Zhouzhuang Ancient Town (周庄古镇), nestled in the heart of Jiangsu Province, China, is a picturesque gem that embodies the rich history and charm of ancient Chinese culture. Enveloped by waterways, this enchanting town is renowned for its exquisite stone bridges, some of which date back to the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, showcasing remarkable architectural craftsmanship.
The town’s unique allure lies in its well-preserved residences. Over 800 households continue to thrive along the meandering riverbanks, with more than 60% of them maintaining their original Ming and Qing dynasty architectural styles. These traditional buildings exude an air of timeless elegance, offering a glimpse into China’s bygone eras.
Visitors to Zhouzhuang can explore its tranquil canals, ornate temples, and quaint streets, all while immersing themselves in a living museum of Chinese history. This ancient town remains a testament to the enduring legacy of China’s rich cultural heritage, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a journey back in time.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Zhouzhuang Ancient Town
- Vlog about Zhouzhuang Ancient Town
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
- Facts about Zhouzhuang
- Other Attractions in Kunshan
Basic Information
| website | http://www.zhouzhuang.net/ |
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 day |
| Ticket Price | 100 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 7.30 – 21.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-4008282900 |
Location and Transportation
Zhouzhuang Ancient Town is located in the Jiangnan region of China, specifically in the Kunshan City, Suzhou Prefecture-level city, in Jiangsu Province. It is situated approximately 30 kilometers (about 18 miles) southeast of Suzhou’s city center and about 60 kilometers (37 miles) west of Shanghai, one of China’s major international cities.
Tourists from Shanghai can find express coaches to Zhouzhuang at East Long-Distance Bust Station (长途客运东站). If you are already in Kunshan, you can take bus Kunshan 260 or 263, get off at Kunshan Clinic Stop (昆山卫生院站), and walk about 300 meters to reach the town.
Highlights of Zhouzhuang Ancient Town
Old Mansions and Residences
Zhouzhuang boasts a remarkable collection of historic mansions and residences that offer a captivating glimpse into its rich heritage. The most renowned is the Shen Mansion, an architectural masterpiece crafted by Shen Benren in 1742. Covering more than 2,900 square meters, it boasts over 100 rooms, showcasing intricate design and cultural significance. Another gem is the Zhang Mansion, a classic Jiangnan-style dwelling constructed during the Ming Dynasty. Spanning over 1,800 square meters, it features over 60 rooms and a private garden, exemplifying the elegance and charm of ancient Chinese architecture. These splendid residences collectively narrate Zhouzhuang’s centuries-old story of opulence and tradition.
Ancient Stone Bridges
Zhouzhuang is renowned for its enchanting stone bridges, each with its unique character. Among them, the Double Bridges, formed by Shide Bridge and Yong’an Bridge, are iconic. These two bridges resemble a key, symbolizing prosperity and happiness. Another standout is Fu’an Bridge, encircled by four picturesque buildings at its corners. This bridge not only connects pathways but also weaves a harmonious architectural tapestry. These stone bridges, with their historical significance and architectural splendor, serve as essential elements of Zhouzhuang’s charm, inviting visitors to stroll across them while immersing themselves in the town’s timeless beauty and cultural heritage.
Zhouzhuang Museum
The Zhouzhuang Museum is a cultural treasure nestled within the ancient town of Zhouzhuang, covering an expansive area of more than 1,000 square meters. This captivating museum serves as a repository of history, offering visitors a captivating journey through time. Inside its walls, you’ll find a diverse collection that includes agricultural tools, everyday artifacts, and black potteries. These exhibits provide invaluable insights into the daily life, customs, and craftsmanship of Zhouzhuang’s inhabitants throughout the centuries. The museum is a window into the town’s rich heritage, making it a must-visit destination for those eager to explore the cultural tapestry of this enchanting water town.
Zhouzhuang Boat
The Zhouzhong Boat is a magnificent and historically significant vessel anchored on the shores of Baixian Lake within the Yunhai Resort, also known as the Cloud Sea Resort. This ancient-style fixed boat was meticulously crafted for the Informal Ministers Meeting of APEC in 2001. Measuring an impressive 49.71 meters in length and 15.68 meters in width, the boat stands as a symbol of both Chinese craftsmanship and international diplomacy. Its elegant presence by the serene waters of Baixian Lake adds to the allure of Yunhai Resort, making it a prominent attraction for visitors seeking to appreciate the fusion of tradition and modernity.
Ancient Temples
Zhouzhuang boasts a rich cultural heritage, and its ancient temples are integral to its historical tapestry. Quanfu Temple, a notable site, reveres renowned poets and writers such as Liu Yuxi, Lu Guimeng, and Zhang Jiying. These literary figures are honored within its hallowed walls, reflecting the town’s deep appreciation for literary arts. Another significant temple is Chengxu Taoist Temple, dedicated to venerating the ancient philosopher Lao Zi, whose teachings on Taoism have endured for over two millennia. These temples not only pay homage to intellectual and spiritual luminaries but also offer visitors a serene sanctuary to explore Zhouzhuang’s enduring connection to culture and philosophy.
River Lanterns
Zhouzhuang’s Lantern Festival is a mesmerizing celebration that illuminates the town’s ancient charm. Beyond the dazzling lantern displays that adorn the streets and buildings, a unique tradition stands out: the River Lanterns. These lanterns, shaped like exquisite flowers, are gently placed in the flowing waters, where they gracefully drift downstream. This enchanting ritual serves as a symbolic prayer for fortune, happiness, and the dispelling of misfortune. As the river carries these lanterns away, it carries away the wishes and hopes of the people, creating a poignant and magical spectacle that encapsulates the deep-rooted traditions and aspirations of Zhouzhuang’s New Year’s Eve celebration.
Vlog about Zhouzhuang Ancient Town
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Free Entry at Specific Times: Entrance is free before 7:00 AM and after 9:00 PM every day.
Recommendation for Leisurely Exploration: Strongly recommend aimless walking and taking a boat ride. Sometimes, unexpected surprises can be found when not expecting anything specific.
Boat Ride Options: If you want to take a boat, consider finding others to share the cost. A boat ride costs 220 yuan for a maximum of 6 people, and if you pay 30 yuan, you can hear a serenade by the boatwoman.
Night Lights Show at Shen Wansan’s Former Residence: Zhouzhuang Ancient Town itself doesn’t have night lights show, but you can visit Shen Wansan’s Former Residence to see lights. It’s mentioned that there are more children playing in this area.
Beware of Approaches by Strangers: Be cautious about people approaching you outside, claiming to be locals offering to guide you for 50 yuan. Stick to the regular entrance procedures to avoid any scams.
Explore Deeper for Unique Photo Opportunities: Venture deeper into Zhouzhuang Ancient Town to discover less crowded areas with small bridges, perfect for photography.
We set off in the morning and took Metro Line 1, transferring to Line 4 to reach Tongli Station, exit at Gate 2. We boarded the Kunshan C10 bus to get off at the Zhouzhuang Primary School stop at 11 AM. This bus operates at specific times, so be careful not to miss it as you might have to wait a long time. After getting off, we followed the navigation for a short walk to the entrance of Zhouzhuang Ancient… Read more »
At the various entrances of Zhouzhuang, there are staff checking tickets, so you can enter without paying before their shift starts. This is available before 7:00 AM and after 9:30 PM. You can enter at 9:30 PM to enjoy the night scenery, but most shops will be closed, with only a few still open. Entering in the morning is quite pleasant since there aren’t many people around, and experiencing the morning in Jiangnan is really nice. Zhouzhuang Ancient Town has… Read more »
Jiangsu truly represents the essence of southern China. When we visited, it was drizzling lightly. The admission ticket for adults is 150 yuan, while the student ticket is 110 yuan. Additional fees apply for boat rides and performances. The area is quite large, making it impossible to explore everything in one day; it seems like there are shops on every street. The management of the scenic area is fairly good, and the environment is pleasant. There are plenty of restrooms,… Read more »
I might have had my expectations set too high, which led to a bit of disappointment. The place is heavily commercialized, filled with dining options and photo-taking spots. I also wonder if I visited at the wrong time, but overall, I felt the entrance fee was somewhat not worth it.
In the sweltering heat of July, the streets of Zhouzhuang Ancient Town were not overly crowded with tourists. Young people were a rare sight; instead, I frequently encountered groups of elderly women, chatting animatedly in fluent Shanghainese.
Zhouzhuang seems a bit overrated It is currently the most tourist-trap spot I have encountered. 1. The tricycle at the ticket office informed us that it would take 30 minutes to walk from the ticket office to the entrance, and offered to give us a ride to the entrance for 50RMB. Later, we realized it would only take about 15 minutes to walk. And halfway through, he asked my friend to get off and walk because he couldn’t pull uphill.… Read more »
I went there around 7 in the morning, no entrance fee required, not too crowded, the food was not expensive, had a great time all day.
One morning is enough to tour around… You don’t need to spend too much time here. In terms of the overall experience, it’s not as well planned as the major ancient towns and water towns. The free attractions here also cannot compare to Wuzhen or Xitang.
The whole village is run-down, with touts everywhere. Apart from a few skilled artisans, everything feels too commercialized. There are spider webs all over the beams, and the river water is dirty. The entrance fee is 100 per person, and parking is disorganized. Villagers come out to stop cars and charge for parking. Definitely won’t visit again.
In Zhouzhuang Ancient Town, there are many restaurants with similar prices and tastes. Set menu prices are displayed at the entrance, so you won’t be overcharged if you stick to the set menu, feel free to eat. Accommodation is not necessary, you can explore this place in 3-5 hours. Entry to the ancient town is free before 7:30 in the morning and after 21:00 at night. The famous ‘Wansan hooves’ can be bought at any place, there’s no difference in… Read more »