Zhouzhuang Ancient Town's Hidden Gems

🌟 Discover a Secret Jiangnan Paradise! Unlock Zhouzhuang's Hidden Gems 🌟 If there's a pinnacle of Jiangnan water towns, it must be Zhouzhuang! Featured in *National Geographic* as "China's No. 1 Water Town," this thousand-year-old town holds the key-shaped Double Bridge, the legendary cornucopia of Shen Wansan, and the dreamlike "Thousand Lanterns" night view! This 2025 guide will help you avoid the crowds and explore the hidden gems even locals love! 🚗 Getting There｜How to Reach This "Ink Painting Paradise"? 1. High-Speed Rail｜Free Shuttle New Route - Suzhou South Station → Zhouzhuang: A free shuttle bus service launched in 2025 runs every 40 minutes directly to the scenic area's parking lot. - Kunshan South Station → Zhouzhuang: Take bus No. 133 and transfer to No. 261, or take a 30-minute taxi ride (approx. CNY 50). 2. Self-Drive Tour｜Parking Tips - From Shanghai/Suzhou: Take the Huning Expressway to the Zhouzhuang exit, a 1.5-hour drive. We recommend parking at the "Zhouzhuang Tourist Service Center Parking Lot" (free for 2 hours, then CNY 20/hour). 3. Airplane + Transfer｜Inter-province Route - Shanghai Hongqiao Airport: Take the subway to Hongqiao Bus Station and then a direct bus to Zhouzhuang (approx. 1.5 hours). - Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: Take the airport bus to Hangzhou North Bus Station and transfer to a direct bus to Zhouzhuang (approx. 2.5 hours). 🌊 Must-See Attractions｜The Best Ways to Experience Zhouzhuang 1. Double Bridge｜The Real-Life *Memories of Hometown* - The Shuangqiao (Double Bridge), formed by Shide Bridge and Wing On Travel Bridge, looks like a key. Capture the misty morning or illuminated night to recreate Chen Yifei's ink painting of Jiangnan. 2. Shen Hall｜The Wealth Secrets of Jiangnan's Richest Man - Explore the seven-courtyard, five-gate Qing Dynasty mansion. Discover the legend of the cornucopia in the Songmao Hall and the origin of Wansan Pork Trotter, unlocking the business legend of Shen Wansan. 3. Zhang Hall｜An Architectural Marvel with Boats Passing Through - This Ming Dynasty salt merchant's residence features a unique design where "sedan chairs enter through the front door, and boats pass through the house," a water town version of *Inception*. 4. South Lake Autumn Moon Garden｜A Dreamlike Night View - The Quanfu Bridge lies on the water like a dragon. Enjoy the "Thousand Lanterns" light show at night and take a gondola ride through the shimmering lights (night cruise tickets sold separately). 5. Zhenfeng Cultural Street｜Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience - From blue calico tie-dyeing and nuclear carving workshops to listening to Pingtan (Suzhou storytelling) at the Sanmao Teahouse, 12 traditional workshops offer a glimpse into the living heritage of Jiangnan. 6. Upside Down House｜Explore an Inverted World - A sister museum to the Karuizawa Museum of Art in Japan, this attraction features tilted rooms and mirror mazes, perfect for capturing gravity-defying photos. 🎫 Ticket Guide｜2025 Tips - Day Ticket (CNY 100): Includes 15 attractions such as Shen Hall and Zhang Hall, with unlimited entry within 3 days (facial recognition registration required). - Night Ticket (CNY 80): Entry after 4pm, includes the Double Bridge and Shen Hall night view, ideal for capturing the illuminated scenery. - Hidden Tip: Free entry after 9pm! Book a homestay inside the scenic area to save on tickets and enjoy the tranquil water town at night. 🍜 Food Recommendations｜A Culinary Journey - Wansan Pork Trotter: A signature dish of Shen Wansan's family banquet. Try the melt-in-your-mouth trotters at Longfeng Restaurant or Wansan Restaurant, symbolizing wealth and reunion. - Sock Bottom Pastry: Crispy layered pastry with a sweet and savory flavor, a favorite of Emperor Xiaozong of Song. The freshest ones are baked at the old shop on Zhenfeng Street. - Grandma's Tea + Qingtuan: Enjoy a water town afternoon tea at Shen Hall Restaurant with a pot of Grandma's Tea and green rice balls filled with sweet bean paste. 📸 Photography Tips｜Hidden Spots for Perfect Shots - Double Bridge at 6am: Capture the "Ink Key" in the morning mist before the crowds arrive. - Fuan Bridge Tea House: Enjoy tea by the window and take photos of the river and boats below. Wearing Hanfu or a plain long dress enhances the photos. - Zhenfeng Street Lantern Wall: The warm yellow lanterns at night create a perfect backdrop for *A Dream of Splendor*-style photos. 🏡 Accommodation｜Sleep by the Water 1. Homestays in the Core Area: - Wake up to river views at "Hua Jian Tang" or "Zhenfeng Xuan" and fall asleep to the sound of gondolas (from CNY 200+ per person). 2. Hotels Outside Zhouzhuang: - Cost-effective options like "Pullman Zhouzhuang," a 10-minute walk from the scenic area, offer rooms with breakfast from CNY 500/night. 💡 Travel Tips 1. Stamp Collection: Collect stamps at 12 hidden locations, including the Ancient Archway Tourist Center and Shen Hall, to create a unique souvenir. 2. Things to Avoid: - Rickshaw drivers may overcharge or take detours. Walking or renting an electric scooter (CNY 60/day) is recommended. - Gondola rides are divided into "Town Tour" and "Water Alley Tour." The former is purchased outside the scenic area, while the latter costs CNY 220/boat (up to 6 people). 3. Cultural Experience: - *Four Seasons of Zhouzhuang* live performance (evening show) combines water screen projections and Kunqu Opera for an immersive journey through the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Zhouzhuang's beauty lies in the Double Bridge locking in the spring water, the thousand-year-old charm simmered in Wansan Pork Trotter, and the ripples created by passing gondolas. Save this guide, pack your Hanfu and camera, and unlock this "living Jiangnan"!