09:30 – 11:00: Departure & First Impressions
Your journey begins with a private pickup from your Shanghai hotel at 09:30 AM. Enjoy a comfortable 1.5-hour drive as our professional guide shares the legendary tales of Shen Wansan, the Ming Dynasty’s richest man, whose legacy shaped the destiny of this water town.
11:00 – 13:00: Stepping into a Living History
Enter through the Ancient Paifang (Archway) to explore the core of Zhouzhuang:
The Twin Bridges (双桥): The iconic symbol of Zhouzhuang. These two stone bridges, one horizontal and one vertical, resemble an ancient key. They gained world fame through Chen Yifei’s painting Memory of Hometown, making Zhouzhuang a global representative of Chinese water towns.
Zhang Hall(张厅): A masterpiece of Ming Dynasty architecture. Experience the rare spectacle where “saloon chairs enter through the front door, and boats pass through the house.” An internal waterway allowed silk and grain to be loaded directly onto wupeng boats within the residence.
Shen Hall(沈厅): The residence of Shen Wansan’s descendants. Follow our guide to find the legendary “Treasure Bowl” and hear how this merchant tycoon built an empire that was once “wealthier than the nation.”
13:00 – 13:30: A Taste of the Water Town
Enjoy a relaxed lunch at a riverside restaurant. Savour the “Soul Food of Zhouzhuang”:
Wansan Pig Trotter(万三蹄): Bright red, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth flavourful.
Aozao Noodles(奥灶面): A famous local delicacy with a rich, savoury broth.
Steamed White Silky Fish(清蒸白丝鱼), Crispy “Sock-Bottom” Pastry(袜底酥) & Grandma’s Tea(阿婆茶)
14:00 – 15:10: Immersive “Only Zhouzhuang” Performance
The highlight of your trip is the 70-minute immersive multi-dimensional space drama, Only Zhouzhuang.
The Experience: This is not a traditional stage play. You will walk through the scenes, following a young boy’s dream back to the Song Dynasty (900 years ago).
The Tech: Combining Song-style aesthetics with cutting-edge light and shadow technology, you will follow the narrative through four distinct acts: “Old Dreams,” “Entering the Painting,” “The Call to Arms,” and “The Journey Home.”
Friendly for All: The show is primarily visual and sensory, with English subtitles available, making it perfectly accessible for international guests.
15:30 – 16:00: Zhouzhuang Scull Boat(摇橹船) Experience
Enjoy local folk songs as you cruise under historic bridges. Our guide will share the origins of these iconic structures, such as the 14th-century Fu’an Bridge from the Yuan Dynasty.
16:30-17:00: Return
Our private car will whisk you back to Shanghai, arriving at your hotel with a heart full of memories and a camera full of stunning water town scenery.
