Zhouzhuang is a water town with a history of over nine centuries in the Jiangnan region of China. Surrounded by water on all sides, the town was built along rivers and streets were formed alongside the waterways, creating a unique urban layout.
The entire town is interconnected by a network of bridges and streets, and its deep residences, high ridges and eaves, riverside pavilions, arched galleries spanning streets, stone railings through bamboo, and water pavilions along the riverside together form a picturesque scene known as "small bridges, flowing water, and people's homes," showcasing its quaint charm.
Zhouzhuang Ancient Town is located in the southeastern part of Suzhou, at the junction of Kunshan, Wujiang, and Shanghai. The town's well-preserved grid-like waterways are adorned with 14 ancient stone bridges built during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. With over 800 original residents' households lining the riverside, more than 60% of the homes still showcase the architectural style of the Ming and Qing periods.
Viewed from a height, Zhouzhuang Ancient Town is enveloped by tranquil waters, and the lake gently embraces the town. Occasionally, a rowing boat glides across the lake, its oarsman's strong arms rhythmically moving the oars, creating a harmonious melody of creaking oars and the flow of water, blending into a symphony of tranquility and motion.
Twin Bridges: The Twin Bridges are the epitome of the charm of Zhouzhuang Ancient Town. Built during the Ming Dynasty, they consist of the Shide Bridge, an arched stone bridge, and the Yong'an Bridge, a stone beam bridge. These two bridges are interconnected and resemble ancient keys, earning them the nickname "Key Bridge."
Quanfu Temple: Quanfu Temple, also known as Quanfu Jiang Temple, features prominent architectural structures including the mountain gate, Zhigui Ge Pavilion, Mahavira Hall, and the scripture repository. The temple's overall structure is well-organized, with grand halls, and its clever use of water as a scenic backdrop showcases exquisite craftsmanship. It embodies the profound Buddhist culture and architectural artistry, creating a picturesque scene that captivates visitors and makes them reluctant to leave.
The "Mystery Tower" is a building constructed during the Ming Chongzhen era, with its construction beginning in the late Qing Dynasty. It stands by the water, next to a bridge, and its exterior view is enchanting. As early as the early 1920s, prominent members of the Southern Society, including Liu Yazhi, Chen Qubing, Wang Dajue, and Fei Gongzhi, gathered at the Mystery Tower four times for lively drinking, singing, and composing poems, which were later compiled into the "Collection of Mystery Tower Poems" and passed down through the ages. Since then, the reputation of the Mystery Tower in Zhouzhuang has soared.
The "Zhouzhuang Boat" is an elegantly designed fixed painting boat, moored by the shore of Bai Xian Lake within the Zhouzhuang Yunhai Resort. The boat's plaque was created by Kunshan calligrapher Lu Jiaheng, displaying timeless elegance. Upon pushing open the floor-length windows, you'll be greeted by a conference hall spanning over 240 square meters, with each window offering a view of the one-meter-wide deck corridor. Along the crimson wooden staircase's handrail, you ascend to the upper deck of the Zhouzhuang Boat. Gazing from the railing, you'll see glimpses of fishing boats amid the gentle ripples of the lake, creating a dreamlike and enchanting scene.
