Recognized as the No.1 water town in China, Zhouzhuang is an ancient water town with a history spanning over 900 years. Surrounded by water on all sides, Zhouzhuang Water Town has a grid-like waterway system, which is home to 14 ancient stone bridges, well-preserved from the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Besides, over 800 households of residents live by the riverside, with 60% of them maintaining the Ming and Qing architectural styles.
Facts of Zhouzhuang Water Town
- Location: Southwest of Kunshan City, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
- Opening Hours: All day; Attractions in the town: 8:00-17:15
- Time Needed: 1-2 days
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn
- Suited to: History and culture lovers, photography enthusiasts, leisure travelers
- Ticket Price: Day Ticket: CNY 100, valid for 3 days; Night Ticket (16:00-20:00): CNY 80; Entry is free before 7:30 AM and after 8:00 PM
Must-visit Attractions in Zhouzhuang Water Town
1. Twin Bridges
As a landmark of Zhouzhuang Water Town, Twin Bridges, also known as Shuangqiao, are famous for their unique design. They consist of a stone arch bridge, Shide Bridge, and a stone beam bridge, Yongan Bridge, built in the Wanli era (1573-1619) of the Ming Dynasty.
The Twin Bridges are the best places to appreciate the charm of the water town on your trip to Suzhou. Shide Bridge spans the Nanbeishi River, with stone steps at its eastern end leading into the streets and alleys. Yongan Bridge lies across Yinzi Creek, with a bridge hole just large enough for small boats to pass through. Hence, you can wander through the streets or take a boat to explore this town.
2. Shen’s House
Shen’s House is also a must-visit attraction during your Suzhou tours in Zhouzhuang Water Town. Also referred to as Shen Wansan’s Former Residence, it was built by Shen Benren, a descendant of Shen Wansan, in the seventh year of the Qianlong reign during the Qing Dynasty (1742).
This grand mansion covers an area of more than 2,000 square meters, featuring seven courtyards and five gate towers, with over 100 rooms of various sizes arranged along a 100-meter-long central axis. Besides, there is a wide array of artistic treasures and relics associated with Shen Wansan and his family, such as paintings, calligraphy, furniture, and coins.
3. Zhang’s House
Zhang’s House is a typical example of the “front hall and rear chamber” layout commonly found in Jiangnan residences. It is one of the most well-preserved Ming Dynasty buildings in Zhouzhuang Water Town, covering an area of over 1,800 square meters, with more than 70 rooms arranged across seven courtyards. Taking a tour there, you’ll marvel at its featured design.
If you’ve been to Zhujiajiao in Shanghai, you’ll find the differences between the two when comparing Zhujiajiao Water Town vs Zhouzhuang Water Town. Both have well-preserved Ming and Qing architecture, but Zhujiajiao doesn’t have a building like Zhang’s House, with bridges in front of the house and boats passing by.
4. Zhouzhuang Museum
This museum is an important window to see the history and culture of Zhouzhuang Water Town in China. Covering just over 1,000 square meters, the museum primarily exhibits the town’s history, ancient culture, and folk customs like traditional weddings, banquets, and daily life tools. Besides, there are artifacts such as black pottery, stone steles, and plaques, through which you’ll learn more about the past of this town.
Best Time to Visit Zhouzhuang Water Town
Zhouzhuang Water Town is an enchanting tourist attraction that can be visited all year round, as it shows unique appeal at different times. But the best time to visit there is in spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is beautiful. Also, morning and dawn are the most charming times of the day.
Besides, avoid visiting Zhouzhuang during China’s public holidays, as the crowds will influence the travel experience in such a tranquil town, and the price of hotels in Zhouzhuang Water Town will rise.
How to Get to Zhouzhuang Water Town
Zhouzhuang does not have its own airport or railway station. Hence, to get to Zhouzhuang, you can reach Shanghai by plane or train or get to Suzhou by train from other cities in China, and then transfer to Zhouzhuang Water Town.
From Shanghai
Since Shanghai is 70 km from Zhouzhuang, it’s not difficult for you to get there. Take a high-speed train from Shanghai Railway Station to Kunnan South Railway Station, and take Kunshan Bus No. 133 then shift to 261 to Zhouzhuang. The whole journey takes about 2 hours and costs about CNY 30.
If you prefer a faster way, you can take a taxi from Shanghai to Zhouzhuang Water Town, which costs CNY 300 and takes about 1.5 hours.
Popular Shanghai Tours with Zhouzhuang Water Town
From Suzhou
Located about 45 km from Suzhou, Zhouzhuang Water Town can be reached by direct bus. Make your way to the North Square Bus Station of Suzhou Railway Station and take the direct bus there. The one-way fare is CNY 25, with two departures daily, at 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM. By the way, if you plan to return to Suzhou the same day, pay attention to the return bus times, which are generally at 11:20 AM and 5:00 PM.
Besides, taxis are also available for you to get to Zhouzhuang from Suzhou. Taking a taxi there takes about 1 hour, with a fare of about CNY 100.
Recommended Suzhou Tours with Zhouzhuang Water Town
- Suzhou Day Tour to Zhouzhuang Ancient Town and Pingjiang Road
- 1 Day Shanghai-Suzhou-Zhouzhuang Group Tour
Attractions nearby Zhouzhuang Water Town
- Tongli Water Town: It is located 15 km from Zhouzhuang Water Town, and it presents ancient bridges and traditional architecture for visitors to explore.
- Shanghai Grand View Garden: This is a dream park built according to the description in “Dream of Red Mansions”, the first of its kind in China.
