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One-Day Tour of Zhouzhuang, the Water Town of Jiangnan

Release Date:

2021-10-11 17:39

On April 9, employees of Haoye Company enjoyed a day trip to the ancient town of Zhouzhuang.

Zhouzhuang—a time-honored water town in the Jiangnan region with a history spanning more than nine centuries—is often hailed as a precious gem nestled on the shores of Lake Dianshan. Its timeless traditions, simple and genuine local customs, ancient architecture, and crystal-clear waters all bear witness to its storied past. As the renowned painter Wu Guanzhong once remarked, “Zhouzhuang embodies the very essence of China’s water towns.” Surrounded by water on all sides, this tranquil haven resembles a lotus flower gently floating upon the surface. Streets are laid out along the waterways, houses are built right beside them; rivers serve as roads, and bridges extend those pathways. The interplay of small bridges, flowing streams, narrow lanes, and traditional homes, together with the gentle sway of boats and the evening songs of fishermen, defines Zhouzhuang’s distinctive character. Despite over nine centuries of vicissitudes, it has remarkably preserved the original architectural charm of a quintessential water-town market town. According to reports, more than sixty percent of the town’s residential buildings remain… Ming and Qing dynasties Architecture This ancient town, covering just 0.47 square kilometers, boasts nearly a hundred classical residences and over sixty brick-carved gateways, truly embodying the timeless charm of Zhouzhuang’s traditional dwellings.