Introducing Zhouzhuang Water Town, Zhouzhuang Water Town Guide, Zhouzhuang Water Town Travel Guide
Article from UNESCO
Zhouzhuang Water Town lies to the east of the Grand Canal, and is encircled by Jishui River, its ancient sluiceway. The stone wares, wooden wells, remains of ancient animals, and rice seeds excavated at Liangzhu Site in Taishidian, which lies to the north of the town, indicate traces of human activities that dated back to 5,000-6,000 years ago. Driven by social and economic progress, Zhouzhuang Water Town was founded in 1086, and the name Zhouzhuang has been used ever since.
Located in the basin of Suzhou section of the Grand Canal, Zhouzhuang Water Town enjoys a favourable geographic environment, with a well developed watercourse system. Since the 12th century, when ancient residents of the town connected Jishui River with the Grand Canal, Yangtze River and its sluiceways, Zhouzhuang Water Town has become a socio-economic centre for trade in daily necessities and social intercourses. Since the 13th century, Zhouzhuang Water Town, surrounded by important areas of crops and cotton production and fishery, has been a crucial centre for trade in staple food, cotton cloth, and handicrafts. As rich merchants and men of letters came to settle down in large numbers, waterside structures sprouted, such as arch bridges with stone rails, large houses with spacious courtyards, arcades over streets, riverside galleries and pavilions, and revetment steps, creating an environment for the townspeople to be in harmony with nature. As self-initiated protection has been going on continuously, Zhouzhuang Water Town has retained its original appearance, with its shaped river system, traditional layout of constructions, and unsophisticated folk customs. Zhouzhuang Water Town provides important data for research into ancient waterfront towns.
Quick Facts on Zhouzhuang Water Town
• Name: Zhouzhuang Water Town
• Location: 30 km southeast of Suzhou
• Phone: +86-512-57217206
• Best Time to Visit: March to May; September to November
• Recommended Time for a Visit: 2 Hours
• Opening Hours: All day
• Admission Fee: CNY 100 (Daytime Ticket); CNY 80 (Night Ticket)
• Boat: CNY 120 for six people