I thought Wuzhen was beautiful, until I visited Zhouzhuang—"China's No. 1 Water Town"

📍Zhouzhuang, located in Kunshan City, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, is a famous water town in the south of the Yangtze River and is known as "China's No. 1 Water Town". With its small bridges, flowing water, charming houses, white walls and black tiles, and ancient charm, it's a perfect place to experience the culture of a traditional water town in the south of the Yangtze River.

⏰Best time to visit

✅Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Zhouzhuang, with pleasant weather and picturesque scenery. Although summer is hot, you can experience the coolness of the water town; winter is cold, but you can feel the tranquility of the ancient town.

Tour route
🔥Day 1:
🧡Morning
Arrive at Zhouzhuang: It is recommended to depart in the morning to avoid peak crowds.
Visit the Zhouzhuang Museum (🏛️): Learn about the history and culture of the ancient town. The museum has a rich collection of exhibits and is a must-see for understanding Zhouzhuang.
Visit the Twin Bridges (🌉): Composed of Shide Bridge and Wing On Bridge, it is a landmark attraction in Zhouzhuang and is perfect for taking photos.

🩷Noon
Taste local specialties (🍽️): Such as Wansan pork knuckle, sock-bottom cakes, and Apo tea, to experience the authentic flavors of the water town.

🩵Afternoon
Visit Shen Hall (🏡): The residence of the Shen Wansan family, magnificent and luxurious, showcasing the life of wealthy families during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Visit Zhang Hall (🏠): Experience the unique scene of "sedan chairs entering through the front door, boats passing through the house", and experience the style of Jiangnan dwellings.
Take a boat tour of the ancient town (🚣‍♀️): Recommended route: Twin Bridges → Fuan Bridge → Taiping Bridge, 20 minutes in total, enjoying the beautiful scenery of the water town along the way.

🥳Evening
Zhouzhuang night tour (🌃): Enjoy the night view of the ancient town, experience the water tour around the town, and feel the tranquility and romance of the water town at night.
Watch the live-action performance of "Four Seasons of Zhouzhuang" (🎭): Learn about the history and culture of Zhouzhuang and experience the unique charm of the water town.

✅Day 2:
🧡Morning
Visit Milou (🏰): Mr. Liu Yazi once lived here and wrote poems, experiencing the influence of history and culture.
Visit the former residence of Ye Chucang (🏠): Learn about the life and creative environment of this important member of the Southern Society.

🩷Noon
Have lunch in the ancient town (🍲): It is recommended to try other local specialties, such as white sliced meat and green rice balls.

🩵Afternoon
Visit Quanfu Temple (🏯): Located on the bank of Baixian Lake in the north of the town, it stands by the water and is a good place to experience Buddhist culture.
Visit the former residence of Shen Wansan (🏠): Although located outside the ancient town, it is worth a visit to experience the life of this wealthy Jiangnan merchant.

🥳Evening
Take a walk in the Nanhu Qiuyue Garden (🌳): Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lakeside and feel the poetic beauty of "autumn moon and lake light".
End of the journey (🚗): End this unforgettable Zhouzhuang trip with full of memories and photos.

🚗🚌Transportation and Accommodation
Transportation:
✅Self-driving: Zhouzhuang is close to surrounding cities such as Shanghai and Suzhou, making self-driving a convenient option. There are multiple parking lots around the ancient town, but reservations are required during peak season.
🚄High-speed rail: Take the high-speed rail to Kunshan South Station, then take bus No. 133 to Zhouzhuang Bus Station, and then walk or take a taxi to the scenic area.
🚎Bus: There are direct long-distance buses to Zhouzhuang from cities such as Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hangzhou.
✈️Airplane: You can choose Shanghai Hongqiao, Pudong, or Suzhou surrounding airports, and then transfer to public transportation or rent a car to go there.

🏨Accommodation:
📍Inside the ancient town: Inns have more of a water town charm, but the prices are higher. Huajiantang and Zhenfengxuan are recommended.
📍Outside the ancient town: Hotels offer better value for money. Shuizhiyun Hotel and Chunluzhisi Resort Hotel are recommended.

‼️Important Notes
💛Pay attention to safety: Travel with companions and do not venture into dangerous areas alone.
💛Be civilized and polite: Consciously abide by public order and protect cultural relics, historical sites, and the flowers and trees in the scenic area.
💛Pay attention to food hygiene: When tasting local food, pay attention to food and water hygiene, and avoid overeating.
💛Beware of being cheated: Do not easily believe recommendations from strangers, and avoid being cheated.

㊗️Have a pleasant trip😀