A must-see ancient town in Jiangnan – it's absolutely gorgeous!
Zhouzhuang in May is a beautiful and colorful Jiangnan painting. Every scenic spot tells a thousand-year-old story, attracting people to explore its beauty.
Stepping into Zhouzhuang is like walking into a world of flowers. Roses, Chinese roses, and lilac flowers are in full bloom, decorating the town like a picturesque painting. Stroll along the flower-lined alleys, or come to Yifei's Home, Nanshi Street, or Culture Street. There are surprises at every turn, making people indulge in the colorful spring scenery.
The water in Zhouzhuang is the soul of the town. On the sparkling river, tourist boats come and go. Take a Wupeng boat and travel along the winding waterway, passing through ancient stone bridges, feeling the breeze, and listening to the boatman telling ancient legends. It seems that time stands still at this moment, leaving only this bay of green water and the white walls and black tiles on both sides, forming a picturesque beauty, making people feel like they are in a dreamlike Jiangnan.
During the May Day holiday, Zhouzhuang has a variety of folk activities. Outside the ancient archway, the drums are loud, and the lions dance to welcome guests from all directions. As night falls, girls in Hanfu parade with lanterns, like beautiful women walking out of a painting, making people feel like they have traveled back to ancient times. There are also traditional art performances such as Suzhou Pingtan and Kunqu Opera, which are more charming against the backdrop of white walls, black tiles, and flowing water.
When night falls on Zhouzhuang, the town shows another charming scene. In the riverside restaurants, the lights are bright, and the water and night scenes are delightful. The light and shadow show in Nanhu Bay and Xianjiang Bay, with its changing water curtain light and shadow, is like a dream, bringing a visual feast to tourists. Walking in the ancient streets and alleys, the lights shine on the bluestone road, casting long shadows, as if telling the history and vicissitudes of the town.
Travel Guide:
- Self-driving: From surrounding cities such as Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hangzhou, you can directly go to Zhouzhuang via navigation.
- Public transportation: You can take the high-speed train to Suzhou or Kunshan first. In Suzhou, you can take a bus from Suzhou North Station or South Station; in Kunshan, you can take bus No. 133 from the High-speed Railway South Station, or take a bus from the passenger station.
Attraction introduction
Double Bridge:
Located in the center of Zhouzhuang, it is connected by Shide Bridge and Yong'an Bridge. It was built in the Ming Dynasty and looks like an ancient key, also known as the Key Bridge. It is famous for Chen Yifei's oil painting "Memory of Hometown."
Shen Hall:
Built in the Qing Dynasty, it was built by Shen Benren, a descendant of Shen Wansan, a wealthy man in Jiangnan. It is a seven-entry, five-gate mansion with a sophisticated structure and high historical value and ornamental value.
Zhang Hall:
Built in the Ming Dynasty, it has typical Ming Dynasty official residence characteristics. It is one of the most well-preserved Ming Dynasty buildings in Zhouzhuang, with a rigorous layout and carved beams and painted pillars.
Fuan Bridge:
The only bridge-building complex in Jiangnan Water Town. The bridge buildings rise from the waves and face each other from a distance. The momentum is extraordinary and it is one of the iconic attractions in Zhouzhuang.
Nanhu Qiuyue Garden:
Adjacent to Nanbai Dang, the lake is clear, and the bridge pavilion is full of water. It is an excellent place to enjoy the night view of Zhouzhuang.
Food recommendation
Wansan Trotters:
Zhouzhuang's special delicacy, the pig's trotters are cooked through multiple processes, with a soft and glutinous taste and delicious taste.
Grandma Cai:
Made from pickled vegetables, it tastes delicious and has a strong local flavor.
Aozao Noodles:
Special noodles, noodles with various seasonings and soup, delicious and delicious.
White Silk Fish:
Special aquatic product, steamed, the meat is tender and nutritious.
Accommodation recommendations
In the ancient town:
Such as Zhouzhuang Latte Wanshi Art Inn, you can experience the wonderful feeling of living by the water, and you can see the small bridge and flowing water when you open the window.
Outside the ancient town:
There are various hotels and homestays around, the prices are relatively affordable, and travel is also convenient.
Itinerary
One day tour:
Double Bridge - Shen Hall - Zhang Hall - Fuan Bridge - Carton King Creative Park - Nanhu Qiuyue Garden, you can take a boat tour in the evening to enjoy the night view of the ancient town.
Two-day tour:
Arrive in the afternoon on the first day to check in, and then visit Double Bridge, Shen Hall, and Zhang Hall. Watch the night view and take a boat in the evening; get up early on the second day to enjoy the morning view, and go to Fuan Bridge, Nanhu Qiuyue Garden, Quanfu Temple, etc., and return in the afternoon.