Zhouzhuang Water Village Tour from Shanghai

With its interconnected waterways and dreamy landscapes, Zhouzhuang is one of the top water villages in China. Take a step back in time to view magnificent canals and stone bridges. The majority of the town’s residences were built in the Ming and Qing dynasties, and nearly 100 traditional courtyards and 60 carved-brick archways are still in use. You will visit two of the most popular sights in this water town: Shen House and Zhang House.

Shen House was a private property built in the Qing style, and occupies an enormous area of over 2,000 square feet (186 square meters). It features charming displays like a water gate, a gate tower, a tearoom and a main hall. It also has artworks including carvings that tell historic stories, a painted sculpture of Shen Wansan, and other cultural relics such as folk instruments. Zhang House is equally impressive, with 70 rooms taking up over 1,900 square feet (177 square meters). It is a graceful residential house with a tranquil courtyard and pond.

After walking with the locals in the town's cobbled lanes, you will be taken on a Chinese-style gondola ride through the old town, where you can admire the simple and well-preserved architecture that dates back more than 900 years. Locals still live their life on the waterways, carrying out daily activities such as washing clothes and shopping from vendors on boats. You will have the opportunity to take many photos of this picturesque town.

This tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off and is a great way to learn about the cultural background of China’s Jiangsu province.