Zhou Zhuang, Shanghai

Suzhou is barely 1 hour away from metropolitan Shanghai by train but it is already world's apart. Not that Suzhou is not modernising mind you, this is after all, China, where everything old and antiquated that do not deliver cash is making way for everything spanking new and 'gigan-normous' in size.

Together with nearby Hangzhou, both locations were famed since ancient China as heavenly spots on Earth, with its meandering rivers, water ways and scenic prowess. The power of commercialism means that some of these ancient charms and beauties have been preserved, kept and maintained for you and me to have a glimpse what life was like in the olden days when poets were able to wax lyrical about the sultry beauty of these locations and matching them to Oriental beauties which blossoming allure would bewitch even the most astute of monarchs.

For some of the highlights of Suzhou, please see my addendum link here: SUZHOU

I visited Zhou Zhuang recently and enjoyed myself there. It is a beautiful water village, I took many pictures of the water village and it all turned out well because of it's picturesque background. I went to Zhou Zhuang by tour bus. I think it is better if you go there on the weekdays as I heard that weekends seem to be pack with people. I did not take the boat ride but i saw quite many who did. What was interesting and unique is that (depends on which person you get), when you are on the boat, the old lady that is rowing the boat may start singing a song, and very loudly too. Some might be embarras by it, but as for me, I feel that it is quite fascinating. But it all depends on who is rowing the boat, the old man normally, i think, do not sing. We went to a shop which sells painting of the water village. We bought a hand fan that has the drawing of the water village during winter. I like it very much... can take a look at this shop. I think the owner of the shop is Mr. Lou Ning.

Zhouzhuang has a number of cute little bridges, the most famous of which is the Ming dynasty Double Bridge or Key Bridge (because of its shape). All the bridges are clearly marked on a map handed out with the entrance ticket.

The flat countryside around Shanghai contains numerous "water" villages. The most famous of these, Zhouzhuang, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a picturesque town of cobblestone streets, narrow canals and stone bridges. It can be also, however, a rather commercial venture - its streets lined with souvenir shops, and crowded with local and foreign tourists. Nonetheless, Zhouzhuang makes a pleasant day trip from Shanghai, with plenty of opportunities for strolling alongside its canals and studying Ming architecture. Highlights include several bridges from the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, as well as a number of exquisite Halls of Residence. A single ticket allows entry to all of these sights, which is most convenient. Souvenirs, such as silk items, are also generally cheaper here compared to Shanghai.

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Zhou Zhang is located 37 miles west of Shanghai in Jiangsu Province. This town is more than 700 years old. Purportedly China's #1 Water Country (Country? Do they mean town?), I found it extremely touristy because it was just a great collection of shops, restaurants, and inns lining the streets from one corner to the other, edging each other out to sell more products. When I asked an old lady dressed in ethnic garb selling products if I could take a photo of her, she actually grinned and asked for money! She said it was commonplace for tourists to pay her RMB 50 to take her photo-- I didn't buy it, and wasn't in the mood to bargain.

The scenery is gorgeous, and the food available was delicious; however, I just felt a little disappointed that such an old town with its cobblestone paths has succumbed to such commercialism that at every turn, there was someone vying to sell trinklets, jewelry, postcards or take your photo.

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Hour and a half outside Shanghai you get one of their major tourist attraction - Zhou Zhang. This ancient town covers 13 hectares of private land since the 9th century. For the past 9oo years it has grown into the flourishing water town that you see today.
Here you get to see the authentic buildings and faces of the locals. Although the locals now caters to the growing insurgance of tourist, it still manage to maintain it's charm and tranquility.
When there, you should enjoy the boat rides around the town. Also, take the opportunity to purchase artworks from the local artist. It's much cheaper than those found in the city.

As far as I'm concerned, Zhou Zhuang is a must see if you have some time in Shanghai. It is a town of canals and old houses and you can take a ride on a Gondola. It is only a 90 minutes bus ride so you could visit for one day if that's all the time you have. I stayed for a night, which I recommend as the hoardes of tourists depart by 4:00pm and you have the place to yourself. The beauty of the village can not be overestimated, you simply must visit. A photographers heaven.

Please see my Off the Beaten track tips for more information on this wonderful place.

Zhou Zhuang is an ancient town built on 8 islands that are connected by numerous bridges and waterways. The town is about 2 hours away from Shanghai by car. It would be a full day trip from Shanghai if you are interested in seeing this old Chinese town.