Full Day Zhouzhuang Water Town Tour from Suzhou

Summary

Explore one of China's most cherished water towns on this exciting day tour. Zhouzhuang Water Town is a hub of cultural history and well-preserved ancient architecture. It has been called the "Venice of the East". Visit the Twin Bridges and the old drama stage of Zhouzhuang, wander around Zhang House and Shen House and take in the beautiful surroundings at Fuan Bridge.

Tour Itinerary

Pick up service can be arranged at your hotel lobby or Suzhou train station with a welcome signage "Suzhou Private Tour". And drive you to Zhouzhuang Water Town, it takes around 1 hour for one way. Your guide will take you to the following attractions and much more.

Our pick up sign"Suzhou Private Tour"

The first tourism spot is Zhouzhuang's Twin Bridges (Shide Bridge and Yongan Bridge) which were built during the late Ming dynasty (1368-1644) and are considered to be the symbol of Zhouzhuang. Zhouzhuang is surrounded and divided by lakes and rivers. Many stone bridges cross the rivers, showing distinctive views of the water-town. The Twin Bridges, which are Shide Bridge and Yongan Bridge, are the most famous and are considered the symbol of Zhouzhuang. Shide Bridge is east-west and has a round arch, while Yongan Bridge is north-south and has a square arch. Crossing the two crisscross rivers (Yinzi Creek and Nabeishi River) and connecting at the middle, the Twin Bridges look like an old-style Chinese key. In 1984, 38 canvases of the notable painter, Chen Yifei, were exhibited in a New York gallery of Armand Hammer, chairman of Occidental Petroleum Corporation. "Memory of Hometown", which depicted the Twin Bridges, was one of the items on display and has gained the world's attention for Zhouzhuang. The painting was chosen to be the first-day cover of the United Nations' postage stamp in 1985. The bridges are said to resemble an ancient Chinese key, thus locals also refer to it as "Key Bridge".

Next, you will visit Zhouzhuang's Old Drama Stage which covers an area of 4,600 m2 (49,500 ft2) and comprises an opera stage, seating area and exhibition hall. This massive stage often features performances of Kunqu opera, one of the oldest forms of Chinese Opera, as well as other traditional opera from the southern regions of the Yangtze River. Marvel at the vault-shaped roof of the stage, made up of 420 wood carvings.

Enjoy lunch at a local Chinese restaurant

After lunch, you will move on to the Zhang House and Shen House, two examples of Zhouzhuang's distinctive historical architecture.

Built in 1742 and located at the southeast side of Fuan Bridge, Shen House was the private property of the descendant of Shen Wansan, the first millionaire of Jiangnan (South of Yangtze River) in the early Ming Dynasty. The whole architectural complex is of the Qing's style and occupies an area of more than 2,000 square meters (half an acre). Over 100 rooms are divided into three sections and each one is connected by arcades and aisles. The first is the water gate and the wharf, where Shen's family moored boats and washed clothes. The middle part includes the gate tower, the tearoom and the main hall. Bricky gate tower carved with lively and ingenious figures which tell the historic stories or show the good wishes, make it a rare artwork. Tea room and main hall are places for serving guests, and the furnishings in here are all very elegant. The last section is the two-storied dwelling which consists of several buildings which are quite different from the main hall, more comfortable and refined in pattern and atmosphere. The painted sculpture of legendary Shen Wansan is in Datang Tower; cultural relics including ancient folk instruments are exhibited in Xiaotang Tower and Back Hall.

Zhang house is a stunning estate comprised of 70 rooms and six courtyards. It takes up about 1,800 square meters (less than half an acre).The residence dates back to the Ming dynasty. With Ruojing River flowing through, Zhang House is a dapper and graceful residential house; has a tranquil courtyard and pond. Deep halls all represent the life of the quondam owner.

Drive you back to your hotel or train station and your tour ends.

If you visit Suzhou from Shanghai, there are some useful tips for you to puchase Train Ticket:

From Shanghai to Suzhou:
Option 1: G7104 Shanghai Hongqiao Station to Suzhou Station: Depart at 08:54AM and arrive at 09:30AM
Option 2: G7006 Shanghai Station to Suzhou Station: Depart at 09:00AM and arrive at 09:25AM
Please choose one of the above options according to your hotel location

From Suzhou to Shanghai
Option 1: G7119 Depart at 17:56 from Suzhou Station and arrive at Shanghai Hongqiao Station at 18:32
Option 2: G7243 Depart at 18:02 from Suzhou Station and arrive at Shanghai Station at 18:27

Note: Plz book the train ticket in advance in case sold out, especially on weekend or public holiday, you can ask your hotel help you book it or you can book it online by yourself(www.trip.com). By the way, we provde train ticket booking service as well.

Price Per Person in US Dollars