Zhouzhuang Favorites

Favorite thing: Because Zhouzhuang is such an interesting and beautiful place, it attracts a lot of artists and photographers especially during the mornings. When you are walking around, you will sure to come across them busy putting this place into their art.

Favorite thing: The houses of Zhouzhuang are traditional both on the outside as well as the inside, a good example being the hotel I stayed, which is actually converted from a traditional house at the heart of the old town.

Favorite thing: When I was strolling on the streets of Zhouzhuang in the morning, I was lucky to spot these group of birds on a bicycle. Apparently, they will be loaded onto a boat and used by the locals for fishing. Very interesting indeed !

Favorite thing: Famous dessert in Zhouzhuang with various fillings like sesame, peanuts, walnut, etc. Near the Hall of Shen's Residence, there's a shop selling Wansan Cake. U can also see a demonstration of cutting the cake into very thin slices there.

Favorite thing: Wansan Braised Pork Tendon is the most representative local delicacy in Zhouzhuang. It is cooked until very tender with flavorings, together with the soup, which turns red, and is saline and sweet.

It can be ordered at most restaurants in town. I ordered one for dinner at a restaurant in Zhouzhuang hotel and it is very delicious. There are also many shops around the town selling it. U can spot it almost anywhere and everywhere. They sell them in convenient vacuum packs so that u can bring some home. Do compare prices and bargain.

Favorite thing: I love the old buildings here since they are well preserved as they were. 60% of residents in the town are still living in the houses left carvings remain intact. I think to live in such houses is so nice if you have bear a lot of stress from your work in the city.

Fondest memory: Zhouzhuang is an ancient town near Shanghai. As I was told, the revered Mr. Zhou Di gave up his residence to build a Buddhist temple and donated 13 hectares of his provate land in the Northern Song Dynasty. Hence, the local people named the village after Mr. Zhou as Zhouzhuang since the time. (Wow, nice person - I mean Mr. Zhou!!)

Favorite thing: There are next to no crowds if you plan your visit near the end of March. The weather is slightly cold (mildly) but you can feel that spring is just around the corner.