Zhou Zhuang Water Village is characterized by the picturesque water county scenery - a perfect combination of exquisite bridges, limpid rivulets and quaint houses. Zhouzhuang is one of the best-preserved ancient water cities of China in Jiangsu province. It makes a good day trip from Suzhou and Shanghai.
Zhouzhuang abounds in waterways, and boats are a must. The town feares a waterscape typical of the regions south of the Changjiang (Yangtze) River, with houses built along the rivers and streams. Its architectural layout from the Ming (1368 - 1644) and Qing (1644 - 1911) Dynasties has remained intact.
The water, streets, bridges, houses, trees, and sailboats blend into a harmonious whole, affording a simple, leisurely life for the residents. "Mountain Huangshan has a concentration of the enchanting beauty of Chinese mountains, and Zhouzhuang is the epitome of beautiful waters," said Wu Guanzhong, a great master of traditional Chinese painting.
In 1998, Zhouzhuang was included in the supplementary list of World Cultural Heritages by UNESCO. In 2000, the United Nations Center foruman Settlement awarded Zhouzhuang with the Best Example Prize of the Dubai International Living Environmental Improvement Conference.
