Born in Jiangnan, she has had a difficult complex for the ancient towns in Jiangnan since she was a child. Those accumulated past events have given her joys and sorrows in all things, just like a sigh covered by years, leaving a unique flavor.

bluestone slabs, key bridges, black canopies and oars, crossing the street...

If there is any preference among the ancient towns in the south of the Yangtze River, Zhouzhuang is one.

"There is a life called Zhouzhuang." What kind of experience is this? I want to say that Zhouzhuang has more than one life. With one foot on the accelerator, I came to Zhouzhuang and started a three-day and two-night journey of slow life.

[Schedule]

Day 1:
Directions for visiting Zhouzhuang Ancient Town: Ancient Pailou → Carton King → Zhouzhuang Museum → Zhangting → Shenting → Shuangqiao → Fu 'an Bridge → Grandma Bridge → Visit Zhenfeng Street Twelve Square Maokong → Luyun Agarwood (making sachet/fragrant dao experience)→ Sanmao Tea House

Lunch: Carton King Creative Restaurant → Afternoon tea: Jubin Building → Dinner: Shenting Restaurant (Wansan Family Banquet)→ Enjoy the night view of the Nanbei River → Flower Lane → Rain Lane
Accommodation: Carton King Latte Playing Stone Art Inn

The next day:
Zhenwei Jiangnan Breakfast → Miss Shen's Hanfu Store, experience Hanfu dressing up → Ancient Town Water Alley Tour (Cruise)
Xiangcun·Qizhuang → Huahai Check-in → Xiangcun Bookstore, Xiangcun Afternoon Tea → Huatian RV Camping Picnic
Lunch: Quangonglou Fashion Restaurant → Accommodation: Xiangcun Qizhuang

Day 3:
Xiangcun·Qizhuang, Niandaixiu B & B, Village History Museum → Handmade Experience of Tofu Shop
Lunch: Hefengli Restaurant

1 Night and morning in the water town

It is said that the morning and night in Zhouzhuang satisfy the heart of every dream seeker. Don't be lazy. Get up early in the morning to meet Zhouzhuang in spring. Only in the morning can you see the real Zhouzhuang clearly.

I couldn't wait to push open the courtyard door and walk up the bluestone path by the river. The entire Zhouzhuang was shrouded in the mist of morning light, as quiet as a bride who had just lifted her veil. After washing the lead, it was tender and tender. The double bridges also show their appearance in the painting. The bridge is high, the small bridge is low, the bridge is wide, and the small bridge is narrow. The beautiful arch of the bridge, together with the beautiful figures in the water.

There are few and few pedestrians, and the lives of people in the village are only just beginning. In the light of the light green to light pink, some women with flower turbans were washing rice and vegetables on the quay of the stone steps. Then, smoke from the century-old houses near the river began to emerge, and the smoke curled into the air. The smell of vegetation ash floated out.

Slowly, the squeaking sound of rowing gathered on the narrow rivers. On the blue stone road marked by thousands of years of clogs, fishermen women wearing blue and white flower clothes and headscarves began to come and go.

I chose a small restaurant near the river to enjoy breakfast. One night wonton, a cage of crab yellow dumplings, and wine-brewed osmanthus meatball soup were all Jiangnan specialties, which were enough to soothe my stomach. Food and beautiful scenery are all in front of you.

Walking casually, not feeling crowded, but feeling the tranquility of the morning. The beauty of Zhouzhuang is in the early morning, in each early morning dream, and in their own lives.

"The crowd searched for him thousands of times, and suddenly looked back, but the man was in the dimly lit place." What I want to look for is also the beginning of the lanterns in Zhouzhuang.

Walking close to the water, the night is beautiful. Sit casually near the water, you can order a cup of green tea, and enjoy Zhouzhuang in the night while tasting it. When sitting, you can see the dazzling red lanterns of the restaurant and tea house opposite.

This is a water town in a dream at night, and it really does not lose the title of "China's No. 1 water town". The winding paths lead to deep streets and alleys, wooden buildings with blue bricks and black tiles and shops along the street one after another, show the prosperity amidst the excitement.

The lights along the street and the light colors reflected in the houses add gorgeous colors to the night. Among the colorful lights, the hazy night of the water town is full of infinite vitality. The Shuangqiao area is a good place to watch the night scene.

The night is really beautiful. There must be a lighting master who designed such touching evening makeup for Zhouzhuang. If you are careful, you may find that such an extremely beautiful night view cannot be found even on the lanterns on the roadside. Looking at the red lanterns in the town, my heart slowly calmed down, faded away from the dust of the city, and experienced the comfort of slow life.

In the rainy alleys and flower alleys at night, the powder and makeup are flying. A light show area with the themes of flower alleys and rain alleys will be built from Fuhong Bridge to Zhenfeng Bridge in the ancient town. Walk through it and taste the cultural atmosphere of water town life. The new media fusion techniques of light, shadow, installation and interaction light up Zhouzhuang.

Riding the night, sit by the window next to the river and try the authentic Wansanjia Banquet at Shenting Restaurant.

2 Humanities Zhouzhuang

Zhouzhuang, nurtured by thousands of years of history and culture, is located in the hinterland of Jiangnan water town, between Shanghai, Hangzhou and Suzhou. The town is a Zeguo, surrounded by water on all sides, and it is so close that it requires boats to travel. It completely maintains the style of a typical Jiangnan water town and is well-known at home and abroad.

When talking about ancient towns in Jiangnan, we naturally think of bridges. Zhouzhuang prospered because of water and lived forever. Water is Zhouzhuang's life, and the bridge is Zhouzhuang's soul and the pride of fame.

Zhouzhuang has Shuangqiao, Fu 'an Bridge, Tongxiu Bridge, Tiyun Bridge, Baoen Bridge, Taiping Bridge, Quangong Bridge, Fuhong Bridge, etc.

Shuangqiao should be said to be the landmark building of Zhouzhuang. Shuangqiao is commonly known as the Key Bridge. When visiting Zhouzhuang, you must visit Shuangqiao.

In the spring of 1984, Chen Yifei, a famous Shanghai painter living in the United States, created an oil painting titled "Memories of my Hometown" with Shuangqiao as the background. The ancient and simple Shuangqiao appears more full of charm under Chen Yifei's brush. Zhouzhuang is lazy, quiet and peaceful, and is frozen with the picture.

If you want to understand a place in depth, you have to go to a museum. Zhouzhuang Museum is not far from the entrance of the scenic area. It is recommended to visit it. Although the exterior does not look as gorgeous as other museums, you can experience Zhouzhuang culture well here.

Speaking of Zhouzhuang's humanistic story, everyone will think of Shen Wansan, a once popular millionaire who is full of legendary colors.

In the middle of the Yuan Dynasty, Shen You, the father of the legendary Jiangnan tycoon Shen Wansan, moved from Nanxun, Huzhou to Dongzhai Village, east of Zhouzhuang. He gradually made a fortune due to business, causing a prosperous scene in Zhenfengli and forming an old market town centered on Fu 'an Bridge on both sides of the Nanbei River.

In the middle of the Yuan Dynasty, Shen You, the father of the legendary Jiangnan tycoon Shen Wansan, moved from Nanxun, Huzhou to Dongzhai Village, east of Zhouzhuang. He gradually made a fortune due to business, causing a prosperous scene in Zhenfengli and forming an old market town centered on Fu 'an Bridge on both sides of the Nanbei River.

Shen Hall was built by Shen Benren, a descendant of Shen Wansan, a wealthy man in Jiangnan in the Ming Dynasty. It was completed in the seventh year of Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1742). It was originally named "Jingye Hall" and was renamed "Songmao Hall" in the late Qing Dynasty. Shen Wansan, whose original name was Shen Fu, also known as Zhong Rong, was a businessman in the late Yuan and early Ming Dynasties. He accumulated wealth through overseas trade and became the richest man in Jiangnan.

Legend has it that Zhu Yuanzhang, the founder of the Ming Dynasty, once visited the Shen family, and Shen Wansan served the emperor with a pig's hoof hat. Zhu Yuanzhang deliberately embarrassed Shen Wansan and asked what it was. Shen Wansan knew that if he told him truthfully and said that it was a pig's hoof, he would violate Zhu Yuanzhang's name. Shen Wansan was in a hurry and struck his thigh, saying that it was Wan San's hoof, which relieved him, and "Wan San Hoof" was named from then on.

The charm of Zhouzhuang lies in its cultural connotations. Scenic spots such as Zhangting, Milou, Ye Chulang's former residence, Chengxu Dao College, and Quanfu Temple have high historical, cultural and ornamental value.

Zhangting is one of the few remaining Ming Dynasty buildings in Zhouzhuang Town. It was formerly known as Yishun Hall. It is said that it was built by the descendants of Xu Kui, the younger brother of Xu Da, King Sun Yat-sen in the Ming Dynasty, during the Zhengtong period of the Ming Dynasty. In the early Qing Dynasty, he was sold to a family surnamed Zhang and changed his name to Yuyantang, commonly known as Zhang Ting.

3 Better to slow down

Seeing many people visit Zhouzhuang and spend less than half a day, I think it is not enough. Take a leisurely stroll in Zhouzhuang, stop and take a look, and experience another kind of slow life in Zhouzhuang. Sitting by the river and drinking grandma tea, listening to the boaters singing the unique water town tune or the original Kunqu opera, it has a unique flavor.

Strolling along Zhenfeng Street in Zhouzhuang, you can encounter antique teahouses from time to time. The ancient craftsmanship and the fragrance of tea fill the entire street with the heritage of Jiangnan.

Recommendation 1: Jubin Building Tea Room

Recommendation reason: The teahouse built next to the river has a special pingtan performance stage, where you can enjoy authentic pingtan performances while drinking tea.

Time: 9:30-15:30 (irregular singing)

Venue: Jubin Building Tea Room (No. 107 Zhongshi Street)

Performance tracks: "Daiyu Buries Flowers","New Mulan Ci","Jiangnan Good","Taihu Beauty","Yang Naiwu and Chinese Cabbage","Plum Bamboo","Yingying Playing the Qin","Meng Meiren","Song of the Four Seasons","Du Shiniang", etc.

Pingtan has a long history and became popular during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty. Jubin Building has a special Pingtan performance stage, two chairs, a table table, three strings and pipa. Pingtan performances by handsome men and beautiful women bring Jubin Building to an artistic level.

Tea and Pingtan costs are ordered individually. A pot of grandma tea, a few plates of tea, relatives and friends sat around the table, chatting to relieve their fatigue, and listening to the commentary. Classic songs such as "Jiangnan Good","Daiyu Buried Flowers","Taihu Lake Beauty", and "Du Shiniang" are very pleasant to the ears.

Recommendation 2: Sanmao Tea House

Reason for recommendation: Sanmao has had tea here. Sanmao fans should not miss it

In 1989, Sanmao came to Zhouzhuang and used the word "unforgettable" to describe her throbbing feeling when she first met Zhouzhuang. She had tea here and had a good conversation with the old man and took a group photo. After Sanmao passed away, the old couple was very sad and renamed the place Sanmao Tea House in memory of Sanmao. Sanmao really didn't seem to have gone far. At the top of the stairs, there was a sentence she wrote: "A cup of green tea, a cleansing of dust, go eat tea." How well you said it, not only tells the essence of tea, but also contains a hint of Zen.

Recommendation 3: Furnace Rhythm Agarwood

Recommendation reason: Making sachet/incense dao experience

Studying Xiangdao tea art and feeling the mystery of traditional culture is a new experience brought by the charm of stove and agarwood. Sit quietly in the stove to charm the agarwood, burn incense and taste tea, and experience the mystery of tea ceremony and fragrance.

The ancient craftsmanship and the fragrance of tea fill the entire street with the heritage of Jiangnan.

Recommendation 4: Cat Empty

Recommendation reason: Internet celebrities, young literary and artistic people must check in

Maokong can be said to be a must-visit place for petty bourgeoisie. Because it is located in a scenic spot, it still gives people a feeling of isolation from the world, so take their children there. Great for resting. It's nice to have such a warm bookstore in the noisy market.

Here, I wrote a letter to the future for the first time. I like this environment, reading, thinking, and being in a daze. I won't feel bored even if I stay for a day.

4 Let's go through a journey

Miss Shen's Hanfu store has changed its costumes, and the little sister has also helped make headwear styles. Transformation from ancient costumes should be the dream of many girls. Dressed in ancient costumes, shuttling through the water town in dreams and wandering through ancient buildings in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, it feels like I have traveled through it.

When filming ancient costumes in Zhouzhuang, there are too many places to take pictures. In addition to those small bridges, flowing water, and Yanyu Alley, Zhang Ting and Shen Ting are also a good choice. You can also take a rowing boat and experience the ancient people who came to Zhouzhuang through the waterway in the past. feeling.

5 Carton Kingdom 丨 Fun Life

Carton King is an Internet celebrity in Zhouzhuang. It is located at No. 19 Quanfu Road, the ancient town. It sells some paper products, from toys to restaurant utensils, from clothing to bags and hats, from lighting to architectural models, all of which are made of paper. In fact, it is more precise to say that this is a kingdom and creative park of paper products.

The cute cardboard king doll and cute cat at the main entrance were "waving" to everyone, bringing people into a fairytale world. I couldn't help but step in and explore the mystery of this place.

Every story museum seems to be a creative world for whimsy. All kinds of paper products are exquisite and exquisite, and are very popular with everyone. In addition to their minimalist style, they also have a strong concept of environmental protection. These products can be recycled.

The outdoor park can also provide a panoramic view of landmark attractions around the world, such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Cartagena Hotel Building, etc., which are also displayed here in the form of paper carvings. Take a small carton train and walk around the yard. You can travel around the world ~

For lunch, we enjoyed the special paper hot pot at Carton King. The tableware and chairs in the store were all made of corrugated paper.

There is an inn in Carton King: Latte Play Stone Art Inn, which is located together with the Creative Park. It is in a very good location. It is not far from the entrance of the ancient town, making it convenient for tourists to enter without having to carry luggage and walk a long bumpy gravel road.

6 Fun in the countryside

If Zhouzhuang is the starting point of China's dream of a water town, Xiangcun Qizhuang, 7 kilometers away from the ancient town, is the original hometown of the water town that Zhouzhuang treasures. When I arrived here, I deeply felt that Suzhou people are really rich, and even the countryside is so foreign.

Green wheat fields surround the village, green trees shade, flower branches escape from the walls, houses with pink walls and black tiles are reflected in the river, and green creeper trees shine faintly in the sun.

Walking into Xiangcun·Qizhuang, every view of the scenery is like a quietly unfolding poetic picture.

He grew up in the wind of grass, hid in the homes of ordinary people, where chickens chirped and dogs barked, and fish smelled rice...

Check-in point 1: Xiangcun Flower Sea and Flower Field Picnic

Xiangcun·Qizhuang has become a check-in place for romantic flowers. Such a very ceremonial flower field picnic can live up to the good spring scenery. The "Xiangcun" hidden outside Zhouzhuang, the water town, is another life in Zhouzhuang!

Check-in point 2: Xiangcun Bookstore, Xiangcun Afternoon Tea

The countryside is really comfortable now! There is a Xiangcun Bookstore in this village and I had afternoon tea. One wall is full of books, and the other side is a large floor-to-ceiling glass window full of sunshine. The book shops in the village are all so foreign, making people in the third-tier small town envious.

Check-in point 3: Xiangcun Tofu Shop

Here, you can fully feel the seclusion of returning to the garden and farmland and slow down time.

Go to the tofu shop to grind beans, and then witness the birth of a piece of tofu. Removing the bean dregs, filtering, compacting... every step of the way carefully enriches the heart.

Check-in point 4: Shidixiu B & B

Xiangcun is another kind of life in Zhouzhuang. It lives in Shishixiu B & B and experiences the different old times from the 1960s to the 1900s.

We stayed in a 2-story old house converted into a B & B with a total of 3 rooms, which is very suitable for several families to bring their children and cover the entire building.

B & B has unified management in internship hotel-style, and you can also order meals and enjoy them directly in the B & B.

Jiangnan is beautiful, and I have known the scenery before. At sunrise, the flowers on the river are more red than the fire, and in spring, the river is green as blue. How can I not remember Jiangnan?

This spring, it is better to go to Zhouzhuang and find the Jiangnan water town in our dreams.