Zhouzhuang Holidays

Straddling the Jinghang Canal, which connects Suzhou and Shanghai, Zhouzhuang grew prosperous from the area’s tidy trade in cereals, silk and pottery. Many government fat cats, scholars and artisans moved here and built beautiful villas, and poured money into the development of the stone bridges and tree-lined canals which are a legacy of this heady time between the Yuan and Qing eras. Surrounded as well as divided by lakes and rivers, various stone bridges offer amazing views of attractive Zhouzhuang - a town that is popular with Chinese artists.

The charming Old Town can easily be explored on foot or aboard a boat tour on the canals. Chief sights include the Ming-era Hall of Zhang Residence, which boasts some 70 rooms, and the Hall of Shen’s Residence, with 100 rooms connected to the main hall. Built in the 18th century and located at the southeast side of Fuan Bridge, Shen House occupies an area of more than 2,000 square metres. Over 100 rooms are divided into three sections and arcades and aisles connect each one. The first is the water gate and the wharf. The middle part includes the gate tower, the tearoom and main hall. The last section is a two-storied dwelling, which consists of several buildings, which are quite different from the main hall, in that they’re more comfortable, and refined in pattern and atmosphere.