Must-See Zhouzhuang Travel Guide!

Zhouzhuang in Suzhou is hailed as "China's No.1 Water Town," renowned for its Jiangnan water village charm of "small bridges, flowing water, and traditional houses." Below is a detailed Zhouzhuang travel guide covering transportation, tickets, must-visit attractions, food, night tours, and practical tips to help you plan the perfect trip.

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**1. Transportation Guide**
1. **Self-Drive**
- About 1 hour from Suzhou, 1.5 hours from Shanghai, and 2 hours from Hangzhou. Parking lots are available outside the ancient town (approx. ¥30/day).
2. **Public Transport**
- **Bus**: From Suzhou North/South Bus Station → Zhouzhuang Bus Station (approx. 1.5 hours, ¥15-20).
- **High-Speed Rail + Bus**: Take Bus 113/133 from Kunshan South Station directly to Zhouzhuang.
- **Subway + Bus**: Take Suzhou Metro Line 4 to Tongli Station → Transfer to Bus 758.
3. **Shuttle Service**: Electric carts (¥10/person) or a 20-minute walk from the bus station to the ancient town.

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**2. Ticket Information**
- **Day Ticket**: ¥100 (includes 15 attractions like Shen Hall, Zhang Hall, Zhouzhuang Museum, etc.).
- **Night Ticket**: ¥80 (16:00-20:00, limited to the ancient town area).
- **Discounts**: Half-price for students/seniors; free for those over 70, military personnel, and disabled visitors.
- **Free Entry**: After 20:00 (paid attractions close).
- **2025 New Policy**: 50% off on weekdays (excluding weekends/holidays).

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**3. Must-Visit Attractions**
1. **Twin Bridges (Key Bridge)**
2. **Shen Hall**
- Former residence of wealthy merchant Shen Wansan, featuring a seven-courtyard layout and the legendary "Treasure Bowl."
3. **Zhang Hall**
- Ming Dynasty official residence, famous for its "boat passing through the house" feature.
4. **Fu'an Bridge**
- Zhouzhuang's oldest stone bridge, stunning at night.
5. **South Lake Autumn Moon Garden**
- Free entry, perfect for admiring the reflection of Quanfu Temple at dusk.
6. **New Night Tour (2025 Addition)**
- **"Wedding at Zhang Hall"**: Immersive water town wedding performance (18:00-21:00).

**4. Food Recommendations**
- **Wansan Braised Pork Hock**: Signature dish at Shen Hall Restaurant, tender and flavorful (¥80/person).
- **Steamed White Fish**: Fresh from Taihu Lake, recommended at Sanmao Teahouse.
- **Snacks**: Crispy Sock Sole Pancake (¥10/bag), Fu'an Pancake (¥5), Tofu Pudding (¥8).
- **Teahouse Experience**: Sanmao Teahouse (Grandma Tea + Pingtan opera, ¥30/person).

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**5. Night Tour Experience**
- **Light Show**: Bridges and buildings light up after 18:00—don’t miss Twin Bridges and Fu'an Bridge at night.
- **Night Punting**: ¥150/boat (fits 6), with boatwomen singing Pingtan.
- **Bar Street**: Xianjiang Street’s chill bars, like "1086 Slow Life Block."

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**6. Accommodation Suggestions**
- **Luxury**: Blossom Hill Zhenfeng Xuan (Ming-Qing heritage house, ¥800/night).
- **Budget-Friendly**: Nostalgia for Water Shield (waterside inn, ¥300/night).
- **Nearby Hotels**: Pullman Zhouzhuang Resort (luxury stay).

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**7. Practical Tips**
1. **Best Time to Visit**: Spring and autumn (March-May, September-November); avoid the rainy season.
2. **Attire**: Wear non-slip shoes (cobblestone paths can be slippery).
3. **Avoid Scams**:
- Be cautious when buying "pearls" or "jade" in the scenic area.
- Negotiate prices with rickshaws in advance.
4. **Deep Experience**: Rent Hanfu for photos or try indigo dyeing workshops.

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**8. Nearby Destinations**
- **Jinxi Ancient Town**: Quiet and less crowded, ideal for a half-day trip.
- **Tongli Ancient Town**: One of Jiangnan’s six famous water towns, about 30 minutes from Zhouzhuang.

Zhouzhuang is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace. For a day trip, focus on Twin Bridges, Shen Hall, and the night tour. If time allows, stay overnight to experience the misty mornings and lantern-lit evenings of Jiangnan.