Encounter the Millennium Water Town of Zhouzhuang: A Jiangnan Dream More Beautiful Than a Painting

“The town is a land of lakes, surrounded by water on all sides, where every short journey requires a boat,” this was my first impression of Zhouzhuang.
✨ Why is Zhouzhuang called "China's Number One Water Town"?

Historical Heritage: Zhouzhuang was formerly known as Zhenfengli. During the Northern Song Dynasty’s Yuanyou period (1086), it was named after Zhou Digonglang, who donated land to build a temple. It was officially named Zhouzhuang Town in the early Qing Kangxi era. With over 900 years of history, every brick and tile here tells a story.

Legendary Figures: Jiangnan tycoon Shen Wansan made his fortune here through trade, turning Zhouzhuang into an important commercial town during the Ming and Qing dynasties. His legacy of wealth still lingers today.

Unique Layout: The ancient town is surrounded by water, streets run along the rivers, and bridges connect the streets. More than 60% of the buildings are intact Ming and Qing architecture, making it one of the best-preserved water towns in Jiangnan.

🌟 Must-Visit Highlights

1. Double Bridge and Key Bridge Check-in

- Composed of Shide Bridge and Yong’an Bridge, with one horizontal and one vertical bridge deck, and one square and one round archway, resembling an ancient key.
- This is the original scene of Chen Yifei’s oil painting "Memories of Hometown," marking the starting point of Zhouzhuang’s global fame.

2. Shen Hall to Trace the Tycoon’s Footsteps

- Built by Shen Wansan’s descendants, featuring seven courtyards and five gate towers, with over 100 rooms showcasing the grandeur of a Jiangnan tycoon.
- A unique feature is that sedan chairs enter through the front gate while boats pass through the house, offering a glimpse into the smart lifestyle of ancient merchants.

3. Zhang Hall to See Ming Dynasty Architecture

- The most well-preserved Ming dynasty building in Zhouzhuang, with a front hall and rear chamber layout, and intricately carved gate towers worth savoring.
- Experience the unique water system design where sedan chairs enter through the front door and boats pass through the house.

4. Fu’an Bridge for Wishes

- A unique design combining bridge and tower, with four-cornered bridge towers that are perfect photo spots.
- Locals say crossing Fu’an Bridge brings peace and prosperity.

🚣 Special Experiences

Boat Tours: Rowing boats drift through the water alleys, with boatwomen singing Wu dialect folk songs—this is the authentic way to experience Jiangnan. Tickets cost about 150 RMB per boat, seating 6 people.

Night Tour of Zhouzhuang: Zhouzhuang under the lights is even more magical. It has been selected as a national-level nighttime cultural tourism consumption cluster, with night views more charming than daytime.

"Four Seasons Zhouzhuang" Live Show: A water town live performance showcasing the four seasons of Zhouzhuang life, offering the most authentic Jiangnan folk customs.

🍜 Food Recommendations

Wansan Pork Knuckle: A family recipe from Shen Wansan, rich but not greasy, crispy yet tender.

Grandma’s Tea: A local specialty tea, especially delightful when paired with green rice balls.

Three-Flavor Dumplings: Soft, glutinous, and sweet tangyuan, a characteristic water town snack.

📌 Practical Information

Tickets: Day tour 100 RMB, night tour 80 RMB (subject to official announcements)

Opening Hours: 08:00-17:00 (may vary by season)

Recommended Visit: 1-2 days, stay overnight to enjoy the tranquility of morning and night.

Transportation: About 1 hour by car from Suzhou/Shanghai, navigate to Zhouzhuang Ancient Town Parking Lot.

💭 The Meaning of Travel

Visiting Zhouzhuang is not just about sightseeing but conversing with a thousand years of history. More than 3,000 original residents still live here, making it a living ancient town. In the early morning before tourists arrive, stroll along the bluestone paths, listen to the sound of flowing water and washing clothes—this is the truest human warmth.

You will find that there is a way of life called Zhouzhuang—take it slow to truly appreciate its beauty.