By your side, in your dreams; you are the favorite of "Ancient Charm Lovers" – a historical journey with kids
Zhouzhuang, a living ancient town with a thousand years of history, awaits you to encounter the poetry and vibrancy of Jiangnan. 🌿🛶
🚗 Transportation Guide
1. External Transportation
❣️ By Air
1️⃣ Shanghai Hongqiao Airport: About 45 minutes' drive directly to Zhouzhuang.
2️⃣ Shanghai Pudong Airport: Take the Maglev to Longyang Road, transfer to Metro Line 2, then to Line 11 to Huaqiao Station, and switch to Tourist Bus 7 to Zhouzhuang.
3️⃣ Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: Take the airport shuttle to Hangzhou North Bus Station, then transfer to a bus to Zhouzhuang.
4️⃣ Wuxi Shuofang Airport: Take a high-speed train to Suzhou Station, then transfer to a bus to Zhouzhuang.
❣️ By High-Speed Rail
1️⃣ Kunshan South Station: Take Bus 133 to Zhouzhuang Bus Terminal, then walk or take a shuttle to the ancient town.
2️⃣ Suzhou Station: Take a direct bus from North Square Bus Station (¥49/person, 1-1.5 hours).
❣️ By Car
Zhouzhuang exits are available on the Shanghai-Nanjing, Shanghai-Hangzhou, and Suzhou-Jiaxing-Hangzhou Expressways. Navigate to "Zhouzhuang Ancient Town Scenic Area."
2. Internal Transportation
1️⃣ Walking: Best for exploring the core area—cobblestone paths, small bridges, and flowing water for a slow-paced water town experience.
2️⃣ Rowing Boat: Try a hand-rowed boat (¥220/boat, seats 1-6) to glide through water alleys while listening to boat songs.
3️⃣ Sightseeing Shuttle: Shuttles operate around the town for easy access between lodgings and attractions.
🕍 Accommodation Recommendations
1. Inside the Ancient Town
1️⃣ Jinshuloutai Inn, Zhouzhuang Old Inn: Waterside lodgings with classic charm, convenient for night tours (¥100-300/night).
2️⃣ Zhouzhuang International Youth Hostel: Budget-friendly for backpackers (from ¥50).
3️⃣ Xiangcun "Retro Show" Homestay: Renovated farmhouses with Jiangnan water town style, themed by era (¥200-500/night).
4️⃣ Other options: Flowerstay·Yilanxuan Homestay, Zhouzhuang Zhaoye Homestay, Hanxuan Private Resort Courtyard.
2. Outside the Ancient Town
1️⃣ Budget Hotels: Zhuangzhou Grand Hotel, Kunshan Zhuangzhou Water Charm Hotel: Affordable with good facilities (¥140-200/night).
2️⃣ Resort Hotels: Zhouzhuang Fuguiyuan Resort Club: Elegant, ideal for families or groups (from ¥141).
🏞 Attraction Guide
1. Must-Visit Spots
1️⃣ Twin Bridges: Zhouzhuang’s symbol—Shide Bridge and Yong’an Bridge form a "key bridge," featured in Chen Yifei’s painting *Memories of Hometown*.
2️⃣ Shen House: Mansion of Shen Wansan’s descendants, with exquisite brick carvings.
3️⃣ Zhang House: Ming Dynasty architecture featuring "boats passing through the house."
4️⃣ Fu’an Bridge: Zhouzhuang’s oldest stone bridge—legend says walking it three times brings prosperity.
5️⃣ Nanhu Autumn Moon Garden: Boat rides among lotus ponds, dreamy light shows at night.
2. Unique Experiences
1️⃣ Night Tour: Lantern-lit bridges and houses reflect on the river; enjoy tea by the water or watch *Four Seasons of Zhouzhuang* live show.
2️⃣ Handicrafts: Try indigo dyeing, Su embroidery, or pottery at Zhenfeng Cultural Street.
3️⃣ Tea Culture: Sip Longjing or Biluochun tea while listening to Pingtan at Jubinlou.
🥘 Food Recommendations
1. Must-Try Dishes
1️⃣ Wansan Pork Knuckle: Zhouzhuang’s signature dish, tender and flavorful.
2️⃣ Qingtuan (green rice cakes) and Wadixu (crispy pastries): Classic Jiangnan snacks.
3️⃣ Granny Tea: Served with pickles and dried tofu for a slow-paced water town vibe.
2. Popular Restaurants
1️⃣ Misty Rain Homestyle Cuisine: Near Twin Bridges, ¥67/person—try Wansan Pork Knuckle and steamed white fish.
2️⃣ Hailong Restaurant: Locals’ favorite, ¥60/person, fresh ingredients.
3️⃣ Xinzhengyuan·Suzhou-Style Shrimp Buns: Snack spot, ¥41/person—shrimp buns and osmanthus red bean balls.
💃 Cultural Activities
1. Regular Events
1️⃣ Ancient Stage: Weekly Xiju opera, seasonal Yueju and Huju performances.
2️⃣ Zhenfeng Street: Traditional crafts like ironwork, paper-cutting, and straw weaving.
3️⃣ Jubinlou: Pingtan performances with local tea snacks.
2. Festivals
1️⃣ Dragon Boat Festival: Races, sachets, and realgar wine.
2️⃣ Quanfu Temple Fair & Lantern Festival: Traditional celebrations.
⛔️ Practical Tips
1️⃣ Tickets: Day ¥100/person, night ¥80/person—book online in advance.
2️⃣ Best Time: Early morning (misty) or dusk (lantern-lit) to avoid crowds.
3️⃣ Safety: Be cautious on boats and with belongings, especially at night.
4️⃣ Dress kids in Hanfu or Qipao for photos—perfect with the ancient backdrop.
📷 Photography Tips
1️⃣ Best Time: Dawn for misty charm, dusk for silhouettes and warm tones.
2️⃣ Top Spots: Twin Bridges (water town scenes), Shen House (classic-modern blend), Zhang House (historical life).
3️⃣ Techniques: Play with light and angles from bridges or alleys; capture details like carvings and signs.
4️⃣ Outfits: Hanfu or Qipao enhance the classical vibe.