Zhouzhuang

Shanghai

Water Town

Zhouzhuang, one of the most famous water townships in China, situated in Kunshan City which is only 30 kilometers (18 miles) southeast of Suzhou. It is noted for its profound cultural background, the well preserved ancient residential houses, the elegant watery views and the strong local colored traditions and customs. In the Spring and Autumn Period (770 - 476 BC), Zhouzhuang was a part of the fief Yaocheng and called Zhenfengli. After being donated to Full Fortune (Quanfu) Temple by Zhou Digong, a very devout Buddhist, in 1086 during the Northern Song Dynasty (960 - 1127), it got its present name as a memorial of the donor.

Zhouzhuang,one of the most famous water townships in China,is noted for its profound cultural background, the well preserved ancient residential houses, the elegant watery views and the local customs.

In an area of half a square kilometer (124 acres), 60 percent of the Zhouzhuang's structures were built during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, which is from 1368 to 1911.
Some of the breathtaking sights are:
1. Twin Bridges (Shuang qiao)

Zhouzhuang is surrounded and divided by lakes and rivers, 14 stone bridges cross the rivers, showing distinctive views of the water-town. Twin Bridges which comprise Shide Bridge and Yongan Bridge are the most famous and is considered the symbol of Zhouzhuang. Crossing the two crisscross rivers and connecting at the middle, Twin Bridges look like a Chinese old-style Chinese key.

2. Shen House

Built in 1742 and located at the southeast side of Fuan Bridge, Shen House was the private property of the descendant of Shen Wansan, the first millionaire of Jiangnan (South of Yangtze River) in the early Ming Dynasty. The whole architectural complex is of the Ming's style and occupies an area of more than 2,000 square meters (half an acre). Over 100 rooms are divided into three sections and each one is connected by arcades and aisles.

3. Milou Tower

It is famous for being a rallying place of the literators in old times. Numerous poets, songs and stories about Milou Tower are wide spread and make it more charming.

4. Chengxu Taoist Temple

In an area of 1,500 square meters (1,800 square yards), simple but majestic Shengdi and Doumu halls, Yuhuang, Wenchang and Shengdi pavilions are really elaborate works and masterpieces of Taoist architctures.

Those sites are just a little part of the pretty attractions of Zhouzhuang. Besides these historic sites, the local folklore, traditions and legends of this water township, such as the dragon boat race, the granny tea or the Wansan home-style banquet which are formed from the immemorial civilization and history are also the indispensable elements for an unforgettable tour.

Admission Fees : CNY 100
CNY 80 for a night tour
CNY 150 (ordinary seat) for Four Seasons of Zhouzhuang (a performance)
Ferry Boat: CNY 100 (allow 6 people)

周庄是江南最早闻名于世的水乡古镇，被称为'中国第一水乡'。镇上水路纵横，一百多座明清老建筑依河而建。在各条街道间，有十四座小桥联通，其中就有让周庄闻名于世的双桥，很有江南的特色。步行在古镇里面，放眼望去都是'小桥流水人家'的幽雅景致，夜晚时更是灯红柳绿非常浪漫。在周庄最南边有一个南湖面积很大，一座长桥坐落桥边，景色开阔美丽。

周庄古镇面积不大，长宽大约都在一到两公里，步行可以游玩整个古镇。另外，乘坐游船泛舟在水路之上也是很多人的选择，古镇内的小木船可乘坐六人，每船100元大概游览25分钟，划船的阿姨经常会唱些昆曲小调，很有水乡韵味。

周庄是著名的江南巨富沈万三的故乡，历史上也是因为沈万三的发迹而兴盛，所以这里有沈万三故居、沈厅、沈万三水墓这些与沈万三相关的景点，可以前去参观见识一下江南大富豪的生活踪迹，还可以摸下传说中的'聚宝盆'沾沾财气。古镇里还有一座古戏台，里面有免费的昆曲表演，可以感受江南古老艺术的美妙。

来到周庄，这里的小吃不能不品味一下，在贞丰街附近和沈厅周围有很多特色的小吃店铺，周庄的小吃非常丰富，万三蹄、阿婆茶、白蚬子最为著名，江南特色的青团、袜底酥、撑腰糕等各类糕点也都可以在这里找到，可以一边逛街一边寻觅品尝。除了小吃店外，古镇上还有很多工艺品店、咖啡厅、书店等特色的小资民俗店铺，在贞丰街附近最为密集，也可以随意逛逛。每到夏天，每天晚上在古镇北边都会举办《四季周庄》的表演，展现水乡的意境和风韵。