I took a half day side trip to the village of Zhouzhuang. The village is characterized by its beauty and simplicity, it is located on Lake Dianshan, 1h30 from Shanghai, in the Jiangsu province and is considered the Venice of the East. Zhouzhuang has a history of over 900 years and is home to many historical and cultural sites. The area is well known for its stone bridges. The town is incredibly well-preserved and it feels like you have stepped back in time. The canals are lined with traditional Chinese houses and shops, and the bridges are made of stone or wood.
There are several rivers in Zhouzhuang, so bridges are in abundance. The double bridge, reminiscent of a key, also known as the “Bridge of the Key”, was built in the 16th century and overlooks the Yingzi and Nanbei rivers. I took a boat trip thru the city which is the best way to see all of the bridges.
The Fu’an Bridge built in 1355, has four pavilions each with a restaurant unveiling a breathtaking view of the canal and boats. The village is also famous for its traditional houses, whitewashed walls and gray tiled roofs, aligned in shady alleys. Another must-see in Zhouzhuang is the Bridge of Nine Arches. This bridge is over 500 years old and it is one of the most iconic landmarks in the town. The bridge is made of white stone and it spans a canal that connects two of the main streets in Zhouzhuang.
One of the most interesting thing about the village is the that there are so many houses still in tact. The Shen House is recognized as the most typical construction of the Ming and Qing era in Zhouzhuang. Zhang’s home also has a dazzling Chinese architecture. There is also the Mi Pavilion, very quiet, unveils documents and wax models who remember artists or writers. I had a chance to visit the Chengxu Taoist Temple, and the Zhouzhuang Museum (objects of daily life of the Qing Dynasty). Another interesting house is the Zhangting House was built by Xu’s family in the Zhengtong era (1436–1449) of the Ming dynasty and bought by Zhang’s family in the early Qing dynasty. Located to the south of the Double Bridges, Zhangting House has more than 70 rooms and takes up about 1,800 square meters (less than half an acre). With Ruojing River flowing through, Zhangting House is a dapper and graceful residential house; has a tranquil courtyard and pond. Deep halls all represent the life of the quondam owner.
Here are some tips for planning your trip to Zhouzhuang:
- The best time to visit Zhouzhuang is during the spring or autumn when the weather is mild.
- The town can get crowded during peak tourist season, so it is best to visit during the week if possible.
- There are a number of hotels and restaurants in Zhouzhuang, so you should be able to find a place to stay that fits your budget.
- If you are planning on taking a boat ride, be sure to bring your camera. The views from the water are amazing.
- I would highly recommend hiring a guide.
This charming little village has a truly peaceful atmosphere and provides a look at the past in this area. I would highly recommend this side trip as I found it very interesting.
