Zhouzhuang Ancient Water Town
40 km southeast of Suzhou, China’s Zhouzhuang Town (originally Yaocheng, Zhenfengli), was first built by the ruler of State Wu in the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC). In Northern Song Dynasty, Zhou Digonglang settled down here, and he was a devout believer in Buddhism. Later he and his wife donated all their properties to Quanfu Temple. Then the local people renamed the town to Zhouzhuang (Zhouzhuang Village) to show the appreciation and respect to this generous contributor.
Almost every piece of the Zhouhuang Ancient Town is an art work. According to the Suzhou Tourism Bureau, they have invited all the best archaeologists in China to manage a deteriorating carved brick gate in Zhouzhuang, but none of them could handle the job. No living archaeologist has mastered this ancient skill.
The Zhouhuang Water Town benefits from the beauty of rivers and lakes. The 14 ancient bridges on the river were built during the Yuan (1271 - 1368), Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644 -1911) dynasties. Double Bridge is one tourist clamor to visit, where two bridges positioned to form a right angle over the stream. Another noteworthy bridge is Fu'an Bridge, which is the oldest bridge in Zhouzhuang - built in 1355.
Residents of the ancient town built their houses and streets along the rivers. Over 60% of the town's buildings date back to the early Ming Dynasty. Two buildings in particular attract lots of tourists: Shen Ting (Hall of Shen) built in 1742 and Zhang Ting (Hall of Zhang). One of the best ancient water towns in China, selected as one of the "Top Ten Most Beautiful Towns in the World" by CNN, it has been one of best places to visit during your Suzhou travel. Tourists can also take a gondola to experience the small water town.
Zhouzhuang Water Town Facts
Brief History
During the Spring and Autumn Period, Zhouzhuang was the fiefdom of Yao, the youngest son of the King of Wu, and was known as “Yao City.” In the Sui and Tang dynasties, it was called “Zhenfeng Village.” In the first year of the Yuanfeng era of the Song Dynasty (1086 AD), Zhou Diguanglang, a local villager, established a settlement here after a bountiful harvest. He donated fields to build a temple, and the villagers, moved by his kindness, renamed Zhenfeng Village to Zhouzhuang.
During the Yuan Dynasty, Zhouzhuang belonged to Changzhou County under Suzhou Prefecture. In the mid-Yuan period, Shen You, father of the legendary wealthy merchant Shen Wansan, migrated from Nanxun, Huzhou to Dongzhai Village east of Zhouzhuang. Through commerce, he gradually prospered, bringing prosperity to Zhouzhuang and forming an old town centered around Fuan Bridge along both banks of the North and South Rivers.
During the Ming Dynasty, the town expanded westward to the area around Fuhong Bridge on Hougang Street and Puqing Bridge on Zhongshi Street, with shops relocating to Hougang Street.
In the early Qing Dynasty, Zhouzhuang returned to Changzhou County, and its population grew denser. The West Gate area gradually developed into a commercial district, shifting the town's commercial center from Hougang Street to Zhongshi Street.
Layout
The ancient Zhouzhuang Water Town is surrounded by water on all sides. Therefore it is also called Venice of the East.
The town is structured with a "well" shape river network as its framework. The front street is adjacent to the river, and the river and the street are closely connected. Houses are built along the water, and bridges and ferry crossings are constructed.
There are fourteen beautifully designed stone arch bridges, enriching the scenery on the river. The Fu'an Bridge has bridge towers on all four sides, and the houses along the street stand beside the bridge. There are also numerous large mansions, tea houses and hotels.
In Chinese ancient poetry, the combination of "small bridges, flowing water and houses" is perfectly achieved here.
Top Things to Do in Zhouzhuang
Explore the Highlight Attractions
Shuangqiao
Shuangqiao, commonly known as Key Bridge, consists of a stone arch bridge—Shide Bridge—and a stone beam bridge—Yong'an Bridge. Shide Bridge measures 16 meters in length, 3 meters in width, with a span of 5.9 meters; Yong'an Bridge spans 13.3 meters in length, 2.4 meters in width, with a span of 3.5 meters.
Among the twin bridges, the stone arch bridge crosses the North and South Rivers, featuring stone stairway approaches extending into the alleyways at its eastern end. The stone beam bridge rests flat over the mouth of Yinzibin Creek, its arch allowing only small boats to pass beneath, while its railings are constructed from hemp-patterned stone.
Shen Mansion
Address: 96 South Market Street, Zhouzhuang
Constructed in 1742 by Shen Benren, a descendant of Shen Wansan, the Shen Mansion occupies over 2,900 square meters. Oriented east to west, it features seven courtyards, five gate towers, and over 100 rooms of various sizes.
The mansion comprises three distinct sections. The front section consists of a water gate and a river wharf, specifically for families to moor boats and wash clothes, a unique architectural feature of the Jiangnan water towns. The middle section includes a gate tower, tea hall, and main hall, serving as a place for receiving guests, handling weddings and funerals, and holding meetings. The rear section comprises a main hall, a smaller hall, and a rear hall, serving as living quarters.
Zhang Hall
Address: No. 26 North Market Street, Zhouzhuang
Zhang Hall exemplifies the typical front hall-rear courtyard layout of Jiangnan residences and stands as one of Zhouzhuang's best-preserved Ming Dynasty structures. Covering over 1,800 square meters, it contains more than 60 rooms across six courtyards and features a private rear garden.
Fu'an Bridge
Located at the eastern end of Central Market Street, Fu'an Bridge spans the North-South Canal, connecting North and South Market Streets. Legend has it that a temple dedicated to the Chief Administrator once stood beside the bridge, hence its original name, Chief Administrator Bridge. Built in 1355 AD by local resident Yang Zhong, it was initially a flat, stone-faced bridge without steps. It underwent two major renovations in 1478 AD and 1522 AD, transforming it into a single-arch bridge. The bridge measures 17.4 meters in length, 3.8 meters in width, and has a span of 6.6 meters.
Each of the bridge's four corners features a pavilion. Notably, there are no stairs connecting the first and second floors of these pavilions; visitors must walk around to the exterior bridge steps to ascend. The bridge incorporates five slabs of Wukang stone, a type rarely found in the Jiangnan region.
Quánfú Temple
Within Nanhu Garden, Quánfú Temple comprises three sections: the eastern and western gardens commemorate the renowned Tang Dynasty poets Liu Yuxi and Lu Guimeng, and the Western Jin literary figure Zhang Jiying, respectively. The central section houses the Quánfú Lecture Temple.
Mystery Tower (Mi Tower)
Address: No. 125 Zhongshi Street, Zhouzhuang
Originally built during the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty (1875–1908) as Deji Hotel, it was renamed when Li Defu from Zhenjiang relocated here with his family in 1908. Reconstructed with government funding in 1993.
Zhouzhuang Museum
Address: No. 38 Hougang Street, Zhouzhuang
This antique building from the late Qing to early Republican era, adjacent to the Old Street and waterways, was originally the residence of Zhu Xianbo, a native of Zhouzhuang. Spanning over 1,000 square meters, the museum primarily displays folk household utensils, agricultural tools, and locally excavated black-skinned pottery renowned throughout China.
Zhouzhuang Museum also incorporates multiple new technologies to make the visit interactive and engaging.
>> Related reading: Best Museums in China
Zhouzhuang Fang
The Zhouzhuang Fang is an elegant, fixed-position pleasure boat moored on the shores of Baiyan Lake within Zhouzhuang Yunhai Resort. Constructed for the 2001 APEC Informal Meeting of Trade Ministers, it measures 49.71 meters in length and 15.68 meters in width, featuring a steel hull and multi-story structures.
Chengxu Taoist Temple
Chengxu Taoist Temple is a sacred site of Chinese Taoism in Zhouzhuang. Founded by Zhang Ling during the Eastern Han Dynasty, Taoism has a history spanning over 1,800 years.
God of Wealth Residence
Address: Fuguiyuan Road, Zhouzhuang
Originally the residence of Shen Wansan, this site is located in Dongcao, Zhouzhuang Town. Through artistic techniques such as bronze statues, brick carvings, lacquer carvings, scale models, display panels, dioramas, clay sculptures, and illustrated storybooks, it showcases various legends of Shen Wansan's rise to wealth, the hardships of his business ventures, his legendary life journey, and scenes of daily life within the Shen household.
Recommended Suzhou Tours to Zhouzhuang Village
Traditional Boating in Zhouzhuang
Originating in the early Qing Dynasty, Zhouzhuang's ancient town has preserved its boat racing tradition for centuries. Today, it remains a major folk entertainment during festive occasions, harvest celebrations, and wedding processions.
During the Chinese Dragon Boat Festival, the boat rocking becomes an unmissable folk performance and a signature event embodying the essence of “a lifestyle called Zhouzhuang.”
Experience the Rich Local Culture and Traditions
Experience the slow pace of life among the locals
How to Get to Ancient Zhouzhuang Village
The Zhouzhuang Ancient Town is located 38 kilometers southeast and 33 kilometers southwest of Suzhou City. It is approximately 70 kilometers away from Shanghai. It is situated between Shanghai, Suzhou and Hangzhou.
How to Get to Zhouzhuang Water Town from Shanghai
How to Get to Zhouzhuang Water Town from Suzhou
By Bus: There are tourist shuttle buses departing from Suzhou North Bus Station heading for Zhouzhuang Bus Station.
How to Get to Zhouzhuang Water Town from Hangzhou
Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport to Zhouzhuang Ancient Town: It takes approximately 100 minutes by taxi.
Get to Zhouzhuang by High Speed Rail
Take the high-speed train to Kunshan South Station. Then take bus 133 to Zhouzhuang Bus Station, transfer to bus 261 to Xinpailou, and walk to Zhouzhuang Ancient Town.
Alternatively, take the high-speed train to Suzhou South Station, which is about 13 kilometers from Zhouzhuang.
>> Recommended 16-day China Train + Yangtze Cruise Tour
Zhouzhuang Weather
The Zhouzhuang Ancient Town has a subtropical monsoon climate with distinct four seasons with abundant sunlight. The area is surrounded by mountains and water, with abundant water sources and lush vegetation.
What is the best time to visit Zhouzhuang? It is spring (from March to May) and autumn (from September to November), when the weather is mild and comfortable, and the landscape is beautiful.
>> Know more about Suzhou weather
Zhouzhuang Hotels
Zhuangzhou boasts resort hotels including Chunluzhisi Resort Hotel, Heritage Villas Zhouzhuang Managed by Dusit, and Zhouzhuang SCHOLARS BOUTIQUE Hotel, boutique hotels including Greenhouse Guesthouse, and distinctive traditional residences.
Zhouzhuang Restaurants
To sample Zhouzhuang's local snacks, specialties, and seafood, recommended hotels include: Shenting Restaurant (located at 96-103 Nanshi Street), Xiangcun Hefengli Restaurant (located in Sanzhubang, Qibang Village), and Shuizhiyun Hotel (located in [location missing]). Additionally, you can try various snack stalls and small neighbourhood restaurants.
Zhouzhuang or Zhujiajiao or Tongli
If you're looking for the most classic and famous water towns and don't mind a bit more tourists, then Zhouzhuang is the perfect choice.
If you'd like to add a water town to your Shanghai trip but are short on time, then head to Zhujiajiao.
If you'd like to avoid the crowds and find a more tranquil ancient water town that combines rich cultural heritage with classical gardens, then Tongli Ancient Town will offer you more surprises.
