Zhouzhuang is a township of Kunshan City. Because of its canals and waterways, Zhouzhuang has been dubbed the Venice of the East, boasting the best-preserved water town in China. The town has a history of over 900 years, and most of its residencies and houses were built in the Ming (1368-1644) or Qing Dynasties (1644-1911). The rivers and streams in Zhouzhuang crisscross the town and are spanned by 14 stone-arch bridges that were constructed in the Yuan (1271-1368), Ming, and Qing Dynasties.

Suzhou is known as Venice of the Orient and is renowned for its beautiful stone bridges, pagodas, and meticulously designed classical gardens. In fact, 42% of the city is covered by water, which includes a vast number of ponds and streams in addition to the city’s numerous canals. At present, more than 60 gardens are maintained in Suzhou, and a number of them, including the Humble Administrator’s Garden, the Lingering Garden, the Garden of the Master of Nets, and the Mountain Villa with Embracing Beauty, have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Suzhou has also been an important center for China’s silk industry since the Song Dynasty (960-1279) and continues to hold that prominent position today.

Draft Schedule

7:30-8:00 (17, May) Breakfast in SCC
8:00-11:30 (17, May) Sightseeing and shopping in Zhouzhuang Water Village
11:30-13:00 (17, May) Lunch in Zhouzhuang Water Village
13:00-18:00 (17, May) Sightseeing in Suzhou
18:00-19:30 (17, May) Dinner in Suzhou
7:30-8:00 (18, May) Breakfast in SCC
8:00-11:30 (18, May) Sightseeing and shopping in Yu Garden
11:30-13:00 (17, May) Lunch in SCC