Suzhou and Zhouzhuang
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Cultural Experience,
UNESCO Heritage Site,
Town / City
Zhouzhuang, the oldest of China's water villages, sits about a 90-minute bus ride from Shanghai halfway between Shanghai and Suzhou. The village is surrounded by lakes on four sides with canals flowing beneath stone bridges and between the Ming and Qing Dynasty houses lining either side. Stay the night at one of the private guesthouses along the river and you'll have the streets and canals to yourself when you wake before the tour buses roll in.
Much larger Suzhou, the City of Gardens, sits 50 miles (81 kilometers) northwest of Shanghai. While the canals and traditional architecture here are every bit as picturesque as in Zhouzhuang, the classical Chinese gardens are the stars, earning a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Suzhou's oldest gardens date back as early as the sixth century, but most hail from the Ming and Qing Dynasty periods during the sixteenth to eighteenth centuries.
Latest Reviews
Review by Arindam H, January 2013
Doing what: Suzhou and Zhouzhuang Water Village Day Trip from Shanghai
Excellent tour. Excellent arrangements. Own private vehicle and excellent tour guide. Suzhou and its museum was wonderful and Zhouzhuang was like heaven. Excellent lunch. Highly recommended.
Review by John B, November 2012
Doing what: Suzhou and Zhouzhuang Water Village Day Trip from Shanghai
The Suzhou and Zhouzhuang Day Trip from Shanghai provided an excellent opportunity to economically and efficiently explore some different parts of China. We chose this trip because we wanted to visit a silk factory, but the tour provided so much more of interest. The silk factory tour was most comprehensive. We also appreciated the fact that this trip transversed many different areas: cities, urban developments, rural countryside, canals, historic gardens and traditional houses. The guide was most informative and helpful. We were pleased with the flexibility that was available so that special interests could be accommodated. In summary, a most worth-while experience.
Review by Nelson R, November 2012
Doing what: Suzhou and Zhouzhuang Water Village Day Trip from Shanghai
guide was knowledgeable, the city of Zhouzhuang was definitely the highlight of this tour-- highly recommended- the food provided for lunch was OK but not particularly great.... it was nice to get out of the big city, though
