A 2-Day Trip to Zhouzhuang Ancient Town: Tips, Costs, and Must-Try Foods
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Exploring Zhouzhuang Ancient Town: A 2-Day Adventure
Plan Your Visit to Zhouzhuang
Here's what you need to know for a fantastic trip to the enchanting Zhouzhuang Ancient Town:
Opening Hours and Tickets
- Opening Hours: 7:30 AM - 9:00 PM
- Free Entry: Explore before 7:30 AM or after 9:00 PM.
- Entry Ticket: 50 RMB per person (as of May). Grab a map near the ticket counter, or your hotel should have one.
- Boat Ride: 220 RMB per boat, or join a shared boat for 30 RMB per person (6 people per boat).
Must-See Sights in Zhouzhuang
Follow this route to experience the best of Zhouzhuang:
- Ancient Archway
- The "Zhouzhuang Ancient Town" Wall
- Double Bridge (Song Kiều)
- Ancient Opera Stage (Cổ hí đài)
- Zhang Hall (Trương đình)
- Shen Hall (Thẩm đình) - the grand residence of the wealthy Shen family
- South Lake Autumn Moon Garden (Nam Hồ Thu Nguyệt viên)
- Zhouzhuang Museum
Getting to Zhouzhuang from Shanghai
Here's a simple guide to get you from Shanghai to Zhouzhuang:
- Shanghai Railway Station > Suzhou Railway Station: Take a high-speed train (approximately 25 minutes).
- Suzhou Railway Station > Tongli Station: Line 4 to the last stop (Exit 2). Cost: 7 RMB (approximately 1 hour).
- Tongli Station > Zhouzhuang: Take Kunshan bus C10 (2 RMB, approximately 1 hour).
Travel Tip: Aim to leave before 11 AM to avoid long waits for the C10 bus. The C10 runs at 11 AM, 12 PM, and 1 PM, with longer intervals in the afternoon.
Where to Stay
Consider this accommodation option:
- Zhouzhuang Inn: Approximately 390k VND/night
- Address: No. 25 Xiwan Street, Kunshan, Jiangsu, China
Delicious Local Food You Should Try
Don't leave without trying these local specialties:
- Wansan Pork Knuckle: Zhouzhuang's signature marinated pork knuckle. Choose the restaurant carefully. Prices range from 78 RMB to 90 RMB.
- Plum Blossom Cake: A sweet, chewy treat that's perfect for photos.
- Egg Noodles: A budget-friendly option (10-12 RMB).
