"Zhouzhuang" Zhouzhuang by gauravkisan

Criscrossing water lanes, navigating little boats, blue sky mirrored in lucid water... what more do you want...

Cottages nestling on the waterside, streets and lanes along the river and lake, and area blessed with favourable climate, this is the true portrayal of Zhouzhuang's beauty and elegence.

By the side of Zhenfeng bridge

Zhouzhuang is an ancient town located in southeast of Suzhou city.

It is approximately 90 km form Shanghai and one hour drive from there if you are not blocked in traffic.

For past 900 years, Zhouzhuang has grown into a flourishing water town by farming the areas south of the Yangtse river.

All of its buildings have been preserved to retain their original form, and 60 % of the residents still live in these houses.

I visited the place on a cold wet winter morning and as far as I am concerned this is a must see if you have some time in Shanghai. You ca spend a nice day out here.

Visiting during Chinease New Year period brought extras benefit of folk performers which added charm to the place.

The 8 islands are connected by numerous bridges and waterways. When you enter the town you feel going back in time with its beautiful waterways, buildings, boats bridges and people.

The beauty of the village cannot be overestimated. It is a photographer’s heaven.

• Pros:Venice of the east - Photographer's heaven
• Cons:It is becoming commercialised
• In a nutshell:Worth a visit