CHINA - In the midst of China's rapid modernization, there is still a tourist destination that is able to bring tourists back to hundreds of years ago.
It's called Zhouzhuang, an ancient water village in Jiangsu Province that still retains the charm of traditional architecture, quiet canals, and community life that blends with the river.
Located in Kunshan City, Jiangsu, Zhouzhuang is often dubbed the "Venice of the East" because of the network of canals that divide the residential area and the rows of historic stone bridges that connect every corner of the village.
Although administratively located in the Suzhou region, this destination is actually easier to reach from Shanghai with a travel time of around 1.5 hours by land.
It's no wonder that Zhouzhuang has become one of the favorite destinations for tourists who want to enjoy the authentic Chinese classic side.
In a press conference in Jakarta, Vice General Manager of Century Holiday Travel Group, Ms. Qin Qin, said Zhouzhuang offers a different travel experience compared to urban destinations in China.
"Zhouzhuang is not only a tourist destination, but also a place to experience the life of the Chinese people who still maintain their culture and historical heritage. Tourists can enjoy a blend of natural beauty, ancient architecture, and authentic cultural experiences," said Ms. Qin Qin, in Jakarta, recently.
Water village that has survived for hundreds of yearsThe main attraction of Zhouzhuang lies in the well-preserved water town landscape. The canals that divide the village are combined with traditional white-painted houses, black tile roofs, and stone bridges that have stood since the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties.
More than 800 families still live in this area. Interestingly, more than 60 percent of residential buildings still maintain their original architectural form, creating an atmosphere that has hardly changed for centuries.
Walking down the stone alleys of Zhouzhuang presents an experience that is hard to find in modern cities. Red lanterns hanging in front of old houses blend with the reflection of the calm canal water, creating an alluring classic panorama, especially in the afternoon to evening.
Exploring the canals with traditional boatsTraveling to Zhouzhuang is not complete without riding a traditional wooden boat. The boats take tourists along narrow canals flanked by ancient buildings while passing historic stone bridges.
On several occasions, local rowers even sang Chinese folk songs that added to the atmosphere.
From the boat, tourists can enjoy the corners of the village that are difficult to reach on foot while capturing the typical panorama of the water city that is the icon of Zhouzhuang.
The historic bridge that became an iconOne of the most famous landmarks is Shuangqiao or the Twin Bridge. This bridge built during the Ming Dynasty has a unique shape resembling a traditional Chinese lock and connects two rivers that cross each other.
"Its beauty has inspired many artists and has become one of the most popular photography objects in Zhouzhuang," explained Lu Guilin, Marketing Director of Zhou Zhuang Culture & Tourism Group.
In addition to Shuangqiao, this village also has a number of other stone bridges that come from various periods of the Chinese empire and are still standing strong until now.
Witness the grandeur of the Qing Dynasty noble houseBesides canals and bridges, Zhouzhuang also has historical relics in the form of noble houses which are now open as tourist destinations.
One of them is Shen's Mansion, a magnificent residence built during the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty. This house is known as the former residence of one of the richest merchants in the area south of the Yangtze River.
The complex has a typical Qing Dynasty layout with seven main courtyards, carved brick gates, symbols of good luck, to a private pier directly connected to the canal.
Not far from there is also Zhang House, a historic building that showcases the beauty of traditional architecture complete with gardens, stone corridors, and dozens of rooms that illustrate the life of a noble family in the past.
Furthermore, the uniqueness of Zhouzhuang lies not only in the historical buildings, but also in the life of the local community which still maintains the tradition for hundreds of years.
"The combination of cultural, historical, architectural, culinary, and water tourism makes this area have great potential as an international heritage destination," added Lu Guilin.
For tourists who want to enjoy a quieter atmosphere, spring and autumn are the best times to visit because the weather tends to be cool and the village panorama is in the most beautiful condition.
As the interest of foreign tourists in cultural and historical tourism increases, Zhouzhuang offers a different vacation alternative from the hustle and bustle of the metropolitan city. In this destination, every canal, bridge, to old houses holds a long story about the Chinese civilization that still exists until now.
"Then the access to Zhouzhuang is relatively easy for international tourists, including from Indonesia. The location is strategically close to Shanghai, which is the most famous tourist destination in China. The journey can be continued by bus, train, or private vehicle to Kunshan with a travel time of about one and a half hours," concluded Qin-Qin.
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