Located at the center of the regions south of the Yangtze River and situated near Shanghai, Hangzhou and Suzhou, the millennium-old-water-town Zhouzhuang is a must-see sightseeing for tourists to the region. Intercrossed by rivers and canals, Zhouzhuang has been called "the best representative of China's water towns" by the famous Chinese Painter Wu Guanzhong. Indeed, small bridges, flowing waters and riverside houses - the typical landscapes of Zhouzhuang - are something that Chinese artists have yearned of and been infatuated by time and time again. For its long history, rich cultural heritage and unique landscape, the town has won many awards from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and other international and national organizations. It is one of the "Five-A" tourist destinations in China. Zhouzhuang's well-preserved ancient architecture is among its great attractions, and it consists of temples, towers, bridges and residential houses. Among the many old houses, the mansion of Shen Wansan is the most well-konw. Built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) as the private residence of a wealthy merchant family, the huge mansion clearly illustrates the lifestyle of the rich at that time. Zhouzhuang is also famous for its folk art and craftsmanship, therefore becoming a window for showing the traditional culture of the regions south of the Yangtze River. China Daily 04/20/2007 |
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