Zhouzhuang Water Town
Zhouzhuang Water Town
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4.0
1,052 reviews
Excellent
450
Very good
414
Average
154
Poor
20
Terrible
14
Tubby Panda
Portsmouth, UK449 contributions
Mar 2021
China rates this as number 1 water town, it is good but I feel they are pretty much all the same.
As a photographer I have visited many and they seem to blend together, seen one, seen them all. The difference here is they charge you 100 rmb for the privilege.
We had to get a train to Kunshan, then its a bus to a bus station where you change to a smaller bus and on to the watertown.
I suggest you take your own food and drink as once inside it is lacking in choice and terribly expensive.
The area is clean and tidy, it is easy to navigate your way around, don't worry about getting lost as it is not that big. It has a main entrance and several exits, should you reach a smaller exit just turn around and wander a different lane.
Like with all Chinese tourist places it has been modernised yet it still has some of the past and old areas if you can find them.
I found it interesting, 350 photos in my day there and clocked up 15k steps, all of it flat with the odd arched bridge. Worth at least a half day there to walk around and see everything.
As a photographer I have visited many and they seem to blend together, seen one, seen them all. The difference here is they charge you 100 rmb for the privilege.
We had to get a train to Kunshan, then its a bus to a bus station where you change to a smaller bus and on to the watertown.
I suggest you take your own food and drink as once inside it is lacking in choice and terribly expensive.
The area is clean and tidy, it is easy to navigate your way around, don't worry about getting lost as it is not that big. It has a main entrance and several exits, should you reach a smaller exit just turn around and wander a different lane.
Like with all Chinese tourist places it has been modernised yet it still has some of the past and old areas if you can find them.
I found it interesting, 350 photos in my day there and clocked up 15k steps, all of it flat with the odd arched bridge. Worth at least a half day there to walk around and see everything.
Written 30 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emmi35
Bangkok, Thailand693 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We took a private tour to this charming water town. The buildings along two sides of the entrance are replicas of old style houses. This water town is not that big but filled with its charming small old houses, narrow pavements and alleys, canals and stone bridges. Out of 14 stone bridges, the oldest is Fu’an Bridge while the most famous is the Double Bridge.
Zhang Residence, Zhouzhuang’s oldest mansion, is very well preserved. It helps us understand how the wealthy family in those days lived. A must to visit.
There are lots to see and do there—strolling the narrow alleyways to appreciate the old style houses along the canals, crossing stone arch bridges , learning about how people live there, visiting two mansions of Shen and Zhuang families, eating local food at a restaurant by canal or sipping a cup of coffee at a famous café where Sanmao, a Taiwanese writer used to sit and write about, stopping by at the Chinese opera house just to see its grand stage or to even view the performance, or taking a gondola ride along the canal.
Zhang Residence, Zhouzhuang’s oldest mansion, is very well preserved. It helps us understand how the wealthy family in those days lived. A must to visit.
There are lots to see and do there—strolling the narrow alleyways to appreciate the old style houses along the canals, crossing stone arch bridges , learning about how people live there, visiting two mansions of Shen and Zhuang families, eating local food at a restaurant by canal or sipping a cup of coffee at a famous café where Sanmao, a Taiwanese writer used to sit and write about, stopping by at the Chinese opera house just to see its grand stage or to even view the performance, or taking a gondola ride along the canal.
Written 15 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martin A
Suzhou, China3,212 contributions
Jun 2024 • Friends
In 2024, it's even better than before. We wandered through the amazing maze of ancient stone sidewalks beside the canals all afternoon and into the evening, when the lights come on and it looks even more spectacular. Did I really walk 20k steps? Yep! And I took 300 pics. Around 275 are on my Facebook page. I've been here half a dozen times over the past two years and always find new places to explore. There are so many alleys and so many lead to surprising gardens, museums, or more canals with old stone sidewalks. There's a water show with fireworks on the lake at one end, in the evening, and an awe-inspiring live theatrical performance with a huge cast, including a water buffalo, dancers, acrobats, boats, lights, drama, action, at the other end. That show has it all, seriously, in a big performance area that includes a canal big enough for boats loaded with performers. My favourite restaurant is right in the middle of Zhouzhuang, on a bridge over a canal, with great views all around. It's 150 rmb to get in but it's free after 9 p.m. and for anyone 70 or over. We went when it was 30C and high humidity but found lots of cool places, including restaurants, coffee shops, and other shops with AC. A boat ride will keep you cool. I love this place!
Written 29 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dmitry
Shanghai, China1 contribution
Sept 2021 • Couples
We was very disappointed with this place! If u coming from shanghai and use subway to arrive to nearest station., than u need to pay 70-80 rmb to get there( 1 way ) You need to pay at the entrance 100 rmb per person. We went to a restaurant to eat, we order 3 small tiny dishes all vegetables and we pay for that 165 rmb, taxi from. If you fist time in china maybe it is good place to go. Otherwise u can find hundreds streets and towns like this almost in any city and it’s free.
Written 9 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kk3n
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania22 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
Magical place. Definitely worth a visit. Before we traveled we assumed it was just one block or so, but it's actually big enough to walk around for three days. It's a little Venice interlaced with canals and bridges and traditional buildings. In spite of being small, it's not a typical rural village because some hyper-rich persons lived there back in the day. It has fancy gardens, pagodas, villas, etc. It has kept the hand-rowed tourist sampan culture alive, and it's fun. The boat people (men and women) sing folk songs and I even persuaded one to give me lessons on Chinese yuloh rowing (not as easy as it looks). Advice: get a place on a canal with a balcony.
Written 12 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Philip Lim
Quezon City, Philippines194 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
This was described in the net as the busiest water town. We went on a Friday, and it wasn't as bad as I was expecting. Maybe it was because it was excruciatingly hot at that time. Towards the evening, it seemed to get busier. I suppose a lot of people wanted to take in the nighttime view of this charming town.
The place is small and walkable in a few hours. Lots of excellent photo ops in the area. Prices inside are touristy, but that's expected of any tourist area. Canals are narrow and the whole place is very intimate. Definitely worth visiting!
The place is small and walkable in a few hours. Lots of excellent photo ops in the area. Prices inside are touristy, but that's expected of any tourist area. Canals are narrow and the whole place is very intimate. Definitely worth visiting!
Written 27 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martin A
Suzhou, China3,212 contributions
Nov 2022
Zhouzhuang calls itself the #1 water town in China and millions agree with them but what about Tongl, another water town, not far away? Zhouzhuang is more developed, has more decorations, more shops, perhaps, but Tongli has more local people living right there, so it feels more real. The point is, really, there are several amazingly beautiful water cities in this region. Which one is number one? Explore them and decide for yourself. We took a gondola ride in both places, found great little hotels in both of them, and I took 1,000 pictures in each of them.
Written 12 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LG_Kay
Singapore, Singapore7,512 contributions
Jun 2017 • Solo
How to get there:
There are many long distance bus departing from Shanghai, Suzhou or Hangzhou. Even in Shanghai there are a few departure points. Almost all will bring one to the Zhouzhuang bus station, located north of Zhouzhuang.
I took the exception and departed from Shanghai Hongqiao bus station and arrive at final stop Jiangze (江泽) station, which is located west of Zhouzhuang. Reason is my hotel is much nearer to Jiangze than Zhouzhuang bus station.
Interesting the forward journey is 32rmb, but return trip is 30rmb, wonder why the disparity. Journey takes 70 mins. At Jiangze station, it is a 10 mins walk to the Zhouzhuang ticket office. Entrance fee is 100rmb, valid for 1 day.
Where to stay:
One can do a day trip from Shanghai, ie leave in early morning and return in late afternoon or early evening. I decided to stay 1 night inside Zhouzhuang as I can enjoy the night scenery leisurely. There are many hotels & inns which you can decide on the spot, especially during weekdays & off peak season. Alternatively, you can book through travel websites to be sure of room availability.
Exploring Zhouzhuang:
According to website, Zhouzhuang has a history of more than 900 years, with houses and bridges built in the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing dynasties (1644–1911). These ancient houses are excellent examples of traditional Chinese architecture.
Being a water town, there are no vehicles in this area. Most of these attractions are accessible by boat or walking on paved walkways and crossing small stone arch bridges. The entire area is commercialised, as majority of these ancient houses are either hostels/inns, restaurants, shops selling traditional snacks/food, tea, souvenirs, handicrafts such as combs, fans, bamboo weavings, engravings, etc.
There are various exhibitions showing the old way of life in this water town. Major attractions not to be missed are the Twin Bridges (双桥), Shen Residence (沈厅) and Zhang Residence (张厅).
As for food, pork knuckles are famous in this region, with many stores selling them. Seafood is also widely available in many restaurants. Suggest to have seafood dinner here before enjoying the night scenes.
Overall, highly recommend to visit this ancient water town to experience its charm and history. If you find this post helpful in planning your trip, kindly click "Helpful". Thanks so much.
There are many long distance bus departing from Shanghai, Suzhou or Hangzhou. Even in Shanghai there are a few departure points. Almost all will bring one to the Zhouzhuang bus station, located north of Zhouzhuang.
I took the exception and departed from Shanghai Hongqiao bus station and arrive at final stop Jiangze (江泽) station, which is located west of Zhouzhuang. Reason is my hotel is much nearer to Jiangze than Zhouzhuang bus station.
Interesting the forward journey is 32rmb, but return trip is 30rmb, wonder why the disparity. Journey takes 70 mins. At Jiangze station, it is a 10 mins walk to the Zhouzhuang ticket office. Entrance fee is 100rmb, valid for 1 day.
Where to stay:
One can do a day trip from Shanghai, ie leave in early morning and return in late afternoon or early evening. I decided to stay 1 night inside Zhouzhuang as I can enjoy the night scenery leisurely. There are many hotels & inns which you can decide on the spot, especially during weekdays & off peak season. Alternatively, you can book through travel websites to be sure of room availability.
Exploring Zhouzhuang:
According to website, Zhouzhuang has a history of more than 900 years, with houses and bridges built in the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing dynasties (1644–1911). These ancient houses are excellent examples of traditional Chinese architecture.
Being a water town, there are no vehicles in this area. Most of these attractions are accessible by boat or walking on paved walkways and crossing small stone arch bridges. The entire area is commercialised, as majority of these ancient houses are either hostels/inns, restaurants, shops selling traditional snacks/food, tea, souvenirs, handicrafts such as combs, fans, bamboo weavings, engravings, etc.
There are various exhibitions showing the old way of life in this water town. Major attractions not to be missed are the Twin Bridges (双桥), Shen Residence (沈厅) and Zhang Residence (张厅).
As for food, pork knuckles are famous in this region, with many stores selling them. Seafood is also widely available in many restaurants. Suggest to have seafood dinner here before enjoying the night scenes.
Overall, highly recommend to visit this ancient water town to experience its charm and history. If you find this post helpful in planning your trip, kindly click "Helpful". Thanks so much.
Written 21 June 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Apr 2013 • Family
Zhouzhuang possibly the largest watertown in China and proudly named as the no.1 watertown or the Venice of the East is located about 30kms from Suzhou in Kunshan.
This watertown will propel you back to the Ming and Qing dynasties with tranquil water canals and ancient architecture.Dating back to more than 900 years ago,it still retain the style and pattern of an ancient village.
Its most famous attractions are the Fu an bridge,Double bridge and the Shens hall of Residence.The Shens residence is built during the Qing period .There are Quanfu temple and the Chengxu temple.There is a central courtyard a rectangular stage where popular Kungqu opera are staged.It has a very high quality accoustics and chess competitions,calligraphy,homespun cloth weaving,bamboo crafts,tea culture are among the many highlights here.
SNACKs & Food are a popular item at Zhouzhuang.one can also partake in local delicacies while watching kungqu opera .
Crunchy sesame candy,dried bean curd with soy sauce,squirrel shaped mandarin fish.,river syrimos and biluochun tea,
The Mandarin fish is characterised by lack of bones and softness of its meat.The head of the fish its mouth wide opened and the tail bent upwards makes it looks like squirrel.It is finished with syrimps,dried bamboo shoots and sweet and sour sauce.
Dragon head sweet potatoes with sugar juice ,Gorgon fruits,Plum blossum cakes and boiled lotus roots with osmanthus are among the nice street food.
Tranportation:
Zhouzhuang is about 38km from Suzhou,60km from Shanghai and 30km from Kunshan.
From Shanghai you can travel direct by car/bus or taxi.However the most relaxed way is by the G train to Kunshan or Suzhou,thereafter travel to Zhouzhuang by taxi.Taxi from Suzhou takes about 1 hour plus and costs about 120 yuan.
By Bus direct from Shanghai go to:
1)Shanghai Tour Bus Center just outside Caoxi road subway station.You can reach this station by line 3.Exit gate no.3 and turn to the Shanghai Tour Bus Center building.The price is 150yuan (75yuan for senior citizens above 70)which includes round trip fees and entrance tickets.
2)Hongkou football stadium.Daily departure at 0815 and trip back at 1615 at a cost of 240yuan including entrance fees.
3)Long distance bus station next to Shanghai main railway station which is a normal regular bus and not a tourist bus.The last bus by this line back to Shanghai is at 1630.
If travel from Suzhou by bus:
Wuxian bus station departure time at 0715,0940,1415,1420
North bus station which is a tourist bus at 0645 almost halfhourly and last bus back to Suzhou is at 1800.
Hotels at Zhouzhuang are:
1)Huajiangtang hotel
2)Wanjiashuang hotel
3)Zhengu hotel
4)Zhen Feng hotel
5)Zhouzhuang renjia hotel
6)Zhenshui hotel
Entrance fees to the watertown is 100yuan/person.late evening from 1600 is 80yuan.After 9pm is free.
Note of advice is do not plan to go during the golden weeks holidays and school holidays.The massive crowd may rob you off the fun in this otherwise wonderful watertown.
.Best time to go in March to June and September to November.
This watertown will propel you back to the Ming and Qing dynasties with tranquil water canals and ancient architecture.Dating back to more than 900 years ago,it still retain the style and pattern of an ancient village.
Its most famous attractions are the Fu an bridge,Double bridge and the Shens hall of Residence.The Shens residence is built during the Qing period .There are Quanfu temple and the Chengxu temple.There is a central courtyard a rectangular stage where popular Kungqu opera are staged.It has a very high quality accoustics and chess competitions,calligraphy,homespun cloth weaving,bamboo crafts,tea culture are among the many highlights here.
SNACKs & Food are a popular item at Zhouzhuang.one can also partake in local delicacies while watching kungqu opera .
Crunchy sesame candy,dried bean curd with soy sauce,squirrel shaped mandarin fish.,river syrimos and biluochun tea,
The Mandarin fish is characterised by lack of bones and softness of its meat.The head of the fish its mouth wide opened and the tail bent upwards makes it looks like squirrel.It is finished with syrimps,dried bamboo shoots and sweet and sour sauce.
Dragon head sweet potatoes with sugar juice ,Gorgon fruits,Plum blossum cakes and boiled lotus roots with osmanthus are among the nice street food.
Tranportation:
Zhouzhuang is about 38km from Suzhou,60km from Shanghai and 30km from Kunshan.
From Shanghai you can travel direct by car/bus or taxi.However the most relaxed way is by the G train to Kunshan or Suzhou,thereafter travel to Zhouzhuang by taxi.Taxi from Suzhou takes about 1 hour plus and costs about 120 yuan.
By Bus direct from Shanghai go to:
1)Shanghai Tour Bus Center just outside Caoxi road subway station.You can reach this station by line 3.Exit gate no.3 and turn to the Shanghai Tour Bus Center building.The price is 150yuan (75yuan for senior citizens above 70)which includes round trip fees and entrance tickets.
2)Hongkou football stadium.Daily departure at 0815 and trip back at 1615 at a cost of 240yuan including entrance fees.
3)Long distance bus station next to Shanghai main railway station which is a normal regular bus and not a tourist bus.The last bus by this line back to Shanghai is at 1630.
If travel from Suzhou by bus:
Wuxian bus station departure time at 0715,0940,1415,1420
North bus station which is a tourist bus at 0645 almost halfhourly and last bus back to Suzhou is at 1800.
Hotels at Zhouzhuang are:
1)Huajiangtang hotel
2)Wanjiashuang hotel
3)Zhengu hotel
4)Zhen Feng hotel
5)Zhouzhuang renjia hotel
6)Zhenshui hotel
Entrance fees to the watertown is 100yuan/person.late evening from 1600 is 80yuan.After 9pm is free.
Note of advice is do not plan to go during the golden weeks holidays and school holidays.The massive crowd may rob you off the fun in this otherwise wonderful watertown.
.Best time to go in March to June and September to November.
Written 5 July 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
yycflip
Calgary, Canada2,641 contributions
Jul 2014 • Solo
I visited a few years back and fell in love with this enigmatic and awe inspiring water towship in Kunshan City.
The well preserved ancient houses and the exqusite water ways were picture perfect. Some refer to this township as the Venice of the East but it has its own distinctive charm and characteristics The beautiful old bridges add to the romantic feel of the waterways.
A must see place!
The well preserved ancient houses and the exqusite water ways were picture perfect. Some refer to this township as the Venice of the East but it has its own distinctive charm and characteristics The beautiful old bridges add to the romantic feel of the waterways.
A must see place!
Written 30 June 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, at what time in the afternoon can you enter for free in the water town Zhouzhuang? I will stay there 1 night and plan to visit the next day. (To avoid to pay 2 times)
Written 1 December 2017
After 5pm there are no entrance control. You can enter for free.
Written 6 December 2018
Thanks for your review. I'm curious about the show you watched about local life. Do you remember if the show had a name or where I might need to go to find out information/buy tickets for it?
Thanks in advance, we're excited to visit Zhouzhuang!
Truly
Written 6 January 2017
There is a daily evening performance show called "Zhouzhuang in Four Seasons" and it is a must-watch. The first large-scale water performance and an acclaimed world class theater production, "Zhouzhuang in Four Seasons" unveils the folk customs and traditions of the authentic and original Zhouzhuang lifestyle through the love story of Shen Wansan, the richest businessman in the region back in Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and Lu Liniang.
"Zhouzhuang in Four Seasons" is staged daily from 7-8 pm April until November at the water stage, regular tickets are 150 yuan (US$ 23) per person and VIP tickets are 280 yuan.
Written 25 January 2017
Hi, I plan to stay in Zhouzhuang. How many days should i stay here to absorb the sights, the sounds and culture here. I am not the day tripper type. Thanks in advance.
Written 27 June 2016
You could combine Suzhou and Zhouzhang. Travel from Shanghai to Suzhou and stay overnight, travel onto Zhouzhang the next morning, visit the water town then and return to Shanghai the following morning
Written 27 June 2016
I am planning to take the early morning train from Shanghai to Suzhou and trying to figure out how to get to Zhouzhuang. If anyone know the direct way, Or how far by taxi, I would appreciate it.
Written 6 June 2016
Zhouzhang us about 50 minutes by car from Suzhou. You will first need to stop at a ticket booth to get your tickets. This about 1.5 kms from the entrance. We did a day tour from Shanghai which took about 7hours. This included bus trip, entrance to Master of the Nets garden in Suzhou, lunch and then onto Zhouzhang, gondola ride and then the bus trip back. It is a long day but worth it.
Written 7 June 2016
tengo pensado visitar Shangai en Navidad de este año, alguien me puede orientar de alguna agencia de confianza para organizar un tour, seria 12 noches, visitando, Shangai alrededores, Zhouzhuang, Hangzhou, Peking, etc..... gracias de antemano
Written 12 May 2016
Hola,
organizamos nuestro tour a Zhouzhang Water Village con
China Vacation Optional Tours Center
chvacation
También tienen otros viajes en China.
Buen viaje
Bet E
Written 11 June 2016
How long would it take to get to zhouzhuang from Nanjing by bus? How much does the tickets cost for the town and the boat trips?
Thank you
Written 23 September 2015
from changzhou where is the nearest water town?? and it takes how long to go there?? thank u
Written 11 August 2015
I just know Zhouzhuang as water town. I stayed in Shanghai, and we hired a car/ taxi to take us there. It took about 2 houres by car to a boat which took us on a one hour ride to the town. It is possible, of course, to drive to the town directly.
Written 16 August 2015
Hello, does anyone know if there are buses between water towns such as between Luzhi and Zhoushuang and then Zhoushuang to Xitang and then Xitang to Wuxhen?
Written 28 March 2015
Sorry I have no idea about that. We booked a car for 8 hrs from Shanghai which was quite reasonable for 5 people to share - around RMB800 for the day.
Written 9 April 2015
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