"Small Bridges, Flowing Water, and Homes" – The Textbook Ancient Town of Zhouzhuang

**Zhouzhuang Travel Guide – A Wanderer’s Guide to China’s No. 1 Water Town** **📍Address**: Zhouzhuang Town, Kunshan City, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province **🎫Ticket**: 100 RMB (includes attractions like Zhang Hall and Shen Hall; night tour 80 RMB) **⏰Opening Hours**: - **Day Tour**: 7:30-21:00 (last entry at 20:00) - **Night Tour**: 16:00-21:00 (stunning night views, recommended to stay overnight) --- **🚗Transportation Guide** **1. How to Get to Zhouzhuang?** - **From Shanghai**: - **Self-drive**: ~1.5 hours (Huchang Expressway → Hukun Expressway) - **Bus**: Direct buses from Shanghai Tourist Distribution Center/Hongqiao West Station (~2 hours, 35 RMB) - **From Suzhou**: - **Self-drive**: ~1 hour (Sutongli Road → Zhoutong Road) - **Bus**: Direct buses from Suzhou North Station/Railway Station (~1.5 hours, 18 RMB) - **From Hangzhou**: - High-speed rail to Kunshan South Station, then transfer to Bus 133 to Zhouzhuang (~2.5 hours total) **2. Transportation Within the Scenic Area** - **Rowing Boat**: 220 RMB/boat (fits 6 people, ~25 minutes, highly recommended for night tours) - **Walking**: The ancient town is compact, and the core area is best explored on foot. --- **🏞️Must-Visit Attractions** **1. Twin Bridges (Key Bridge)** - **Highlight**: Two interconnected bridges resembling a key, featured in Chen Yifei’s painting *Memories of Hometown*. - **Best Photo Spot**: Early morning or evening when crowds are thinner. **2. Shen Hall (Shen Wansan’s Former Residence)** - **Features**: Mansion of Jiangnan tycoon Shen Wansan, with seven courtyards and five gate towers adorned with intricate carvings. - **Legend**: Rub the "Treasure Bowl" for good fortune (bronze statue of Shen Wansan in the backyard). **3. Zhang Hall** - **Unique Feature**: A marvel of water-town architecture—"Sedans enter through the front gate, boats pass through the house." **4. Zhouzhuang Museum** - **Free Entry**: Learn about Zhouzhuang’s history and folk culture; ideal for a quick visit. **5. Nanhu Autumn Moon Garden** - **Recommendation**: Night light show (19:00-21:00), with dreamy reflections on the lake. --- **🍜Food Recommendations** **1. Wansan Braised Pork Knuckle** - Zhouzhuang’s signature dish—tender, sweet, and savory. Try it at "Shen Hall Restaurant" or "Grandma’s Bridge Old Restaurant." **2. Granny Tea** - Local specialty tea served with green rice cakes and crispy sock-sole pastries (avg. 20 RMB/person at small teahouses). **3. Other Snacks** - **Aozao Noodles**: Classic red-broth fish noodles. - **Three-Flavored Ball Soup**: Glutinous rice balls in chicken broth—delicate and flavorful. --- **🏡Accommodation Tips** **1. Inside the Scenic Area (Convenient for Night Tours)** - **Boutique Inns**: - Blossom Hill (renovated ancient mansion, 500-1000 RMB/night) - Zhenfeng Xuan (waterside rooms, 400-800 RMB/night) - **Budget**: Zhouzhuang Youth Hostel (100-200 RMB/bed) **2. Outside the Scenic Area (Better Value)** - Zhouzhuang Shuiyue Inn, Home Inn, etc. (200-400 RMB/night) --- **📌Travel Tips** 1. **Best Seasons**: Spring and autumn (Mar-May, Sep-Nov); avoid the rainy season (Jun-Jul, humid). 2. **Quiet Times**: - Before 7:30 AM (free entry, but attractions are closed) - Weekdays or non-holidays. 3. **Avoid Pitfalls**: - Shopping inside the scenic area is pricey; opt for time-honored snack shops. - Share a rowing boat to save costs. --- **🚩Nearby Attractions** - **Jinxi Ancient Town** (15 km): Free, serene, known for lake views and ancient kilns. - **Tongli Ancient Town** (30 km): Don’t miss the Retreat & Reflection Garden; accessible via Metro Line 4. --- **🎯Classic One-Day Itinerary** **Morning**: Twin Bridges → Zhang Hall → Zhouzhuang Museum → Shen Hall **Lunch**: Wansan Pork Knuckle + Aozao Noodles **Afternoon**: Nanhu Autumn Moon Garden → Milou (artsy café) **Evening**: Night rowing boat tour + light show --- Zhouzhuang is the textbook embodiment of "small bridges, flowing water, and homes." Stay overnight to experience the tranquil water town at dawn and dusk. Book accommodations in advance (especially on weekends) for a smoother trip!