Explore Zhouzhuang: “Venice of the East” With Its Poetic Canals and Ancient Architecture
Zhouzhuang, known as the “Venice of the East”, is a charming ancient village located about 30km southeast of Suzhou city, China. With a history of more than 900 years, Zhouzhuang is famous for its poetic canals, ancient houses and peaceful atmosphere. From the 14th century to the early 20th century, about 60% of the village’s architecture was built, creating a rich cultural and historical space.
Once a bustling trading center on the waterway connecting Suzhou and Hangzhou, Zhouzhuang attracted many merchants and craftsmen to live here. Today, visitors here have the opportunity to explore the winding cobblestone streets, traditional wooden houses that are small on the outside but spacious on the inside, often with gardens, fish ponds, and even rooms for large families. Zhouzhuang offers a unique travel experience with the perfect combination of ancient beauty and peaceful atmosphere, an ideal destination for those who love to explore cultural heritage and traditional architecture.
Explore Zhouzhuang: Experience the Canal Boat, the Twin Bridges and Spiritual Culture
In Zhouzhuang, the canal system is the center of all transportation activities, and boats are the only means of transport allowed in the ancient town. After walking to explore the cobblestone streets, you can go to the boat dock to buy tickets and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the canals. A must-see is the famous Twin Bridges, a combination of the Shide and Yong’an bridges with an arched design, creating a unique image like a lock reflecting on the water.
Right at the entrance to Zhouzhuang, you will encounter a wooden theater stage, decorated with embroidered curtains and red lanterns, imbued with classical Chinese style. Here, visitors can enjoy art forms such as drama and opera, with performers dressed in gorgeous costumes and graceful movements.
In addition to the architectural and artistic beauty, Zhouzhuang is also notable for its temples and pagodas bearing the mark of spiritual culture. The Chengxu Taoist Temple with its exquisite motifs and the Quanfu Temple reflecting the traditional architectural style are attractive destinations to explore the deep spiritual culture of the ancient town.
Discover the Special Cuisine and Autumn Beauty of Zhouzhuang
When traveling to Zhouzhuang, visitors cannot miss the opportunity to enjoy the attractive specialties of this land. From famous restaurants to street food stalls, you will have the opportunity to taste famous specialties such as dumplings, braised fish, stinky tofu, and wonton noodles. If you want to explore more diverse cuisine, visit the local markets, which not only have countless delicious dishes but also provide an opportunity to learn about the culture and life of the local people.
Zhouzhuang is charming all year round, but the most ideal time to explore is in the fall. At that time, the ginkgo trees are covered in brilliant yellow, making the ancient town more poetic than ever. It feels like you are lost in an ancient swordplay story, where the beauty of nature blends perfectly with the historical space of Zhouzhuang.
