Visiting Zhouzhuang

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Visiting Zhouzhuang

Updated: 2014-07-22

Zhouzhuang, an ancient town located between Shanghai, Suzhou and Hangzhou, dates back to 1086 AD. Surrounded by water, the town features classical bridges, a waterway transport system and the traditional architecture of a bygone era.

With its profound historical inheritance and unique cultural heritage, Zhouzhuang is renowned for its typical Southern Chinese riverside scenery, elegantly-crafted bridges, murmuring streams and classical dwellings, as well as its distinctive local traditions. It has been shortlisted as a possible UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, and has already won many awards, including the Dubai International Award for Best Practices in Improving the Living Environment and an American Government Award.

With its unique tourism resources, the town is promoting its potential as a visitor destination, whilst maintaining the concept of “Simultaneous Protection and Development”. Its 10 years of development has recently been honored with the title of “No. 1 Water Town of China”, and it has also been established as one of “The Top 50 Places Favored by Overseas Tourists”.

In recent years, Zhouzhuang has been dedicated to successfully preserving its traditional culture and exploring it potential as a cultural sightseeing destination. It is now an important showcase for Chinese culture for visitors from across the world. It attracts more than 2.5 million visitors every year, resulting in an annual income from tourism of 800 million yuan ($117 million).

After a decade of restoration and a subsequent decade of development, Zhouzhuang is no looking at a decade of progress. As part of a bid to establish Zhouzhuang as a global tourism destination, the town is promoting itself through increased investment, improvements to its visitor facilities and by building its international profile.

Zhouzhuang’s Titles and Awards

1. Shortlisted as a potential UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site

2. Dubai International Award for Best Practices in Improving the Living Environment

3. UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation

4. The World’s Most Charming Water Town

5. One of China’s Top 50 Places Most Worthy of Visiting According to Overseas Tourists

6. One of the Top 10 Scenic Spots in China as Favored by European Tourists

7. Elected as one of the First Group of Famous Historic and Cultural Towns in China

8. National Town of Environmental Beauty

9. Well-Known Tourist Brand in China

10. National 5A Tourist Attractions

Zhouzhuang's sights: