Zhouzhuang
Zhouzhuang
Town, Once called Zhenfengli, is located in Kunshan City ,30km to The
Southeast of Suzhou in Jiangsu Province covering an area of 0.4 Sq.km.
Zhouzhuang is well known for its beautiful environment and simple architecture
Although more than 900 years have past, its architectural style is still
well preserved, More than 60 percent of the residential houses were built
during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, consisting
of nearly 100 classic courtyards and 60 carved brick archways.
Like a lotus on the water, the town is surrounded and bisected by rivers.
Accordingly, there are many bridges as well, the most famous being Yong'an
and Shide, known as Double Bridge, one a stone arch type and the other
a stone beam type bridge. Two rivers crisscross in north-south and east-west
directions here and the square and round openings of the bridges provide
a unique frame for the water scenery. Sitting on the boat, one may enjoying
the scene between bridges and feels the interest of a water township which
offers a quiet and simple life. When night falls, all streets are empty.
Down the narrow lanes one catches a glimpse of dim lights. Walking by
the waterside, along the road or over a bridge, the peace of the calm
water and clear sky, perhaps punctuated occasionally by the distant sound
of laughter, creates a harmonious and sweet environment.
The town has many cultural relics, including the houses if Shen and Zhang
.the Milou Tower, Ye Chucang's Former Residence, 
Chengxu
Taoist Temple and Quanfu Temple. Many ancient and modern schlars have
lived in or visited the town,such as artist Chen Yifei.Chen's painting,
"The Double Bridge", is as famous as the real double bridge in the town.
A Well -known Chinese artist Wu Guanzhong once praised the town as a collection
of beauty of China's water township. LuoZhewen, a notable architect, described
Zhouzhuang as "a treasure of China".
There is a Chinese saying: Up in Heaven There's a Paradise, Down on Earth
Suzhou and Hangzhou, and in between Zhouzhuang. Don't miss the chance
to visit the first water county of China.