Zhouzhuang(462 views)

Release date:2010-02-20 14:42:04

Zhouzhuang is one of the finest ancient water towns in China, and is often referred to as the “Venice of China.” Located in Kunshan City, Jiangsu Province, it is an easy day-trip from Shanghai or Suzhou. A popular tourist destination, Zhouzhuang attracts domestic and international travelers with its well-preserved ancient houses, elegant water scenes, strong local flavor and deep cultural history.

Zhouzhuang was originally named Zhenfengli during the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC) when the town was part of the fief Yaocheng. In 1086, during the Northern Song Dynasty, the city was renamed Zhouzhuang in honor of the donor Zhou Digong, a devout Buddhist who donated his land to Quanfu Temple (Full Fortune Temple).

Zhouzhuang is ideal for a leisurely day of strolling through cobbled lanes, boating on willow-lined canals and visiting famous attractions like the Twin Bridges, Fuan Bridge, Shen House, Zhang House, Milou Tower and Chengxu Taoist Temple. Surrounded and divided by lakes and rivers, Zhouzhuang has many stone bridges. Shide Bridge and Yongan Bridge, which are referred to together as the Twin Bridges (Shuang Qiao), are the most famous and regarded as the symbol of Zhouzhuang. Fuan Bridge is a good place to enjoy more of Zhouzhuang’s beautiful scenery: built in 1355 during the Yuan Dynasty, it gracefully combines a single arch with towers on each side. Shen House was the private villa of the descendents of Shen Wansan, a merchant who was one of the wealthiest men in China at the beginning of the Ming Dynasty. Zhang House is a graceful residential house with a tranquil courtyard and pond. Finally, Milou Tower is known for having been a gathering place of the literati in old times.

back