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Zhouzhuang

Written by Matteo Updated Mar. 25, 2025

Zhouzhuang lies in the middle between Shanghai and Suzhou, and is an ancient town of Kunshan city, Jiangsu province, which abounds with rivers and lakes. It is thought by many to be the best water town in China.

This ancient town has a history of more than 900 years old with many houses built in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. There are about 100 houses with courtyards and 60 of them have arch gateways made of carved bricks.

With lakes on four sides, the beauty of Zhouzhuang is special to be found along the waterside lanes and around many stone bridges. A different vista at every turn can be found here. All those visits are most enjoyable.

Also, you can enjoy the fairyland atmosphere of the evenings here when the myriad stars twinkle as though in communication with the glittering lights.

Attractions

Zhouzhuang itself with its quiet waterways and relaxed atmosphere is an attraction in itself, there are several particularly interesting places to visit. Most of these attractions are accessible by boat or walking, and a vigorous visitor can realistically see them all in one day. The major attraction of the town is the atmosphere and the view, and something you shouldn’t miss from catching a view from afar is Nanhu Lake.

It’s called the Pearl of Zhouzhuang for a reason. The lotus-shaped Quanfu Temple is located in the middle, and the view of its pavilions and palaces from the shore has been described as “sublime”.

Twin Bridges

The attraction that sets the standard for the town is or are the twin bridges. Not exactly twins, because one, Shide, was first built in 1573 while the other, Yong’an, wasn’t completed until after 1619. However, both bridges cross just above the confluence of the rivers Yinzi and Nanbei and land on the same corner. Viewed from downstream, the combination of the round arch that makes up Shide Bridge and the square-arched Yong’an makes the two bridges look like an ancient key.

From there, they are also called "Key Bridge". The bridge or bridges became the face of the town after they were immortalized in Chen Yifei’s painting, Memory of My Hometown, which was shown in New York and eventually featured by the UN. Eventually, it became a goodwill present to then-Chinese premier Deng Xiaoping.

Shen Residence

Built in an aristocratic style during the early Qing Dynasty, this sprawling palace covers almost 2,000 square meters (21,500 sqft) and is the biggest residence in the town. It is made up of over 100 rooms surrounding seven courtyards, and is divided into three sections: The watergate and warf and the Tea and Main Halls which were for receiving guests and conducting important ceremonies; and the living quarters. They are open to the public now.

Construction on the residence began in 1742 over a smaller complex inherited by Shen Benren. At first, considered a typical playboy wealthy heir, Benren made a complete about-face upon is father’s death and dedicated himself to expanding the family business. His home is a reflection of his business work. Benren was a descendant of another famous local entrepreneur, Shen Wanshen, who contributed significantly to the town’s heritage.

Zhang Residence

Not as impressive in size as the Shen Residence, the competing Zhang residence is much older, and one of the few remaining Ming Dynasty buildings. It’s just south of the famous Twin Bridges. Originally built by a relative of one of the Ming founders, it was later sold to the Zhang family, hence its current name. Now it’s owned by the local government and has been meticulously restored. It has a sprawling area of 70 rooms and is unique on account of the Ming-style columns that make up its construction. It also has a free-flowing river through the complex, which allows boats through.

Fu’an Bridge

With 19 stone bridges throughout Zhouzhuang, Fu’an stands out on account of its Yuan Dynasty heritage. First built in 1355, it has been restored and rebuilt several times, the last being in 1855 when granite stairs and ornate engravings were added in the style of the Qing Dynasty. The name means “Abundant Peace", and is particularly picturesque because it’s built between two buildings that extend almost to the water surface. It’s especially charming to see from a boat below.

Quanfu Temple

The oldest temple in the town, and from whence the town gets its name. While the original was built during the Song Dynasty, it’s not sure if this is the same structure. It still retains the architecture and charm of the area. Originally known as the Quanfu Teaching Temple, it is now a center for the Buddhist faith. It is located in the south end of Zhouzhuang, at the end of a charming stone pathway.

Chengxu Daoist Temple

Located near the Quanfu Temple, this Daoist (Taoist) temple also dates back to the Yuanyou Period (1086-1093) of the Song Dynasty. It was expanded during the Ming and Qing Dynasties with donations from local wealthy traders and merchants until it became one of the largest in Jiangsu. The temple has three main buildings in a wonderful garden and is surrounded by further pavilions. It is still an active place of worship and during the 22nd and 23rd days of the sixth month in the Chinese lunar calendar, there is a large celebration at the temple with traditional activities, customs, and wardrobes.

Bizarre Tower

Pronounced “Guailou” in Chinese, the Bizzare Tower is as its name might suggest, where you’d go to find something that’s not like the rest of Zhouzhuang. Its off-kilter rooms and exhibits were designed with shutterbugs in mind and offer a wide but alternative display.

Transportation

Zhouzhuang is located between three major cities that are visiting musts in their own right: Shanghai, Suzhou, Kunshan and Hangzhou. Getting from any of these cities to Zhouzhuang is relatively easy, with frequent and reliable transportation.

Getting to Zhouzhuang from Shanghai

The bus from Shanghai to Zhouzhuang takes about 2 hours and leaves from three places in Shanghai. Some options are better than others.

1. Shanghai Stadium

The best option is from Shanghai Stadium where designated buses leave in the morning and come back in the afternoon, allowing you a whole day in the town. With four frequencies leaving at 0800,0900 and 0930  and two returning at 16:00 and 16:30, the trip takes an hour and a half. The trip costs CNY150 including the admission fee to the town. Be sure to check the timetables and ticket fees before you go, because they may change.

Visitors can go to 209, Zhongshan South Er Road, Shanghai, and buy the ticket. The staff there can speak English and it is recommended to buy the ticket at least one day earlier before departing. It is not guaranteed to get the ticket on the departure date.

2. Hongkou Football Court

Hongkou Football Court is the next best option, with two buses leaving at 8:00 and 10:00 and returning at 15:00 and 17:30. The trip is closer to two hours, and costs CNY128, but this also includes the admission fee and tour guide.

It’s also possible to get buses from the station north of the Shanghai Railway Station. Here the trip costs CNY22, but doesn’t include the admission fee. There are few departures, so this option is not recommended.

Getting to Zhouzhuang from Suzhou

Zhouzhuang is only 30 kilometers from Suzhou so the best way to get there is to take a bus.

The northern bus station: Shuttles leave every half hour starting at 7:05 in the morning, with the last one leaving at 17:05. Return trips leave every half hour as well, and one way costs CNY17.50(but doesn’t include the admission fee to the town). Again, it’s important to check the schedule before going, just to be sure.

From the Wuzhong bus station: there are departures at 7:30, 9:30, and 13:00. One way costs CNY15 and doesn’t include admission.

Getting to Zhouzhuang from Kunshan

There are two bus terminals from which you can get local buses to Zhouzhuang: Kunshan and Quingpu. Buses leave every 10 minutes and return with the same frequency. A one-way ticket costs CNY6.50 from Kunshan and CNY9.50 from Qingpu.

Getting to Zhouzhuang from Hangzhou

Zhouzhuang is connected by the Jishui River with Shanghai and Hangzhou. Visitors from Hangzhou can travel along the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal to get to Zhouzhuang. Travel via the waterway may be slow, time-consuming, and exhausting but the scenery along the riverside may provide you with a quite memorable experience.

Getting Around Zhouzhuang by Boat Cruises

The best way to get around Zhouzhuang is by boat. They not only give you access to the town itself, but also the surrounding rural areas and waterways, including the three lakes of Nanhu, Baixian, and Dianshan.

While it’s possible to find transportation within the town itself, an organized tour is highly recommended. Access to the town is through the “Water Tour of Zhouzhuang”, which departs from Baixian Lake. The trip takes 20 min and costs about CNY40 per person. This is on top of the 100 Yuan entrance fee that is required to access the ancient city. The admission fee covers access to all the attractions listed above. Conversely, you can hire a boat for the trip, which will seat up to six people and typically charges CNY100.

Along the trip, you’ll go past Dongzhaigang and down the canals which offer spectacular rural views of the area. The route goes along the Jishuigang River as it twists and curves into the Baixian River, so you'll be able to see lots of local craft plying the waterways with their sails. The atmosphere is relaxed, and you are offered genuine Chinese tea along the trip. The boats are called "Hua Fang" in Chinese and are painted in bright colors.

The trip is especially good for getting a closer and more leisurely feel of life in rural China, tracing the footpaths to farmhouses or watching the fishermen at their work along the river. The trip ends at Nanhu Dock, where you can advance on your own on foot, or follow your tour guide through the town.

Popular Activities in Zhouzhuang

Despite its relatively small size (20,000 inhabitants), there is a remarkable number of festivals and activities in Zhouzhuang. By far the most popular and well-known are the so-called Fast-Boat Race and the Lantern Rowing Ceremony. The former is an annual event that had developed over the centuries, and is a combination with race and harvest festival. It’s also traditional for couples to schedule their marriages to coincide with the event, making this an important activity for the entire community.

Fast-Boat Race

Not to be confused with contemporary Western Fast-Boats with gasoline motors, this activity originates in the early Qing Dynasty. It slowly evolved over the centuries to coincide with autumn harvest festivities until it became the largest event in Zhouzhuang during the year. Local farms with prepare boats, oars, decorations, colorful clothes drums, and gongs to participate in the event.

The activity is anticipated for months in advance, with some people practicing during that period in preparation.

Each boat is big enough to hold a crew of 15, and is equipped with a long pole that is used for punting (pushing against the river bottom to propel the boat forward); a large oar, and a small oar. There is also a gong and a drum to synchronize the efforts of the team. One of the men will stand at the stern of the boat with the large oar to use as a rudder, while another will also steer with the small oar at the bow.

The remainder of the crew uses the very long pole to punt the boat forward. It’s a very competitive event with locals cheering on their favorite crews from the shore, while the atmosphere remains family-oriented and cheerful.

Lantern Rowing Ceremony

This is another ancient tradition with hundreds of years of history and special significance. It also originated during the Qing Dynasty as part of Emperor Qianlong’s annual "Southern Tour". This was when the Emperor would visit the cities and fiefdoms that composed his Empire. The people of ZhouZhuang at the time created the ceremony as a special way of honoring their guests.

Eventually, the activity was so impressive that it attracted visitors from all over to watch, and became a standing tradition. Today, it takes place every three to five years depending on conditions. If you are visiting anywhere near at the time, it’s well worth scheduling your visit to coincide with a unique event.

Boats of various sizes adorned with lanterns of different colors sail out into the lake and perform choreographed movements in tune with music composed for the event. The movements are complex, even more so because they are on the water, but the sailors are skilled enough to create fantastic formations, like snakes, dragons, or other mythical and symbolic creatures or figures. The lanterns reflect off the water giving the show an ethereal atmosphere. It’s dubbed the “best lantern activity of all of China”.

Best Time to Visit Zhouzhuang

Zhouzhuang’s climate is similar to the rest of the Yangtze Delta. It’s subtropical with winds predominantly from the southeast. The climate is warm and humid for most of the year. Precipitation averages 1063mm, within clearly delineated wet (summer) and dry (winter) seasons. There are frequent "plum rains" in spring and autumn, with typhoon rains in late summer to early autumn.

The temperature averages 15.3°C for the year, but reaches highs of 36° in the summer and winter lows of -5°. It is located in the northern hemisphere so summer corresponds to June, July, and August.

The best time to visit is in spring and autumn, because of the moderate temperatures and low rainfall. The best month is October as it includes more ceremonies and festivals in addition to the moderate temperatures.

Cuisine

As a center of commerce for thousands of years, Zhouzhuang has incorporated into its culture and heritage a large number of elements from surrounding areas and even cities farther afield. This is reflected in the local cuisine which is as diverse as it is flavorful.

Traditional Chinese dishes are mixed with an abundance of herbs and techniques to make a wonderful culinary experience. Traditional cuisine is as important as the architecture when considering visiting Zhouzhuang.

Fish

As you might expect of a water town, fish plays a very important role in local cuisine. Two local delicacies are Bayu and Bangbi.

Barbel (Bayu in pinyin) is a local specialty, and it’s also a way to understand the language and customs. The fish itself is shaped like a palm leaf, which in pinyin is “Bazhang”. Pinyin is a simplified form of writing Chinese. Bayu and Bazhang have a homophone Ba in Chinese, which gives them a special connection.

Bayu is a carnivorous fish and is relatively expensive, so it’s sold in small quantities as a delicacy. It’s an intrinsic part of folklore, which even has a saying, “One Barbel, two cooking styles”. This is because when preparing the fish, the gills are removed and boiled into a soup, while the meat is brazed in soy sauce. Typically the fish is eaten with rice.

Another fish delicacy of the region is Bangbi. They are called “white streaks in the wave” because they swim fast. They are also timid and hard to catch. The fish are very nutritious and popular among locals and is typically served fried. It is a very tender fish, and when prepared properly is as transparent as a piece of jade.

Wansan “Eight Bowls”

This dish is considered a delicacy and is famous throughout the region as a Zhouzhuang specialty.

According to the story, Wansan was created by the legendary Zhouzhuang native Shen Wansan (ancestor to the builder of the Shen House). Wansan was the richest man in the Yangtze River area during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) and was designed to be a special treat to his friends, loyal collaborators, and guests of honor. At the fall of the Yuan Dynasty, the meal was served to the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty.

Try this meal and eat like an emperor. It’s made of the freshest ingredients to meet exacting standards, both in appearance and taste. It’s an eight-course meal including soy-stewed pork, stewed eggs, chicken and stuffing, and wheat dumpling soup. The stewed pork by itself is a delicacy discussed below. The dish is served in eight celadon bowls, hence the name.

San Wei Yuan

Also commonly known as Tan Mian Jin, are special rice dumplings cooked in a gluten shell. Gluten is a very fine wheat flour that is used in Chinese cuisine. The dumplings are filled with chicken, fresh shrimp, or pork, and flavored with shallots, ginger and rice wine (not to be confused with sake which is a Japanese liqueur). Then they are cooked in chicken soup giving them a tender crystal appearance. They mesh with desserts and soups.

Wansan Pork Shank

This is another dish attributed to Shen Wansan, and a constituent of the “Eight Bowls” discussed earlier. By itself, it’s an integral part of local customs and heritage and is served as a treat for distinguished guests. The meal symbolizes reunion and has become symbolic over centuries of cultural significance. Typically it’s the main course at festivals and weddings in Zhouzhuang.

It’s prepared with specially selected marbled ham (pork hock or shank), and is steamed in a large casserole for a whole day with ingredients depending on the tradition of the maker. By itself, it is served as a whole leg for everyone at the table, unlike with the Eight bowls, where it’s served individually.

There are other delectable culinary delicacies that you shouldn’t miss while in Zhouzhuang, such as Chengyao cake (made from rice, nuts, and honey); wine pickled shrimp, October liqueur, and smoked green peas (yes, it’s exactly like it sounds, and it’s delicious).

Shopping

Zhouzhuang shopping includes both traditional handicrafts, local specialties as well as modern commodities. You will find some surprisingly quaint and beautiful things here.

Handicrafts

Zhouzhuang has a long history of art and traditional handicrafts. The most well-known is probably the unique style of bamboo weaving. It’s very popular among tourists who marvel at the exquisite craftsmanship. They are made with thin strips of bamboo using techniques that date from the Qing Dynasty to make baskets, plaques, couches, barrels, and other household items.

Another way that Zhouzhuan shows off their dexterity is with wood carving. You can actually watch the carvers at work, making very intricate designs; and purchase their work as soon as it’s done.

Local Products and specialties

Wansan Brand Wine and Liquor: Wine-making industry in Zhouzhuang is flourishing as the paddy area around teems with rice. Wansan brand liquor or spirit is the best of the wines.

Wansan Pig's Upper Leg: It is a famous dish promoted as the no.1 course among all the dishes in Zhouzhuang. the pork leg is chosen from among the best as the material and stewed in brown source over a slow fire. the cooked pork is very tender and easily boned. though, it looks fat, yet not greasy. it suits to the taste of all different people.

Xiangjiang (white clam river) Aquatic Products: Aquatic products in Zhouzhuang are available all year round and the best of them are perches, white clams, and fresh-water white baits, which have long been known as the three treasures of Xiangjiang. In addition, the water area is teemed with eels, soft-hell turtles shrimps, and so so forth.

Wandering the walkways and waterways, you’ll come across other phenomenal examples of local craftsmanship and specialties.

Accommodations

Most of the star-grade hotels in Zhouzhuang are in the new city area and there are many of them, including the Zhouzhuang Hotel, Zhouzhuang Grand Hotel, Yunhai Resort, and much more. To meet budget needs, a lot of private guesthouses have been built.

Star Rate Hotel in Zhouzhuang

There are many good-rate hotels in Zhouzhuang, stay in the Water Town Hotel will be an escape from the bustle and hostel city, and enjoy a peaceful moment.

Recommended Hotels: Yuting Village Hotel, Zhouzhuang Hotel, Lanjing Holiday Inn

Guest House

The rooms are clean and supplied with hot water showers, air-conditioning,g and soft beds, to enjoy the Ming and Qing Dynasties house atmosphere, and reflect the flourishing town in the past

Recommended Guesthouse: Xinglong Guesthouse, Jingou Guesthouse and Yindu Guesthouse

One-Day Zhouzhuang Water Town Tour

The first place to visit in Zhouzhuang is the museum, where you will get an overview of the 1000-year history of Zhouzhuang. And then have a look at the exquisite Mi Lou. The Quanfujiang Temple and Nanhuqiuyue Garden are the places to enjoy ancient garden views. A sculling boat ride is an indispensable activity for any water town.

The Zhang and Shen residences show you the luxurious lives of rich merchants in ancient times. The last recommended attraction is the twin bridges, where you will find a fantastic scene for photos.

Zhouzhuang Museum

Recommended time for stay: 1 hour

The museum was owned by the local people of Zhouzhuang when it was initially built in 1912 AD. Agricultural tools, paintings, handcrafts, and vintage photos are the elite exhibits. Every part of the museum tells a historical story of Zhouzhuang. It is a great place to get an outline of the attractions you will see in Zhouzhuang.

Mi Tower

Recommended time for stay: 20 minutes

It takes 5 minutes to walk from Zhouzhuang Museum to Mi Tower. The wood tower was a restaurant. Local poets liked to admire the water town views on the tower. They believed they could get inspired by enchanting views.

Quanfujiang Temple

Recommended time for stay: 30 minutes

The temple is located on a lake, so it is much quieter than other attractions in Zhouzhuang. It is said that people can understand the Zen spirit by hitting the huge bell in the temple.

Nanhu Qiuyue Garden

Recommended time for stay: 2 hours

Nanhu Qiuyue Garden is the essence of the essences in Zhouzhuang. Whenever you visit the garden, you can find all the four seasons' views in the garden. Besides, there is a lake, which covers an area of 0.66 square kilometers. The lake provides both fish and tourists with the best place to relax.

Ancient Town Water Lane Tour in a Sculling Boat

Time for the tour: 20 minutes

You will take a sculling boat ride on the water channels in Zhouzhuang. The exquisite houses beside the water channels and your helmsmen’s singing will make you feel like cruising in a Chinese traditional painting.

Shen and Zhang Halls

Recommended time for stay: 100 minutes

Both Shen and Zhang Halls have a history of over 300 years, and they were both owned by rich merchants in Zhouzhuang. The paintings, calligraphy works and furniture in these two halls show you the most authentic culture of Zhouzhuang.

Twin Bridges

Recommended time for stay: 10 minutes

The Twin Bridges form a circle with their shadows in the river below them, so it is the best part of a photo opportunity in Zhouzhuang.

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