2025 Must-See! Zhouzhuang, Suzhou: The Ultimate Guide (You'll Regret Missing This!)

Hey everyone! If you want to experience the charm of a Jiangnan water town, Zhouzhuang is definitely worth the trip! As a travel blogger, I'm here to give you a comprehensive guide to show you just how amazing Zhouzhuang is! First, let's talk about transportation. If you take the high-speed train to Kunshan South Station, it's only about a half-hour taxi ride to Zhouzhuang Ancient Town, super convenient! If you're driving from Shanghai, take the Shanghai-Nanjing Expressway, and you'll arrive in about an hour. Once you enter Zhouzhuang, you'll find that it's the epitome of a Jiangnan water town. The ancient town is surrounded by water, with crisscrossing rivers, small bridges, and waterside houses – the scenery is simply breathtaking! Before entering the ancient town, buy your ticket first. It costs CNY 100 and is valid for three days, which is a great value! There are many attractions inside, and I'll highlight a few must-visit spots. First is the Double Bridge, Zhouzhuang's iconic landmark. The two bridges are connected, creating a unique shape. Standing on the bridge, you can take incredibly beautiful photos. Next to it is the Former Residence of Shen Wansan, which is full of history and allows you to experience the life of an ancient wealthy merchant. Take a stroll inside, admire the ancient architecture, and listen to the stories – it's very interesting. In the ancient town, there's also Zhang Hall, a building from the Ming and Qing dynasties with carved beams and painted rafters that are particularly exquisite. When you're tired of walking, take a boat ride. For CNY 20, you can board a small boat, listen to the boatman's soft Wu dialect, and watch the scenery on both sides of the river. That kind of comfort can only be experienced firsthand. There's also a wide variety of food to try. Be sure to taste Wansan Pork Knuckle, Zhouzhuang's signature dish, which is tender, fatty but not greasy, and melts in your mouth. There's also Grandma Tea. Sit in a teahouse by the river, drink tea, eat snacks, and experience the leisure of Jiangnan. If you want to buy some local specialties, be sure to buy Zhouzhuang pickles, which are sour and sweet and especially good with rice. At night, Zhouzhuang's night view is even more stunning. The ancient town lights up, and the water in the river is reflected in colorful hues. At this time, go to Shen Hall to see the light show and experience the nighttime charm of the ancient town. If you don't want to leave early, you can also stay overnight in the ancient town. The B&Bs here are very unique and not expensive, allowing you to fully experience the night of a Jiangnan water town. Hey everyone, Zhouzhuang is truly a place you won't want to leave once you've been there. It not only has beautiful scenery and delicious food, but also many fun experiences. If you haven't been here yet, you must come once – I guarantee you'll want to come back!