Hi, I’m Michael Zhang—a Chinese traveler passionate about history and culture. I’ve journeyed through many corners of the world, but I always find myself drawn back to China’s ancient towns. There’s something deeply poetic about these places that lets you slow down and truly absorb the essence of time. Zhouzhuang Water Town is one such destination—a mesmerizing Jiangnan water village that captures the soul of traditional China. In this guide, I’ll share what makes Zhouzhuang special and offer practical travel tips from my years of deep cultural exploration.

Summary

About Zhouzhuang

Zhouzhuang Water Town is located in the southeast of Suzhou, at the junction of Kunshan, Wujiang, and Shanghai. Covering a total area of 38.96 square kilometers, with 18.16 square kilometers of water, the town traces its roots back to the Spring and Autumn period. It was once the fiefdom of Prince Yao of Wu and the King of Yue.

Surrounded by water on all sides, the town developed “from river to street, and from street to marketplace,” forming a unique riverside layout. Notable attractions include Fu’an Bridge, Twin Bridges, and the Shen House. The town’s well-preserved cross-river layout features 14 ancient stone bridges dating back to the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties.

Zhouzhuang is a tentative UNESCO World Heritage site, a 5A-rated national tourist attraction in China, and has been listed among the Top 10 Most Beautiful Towns in the World.

  • Address: No. 43, Quanfu Road, Zhouzhuang Town, Kunshan, Suzhou (Apple Maps / Amap)
  • Opening Hours: Open 24 hours. Ticket booths for internal attractions operate from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
  • Recommended Visit Duration: 4 to 6 hours
  • Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn (March to May, and September to October)
  • Ticket Price: 100 CNY. Pro tip: If you arrive before staff begin ticketing (usually before 7:00 AM) or after they finish for the day (typically after 9:00 PM), you may be able to enter without paying—though timing is not guaranteed.
  • Ticket Purchase: Trip.com Discounts
Zhouzhuang Water Town canal scene with boats and red lanterns

Zhouzhuang Map

Zhouzhuang Water Town tourist map

Why You Should Visit Zhouzhuang

A Town Steeped in History and Cultural Depth

Zhouzhuang Water Town dates back to the Spring and Autumn period, giving it nearly a millennium of recorded history. Surrounded by rivers, its streets follow the waterways, creating the classic layout of a Jiangnan-style water town. Many well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty buildings remain today, such as the Shen House and Zhang House. These structures offer insights not only into traditional architecture but also into the region’s economic and social life during imperial China.

A Travel Experience Like No Other

What sets Zhouzhuang apart is its authentic, untouched atmosphere and immersive cultural experiences. You might catch the imprint of a Ming-era merchant’s footsteps on the Twin Bridges at dawn, admire the mesmerizing nighttime light show on Zhenfeng Bridge, or watch a traditional boat boxing performance inside the Shen House. And don’t miss out on Wansan Pork Shank, one of Zhouzhuang’s signature dishes.

Top Things to Do in Zhouzhuang

Main Attractions

Twin Bridges

Known as the icon of Zhouzhuang Water Town, the Twin Bridges consist of Shide Bridge and Yongan Bridge—one is an arch bridge and the other a beam bridge. The two span a crisscrossing waterway and form the shape of an old-fashioned key, earning the nickname “Key Bridge.” Renowned artist Chen Yifei once painted these bridges in his masterpiece Memory of Hometown, which introduced them to the world. Today, the Twin Bridges are a must-see spot for photographers and travelers alike, embodying the poetic charm and deep heritage of this ancient town.

Twin Bridges in Zhouzhuang Water Town with stone arches

Shen House

Built by descendants of Shen Wansan, a wealthy merchant from the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, the Shen House is one of the best-preserved Ming residences in the Jiangnan region. The estate includes a main hall, study room, and rear living quarters, each adorned with intricate wood carvings and elegant layouts. Wandering through Shen House is like stepping into a historical scroll that reveals the lifestyle and aesthetic of China’s merchant elite centuries ago.

Shen House interior with traditional Chinese canopy bed

Zhang House

Also known as “Hall of Wealth and Nobility,” Zhang House was constructed by the Zhang family during the Qing Dynasty. While less grand than Shen House, it is more delicate in design. Winding corridors, small bridges, and charming courtyards reflect the gentle elegance of a modest Jiangnan household. Original furniture and artifacts remain, offering visitors a glimpse into Zhouzhuang’s domestic life of yesteryears.

Zhang House main hall with classic wooden furniture

Zhouzhuang Museum

For those looking to understand the roots of Zhouzhuang Water Town in depth, the Zhouzhuang Museum is essential. Exhibits span everything from the town’s historical evolution to local customs, folk beliefs, wedding traditions, and everyday water-town life. It’s especially worthwhile for families or culture enthusiasts seeking to enrich their visit with historical context.

Zhouzhuang Water Town Museum miniature model exhibit

Only Zhouzhuang Performance

This immersive stage show blends performing arts with water-town culture. Using dance, light, sound, and multimedia effects, the performance tells a moving story of water, nostalgia, and heritage. Only Zhouzhuang isn’t just entertainment—it’s a soulful interpretation of the town’s spirit. As night falls and the performance begins, the stage seems to breathe life into the ancient lanes and canals of Zhouzhuang.

Only Zhouzhuang performance stage with traditional costumes

Zhouzhuang Ticket Guide

How to Enter Zhouzhuang Without a Ticket

You may have read that there are ways to enter Zhouzhuang without paying for a ticket (not the usual discounts for children or seniors). Here’s the reason and how to do it.

  • Free Entry Conditions: You can enter without a ticket if there are no staff at the entrance. To maximize your chances, arrive before official ticketing hours (before 7:00 AM is recommended, as hours vary), or after they end (after 9:00 PM is recommended).
  • Does staying overnight in Zhouzhuang guarantee free entry? Not necessarily. Some hotels or guesthouses include entrance tickets in the room price, but others don’t. Always check if the ticket is included.
  • If you’re already staying in Zhouzhuang, do you need a ticket to re-enter? Yes, re-entry requires a valid ticket. However, once you’ve bought a ticket, register at the Visitor Center to enjoy free re-entry within three days.

Zhouzhuang Ticket Prices

  • Adults: 100 CNY. To get the full-price ticket (100 CNY), you must buy it onsite. The bonus? A full-price ticket grants lifetime free access to Zhouzhuang! Even if you don’t plan to return, who knows?
  • Children/Students: 50 CNY – For minors aged 6 to 18, or full-time undergraduate and below.
  • Seniors: 50 CNY – For those aged 60 to 70.
  • Free Admission: For seniors over 70, children under 1.4m tall, and children 6 years or younger.

Where to Buy Tickets

  • Online: WeChat official account, or third-party booking platforms.
  • Offline: Ticket office. Always check online first for discounts. If purchasing a full-price ticket (100 CNY), be sure to buy it onsite and apply for lifetime free entry.

Suggested route to explore all major attractions in 3–4 hours:

Ancient Archway Entrance → Zhaobi Wall → Yifei’s Former Residence / Ancient Stage → Twin Bridges → Zhang House → Fu’an Bridge → Shen House → South Lake Autumn Moon Garden → Quanfu Lecture Temple → Milou Pavilion → Chengxu Taoist Temple → Zhouzhuang Museum

  • Twin Bridges: Made famous by Chen Yifei’s painting, this pair includes a stone arch bridge (Shide Bridge) and a beam bridge (Yongan Bridge), built during the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty. Their T-shaped layout, with square and round arches, resembles a traditional Chinese key. The bridges span over the crystal-clear Yinzi Creek and the north-south market river.
  • Shen House: The most iconic building in Zhouzhuang, built by Shen Benren, a descendant of the legendary Shen Wansan. Admire its intricate “seven-section, five-gate carved houses” and touch the “Fortune Basin” to channel Shen’s legendary wealth—he’s even regarded as the God of Wealth in folklore!
  • Zhang House: Experience what it means to “enter by sedan chair, sail by private boat.” Zhang House is one of the few remaining Ming-style homes in Zhouzhuang. Originally built by the descendant of Xu Kui (brother of General Xu Da), it was later sold to the Zhang family and is still referred to as Zhang House.

Xinzhenyuan – Su-style Shrimp Dumplings (Zhouzhuang Branch)

Local food in Zhouzhuang shrimp dumplings and soup
  • Why Go: A must-visit spot when traveling in Suzhou. Top dishes include sweet Osmanthus Red Bean Rice Dumplings, Egg-Coated Pork Cutlets, and Braised Chicken Feet in Soy Sauce.
  • Address: No. 8 Zhongshi Street, Zhouzhuang Ancient Town Scenic Area, Kunshan, Suzhou (Apple Maps / Amap)
  • Hours: Daily, 07:00–22:00
  • Average Cost: 41 CNY/person

Yanyu Renjia Farmhouse Cuisine (Zhouzhuang Branch)

Wansan pork shank traditional Zhouzhuang specialty
  • Why Go: A beloved spot run by Zhouzhuang locals, open for over a decade. Don’t miss the Wansan Pork Shank—its sweet and savory glaze makes even the bones worth nibbling.
  • Address: No. 6 Meihua Lane, Unit 1, Kunshan, Suzhou (Apple Maps / Amap)
  • Hours: Daily, 10:00–22:00
  • Average Cost: 78 CNY/person

Zhouzhuang Water Town is pedestrian-only, so if you’re carrying luggage, you’ll need to walk into the town to find your hotel. While it might sound inconvenient, staying overnight in Zhouzhuang is highly recommended. After 9 PM, most tourists leave, and the town becomes serene and magical under the lights. If you’re concerned about hotel prices, consider this: entering Zhouzhuang after the ticketing hours in the evening allows you to skip the 100 CNY entry fee—another benefit of an overnight stay.

Yinjiangnan Xujia Hostel

Yinjiangnan Xujia Hostel
  • Location: 2-minute walk from Twin Bridges
  • Price per night: from 212 CNY
  • Check Rates: Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: Trip 9.8
  • Special Amenities: Laundry room, family rooms, quad rooms

One of the oldest guesthouses inside Zhouzhuang, operating for over a decade. Just a 2-minute walk from Twin Bridges. Excellent value for money.

Tastefully designed in antique style. The courtyard, lobby, and rooms are all filled with classical charm. Space is well utilized, spotless cleanliness, and unbeatable location within the scenic area.

Mulan · Wanqing Gufeng Holiday Hotel

Mulan · Wanqing Gufeng Holiday Hotel
  • Location: 2-minute walk from Shen House
  • Price per night: from 278 CNY
  • Check Rates: Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: Trip 9.7
  • Special Amenities: Family rooms, quad rooms

A very charming and clean homestay inside Zhouzhuang with a lovely small garden.

Spacious and very comfortable rooms. Well-maintained hygiene and complete amenities, including quality toiletries.

Zhouzhuang SCHOLARS BOUTIQUE Hotel

Zhouzhuang SCHOLARS BOUTIQUE Hotel
  • Location: 2-minute walk from Zhouzhuang Museum
  • Price per night: from 689 CNY
  • Check Rates: Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: Trip 9.6
  • Special Amenities: Laundry room, family rooms

Located next to Zhouzhuang Museum within the ancient town area. Easy to access—just turn right after entering from the main gate. Ideal for travelers with rolling suitcases, as stone roads can be challenging.

A beautiful garden-style hotel. Popular photo spot for visitors in traditional Hanfu attire. Rooms are clean, quiet, and very comfortable.

How to Get to Zhouzhuang from Suzhou City

Since there is no direct metro line from Suzhou to Zhouzhuang Water Town, travelers have two main options: taxi or intercity bus. A taxi from downtown Suzhou to Zhouzhuang costs around 120 CNY. It’s convenient, and if you’re traveling with 3 or more people, it’s cost-effective. For 1–2 travelers, the tourism bus is a better value.

Tourism Bus

From the North Square Coach Station at Suzhou Railway Station, official direct business buses to Zhouzhuang cost 49 CNY per seat and take about 1 hour. Though relatively expensive for a single rider, taxi becomes cheaper with groups.

  • Tip: Be sure to choose “Zhouzhuang Ancient Town” as your destination—not “Visitor Center.” The two locations are over a kilometer apart.

Metro + Ride-hailing

From downtown, take Metro Line 4 to Tongli Station (7 CNY), then take a ride-hailing car to Zhouzhuang (40 CNY). This route takes about 2 hours and is suitable for travelers arriving in the evening after tourism buses have stopped.

Taxi / Ride-hailing

Taking a taxi directly from Suzhou city costs about 120 CNY and takes 1 hour. For groups of three or more, this is the most convenient and reasonable option.

How to Get to Zhouzhuang from Downtown Shanghai

Zhouzhuang is about 70 kilometers from Shanghai, making it a bit far. While it’s possible to reach it using metro + bus, the total travel time can exceed 3 hours (costing just 11 CNY). A faster and more convenient option is to take a high-speed train plus taxi:

From Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, board a train to Suzhou South Station (Suzhounan) (36 CNY), then take a taxi to Zhouzhuang (around 20 CNY), for a total travel time of 1 hour.

  • Route: Shanghai Hongqiao → Suzhou South
  • Train Ticket: Check Prices

FAQ

Is Zhouzhuang stroller and wheelchair-friendly?

Yes, but be aware that many paths are made of cobblestones. While it’s doable, it can be tiring to push a stroller or wheelchair through the streets.

Where can I store my luggage?

With a valid ticket, you can store your luggage for free at the Visitor Center until 8:30 PM. This includes full-sized suitcases.