When it comes to ancient towns, everyone has something to say—whether it’s complaints about how these towns are losing their traditional charm and becoming overly commercialized, or admiration for the scenic beauty of small bridges and flowing water. For many, visiting any ancient town is simply about seeking a quiet, relaxing getaway. Zhouzhuang is worth your stay.
▲ Zhouzhuang Ancient Town I. Transportation Zhouzhuang has two bus stations: Zhouzhuang Bus Station and Jiangze Bus Station. Zhouzhuang Bus Station: Buses to Suzhou North and Shanghai. Jiangze Bus Station: Buses to Suzhou South and Tongli. From Zhouzhuang Bus Station to the scenic area, it’s a 20-minute walk or a 5-minute taxi ride (10 RMB). Buses cost 1 RMB and run every 20 minutes. From Jiangze Bus Station to the scenic area, it’s a 10-minute walk. Other transportation options are not available, so walking is the best choice.
▲ From Zhouzhuang to Suzhou II. Tickets The ticket costs 100 RMB and is valid for 3 days, but you need to have your photo taken first. To avoid paying, you can wait until the ticket checkers finish work at 7:45 pm and take the last bus in. You can explore outside first. Without a ticket, you won’t be able to enter other attractions. There are small gates in alleys that lead to some attractions, but whether you can get in depends on luck. III. Accommodation Zhouzhuang International Youth Hostel: 6-bed dormitory bed for 45 RMB/night, standard room for 120 RMB/night. It’s more convenient to book by phone directly. For weekdays, booking 3 days in advance is enough; for holidays, book about a month in advance.
▲ Zhouzhuang International Youth Hostel IV. Food For breakfast, if you want buns, go to Baibi Mantou. Restaurants outside the scenic area are relatively cheaper. The taste of Wansan Pig’s Trotter is pretty much the same at all places. I’ve had Wansan Noodles outside the scenic area for 10 RMB a bowl.
▲ Many shops sell Wansan Pig’s Trotter
▲ Various Zhouzhuang Snacks
▲ Wansan Pig’s Trotter
▲ Wansan Noodles
▲ Tofu Pudding, 5 RMB a bowl V. Attractions The most famous attractions include: Shen Wansan’s Former Residence, Fu’an Bridge, Shuang Bridge, Shen Hall, the Strange House, and the Eight Scenic Spots of Zhouzhuang.
▲ Ancient Town Tour Guide
▲ Shen Hall Shen Hall was originally named Jingye Hall, renamed Songmao Hall in the late Qing Dynasty. It was built in the 7th year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty (1742 AD) by Shen Bengren, a descendant of Shen Wansan. According to the Wujiang County Annals, “Shen Wansan had a residence in Zhouzhuang, Twenty-Nine District, Wujiang, which was the wealthiest under heaven, reportedly gained through overseas trade.”
▲ Morning in Zhouzhuang
▲ All made of paper
▲ Nightfall
▲ Narrow Alleyways
▲ Conceptual Bookstore
▲ Twilight
▲ Rainy Twilight
▲ Sketching
▲ Zhouzhuang at Night
▲ Zhouzhuang Night Scene