Wandering through Zhouzhuang Ancient Town - the "Venice of the East" in the heart of China.

"I really love the history and culture ofChina"So I wanted to find a place with ancient and tranquil beauty," that's why Bui Duy Khanh (currently living and working in Paris) decided to visit Zhouzhuang Ancient Town in late February 2024.

Zhouzhuang has a history of over 900 years, dating back to the Song Dynasty. Despite enduring many historical ups and downs, it has preserved its ancient architecture with its curved tiled roofs, moss-covered stone-paved streets, and ancient stone bridges spanning the canals.

The highlight of Zhouzhuang is its intricate network of winding canals. Visitors can travel by boat on these canals to admire the beautiful scenery of the ancient town and experience the tranquil life of the local people.

What is the best time of year to visit Chau Trang ancient town?

Zhouzhuang Ancient Town welcomes you with a picturesque natural landscape, where majestic mountains embrace a lake as clear as an emerald. Every step you take on the moss-covered stone paths immerses you in a fairytale-like setting, leaving you amazed by its breathtaking beauty.

Each season, Zhouzhuang dons a new, enchanting cloak. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom, painting the landscape pink, creating a romantic scene reminiscent of a celestial paradise. In summer, the azure sky and gracefully curved tiled roofs evoke a sense of peace and tranquility. Autumn arrives, the vibrant yellow of the leaves blankets the pathways, creating a dreamy, nostalgic picture. And when winter comes, pristine white snow blankets everything, transforming Zhouzhuang into a place of mystical and elegant beauty.

No matter the season, Zhouzhuang Ancient Town always captivates visitors with its simple, rustic, and undeniably poetic beauty. It seems that in Zhouzhuang, visitors can easily feel the slow pace of life, let their minds wander amidst the charming natural scenery, and find peace of mind.

“My most memorable experience visiting Chau Trang was on a rainy afternoon. The whole town seemed to be enveloped in rain, creating a rustic, ink-wash-like landscape. I’ve traveled a lot, but this place still gives me a breathtakingly beautiful feeling that I’ll never forget,” Duy Khanh reminisced.

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Shuang Qiao: The romantic symbol of Zhouzhuang Ancient Town

Nestled in the heart of picturesque Suzhou, the Shuangqiao Bridge, also known as the Twin Bridges, stands majestically as a timeless symbol. Built over 800 years ago, the Shuangqiao Bridge possesses an ancient and elegant beauty. Its two gracefully curved spans span the romantic Suzhou River, like two arms embracing the ancient town. Constructed from grey laterite stone, the bridge features exquisite carvings, showcasing the skill of ancient artisans.

Under the shimmering, magical light of lanterns, Song Qiao Bridge takes on an irresistible romantic beauty. Tourists stroll across the bridge, admiring the tranquil water and the reflections of the curved tiled roofs, feeling as if they have wandered into a celestial paradise. "What impressed me about Zhouzhuang Ancient Town is the abundance of bridges crossing the canals, giving me the feeling of stepping back in time," Duy Khanh said.

Song Kieu Bridge has also become a symbol of eternal love and a favorite destination for couples in love. At the foot of the bridge, visitors can find love locks tightly attached, symbolizing the vows of eternal love made by couples.

Milou Tower: A jewel of Suzhou

Milou Tower (also known as Leifeng Pagoda) stands tall as a symbol of the city. With its unique architecture and long history, Milou Tower attracts tourists from all over the world to admire and explore it. Built in 960 during the Song Dynasty, the seven-story, 84-meter-tall Milou Tower is constructed of fired brick and stone, with a curved roof in the style of traditional Chinese architecture. The tower's body is decorated with intricate patterns and Buddha statues.

Milou Tower is an ideal destination for tourists wishing to explore Chinese culture and history. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower to enjoy panoramic views of the picturesque city of Suzhou.

Shen Family Village and Zhang Family Village: Places that preserve the imprint of time.

Stepping into Shen Family Manor, visitors feel as if they have entered another world, separated from the hustle and bustle of the city. This place bears the mark of time with over 100 spacious rooms, exquisitely decorated with elegant sculptures and luxurious furnishings. Every corner, every detail reflects the meticulousness and refined taste of its owner – Shen Wan Tam, a wealthy landowner in Jiangnan during the Ming Dynasty.

Located south of Songqiao, Zhangjiazhuang was also built during the Ming Dynasty. It boasts 60 rooms with unique architecture and gardens, creating a harmonious and peaceful atmosphere. Visitors come here not only to explore the ancient architecture but also to enjoy the fresh air, relax, and immerse themselves in nature.

Visiting Shenjiazhuang and Zhangjiazhuang is like stepping back in time, returning to China's opulent past. These places are not only ideal destinations for those who love ancient architecture, but also offer an opportunity to learn about the country's history and culture.

What are some of the highlights of activities in Zhouzhuang Ancient Town?

Visitors can travel by boat along the winding canals, admiring the moss-covered ancient houses reflected on the calm water. The peaceful scenery and slow pace of life in Zhouzhuang Ancient Town will help you dispel all fatigue and worries.

Visiting traditional craft villages such as pottery making, embroidery, and silk weaving, tourists will have the opportunity to learn about the exquisite handicraft techniques and cultural essence of the local people. This is a unique experience that helps you better understand the life and long-standing cultural values ​​of Chau Trang.

Immerse yourself in traditional art performances such as lion dance, dragon dance, and Peking Opera... visitors will witness colorful and impressive performances. This is an opportunity to discover the unique beauty of Chinese culture and its long-standing traditions.

A trip to Zhouzhuang Ancient Town wouldn't be complete without trying its delicious food. Enjoying famous specialties like Zhoujiang steamed buns, braised fish in clay pot, stinky tofu, wonton noodles, etc., you'll experience the unique and refined flavors of local cuisine. Rock sugar pears are a delicious and healthy treat that Duy Khánh recommends you definitely try when visiting Zhouzhuang.

Here are some tips from Bui Duy Khanh for those wishing to explore Chau Trang ancient town:

• It's advisable to book your sightseeing tickets and plane tickets early to avoid them selling out.
• You should bring walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and a light jacket to protect your health.
• It's advisable to exchange Chinese currency before traveling or use Alipay for payments.
• It's advisable to buy a Chinese SIM card for convenient communication and internet access.
• You should learn some basic Chinese conversational phrases to communicate with the locals.

Phuong Mai is a reporter for Travellive Magazine in Hanoi.

Phuong Mai