Zhouzhuang Water Town - the Most Famous Water Town in China

Known as the No.1 Water Town in China, Zhouzhuang is located in Kunshan, Suzhou. Traveling to this beautiful town is convenient, just 1 hour driving from downtown Suzhou and 1.5 hours from Shanghai.

Zhouzhuang has the distinction of being the first ancient town in China to have been developed and commercialized. The town is noted for its typical Chinese water-town features, its well-preserved ancient residential houses, and a unique cultural landscape with a long history.

Zhouzhuang Water Town Facts

• Chinese: Zhōuzhuāng 周庄
• Area: 38.96 square kilometers
• History: About 1,000 years
• Opening Hours: 8:00-17:00
• Ticket: CNY50
• Recommended Visit Time: 1 - 2 days
• Location: Kunshan City, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province

Best Time to Visit Zhouzhuang Water Town

The best times to visit Zhouzhuang Ancient Town are in spring and autumn. In spring (from March to May), the weather is mild and there are often light rains. The stone paths and bridges in the town look misty and dreamy in the rain, like a Chinese ink painting.

In autumn (from September to November), the weather is cool and pleasant. The parasol trees' leaves turn yellow. The Nanhu Qiuyue Garden looks beautiful with the lake sparkling under the autumn breeze and bright moonlight. You'd better avoid China's public holidays and weekdays, because the scenic area is crowded during these times.

Why Visit Zhouzhuang Water Town

Zhouzhuang is a place not to be missed if you want to admire authentic ancient Chinese buildings and immerse yourself in incredible watery views at the same time.

Unique landscape: There is no motorized traffic in Zhouzhuang, offering exploration via gondola, rickshaw, or on foot. You can take a gondola ride along the beautiful Zhouzhuang canals.

Ancient buildings: The town has almost 100 classical courtyards, more than 60 brick-carved arches, and 14 distinctive ancient stone bridges dating from about 1,000 years ago. 60% of the residential houses there were built during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, between 1368 and 1911.

Distinctive local culture: The beauty of Zhouzhuang lies in both its tangible and intangible assets. In addition to attractive landscapes, the town’s local culture, such as Kunqu Opera, its original Xuan Juan folk theatre, tea culture, and annual events, including the Fast-Boat Race and the Lantern Rowing Ceremony, are also full of charm.

Highlights of Zhouzhuang Water Town

In Zhouzhuang, you must visit the Double Bridge, Shen House, Zhang House, Fu'an Bridge, and the Milou Tower. The Double Bridge is made up of an arch bridge and a beam bridge. It is the symbol of Zhouzhuang. Shen Ting is the home of Shen Wansan, a rich man from the south of the Yangtze River.

Zhang Ting is a building from the Ming Dynasty. It is designed in such a way that a sedan chair can come in through the front door, and a boat can pass under the house. Fu'an Bridge is a special bridge with a pavilion on it. People can walk across it, and it looks nice. The Milou Tower got its name because many scholars and poets used to drink and write poems there in the past. It has a strong cultural atmosphere.

1. Double Bridges - Shuangqiao

Zhouzhuang's uniquely beautiful landscape is punctuated by numerous stone bridges. Foremost among them are the Twin Bridges at the center, also known as Shide Bridge and Yongan Bridge.

These Ming-era bridges, which take the shape of a traditional Chinese key, caught international attention through the oil paintings of renowned artist Chen Yifei. His depiction of Zhouzhuang, exhibited in New York, has immortalized the town's beauty and charm.

2. Fu'an Bridge

Fu'an Bridge is situated at the eastern end of Zhongshi Street. Its distinctive feature is the bridge towers at the four corners.

These towers house a tea house and a store specializing in tourist supplies, providing a resting place where you can enjoy the scenery and take photos.

Uniquely, it is the last remaining structure in the Jiangnan water town that seamlessly integrates a bridge and a building - a testament to historical architectural ingenuity.

3. Shen House - Shenting

Located near Fu'an Bridge, the Shen House was founded in 1742 by a descendant of the early Ming Dynasty tycoon, Shen Wansan.

The house, mimicking a Siheyuan or a traditional Chinese courtyard house, is a labyrinth of twisting corridors leading to a sequence of courtyards.

Occupying an area of more than 2,000 m², this majestic dwelling boasts over 100 rooms dispersed into three sections interconnected by arcades and aisles. You can appreciate the home's lavishness and architectural grandeur at every step.

4. Zhang House - Zhangting

Zhang House is a remarkable testimony to Zhouzhuang's Ming Dynasty architecture. The expansive residence consists of more than 70 rooms and unveils a charming courtyard with its pool.

Its unique highlight is a river that flows right underneath the house, enabling small boats to thread through the property and anchor at the central pool in the courtyard. This ingenious integration of water establishes it as an architectural marvel in the town.

5. Milou Tower

Previously known as De's Tavern, Milou Tower was home to the region's artistic and revolutionary circles. Situated near the Zhenfeng Bridge, it became famous due to the literary works of the South Society (Nanshe) that referenced the tower.

Given its links to significant figures like Chen Qubing and the many stories that surround it, Milou Tower's influence indeed extends beyond Zhouzhuang.

6. Ride a Boat

Traversing Zhouzhuang's waterways by gondola is a fascinating experience not to be missed. As you float beneath the town's bridge arches, their reflections on the canal surface enmesh to form a delightful optical illusion of a circle. The boat tickets are not included in the scenic spot tickets. They need to be paid separately.

Wansan Cai Dao Boat Tour

• Operating Hours: 8:00-16:00
• Price: CNY280
• Route: Wansan Cai Dock - Wansan Wealth Dock

Ancient Town Water Lane Boat Tour

• Operating Hours: 8:30-19:00 for the day tour, 19:00-21:00 for the night tour
• Price: CNY220
• Route: Day tour - Ancient Town Water Lane Dock to Tongxiu Bridge North Dock; Night tour - Ancient Town Water Lane Dock to Museum Dock

How to Get to Zhouzhuang Water Town

Zhouzhuang is in Kunshan, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, about 60 kilometers from Shanghai and 38 kilometers from downtown Suzhou. It is easily accessible for day trips from these nearby cities.

From Suzhou to Zhouzhuang Water Town

Take a Taxi: It is 50 kilometers away. It takes 1 hour and costs CNY137.

By Bus: You can take a bus from the north square of Suzhou Railway Station to Zhouzhuang Ancient Town directly. The bus runs from 7:30 to 16:50. It takes 1 hour and costs CNY49.

By Subway: Take Subway Line 4 from Suzhou Railway Station to Tongli Station. Exit from Exit 2, then take Bus C10 to Zhouzhuang Ancient Town Scenic Area. Walk 140 meters, and you will reach Zhouzhuang Ancient Town. It takes 2 hours and costs CNY9.

From Shanghai to Zhouzhuang Water Town

You need to take a high-speed train to Suzhou first. Then you can take a bus from Suzhou Railway Station to Zhouzhuang Ancient Town.

If you are at Shanghai Hongqiao Airport, you can take Line 10 to Hongqiao Railway Station. It takes 7 minutes and costs CNY3. If you are at Shanghai Pudong Airport, you can take the airport link line to Hongqiao Terminal 2 Station. Then walk 280 meters from Exit South 1 to Hongqiao Railway Station. It takes 50 minutes and costs CNY26.

From Hangzhou to Zhouzhuang Water Town

You take a high-speed train from Hangzhou East Station to Suzhou Station. Then, you go to Zhouzhuang by bus from the North Square of Suzhou Station. You can take Bus 31 or Bus 12 from West Lake and get off at Shengli Theatre Station. Then, you change to Line 1 at Longxiang Station and get off at Hangzhou East Railway Station. Exit from Door D and walk 230 meters to get to Hangzhou East Railway Station. It takes 25 minutes and costs CNY6.

Note: You can find more trains to Suzhou on China Travel.

Travel with China Travel (Highly Recommended)

Our English-speaking guides and experienced drivers facilitate worry-free trips while adding enjoyable and interesting insights. We provide personalized pick-up services from any chosen starting point, such as hotels, airports, cruise terminals, or train stations.

Our guides ensure you imbibe the charm of Zhouzhuang fully, serving your specific needs and curating a trip tailored for you. After your Zhouzhuang tour, we ensure a smooth transit to your next destination.

Recommended Tour: 1-Day Private Zhouzhuang Water Town Tour from Shanghai

Zhouzhuang Water Town Vs Tongli Water Town

Zhouzhuang and Tongli are both famous water towns in the Jiangnan area, but they have different characteristics. Zhouzhuang is lively with lots of tourists and a strong commercial atmosphere. At night, the lights shine on the ancient buildings, making everything look beautiful and full of energy. Tongli is quieter, with fewer tourists. It feels more like a place where people live, with a lot of everyday life and warmth.

In terms of architecture, Zhouzhuang's buildings are mostly in the Ming and Qing styles. They are grand and beautifully decorated. Buildings like Shen Hall and Zhang Hall show how wealthy Jiangnan was. Tongli's buildings are known for their simple white walls and black tile style. Gardens like Tuisi Garden are designed cleverly and show the elegance of Jiangnan scholars.

Related Reading: Top water towns close to Shanghai, which is better for you?

How to Plan Your Zhouzhuang Tour

It will be good for you to combine your Zhouzhuang tour with your Shanghai or Suzhou tour. Just contact us about your needs so our experienced travel advisor can help you arrange your unique Zhouzhuang trip.

Recommended tour:

1-Day Suzhou and Zhouzhuang Water Town Day Tour from Shanghai

4-Day Shanghai and Zhouzhuang Water Village Tour

5-Day Shanghai and Suzhou with Zhouzhuang Water Town

Where to Buy in Zhouzhuang Water Town

Zhenfeng Culture Street: On both sides of Zhenfeng Culture Street, many old-fashioned shops sell traditional handicrafts and special items. There are workshops for weaving, brewing, bamboo weaving, and embroidery.

Wansan Food Fair: The Wansan Food Fair is a great place to taste and buy special food from Zhouzhuang. The most famous dish is Wansan Pig's Feet. This traditional dish is said to have been served by Shen Wansan to Zhu Yuanzhang.

What to Buy

Bamboo weaving: They weave baskets, sieves, and trays with bamboo strips. These handicrafts come in all kinds of shapes and are made with great care

Tiger-head shoes: The front and sides of the shoes have tiger patterns. The realistic tiger head is believed to ward off evil spirits and protect the child's health and happiness.

Embroidery: The embroidery in Zhouzhuang is mainly Suzhou embroidery. The embroiderers use fine silk threads to draw flowers, birds, fish, insects, mountains, waters, and people on silk.

Where to Stay

The star-rated hotels include Zhouzhuang Guesthouse, Sanniu Garden Hotel, and Zhouzhuang Hotel. Ranking slightly lower, the Zhengutang Hotel, Yunhai Resort, and Zhenfengrenjia Guesthouse are popular choices.

We recommend either Zhengutang Hotel or Zhenfengrenjia Guesthouse, since they are both located centrally, meaning you can spend more time exploring the heart and soul of Zhouzhuang.

In addition, there are numerous private dwellings and rooms for rent in Zhouzhuang at more modest prices. They tend to be simple, but clean, and most certainly fulfill the requirement of "a place to crash out" should you decide on the spur of the moment that you would like to spend more time in Zhouzhuang.

Other Popular Ancient Towns in China

You may get confused about which water town is the best to go to if you are the first time to visit, so we list all the water towns with detailed information for your inspiration:

• Zhujiajiao Water Town
• Wuzhen Ancient Town
• Tongli Water Town