Zhouzhuang – No. 1 Water Town in China

Brief Introduction of Zhouzhuang

Reputed as the No. 1 Water Town in China, Zhouzhuang or Zhouzhuang Water Town is one of the “ten most beautiful towns in the globe” and “world charming water town”. Also, with appealing sightseeing and authentic flavor of regions south of Yangtze River in China, Zhouzhuang is given the title of “National AAAAA Tourist Attraction” and one of the “top ten tourist attractions in China favored by the European people”. Visiting Zhouzhuang Ancient Town, you can see 14 ancient particular stone bridges built in Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, multiple courtyards linking together on the winding water, more than 800 residences by the river, etc. which is exactly the look of a serene historical water town in eastern China. Besides the scenery, the special folk culture in Zhouzhuang is a real gem of culture in Wu area (one of the Five Hegemons of the Spring and Autumn Period) and the soul of this charming place.

√ 1 Day Suzhou Zhouzhuang Tour

History of Zhouzhuang

Zhouzhuang was anciently called Yao City (摇城) because it was the manor of Yao, the son of Helv (阖闾) who was the King of Wu Kingdom. In A.D. 1086, Zhou Digong (周迪功) believing in Buddhism devoted a land of more than 13 hectares to Quanfu Temple (全福寺) as a temple place, and people there named the land Zhouzhuang (Zhou Village) to thank him. And then, Zhouzhuang was continuously expanding with more and more people coming and settling down. As Shen Wansan (沈万三), who was the rich people there, started doing commercial trade with foreigners, Zhouzhuang became a trading center of food, silk and many handicrafts, the people there gradually lived very prosperous life and built Zhouzhuang into a better ancient town.

√ 2 Days Best Suzhou & Zhouzhuang Water Village Tour

Must-visit Attractions in Zhouzhuang

Since Zhouzhuang is a historic water town of nearly 1000 years, you can visit many places here to feel its featured old flavor.

Double Bridge - Shuangqiao

The Double Bridge (双桥) actually refers to Shide Bridge (世德桥) and Yongan Bridge (永安桥) at the center of Zhouzhuang. First built during A.D. 1573 and A.D. 1619, these two bridges link together like a key in ancient China, so, the bridge is also called Key Bridge. Also, the Double Bridge is the best place to feel the ancient charm of Zhouzhuang. With the gem-like water and lush trees, you can take a boat to appreciate it and enjoy passing through under the bridge.

Moreover, the Double Bridge is well-known for the oil painting of Chen Yifei (陈逸飞) who is a famous painter. After his painting of Zhouzhuang exhibiting in the gallery of Armand Hamer the US, the American people were marveled at the idyllic land of China water town. And in 1985, the painting was chosen to be the pattern of the first-day cover of the United Nation, favored by people from all fields.

Shen’s House - Shenting

The Shen’s House (沈厅), in this residence of more than 2000 square meters, was built by the decedent of Shen Wansan in 1742. Nearly every visitor would go to Shen’s House to feel the life and history of the very wealthy person in Wu Kingdom. Going inside, you can see the wide and magnificent main hall, and raise you head, the hidden window is right there, and that was for the lady selecting her husband in ancient China. Also, you can find abundant fine decorations on the doors, windows, etc. like golden carving of animals and flowers hollow engraving of blossoms and figures, etc. Besides, the statue of Shen Wansan and a glittering treasure pot are there in al hall. It is said that the pot can bring luck of making money to people, so visitors usually throw a coin to the gold ingot to get the good amassing fortune. And you can walk or stand in the stone door of ancient Chinese coin to get more fun.

Zhang’s House - Zhangting

The Zhang’s House (张厅) was built in Qing dynasty and originally named Yishuntang (怡顺堂). It renamed Zhangting (Zhang’s House) after made over to a person whose family name was Zhang. Built within the 1800 square meters wide area and carved beams as well as painted rafters, Zhang’s House was regarded as luxurious at that moment. Moreover, it is very interesting to imagine the scene of boats passing by the door of the house in the past for the special location and featured design. In the backyard, there is a little garden with dancing bamboos and Chinese roses. You can stroll on the winding path to enjoy the scene of river, and also, you can wear the costume in Ming and Qing dynasty to play the historical role in the quiet garden and experience the daily life of ancient people in Zhouzhuang. In the ancient old-style private school, you can see very antique desks and seats, which shows the high pursuit of knowledge of the host who wanted to give advanced education to his children.

Home of Yifei

The former residence of Chen Yifei (逸飞之家) is one of the highlights in Zhouzhuang Water Town, where you can see the past living environment and introduction of the famous painter. Walking through the door, you can admire the historic simple courtyard with trees in the typical Chinese old style. However, you can see the photos, statue, clothes and historical material of this great person in the house.

Apart from the above attractions, you can go to other worth-seeing places, like Fu’an Qiao (富安桥) that stands for wealth and safety is the symbol of Zhouzhuang Ancient Town. What’s more, Shen Wansan’s Former Residence (沈万三故居) shows the copper statue, historic brief of Shen and other precious art works, etc.

√ 5 Days Essence of Shanghai & Suzhou Tour with Zhouzhuang

Morning Chime

Before dawn, you can hear the very pleasing chime of the bell weighing 1500 kg in Quanfu Temple at the west side of Zhouzhuang.

Running Boats

Jizhui Harbor is very wide and turbulent. From a distance, you can appreciate the scene of near 100 white boards competing on the water changing from calm to torrential.

Fishing Songs

Every late afternoon, all the fishing boats return with fruitful results, and you can enjoy the people sing the old fishing songs in the boat to celebrate the big harvest when the moon rising in Baixian River (白蚬江) at the west of Zhouzhuang, which is near the gate. Also, you can visit the “Fishing Singing on Xianjiang” Museum (蚬江渔唱) to see the relics and imitate scene of local fishing.

In Four Seasons:

You can appreciate different beautiful sightseeing of Zhouzhuang in all seasons.

Spring

Quanfu Temple is in Nanhu Yuan in the south of Zhouzhuang and is called the “Buddhist Land on Water”. In spring, go to Zhigui Pavilion (指归阁) in the temple to overlook the full view of green mountains and the vast river nearer. With the new red peach blossoms and verdurous willows, Zhouzhuang is really a heaven on earth.

Summer

Summer is usually the rainy season, so you can admire the mysterious view of the water town that is like a young girl who is shy and hesitates to uncover her veil.

Autumn

Nanhu Garden (南湖园) in the south of Zhouzhuang has fascinating view all year round, especially in autumn. So you can go there to see the bright moon hanging high and enjoy the cool wind blowing the green lake.

Winter

Dongzhuang (东庄) of 50 min’s driving distance from the east of zhouzhuang is very charming in winter. After snowing, the whole land suddenly changes into a silver costume and a very good place to take a walk and to admire the pure wonderland.

Enjoy the Kun Opera

As the “Ancestor of Chinese Operas”, Kunqu Opera (昆曲) is the oldest type of drama in China. Sit in an opera house to feel the excellent art and know about the famous story for hundreds of years. The Old Stage is in the north of the Double Bridge. There, professional actors and actress provide excellent Kunqu Opera performance with great live band, exact Chinese and English subtitles on both sides of the stage.

Show time: 10:00-11:00; 14:00-15:00 every day except for Thursday

Visit Zhouzhuang on Sculling Boat

During the day, taking a sculling boat to appreciate the antique charm of Zhouzhuang is terrific. Watching the hundred-year old houses passing by, verdant willow dancing in the wind and listening to the introduction of the ancient history and story, you may be lost in the relaxing ancient water town. Furthermore, Zhouzhuang at night is super splendid. Boarding on a boat, you can totally enjoy the sound of traditional stringed and woodwind instruments from the upper floor in Fuan Bridge and the Chinese Pipa (琵琶) sound from a residence. With the reflection of the multiple old bridges and the colorful lights, you will feel Zhouzhuang is so charming.

Boat Tour Fee:
Water Lane Tour: CNY 150 / boat in the day, CNY 180 at night (1-6 people, single tour)
Wansan Fortune Cultural Tour: CNY 280 / boat (1-6 people; round trip)
Zhouzhuang Round Tour: CNY 60 / person for a single trip, CNY 80 for a round trip

Watch “Zhouzhuang in All Seasons” Show

“Zhouzhuang in All Seasons” (四季周庄) is the first live-action performance of water town in China. The about 200 actors, actresses and local ordinary people show the traditional culture and rich folk costume of water town and tell the life and beauty of Zhouzhuang.

Show Time: April 1st - November 20th: 19:00-20:00; 19:30-20:30 in Summer (Excluding bad weather day)
Place: No. 375, Quangong Road (全功路), Zhouzhuang Town
Fee: CNY 150 / person (VIP Seat: CNY 280)

Note: the above information is for reference only, for the detailed and updated information about “Zhouzhuang in All Seasons” Show, please contact our Travel Consultant!

1 day classic tour

Enter Zhouzhuang to see the Double Bridge to appreciate the view of boats and residences along the river, and then walk to Zhang’s House to see the luxurious rooms and wander in the little garden. After that, move to Shen’s House where you can know about the life and story of the very wealthy Shen’ Wansan. Then, go to see Fuan Bridge that is the symbol of Zhouzhuang. Finally, you can enjoy the charming view of Zhouzhuang Water Town by taking the boat through many stone bridges and listen to the singing of the female sculler.

√ 1 Day Suzhou Zhouzhuang Tour

Zhouzhuang is only 45 km southwest from Suzhou city and 70 km from Shanghai. Many tourists get to Zhouzhuang from Suzhou and Shanghai because of the short distance and as both cities have long-distance buses to Zhouzhuang. For independent travellers, you can either charter a car to save your time or take a bus to get there.

From Suzhou - 45 km (1 hour by car)

There are frequent coaches starting from Suzhou Beiguangchang Bus Station (苏州北广场站) and Suzhou North Bus Station (苏州汽车客运北站) to Zhouzhuang, which need about 1.5 hours. Both bus stations are near Suzhou Railway Station and easy to get to. Also, you can take a bullet train (many shifts every day) to Kunshan first in less than 15 min and then take a taxi to get to Zhouzhuang for about 50 min (36 km). More about How to Get to Zhouzhuang from Suzhou >

From Shanghai - 70 km (75 min by car)

There are many bus stations in Shanghai running buses (about 1.5h) to Zhouzhuang, including Shanghai Tourist Distribution Center (上海旅游集散中心), Shanghai Bus Terminal (上海长途汽车总站), Shanghai South Bus Terminal (上海长途客运南站), Shanghai West Bus Terminal (上海长途客运西站), etc. Shanghai Tourist Distribution Center is most chosen because of the convenience to reach and the frequent buses. Or you can take a high speed train to Kunshan (about 20min) or Suzhou (about 30min) first and then transfer to Zhouzhuang. More about How to Get to Zhouzhuang from Shanghai >

From Hangzhou - 150 km (2 hours by car)

Many people also traveled to Zhouzhuang from Hangzhou as there used to be direct buses. But they are not available now, you can take high speed trains to Suzhou (1.5h) or Shanghai (45min) first and then transfer to Zhouzhuang.

Generally, a classic Suzhou tour takes about 1~2 days. Visiting Suzhou, you can't miss elegant Suzhou gardens, like Humble Administrator's Garden, Lingering Garden, Master of the Nets Garden, etc. You can choose one or two of them for a great garden delight. Other must-be-visited sights in Suzhou City include Suzhou No.1 Silk Factory from which you can watch the process of silk making from silkworms to elegant products, Tiger Hill which is known as the first sight in Suzhou, Suzhou Museum which is designed by I. M. Pei and Suzhou's old canalside roads (like Pingjaing Road and Shantang Street), etc. If you like Jiangnan watertowns, you can visit Tongli, Zhouzhuang or Luzhi to have a wonderful time.

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If you want to explore more about Jiangsu Province, you can travel to Nanjing - the old capital city of 6 ancient dynasties, Wuxi - a beautiful lakeshore city, Yangzhou - old culture center of southern China, etc. Check more about Jiangsu Tours>

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In fact, most people travel Suzhou with Shanghai - the best gateway city to Suzhou, and Hangzhou which has long been on a par with Suzhou since ancient times. Generally, it needs 2~3 days enjoying Shanghai's highlights and another 2~3 days appreciating the poetic beauty. Check more about Shanghai Suzhou Hangzhou Tours>

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Since 2012, we have helped numerous customers visit Suzhou and surroundings. With our fully-inclusive private tour packages, all of our customers enjoyed their trips to the exquisite gardens, peaceful watertowns, informative silk factory or museum, old Suzhou streets, etc. Some of them kindly shared their precious photos and stories about their Suzhou journey, just get inspired now.

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