Zhouzhuang: Venice of the East

Now, I’m sure many of you have heard of Venice, the famed “floating city” of Europe, but have you ever heard of Zhouzhuang? Well, Zhouzhuang is a popular water town located between the cities of Suzhou and Shanghai that is known by many names, with the most prominent being “Venice of the East”. Hundreds of tourists come to Zhouzhuang for its stunning scenery, preservation of ancient folk culture, and of course, its water canals.

Over 900 years ago, Zhouzhuang was a part of the Yaocheng estate called Zhen Feng Li. In the year 1086, Zhou Digong, a devout follower of Buddhism, donated his 13-hectare land to the Quanfu temple. Grateful for Zhou Digong’s contribution, the people decided to name the land after him as Zhouzhuang. Several years later, the Shen family would migrate to Zhouzhuang and would give birth to Shen Wansan, an influential magnate in China who would transform Zhouzhuang into a popular trading center brimming with food, silk, and many other products. As a result, the town population grew substantially and markets developed rapidly, allowing the people of Zhouzhuang to live prosperous lives.

Although Zhozhuang is not nearly as advanced as many modern cities, the town thrives on its serenity and simplicity. The town is composed of classical architecture that dates almost a thousand years back and provides calming scenery with its tranquil waters. Not to mention, this town also offers performances that demonstrate the ancient traditions and culture of Zhouzhuang. With that said, here are some attractions and activities you can enjoy in this ancient water town:

Twin Bridges: The twin bridges consist of two separate bridges, the Shide and Yongan bridges, that link together to form a right angle. The Shide has a round opening while the Yongan contains a square opening.

Shen Wansan’s House: The Shen residence, built in 1742 by a descendent of Shen Wansan, is quite large and luxurious, boasting several halls and over a hundred rooms. Also, exquisite decorations and carvings can be found all over the house.

Zhenfeng Culture Street: This street is lined with a multitude of tea houses, restaurants, and traditional shops that sell beautiful handicrafts(woven bamboo, clay sculptures, tiger head shoes, and porcelain pots), which makes this the perfect place to go shopping for souvenirs and snacks!

“Zhouzhuang in All Seasons” Show: While you’re in Zhouzhuang, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to watch this amazing show that consists of 200 actors who brilliantly capture key aspects of life in ancient Zhouzhuang during each season. This is a wonderful way for you to immerse yourself in Zhouzhuang’s folk culture and beauty.

Boat Tours: It’s not every day one can ride a boat on what would typically be a road for walking or driving. Boat tours are a must in Zhouzhuang, as they bring you all around the village, allowing you to experience the full beauty of Zhouzhuang’s scenery and architecture.