Zhouzhuang



Zhouzhuang Town, once called Zhenfengli, is located in Kunshan City, 30 km to the southeast of
Suzhou in Jiangsu Province covering an area of 0.4 sq. km.

The town has a history of 900 years, and in ancient times, it served as an important distribution
center for commodities like silk, porcelain, crafts and grain, because of its unique geographical
location. It is closely connected with the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal.

The town is very small, with an area of just half a square kilometer. Surrounded by rivers and
canals on all sides, the town offers a timeless beauty and charm to artists, photographers, and
common visitors alike because of its winding water lanes, arched stone bridges, wooden boat
rowing and well-preserved ancient buildings.

Zhouzhuang is well known for its beautiful environment and simple architecture, such as temples, towers, pagodas and residential buildings,
which are a testimony to the towns ancient history. Although more than 900 years have past, its architectural style is still well preserved. More than
60 percent of the residential houses were built during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, consisting of nearly 100 classic
courtyards and 60 carved brick archways.

Another most distinctive features in Zhouzhuang is its water lanes. These water lanes are the towns main roads, and the boat is the most
common mode of transport here. Sitting on the boat, one may enjoying the scene between bridges and feels the interest of a water township,
which offers a quiet and simple life.

When night falls, all streets are empty. Down the narrow lanes one catches a glimpse of dim lights. Walking by the waterside, along the road or
over a bridge, the peace of the calm water and clear sky, perhaps punctuated occasionally by the distant sound of laughter, creates a harmonious
and sweet environment.

In the regions south of the Yangtze River, many of the towns and villages are surrounded by water.
Zhouzhuang is one of the most famous, and its a must-see place for all visitors to Suzhou. Crisscrossed
by rivers and canals, the town is widely known as the Venice of the Orient, and is believed to be the jewel
in Chinas water town crown.