The Venice Of China
An hour-and-a-half away from Shanghai, is a small water town called Zhouzhuang. We went on a daytrip to get away from chaotic city life and instead have a serene, relaxing day.
To enter the ancient city area, visitors must pay an entrance fee of RMB 100 per person. Although a bit pricey, it is well worth the cost because the moment we stepped through the gates, we were immediately surrounded by greenery and water and transported from the skyscrapers of the city to the tranquility of a bygone era.
Mimicking Venice, there are gondolas on the canal, with gondoliers singing traditional Chinese songs. A boat ride along the canal lasts around 20 minutes and costs RMB 40 per person or RMB 100 to rent the entire boat (which can fit up to 6 people).
As we ventured deeper into the town, we crossed one of the twin bridges. Their round arches have become a symbol synonymous with Zhouzhuang. This pair of bridges connects to the rows of small white houses perched on either side of the water.
Scattered along the alleyways are small local shops selling everything, from food and clothes, to tourist gifts and even live pets! Make sure you try the typically Zhouzhangese food; Wansan pork hock, named after the richest family during the Ming dynasty. The pork is stewed with herbs and spices for a whole day, giving it a very rich and succulent flavour. After stopping for a bite, we came across one of the four lakes that surround Zhouzhuang. If it weren’t for the incredibly long bridge across it, its vastness would have made us feel as if we had reached the ocean.
However, the most impressive view was of the Chenxu Temple. After being enlarged, there are now bridges on each
side, which connect to the Wenchang and Yuhuang pavilions. The scene is breathtaking, and transports you straight to t he pages of a beautiful picture book. Simple and delicate, a solitary gazebo stands in the middle of the lake surrounded by benches, providing a perfect place to meditate. The only splashes of bright colour that surround this mellow landscape are the hundreds of koi fish, which seem to appear as you get close to the water.
On the way back, we passed by the Shen House, the property of a descendant of Shen Wansan. As you enter the dark oak doors, place your feet on top of the ink-like pebbles. As you pass through the gardens you get a glimpse of what once was a great home. Unfortunately, today, the only thing that remains is a skeleton of memories including pieces of furniture that once seated prominent guests.
Zhouzhuang is a city that has stood the test of time. Weary but wise, this town is filled with history, beauty and nature. Leave modern Shanghai behind and become immersed in traditional Zhouzhuang.
