Zhouzhuang Watertown Tour
A side trip from your Shanghai Expo tour
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.
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