Zhouzhuang Self-guided Walking Tour, Zhouzhuang, China

Known as ‘China’s no.1 water town’ and ‘the Venice of the East’, the ancient town of Zhouzhuang dates back to 1086, although there is evidence of human settlement in the area for millennia before that. Located a short distance from the thriving historic centre of Suzhou and the modern port of Shanghai, Zhouzhuang’s location in the basin of China’s Grand Canal and Yangtze River has made it a key port town and export centre for centuries. The town’s development accelerated in the 13th century and it became a prosperous cultural hub as wealthy merchants and tradespeople settled in the area. Today, Zhouzhuang is known for its preserved canal system and heritage architecture, one of the most representative of the Jiangnan region’s many ancient water towns. Most of the structures in Zhouzhuang’s ancient town date back to the Ming and Qing dynasties (14th-20th centuries), with a plethora of interesting sites amidst the brick houses, canals and courtyards.

Modern Zhouzhuang is on the tentative UNESCO World Heritage list, a 5A scenic area as designated by the Chinese government and one of the top tourist spots in the country, attracting over 5 million (mainly domestic) visitors per year. Although it’s now a touristic hub with the associated levels of commercialism, Zhouzhuang for the most part retains its character and its close proximity to Shanghai and Suzhou makes for an ideal day trip on the bus for those interested in local history, architecture or those who just want to experience a classic Jiangnan water town. Admission to the ancient town is ticketed, and the fee also includes entry to all of the main buildings and attractions within the town. This walking tour covers the main tourist sites, but most of the fun of Zhouzhuang is simply wandering and meandering around its many alleys, courtyards and streets, so feel free to get lost along the way! ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).