Zhouzhuang has the distinction of being one of the most renowned water towns in the vast nation of China, and has been given the moniker of being the Venice of China. It is considered noteworthy for its rich cultural legacy, beautifully preserved residential buildings and attractive views with its numerous canals, gondolas and other sights. It is a significant tourist attraction with many visitors frequenting this appealing location.
Most of the buildings in Zhouzhuang were constructed during the era of the Qing and Ming Dynasties. There are a number of sightseeing attractions to be enjoyed in the town, and as one might expect the most suitable way to explore these locations is by taking a gondola.
The buildings in the township are surrounded and interconnected by streams and lakes, and therefore it is not surprising that there are no less than 14 bridges, made of stone, crossing the rivulets. The Twin Bridges, comprising of the Yongan Bridge and Shide Bridge are the best-known of these and they are considered to be a genuine symbol of the town.
Fuan Bridge is another notable sight which was built at the time of the Yuan Dynasty in 1355. This single-arched construction features bridge towers which have been converted into restaurants, tea rooms and stores; this is an excellent place to enjoy a rest while admiring the panoramic views.
Meanwhile another key attraction is Shen House, constructed in 1742 and situated near Fuan Bridge. This vast architectural complex is constructed in the Ming style, and features more than 100 rooms subdivided into three areas. Most sections of this compound feature refined decorations and many contain precious artworks.
Another handsome mansion in Zhouzhuang is Zhang House, an elegant and picturesque edifice with an attractive courtyard and tranquil pond.
Not to be missed is the Chengxu Taoist Temple, which was built during the reign of the Song Dynasty. Today it is considered to be amongst the most renowned such temples within the region, featuring splendid architecture and elaborate decorations.
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Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry. Google+