuang. The most authentic beauty of ancient water towns can only be found during the quietest time.
Food
As center of commerce or thousands of years, Zhouzh
Shopping
Zhouzhuang shopping includes both traditional handicrafts, local specialties as well as modern commodities. You will find some surprisingly quaint and beautiful things here.
Handicrafts
Zhouzhuang has a long history of art, and traditional handicrafts. The most well-known is probably the unique style of bamboo weaving. It’s very popular among tourists who marvel at the exquisite craftsmanship. They are made with thin strips of bamboo using techniques that date from the Qing Dynasty to make baskets, plaques, couches, barrels and other household items.
Another way that Zhouzhuan show off their dexterity is with wood carving. You can actually watch the carvers at work, making very intricate designs; and purchase their work as soon as it’s done.
Local Products and specialties
Wansan Brand Wine and Liquor: Wine – making industry in Zhouzhuang is very flourishing as the paddy area around teems with rice. Wansan brand liquor or spirit is the best of the wines.
Wansan Pig's Upper Leg: It is famous dish promoted as the no.1 course among all the dishes in Zhouzhuang. the pork of leg is chosen from among the best as the material and stewed in brown source over slow fire. the cooked pork is very tender and easily boned. though, it looks fat, yet not greasy. it suits to the taste of all different people.
Xiangjiang (white clam river) Aquatic Products: Aquatic products in Zhouzhuang are available all the year round and the bests of them are perches, white clams and fresh – water white baits, which have long been known as the three treasures of Xiangjiang. In addition, the water area is teemed with eels, soft – shell turtles and shrimps and so and so forth.
Wandering the walkways and waterways, you’ll come across other phenomenal examples of local craftsmanship and specialties.
Getting to Zhouzhuang from Shanghai
The bus from Shanghai to Zhouzhuang takes about 2 hours and leave from three places in Shanghai. Some options are better than others.
Shanghai Stadium
The best option is from Shanghai Stadium where designated
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