Zhouzhuang Travel Guide

Zhouzhuang is a small water village at the shores of Lake Dianshan, about one and a half hour drive from Shanghai. The area and the lake is known because it is rich in crab.

This tiny village looks like it has escaped modernism. The old village has been lovingly restored and there are no buildings with more than two floors. Instead there are old and elegant buildings with classic architecture, bright white walls and black rooftops that look like wings. All modern facilities are grouped in a newly built town outside the premises.

But beware if you're looking for pe… read moreace and quiet! Also the tourists have discovered Zhouzhuang. The village welcomes more than a million visitors a year and especially during the weekends the (Chinese) tourists invade the place. Try to avoid Saturday and Sunday if you can. On weekdays, the streets are a bit more quiet.

The "old" village is one big open air museum for which you need to pay an entrance fee. Hang on to your ticket because you need to show it again after leaving the gates and going back in. It also gives access to several museums and buildings all over the premises. Apart from the temple, scenic small streets along the canals and some well preserved houses, the main attraction here is shopping. Prepare for a walhalla of souvenir shops mostly selling the same nicknacks.

No visit is complete without tasting the local delicacy: glazed pig leg, which is sold and prepared all over town.