Situated between Shanghai and Suzhou, Zhouzhuang is the leading water town in China. Zhouzhuang is nestled by water on four sides, and has crisscrossed rivers. Therefore the only means of transportation in the town is boat, and the locals are used to go out by boat no matter the destinations is far or near. Known as a collection of beauty of China's water town, Zhouzhuang, like a lotus on the water, is surrounded by rivers as Nanbeichi, Houxiang, Youcheyang and Zhongshi. There are many bridges as well, the most famous being Yong'an and Shide, alias Double Bridge, from which many artists have drawn inspiration, including the eminent painter Chen Yifei. Sitting on a boat, you may be carried away by the quiet and beautiful scene. At night when all streets are empty, you catch a glimpse of dim lights down the narrow lanes. Occasionally, the sweet peace is punctuated by the distant sound of laughter, and a harmonious environment is created - both fragrant and tasteful.
The town benefits from the beauty of rivers and lakes. The 14 ancient bridges on the river were built during the Yuan (1271-1368AD), Ming (1368-1644AD) and Qing (1644-1911AD) dynasties. Double Bridge is one tourist clamor to visit, where two bridges positioned to form a right angle over the stream. Another noteworthy bridge is Fu'an Bridge, which is the oldest bridge in Zhouzhuang - built in 1355AD.
Residents of the ancient town built their houses and streets along the rivers. Over 60% of the town's buildings date back to the early Ming Dynasty. Two buildings in particular attract lots of tourists Shen Ting (Hall of Shen) built in 1742 and Zhang Ting (Hall of Zhang). Tourists can also take a gondola to experience the small water town.