Zhouzhuang, one of the most famous water townships in China, situated in
Kunshan City which is only 30 kilometers (18 miles) southeast of Suzhou. It is
noted for its profound cultural background, the well preserved ancient
residential houses, the elegant watery views and the strong local colored
traditions and customs. In the Spring and Autumn Period (770 - 476 BC),
Zhouzhuang was a part of the fief Yaocheng and 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 of the
Zhouzhuang's structures were built during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, which is
from 1368 to 1911. Taking the most convenient form of transport in Zhouzhuang, a
gondola, we will present some of the breathtaking sights one by one.
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 and is considered the symbol of Zhouzhuang. 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 (Yinzi Creek and
Nabeishi River) and connecting at the middle, Twin Bridges look like a Chinese
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 depicts 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.
Fuan Bridge: Located at the eastern end of Zhongshi Jie, Fuan Bridge was
built in 1355 during the Yuan Dynasty. The unique trait of the Fuan is the
consummate combination of the single-arch bridge and the bridge towers which
have , are used as tearooms, restaurants and stores, and are good places to
appreciate the views while taking a rest.
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 of Jiangnan (South of Yangtze River) in the early Qing
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: 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; has a tranquil
courtyard and pond. Deep halls all represent the life of the quondam owner.
Milou Tower: Once called the De's Tavern, Milou Tower perches next to
Zhenfeng Bridge which is at the southwest corner of Zhouzhuang. It is famous for
being a rallying place of the literators in old times. 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), simple but majestic Shengdi
and Doumu halls, Yuhuang, Wenchang and Shengdi pavilions are really elaborate
works and masterpieces of Taoist architctures.
The preceding sight-seeing sites are just a little part of the pretty
attractions of Zhouzhuang. Besides these historic sights, the local folklore,
traditions and legends of this water township, such as the dragon boat race, the
granny tea or the Wansan home-style banquet which are formed from the immemorial
civilization and history are also the indispensable elements for an
unforgettable tour.