🏞️ Zhouzhuang 周庄 — China’s Mo

🏞️ Zhouzhuang 周庄 — China’s Most Famous Water Town

Often dubbed the “Venice of the East,” Zhouzhuang (周庄) is everything you’d imagine a Jiangnan water town to be — serene canals, arched stone bridges, whitewashed houses, and wooden boats drifting under red lanterns.

I visited Zhouzhuang on a quiet weekday, and the slower pace was such a refreshing break from the city. Walking along the narrow alleys, I passed century-old mansions, tiny family-run shops, and locals chatting by the riverside. My favorite part? Taking a boat ride through the canals while the boatwoman sang a traditional Wu dialect folk song 🎶 — it felt like stepping into a Chinese ink painting.

📍 Getting there:
• From Suzhou: Take a direct tourist bus or Didi (~1 hour)
• From Shanghai: Tourist buses depart from Shanghai Stadium or Hongqiao, ~1.5 hours

🎫 Tickets:
• Entry ticket (~100 RMB) includes access to key sites like Shen House (沈厅) and Zhang House (张厅), which give a glimpse into the lives of wealthy merchants in Ming and Qing times.

📌 Tips:
• Come early morning or late afternoon to enjoy the quieter side of Zhouzhuang
• Boat rides are an extra fee, but totally worth it
• Stay for sunset — the golden light on the water is unreal
• Try Wansan pork shank (万三蹄膀) — a local specialty

Whether you’re here for the canals, culture, or just to slow down, Zhouzhuang is pure old-world charm.

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