By your side, in your dreams; you are the favorite of "Ancient Charm Lovers" – a historical journey with kids

Zhouzhuang, a living ancient town with a thousand years of history, awaits you to encounter the poetry and vibrancy of Jiangnan. 🌿🛶 🚗 Transportation Guide 1. External Transportation ❣️ By Air 1️⃣ Shanghai Hongqiao Airport: About 45 minutes' drive directly to Zhouzhuang. 2️⃣ Shanghai Pudong Airport: Take the Maglev to Longyang Road, transfer to Metro Line 2, then to Line 11 to Huaqiao Station, and switch to Tourist Bus 7 to Zhouzhuang. 3️⃣ Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: Take the airport shuttle to Hangzhou North Bus Station, then transfer to a bus to Zhouzhuang. 4️⃣ Wuxi Shuofang Airport: Take a high-speed train to Suzhou Station, then transfer to a bus to Zhouzhuang. ❣️ By High-Speed Rail 1️⃣ Kunshan South Station: Take Bus 133 to Zhouzhuang Bus Terminal, then walk or take a shuttle to the ancient town. 2️⃣ Suzhou Station: Take a direct bus from North Square Bus Station (¥49/person, 1-1.5 hours). ❣️ By Car Zhouzhuang exits are available on the Shanghai-Nanjing, Shanghai-Hangzhou, and Suzhou-Jiaxing-Hangzhou Expressways. Navigate to "Zhouzhuang Ancient Town Scenic Area." 2. Internal Transportation 1️⃣ Walking: Best for exploring the core area—cobblestone paths, small bridges, and flowing water for a slow-paced water town experience. 2️⃣ Rowing Boat: Try a hand-rowed boat (¥220/boat, seats 1-6) to glide through water alleys while listening to boat songs. 3️⃣ Sightseeing Shuttle: Shuttles operate around the town for easy access between lodgings and attractions. 🕍 Accommodation Recommendations 1. Inside the Ancient Town 1️⃣ Jinshuloutai Inn, Zhouzhuang Old Inn: Waterside lodgings with classic charm, convenient for night tours (¥100-300/night). 2️⃣ Zhouzhuang International Youth Hostel: Budget-friendly for backpackers (from ¥50). 3️⃣ Xiangcun "Retro Show" Homestay: Renovated farmhouses with Jiangnan water town style, themed by era (¥200-500/night). 4️⃣ Other options: Flowerstay·Yilanxuan Homestay, Zhouzhuang Zhaoye Homestay, Hanxuan Private Resort Courtyard. 2. Outside the Ancient Town 1️⃣ Budget Hotels: Zhuangzhou Grand Hotel, Kunshan Zhuangzhou Water Charm Hotel: Affordable with good facilities (¥140-200/night). 2️⃣ Resort Hotels: Zhouzhuang Fuguiyuan Resort Club: Elegant, ideal for families or groups (from ¥141). 🏞 Attraction Guide 1. Must-Visit Spots 1️⃣ Twin Bridges: Zhouzhuang’s symbol—Shide Bridge and Yong’an Bridge form a "key bridge," featured in Chen Yifei’s painting *Memories of Hometown*. 2️⃣ Shen House: Mansion of Shen Wansan’s descendants, with exquisite brick carvings. 3️⃣ Zhang House: Ming Dynasty architecture featuring "boats passing through the house." 4️⃣ Fu’an Bridge: Zhouzhuang’s oldest stone bridge—legend says walking it three times brings prosperity. 5️⃣ Nanhu Autumn Moon Garden: Boat rides among lotus ponds, dreamy light shows at night. 2. Unique Experiences 1️⃣ Night Tour: Lantern-lit bridges and houses reflect on the river; enjoy tea by the water or watch *Four Seasons of Zhouzhuang* live show. 2️⃣ Handicrafts: Try indigo dyeing, Su embroidery, or pottery at Zhenfeng Cultural Street. 3️⃣ Tea Culture: Sip Longjing or Biluochun tea while listening to Pingtan at Jubinlou. 🥘 Food Recommendations 1. Must-Try Dishes 1️⃣ Wansan Pork Knuckle: Zhouzhuang’s signature dish, tender and flavorful. 2️⃣ Qingtuan (green rice cakes) and Wadixu (crispy pastries): Classic Jiangnan snacks. 3️⃣ Granny Tea: Served with pickles and dried tofu for a slow-paced water town vibe. 2. Popular Restaurants 1️⃣ Misty Rain Homestyle Cuisine: Near Twin Bridges, ¥67/person—try Wansan Pork Knuckle and steamed white fish. 2️⃣ Hailong Restaurant: Locals’ favorite, ¥60/person, fresh ingredients. 3️⃣ Xinzhengyuan·Suzhou-Style Shrimp Buns: Snack spot, ¥41/person—shrimp buns and osmanthus red bean balls. 💃 Cultural Activities 1. Regular Events 1️⃣ Ancient Stage: Weekly Xiju opera, seasonal Yueju and Huju performances. 2️⃣ Zhenfeng Street: Traditional crafts like ironwork, paper-cutting, and straw weaving. 3️⃣ Jubinlou: Pingtan performances with local tea snacks. 2. Festivals 1️⃣ Dragon Boat Festival: Races, sachets, and realgar wine. 2️⃣ Quanfu Temple Fair & Lantern Festival: Traditional celebrations. ⛔️ Practical Tips 1️⃣ Tickets: Day ¥100/person, night ¥80/person—book online in advance. 2️⃣ Best Time: Early morning (misty) or dusk (lantern-lit) to avoid crowds. 3️⃣ Safety: Be cautious on boats and with belongings, especially at night. 4️⃣ Dress kids in Hanfu or Qipao for photos—perfect with the ancient backdrop. 📷 Photography Tips 1️⃣ Best Time: Dawn for misty charm, dusk for silhouettes and warm tones. 2️⃣ Top Spots: Twin Bridges (water town scenes), Shen House (classic-modern blend), Zhang House (historical life). 3️⃣ Techniques: Play with light and angles from bridges or alleys; capture details like carvings and signs. 4️⃣ Outfits: Hanfu or Qipao enhance the classical vibe.