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Welcome to Water-land Zhouzhuang
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Transtlate Zhouzhuang, one of the most famous water towns in China, is situated in Kunshan city which is only 30 kilometers (18 miles) southeast of Suzhou. It is noted for its profound cultural background, well-preserved ancient residential houses, the elegant landscape and tradition and custom of strong local features. In the Spring and Autumn Period (770 - 476 BC), Zhouzhuang was a part of the fief Yaocheng called Zhenfengli. After being donated to Full Fortune (Quanfu) Temple by Zhou Digong, a very devout Buddhist, in 1086 during the Northern Song Dynasty (960 - 1127), Zhouzhuang got its present name as a memorial of the donor.
In an area of half a square kilometer (124 acres), 60 percent were built during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Taking the most convenient transport gondola in Zhouzhuang, we will enjoy the most breathtaking sights.
Twin Bridges (Shuang qiao): Zhouzhuang is surrounded and divided by lakes and rivers, 14 stone bridges cross the rivers, showing distinctive views of the water-town. Twin Bridges which comprise Shide Bridge and Yongan Bridge are the most famous. Built in Wanli era (1573 - 1619) of the Ming Dynasty, Twin Bridges is in the northeast of the town. Shide Bridge is east-west and has a round arch, while Yongan Bridge is north-south and the bridge arch is square. Crossing the two crisscross rivers and connecting at the middle, Twin Bridges look like a Chinese old-style key. Exhibits depicting Twin Bridges were displayed once in New York and thus gained the world's attention for Zhouzhuang.
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Twin bridge in night color |
Fu'an Bridge: Located at the eastern end of Zhongshi Jie, Fu'an Bridge was built in 1355 during the Yuan Dynasty. The unique trait of the Fuan is the combination of the single-arch bridge and the bridge towers which are used as tearooms, restaurants and stores, and are good places to appreciate the views while taking a rest.
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Peaceful Fu'an bridge |
Shen House: 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 in the early Qing Dynasty. The whole 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, 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.
Zhang House: Built by Xu's family in the Zhengtong era (1436 - 1449) of the Ming Dynasty and bought by Zhang's family in the early Qing Dynasty. Located to the south of the Twin Bridges, Zhang House has more than 70 rooms and takes up about 1,800 square meters (less than half an acre). With Ruojing River flowing through, Zhang House is a dapper and graceful residential house.
Milou Tower: Once called the De's Tavern, Milou Tower perches next to Zhenfeng Bridge which is at the southwest corner of Zhouzhuang. Numerous poets, songs and stories about Milou Tower are wide spread and make it more charming.
Chengxu Taoist Temple: Standing on Zhongshi Street which is opposite to Puqing Bridge, Chengxu Taoist Temple was built during 1086 - 1093 of the Song Dynasty and also known as Sanctity Hall (Shengtang Hall). After several periods of expansion, it is one of the most famous Taoist temples in Wuzhong Region. In an area of 1,500 square meters (1,800 square yards), there are simple but majestic halls and pavilions like Yuhuang, Wenchang and Shengdi which are masterpieces of Taoist architctures.
The above-mentioned sight-seeing sites are just a samll part of Zhouzhuang. Besides these historic sights, the local folk tales, traditions and legends, such as the dragon boat race, the granny tea or the Wansan home-style banquet are also the indispensable elements for an unforgettable tour.
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