An Absolute Encounter in the Dreamy Water Town—Zhouzhuang

Have you ever dreamed of stepping into a picturesque Jiangnan water town, strolling along the bluestone paths, and feeling the lingering ancient charm? Today, I’m sharing my secret Zhouzhuang guide with you all. Let’s step into this "China’s No.1 Water Town" and start a romantic journey✨! Preparation ● Documents: ID card is essential. If you have student or senior discount cards, bring them along—you might save quite a bit of money💰. ● Clothing: Choose appropriate clothes according to the season. In spring and autumn, bring a light jacket for the big temperature difference between morning and evening; in summer, prepare for the heat with sun protection and wear light, breathable clothes; in winter, keep warm. ● Others: Camera📷 to capture beautiful scenes, power bank to keep your phone charged, and an umbrella in case of sudden rain. Itinerary Day 1: Ancient Archway → Zhenfeng Cultural Square → Shen Hall → Zhang Hall ● Morning - Ancient Archway, Zhenfeng Cultural Square: Upon arrival in Zhouzhuang, enter the ancient town through the Ancient Archway, the iconic entrance of Zhouzhuang—don’t forget to take photos📸. Then head to Zhenfeng Cultural Square, where you can see the whole town and feel the lively water town atmosphere. There are also some special performances on the square; if you’re lucky, you’ll enjoy a visual feast. ● Noon - Taste Local Delicacies: After some walking, find a riverside restaurant to try Zhouzhuang’s specialties. Wan San Pig’s Trotter is a must-order—rich but not greasy, melts in your mouth, and it’s said that Zhu Yuanzhang once praised it highly😋. Also try Sanwei Yuan, shaped like olives, with tender meat filling and delicious broth. ● Afternoon - Shen Hall, Zhang Hall: Visit Shen Hall and Zhang Hall in the afternoon. Shen Hall is a Jiangnan residential complex with elegant architecture, showcasing the legendary life of Shen Wansan. Zhang Hall is famous for its unique layout where “the sedan chair enters through the front door, and the boat passes through the house,” as if you can see the prosperous scenes of the past. ● Evening - Night Tour of Zhouzhuang: As night falls, Zhouzhuang’s night view is stunning. Take a small boat🚣 drifting along the river, admire the brightly lit ancient buildings on both sides, and feel the tranquility and romance of the water town. After getting off the boat, you can relax at a bar, listen to music, and unwind. Day 2: Mi Tower → Quanfu Temple → Carton King Creative Park ● Morning - Mi Tower, Quanfu Temple: In the morning, visit Mi Tower, a simple old building that was once a gathering place for members of the Southern Society to recite poetry, full of cultural atmosphere. Then go to Quanfu Temple, located on Nanhu Lake, with magnificent architecture. Inside the temple, you can calm your mind and feel the solemnity and tranquility of Buddhist culture🙏. ● Noon - Snack Street Food Hunt: At noon, stroll through the snack street and try Zhouzhuang’s snacks. Sock Bottom Crisp is fragrant and crispy; Chengyao Cake is soft and glutinous—both are definitely worth trying. ● Afternoon - Carton King Creative Park: In the afternoon, visit Carton King Creative Park, a magical world of cardboard. Various handicrafts, toys, furniture made from cardboard, full of creativity, perfect for photo ops. You can also make some small items yourself and enjoy the fun of handicrafts. ● Evening - Prepare for Return: Return to your accommodation in the evening, pack your luggage, and get ready for the trip back tomorrow. But don’t forget to take another stroll in the ancient town to savor the wonderful moments of the past two days. Accommodation Suggestions ● Inside the Ancient Town: Staying inside the ancient town lets you better experience the water town atmosphere and avoid the tourist rush in the morning, enjoying a peaceful water town morning. You can choose a riverside guesthouse, where opening the window reveals beautiful water views. ● Outside the Ancient Town: If you have a limited budget or prefer a quiet environment, you can also stay outside the ancient town. Transportation is convenient, and prices are relatively lower. Food Recommendations ● Signature Dishes: Besides the mentioned Wan San Pig’s Trotter and Sanwei Yuan, try Steamed White Silk Fish, tender and fresh with original flavor; and Water Shield Soup, smooth in texture and rich in nutrition. ● Special Snacks: Besides Sock Bottom Crisp and Chengyao Cake, try Zhouzhuang Qing Tuan, soft, glutinous, sweet, with a faint mugwort fragrance. Notes ● Tickets: Zhouzhuang tickets can be purchased on the official website or on-site. It’s recommended to check ticket policies and opening hours in advance. ● Boat Tours: Boat tours have fixed routes and prices. Make sure to choose a legitimate boat dock to avoid being overcharged. ● Shopping: There are many souvenir shops in the ancient town. If you want to buy souvenirs, remember to compare prices at several shops to avoid overpaying. Dear friends, the beauty of Zhouzhuang is waiting for you to discover. Pack your bags and set off now! Share your travel plans in the comments, and let’s look forward to this wonderful trip together🎉!