Into the Jiangnan water town——Zhouzhuang

Zhouzhuang, with its bridges and streets connected, houses built along the river, gently swaying boats and whirling green shadows, can be called a model of China's water towns. These Ming and Qing buildings that live near the water are simple and elegant, with exquisite layout of water, bridges, streets, houses and ports. They are the most typical ancient water towns in Jiangnan. Walking into Zhouzhuang, you will see bays of green water, ancient bridges and houses, which form a simple and elegant waterside charm. Zhouzhuang, with its "beautiful water town scenery, unique cultural landscape, traditional architectural layout, and simple folk customs," is recognized at home and abroad as "China's No. 1 Water Town." In 2003, Zhouzhuang Town was included in the first batch of Chinese historical and cultural towns. .

Zhouzhuang is located in the southwest of Kunshan City. It was called Zhenfengli in ancient times. During the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, Zhouzhuang was the fiefdom of King Wu's son Yao and was called Yao City in the first year of Yuanyou in the Northern Song Dynasty (1086). Gonglang's house was built as a temple and was first called Zhouzhuang. In the middle of the Yuan Dynasty, Shen Wansan took advantage of the water transportation of the Baijiang River in the north of Zhouzhuang Town to carry out trade and became a wealthy man in the south of the Yangtze River. Zhouzhuang therefore became a distribution center for grain, silk, ceramics and handicrafts. It is a giant town in the south of the Yangtze River. It was officially named Zhouzhuang Town in the early years of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty. Bulangfang, with arcades across the street, bamboo and stone railings, and river pavilions, is simple and quiet, typical of Jiangnan with small bridges, flowing water, and people.

Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, find a place among the green mountains and green waters. Located in the ancient water town, it allows the soul to dwell and gives us an additional experience during the journey. Every time we come to Zhouzhuang, it will bring us different feelings and surprises. Walking in a distant foreign land, we can find this with the breath of travel. In a graceful water town, you can watch the awning boats passing by on the river, and listen to the rain quietly under the shed by the river. In the sound of smoke and oars, there is a heart-warming ancient charm.

The streets are winding, the water is clear and the boat is rowing, looking at the town's "small bridges, flowing water, and people", exploring the smoke-like past, and letting the years passing like water reappear before our eyes. The white walls and black tiles, the front streets and the rivers. The ancient bridges revet the banks, the boats are long, the clear water flows, and the ancient bridges remain the same. This is the Jiangnan water town that we have been pursuing for a long time - Zhouzhuang. Wandering in Zhouzhuang, watching the small bridges and flowing water, and the deep courtyards, every brick and stone here has witnessed it. The mottled years and the intertwining of time and space, the slow time here makes people feel peaceful and indifferent. Zhouzhuang is a place where people remember the nostalgia and the dusty memory deep in the soul - the Jiangnan water town in dreams.

In Zhouzhuang, we can see the scenery of the small town "small bridges, flowing water, and people", explore the smoke-like past of the town, and let the years passing by like water reappear before our eyes. Zhouzhuang seems to be a piece of pure white jade. A trace of secular dust is still agile and gentle despite the dust of the years and the impetuosity of reality. Here you can watch the flow of time calmly, and be in a daze or reverie as you like...

The relics of the Tang Dynasty, Song Shui Yiyi. , Misty Jiangnan, Jasper Zhouzhuang. Zhouzhuang has a history of more than 900 years and is recognized at home and abroad as "China's No. 1 Watertown". The ancient water town layout of the "well"-shaped river streets in the 14th century is still well preserved, and the residential buildings are located along the river. Houses are built in rows and streets are built along the water. The river spans 14 ancient bridges built in the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, such as Fu'an Bridge, Shuangqiao (Shide Bridge, Yongan Bridge), Tongxiu Bridge and Tiyun Bridge. , Baoen Bridge, Taiping Bridge, Zhenfeng Bridge, Quanggong Bridge, Fuhong Bridge, etc. Numerous courtyards of Ming and Qing folk houses are well preserved, with well-proportioned arcades, winding and deep stone alleys, and meandering rivers, giving Zhouzhuang tranquility, simplicity, and elegance. These Ming and Qing buildings that live near the water are simple and elegant, with exquisite layout of water, bridges, streets, houses and ports. They are the most typical ancient water towns in Jiangnan. Homes in the water town are built because of the water. There are many deep houses and courtyards with white walls and black tiles, and water pavilions facing the river with carved beams and painted buildings. The town not only has the Zhang Hall built in the Ming Dynasty, where "the sedan enters through the front door and the boat passes through the house", but also the grand Shen Hall with seven entrances and five gates, and the Nanhu Lake where the Western Jin Dynasty writer Zhang Han "sees the return of the water shield perch" garden.

Zhouzhuang’s unique cultural landscape, traditional architectural layout, and simple folk customs have allowed many legendary stories and folk customs to continue to be passed down.

The water in the south of the Yangtze River is soft and sentimental, restrained and graceful. The exquisite and elegant boats float leisurely on the sparkling water. It is very pleasant for tourists to sit on the boats and listen to the boat girl singing a little song. Wu Nong's soft words and the fragrance of grandma's tea are heard from time to time in the town, continuing the legend of the God of Wealth Shen Wansan and the cornucopia; the gentle sound of oars and the distant Kunqu opera represent the unexpected encounters of young men and women.

Strolling along the bridge of the town, you can see the rows of century-old houses and the rows of boats rippling on the rivers. The charm of the water town is so poetic and picturesque that it is intoxicating. It reminds me of the famous saying of the Yuan Dynasty, "Wu Shu Yi Yi Wu flows, W Zhong Zhou compiles the barbarians' travels." In the small town, brewing a pot of tea, listening to the guzheng, and seeing the scenery of "small bridges, flowing water, and people", Zhouzhuang has become a leisure life synonymous with. Zhouzhuang is a good place to dream, daze, and hang out.

Zhouzhuang, a thousand-year history nurtured by vicissitudes of life and rich Wudi culture, has become a treasure of oriental culture with its elegant water town style, unique cultural landscape, and simple folk customs. Zhouzhuang has rich cultural connotations. Western Jin Dynasty writer Zhang Han, Tang Dynasty poets Liu Yuxi, Lu Guimeng and others once lived in Zhouzhuang. Zhouzhuang was also the hometown of Shen Wansan, a wealthy man from the south of the Yangtze River in the late Yuan and early Ming dynasties; Zhouzhuang also left the footprints of Liu Yazi, Chen Qubing and others.

In 1984, Chen Yifei, a painter living in the United States, visited Zhouzhuang and used the twin bridges as the material to create the famous oil painting "Memories of Hometown" at home and abroad. In 1985, "Memories of Hometown" became the pattern on the first day cover of the United Nations. Zhouzhuang has since become a representative of the ancient towns in the south of the Yangtze River and has gone global.

Must-see attractions in Zhouzhuang: Shuangqiao, Shen Hall, Zhang Hall, Fu'an Bridge, Ancient Stage, Quanfu Temple, Milou, Ye Chugan's former residence, Chengxu Taoist Temple, Zhouzhuang Museum, etc.

Twin Bridges: Zhouzhuang Twin Bridges refers to the Shide Bridge and Yongan Bridge located in the center of Zhouzhuang. They were built during the Wanli Period of the Ming Dynasty. The two bridges are connected and look like ancient keys, also known as the Key Bridge. It is famous for appearing in the oil painting "Memories of Hometown" by Chen Yifei, a painter living in the United States. The double bridges and stone bridges on the river look very unique when built side by side. Because the bridge deck is horizontal and vertical, and the bridge hole is square and round, it looks like a key used by people in ancient times, so the locals call it the "Key Bridge". Among the twin bridges, the stone arch bridge spans the North and South City River, with a stone-step approach bridge at the east end of the bridge, extending into the streets; the stone beam bridge is flat at the entrance of Yinzibang, and the bridge opening can only accommodate small boats. Of the two stone bridges, the double bridge is the longest. It can reflect the charm of the ancient town and is the symbol of Zhouzhuang.

There is a touching story about Shuangqiao. In the spring of 1984, Chen Yifei painted the twin bridges into an oil painting in Zhouzhuang and titled it "Memories of Hometown". This painting is one of the biggest gains from his trip to the water town. "Memories of Hometown", together with 37 other works of his, were exhibited at the Hammer Gallery owned by Armand Hammer, chairman of Occidental Petroleum Company, in the United States in October of the same year. This oil painting caused a great sensation at the time, and later , purchased and collected by Armand Hammer at a high price. In November of the same year, Mr. Hammer gave this oil painting to Deng Xiaoping when he visited China. In 1985, this painting was processed by Chen Yifei and became the pattern for the first day cover of the United Nations at that time. It was favored by philatelic enthusiasts and people from all walks of life, and it promoted Zhouzhuang to the world.

Looking up from here, there is a stone arch bridge not far from the Shuangqiao Bridge - Taiping Bridge, connecting Chenghuangdai and Benjiang Street. This stone bridge was built during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty (1522-1566) and rebuilt in the 36th year of Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty (1771). The bridge is 13.2 meters long and 2.5 meters wide. It is a single-hole stone arch bridge with a span of 4.8 meters. The bridge is engraved with a "rosette" pattern. Next to the bridge is Shen Tilan's old house.

Yifei House: Yifei House is the memorial hall of the famous painter Chen Yifei. It is an old house located at No. 11, Jiangjiang Street, Zhouzhuang, very close to Shuangqiao. The plaque of Yifei's House was inscribed by the famous painter Chen Peiqiu, a friend of Mr. Chen Yifei during his lifetime. The four-season osmanthus and crabapple trees in the garden were planted by Chen Yifei's family. There is a bronze statue of Chen Yifei erected by Zhouzhuang people in the memorial hall. The museum also displays some precious manuscripts and photos of Mr. Chen Yifei.

Chen Yifei's work "Memories of Hometown" brought Zhouzhuang to the world, and now Zhouzhuang has become a world-famous cultural town. Zhouzhuang people have not forgotten him and built a memorial hall in Zhouzhuang to commemorate his contribution to Zhouzhuang.

Standing on one side of the Shihe River, you can see the gurgling water under the bridge and the mottled courtyard walls on both sides. A small boat is wandering on the Lushui River. After crossing the double bridge and walking a short distance to the north, you come to Zhang. hall.

Zhang Hall: Zhang Hall was originally named Yishun Hall. It is said that it was built by the descendants of Xu Kui, the younger brother of Xu Da, King of Zhongshan in the Ming Dynasty, during the Zhengtong period of the Ming Dynasty. In the early Qing Dynasty, it was sold to a family named Zhang and renamed Yuyantang, commonly known as Zhangting. Entering the vermillion-lacquered gate, the brick-carved gatehouse, the deep courtyard, the wooden-carved windows, the ancient eaves, the grand hall, and the exquisite furnishings all record the prosperity of that day. Zhang Hall is a typical front hall and back hall layout among Jiangnan folk houses. It is a relatively complete Ming Dynasty building in Zhouzhuang. The entire Zhangting Hall covers an area of ??more than 1,800 square meters, with six front and rear entrances and more than 60 rooms. Zhang Ting's backyard also has a back garden with a bamboo stream running through it. The garden has swaying green bamboos, sparse flowers and trees, and the charm of a lotus pond, adding a touch of elegance to this small garden.

Sitting on the beautiful lady in the pavilion, savoring the style of the ancient garden, imagine the Miss Zhang family in those days, who could watch the green water and clear waves, recite poems and paint without leaving the front door. , watching the flowers and admiring the moon, humming under the flowers, singing lightly under the moon, what a leisurely mood it is. The small river has an elegant name "Qijing". The Ruojing River passes through the house, forming a hall where "the sedan chair passes through the door and the boat passes through the house", creating a unique and lively atmosphere in the water town. It awakens visitors’ sense of nostalgia and laments the passage of time. Zhang Hall is one of the few remaining Ming Dynasty buildings in Zhouzhuang Town and is a key cultural relic protection unit in Jiangsu Province.

Shen Hall: The original name of Shen Hall was Jingye Hall, which was changed to Songmao Hall in the late Qing Dynasty. It was built by Shen Benren, a descendant of Shen Wansan, in the seventh year of Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty (1742). Shen Hall is located on Nanshi Street on the south side of the east side of Fu'an Bridge. It faces south and has seven entrances and five gates. It has more than 100 large and small houses and covers an area of ??more than 2,000 square meters. Shen Hall *** consists of three parts. The front part is the water wall gate and the river port, which are specially used for families to dock boats and wash clothes. They are unique buildings in Jiangnan water towns; the middle part is the gatehouse, teahouse, and main hall, which are places for picking up guests, handling weddings, funerals, and discussions; At the rear are the lobby building, chapel building and back hall room, which are the living areas. The entire hall is a typical "front hall and back hall" architectural pattern. There is a plaque hanging in the center of the main hall, Songmao Hall. The three protruding gold characters of "Songmao Hall" were written by Zhang Jian, the number one scholar in the late Qing Dynasty. In the fifth entrance of Shen Hall, there is a seated statue of Shen Wansan, a wealthy man from Jiangnan, with a golden cornucopia in front of him. Among the Ming and Qing buildings in Zhouzhuang, the most representative one is Shen Hall. Shen Hall is a key cultural relic protection unit in Jiangsu Province.

Shen Wansan, a well-known and wealthy person, was given the courtesy name Zhongrong and was also known as Xingsan. People in Wu called him Shen Wansan. In the middle of the Yuan Dynasty, Shen Wansan's father Shen You moved from Shenjiayang, Nanxun, Wuxing (now Huzhou, Zhejiang) to Dongzhuang, Zhouzhuang, and then to Yinzibang. Shen Wansan left his footprints in Zhouzhuang, Suzhou, Nanjing and other places, but always regarded Zhouzhuang as the place to establish his business. Shen Wansan is the richest man in the world. Shen Wansan, who came from a humble background, rose from poverty to wealth, and also "overflowed and overturned", becoming an epitome of the wealth of Jiangnan landlords during the Yuan and Ming Dynasties. Time has taken away the footprints of our ancestors and sealed up the smoke-like past. However, Shen Wansan’s remains in Zhouzhuang and the huge mansion Shen Hall built by his descendants have attracted many Chinese and foreign tourists.

Fu'an Bridge: Walking a short distance north from Shen Hall, you will reach Fu'an Bridge. It is said that there is a temple to the general manager next to the bridge, so it was originally called the general manager bridge. Fu'an Bridge was built by Zhouzhuang native Yang Zhong in order to repay the kindness of his ancestors. It was built in the fifteenth year of Zhizheng in the Yuan Dynasty (1355), the fourteenth year of Chenghua in the Ming Dynasty (1478), the first year of Jiajing in the Ming Dynasty (1522), and the fifth year of Xianfeng in the Qing Dynasty. (1855) Repaired three times. Fu'an Bridge is a single-hole arch bridge with a length of 17.4 meters, a width of 3.8 meters, and a span of 6.6 meters.

Fu'an Bridge is located at the east end of Zhongshi Street in Zhouzhuang. It spans the North and South City Rivers and connects the North and South City Streets. The bridge towers on the four sides of the bridge rise up against the waves, facing each other from a distance, with extraordinary momentum. It is the bridge and tower in the ancient town. A unique building with perfect joint structure, it is also the only remaining three-dimensional bridge and wall building in the Jiangnan water town. Fu'an Bridge is the oldest existing bridge in Zhouzhuang. Over the past hundreds of years, it has gone through wind and rain, welcoming countless passers-by and witnessing the history of the town.

Go south under Fu'an Bridge, cross Tiyun Bridge, turn right and walk for a while to the former residence of Ye Chuqian. The bridge in the movie "Shake, Shake, Shake to Grandma's Bridge" is the Tiyun Bridge in Zhouzhuang. In the history of Zhouzhuang, many celebrities have appeared. At the end of the Qing Dynasty and the beginning of the Republic of China, a patriot appeared here. He was Mr. Ye Chuqian. Ye Chuqian's former residence is his ancestral home and the place where he once lived.

Former Residence of Ye Chuqian: On Xiwan Street in the center of the town, there is an ancient house facing the south and facing the river. It was built during the Tongzhi period of the Qing Dynasty. It was originally known as "Zuyintang". It has been repaired several times. This is the former residence of Ye Chuqian. This five-entry Qing-style building includes a wall door, a sedan hall, a main hall and a hall, as well as a quiet and small back patio. The front hall was Ye Chuqian's childhood study, and the living room downstairs in the back hall was where Ye Chuqian and Nanshe society friends Liu Yazi, Su Manzhu and others drank wine, talked poetry, and discussed art. Ye Chuqian's former residence was built by Ye Chuqian's grandfather. Ye Chuqian's great-grandfather Ye Xingjiang was an official in the Qing Dynasty. His grandfather Ye Yuanfu had no intention of pursuing an official career and opened Ye Taihe Sauce Garden in Zhouzhuang. His family was relatively wealthy and built this old house with clean bricks and small tiles. The gables and cloisters have hanging lattice windows, and it is a building imitating the Ming Dynasty.

Ye Chuqian was born in Zhouzhuang, Wuxian County, Jiangsu Province in 1887 to a scholarly family. His ancestral home is Zhouzhuang. He grew up in Zhouzhuang and participated in the Tongmenghui in his early years. He successively founded "Pacific News" and "Life Daily" in Shanghai. In 1916, Ye Chuqian and Shao Lizi co-founded the Republic of China Daily and served as editor-in-chief. Ye Chuqian is the author of "Shihuitang Poetry Manuscript", "Chuqian Wencun" and the novels "Guxu Hanjia Ji", "Jin Chang's March Ji" and other works. Ye Chuqian was a famous Nanshe poet and political activist. This Kuomintang veteran died of illness in Shanghai in 1946.

There are two scenic spots worth visiting near Ye Chuqian’s former residence. One is Chengxu Taoist Temple to the north of Zhongshi Street, and the other is Quanfu Temple to the south of Saiwan Street. According to Zhouzhuang people, Chengxu Taoist Temple is a famous Taoist temple in Zhouzhuang area. Chengxu Taoist Temple was first built in the Yuanyou period of the Song Dynasty. It has a history of more than 900 years. It was originally called "Shengtang". People from Chengxu, Wujiang came here to donate money to build it, so it was named Chengxu Taoist Temple. Unfortunately, due to disrepair, the Taoist temple was The hospital has been damaged. In 1994, the Zhouzhuang government funded the reconstruction and restored it to its original appearance.

Another place worth seeing is Quanfu Temple. There is a large lake on the south side of Zhouzhuang Town, commonly known as Nanhu and Nanbaidang, which divides it from Wujiang River. Quanfu Temple is located on the north side of Nanhu Lake. Quanfu Temple was built in the Song Dynasty and has a history of more than 900 years. It was originally built as a temple in Zhou Digong's house during the Yuanyou period of Song Dynasty. It has been continuously expanded through generations and has become a famous temple in the south of the Yangtze River. It is said that unfortunately during the Cultural Revolution, the temple was destroyed. The Quanfu Temple we see now was rebuilt in 1995 and moved from the original Bai Clam Lakeside to the current Nanhu Lakeside. Zhang Han, whose courtesy name was Ji Ying, was a writer and calligrapher in the Western Jin Dynasty. He lived in Ertugang, South of Zhouzhuang Town (near Nanhu). After Zhang Han, poets Liu Yuxi and Lu Guimeng of the Tang Dynasty also lived and fished in Nanhu. Not only is the scenery pleasant, it is also a good place to visit ancient times.

Zhenfeng Bridge: It is a single-hole stone arch bridge located at the Hexi entrance of Zhongshi, connecting Zhenfeng Lane and Saiwan Street. Because Zhouzhuang was named Zhenfengli in ancient times, it was named Zhenfeng Bridge after it. It was rebuilt in the seventh year of Chongzhen in the Ming Dynasty (1634) and in the fourth year of Yongzheng in the Qing Dynasty (1726). The bridge is 12.2 meters long, 2.8 meters wide and has a span of 4.4 meters. The bridge now has complete arch holes, mottled grindstones, and wolfberry branches sticking out from the gaps between the stones. It remains as it was before. After renovation, it stands proudly across the river, giving it an ancient feel.

On the north and west side of the bridge, Deji Hotel once opened. It is located between the bridge and the downtown area. Customers can drink in the wind and look out the window at the shadow of the bridge, the boats passing by, and the bridges and buildings lining each other. The scenery is infinite and beautiful. It was once a gathering place for Nanshe members Liu Yazi, Chen Qubing, Wang Dajue, Fei Gongzhi and others, and it was known as "Milou". Zhenfeng Bridge and Milou are still preserved as before. One bridge and one floor complement each other.

Milou: Milou is located beside Zhenfeng Bridge. It is a two-story building built next to the river. The flat-faced "Mystery Building" you see when you enter the door was written by Liu Yazi at that time. The first floor mainly displays photos of gatherings of Nanshe members and some manuscripts. The second floor mainly displays wax figures of the four founders singing and drinking at that time, as well as It's a brief introduction to their lives.

The original name of Milou was Deji Hotel. The owner, Li Defu, whose ancestral home is Zhenjiang, was founded in the late Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty. He moved to Zhouzhuang with his family. Because he was good at cooking delicacies, he opened the hotel. When the couple was over 40, they were blessed with a daughter named Ah Jin. When they grew older, they were like a hibiscus emerging from the water, overwhelming all the flowers in the water town of Zhouzhuang. Suitors came in droves, and Li Defu couldn't bear to leave his beloved daughter away from his knees. He hid his love in the small building, letting her spend her life guarding her parents' house, working as a courier, attracting customers, and the business was booming.

Zhouzhuang is an important commercial port and market town in the Jiangnan water town. Zhenfeng Bridge is also an important water and land link in the town. The shops are adjacent and merchants gather there. Deji Hotel is located in a busy and poetic city with small bridges and flowing water. Guests set up wine in the wind, recited poems and painted, with the shadow of the sparkling bridge outside the window and boats passing by, it was quite interesting. It was a kind of "wine is not intoxicating, everyone is intoxicated, the scenery is pleasant and charming". Deji Hotel is fortunately known as the "Mild Tower". Some people It is said that the scenery here is one of the attractions, the aroma of the wine is the second attraction, and the owner's daughter Ah Jin is the third attraction, so there is the saying of "The Lost Tower".

As early as the early 1920s, the founders of Nanshe, Liu Yazi, Chen Qubing, Wang Dajue, Fei Gongzhi and others drank heavily in Milou four times, composed poems and sang generously, and later He compiled more than a hundred poems into the "Milou Collection" and spread it throughout the world. Therefore, Zhouzhuang Milou became famous. The restored maisonette still maintains its original style and is located next to the water and the bridge, which is fascinating.

Every hiker carrying a backpack may have a Sanmao complex. Most people who come to Zhouzhuang will look for traces of Sanmao here. Walking along the winding stone path, you arrive at No. 111 Zhongshi Street, not far from Puqing Bridge, and a teahouse appears in front of you - Sanmao Teahouse. The most flavorful and worth-reading place in Zhouzhuang Ancient Town is probably the "Sanmao Teahouse", which has a mysterious story with the Taiwanese female writer Sanmao.

Sanmao Teahouse: The most delicious and worth-reading place in Zhouzhuang Ancient Town is probably the "Sanmao Teahouse", which has a mysterious story with the Taiwanese female writer Sanmao. In the spring of 1989, when rapeseed flowers were blooming, the passionate Zhouzhuang welcomed a passionate woman, the wandering Taiwanese female writer Sanmao. She came to Zhouzhuang, the hometown that haunted her. After leaving Zhouzhuang, a local writer wrote the prose "San Mao in Zhouzhuang", which was published in newspapers at home and abroad. Later, Sanmao wrote in a letter: "Zhouzhuang is so nice. I want to come to Zhouzhuang to have grandma's tea, eat hairy crabs, and walk enough in the streets and alleys of Zhouzhuang." Sanmao regarded Zhouzhuang as her dream hometown, but now she has passed away, leaving people with only memories and regrets.

But the people of Zhouzhuang have not forgotten her. Friends in Zhouzhuang finally opened a teahouse in Zhouzhuang a few years later and named it "Sanmao Teahouse" in order to immortalize the legendary Taiwanese female writer Sanmao's brief stay in Zhouzhuang and her relationship with the local writer. Mr. Zhang Jihan, a local writer in Zhouzhuang, had a literary relationship with Taiwanese female writer Sanmao. He was deeply brooding, so he collected the past life relationships between Sanmao and Zhouzhuang and opened this teahouse, named "Sanmao Teahouse". Since the opening of Sanmao Tea House, many visitors have come here, and more of them are readers who miss Sanmao. The teahouse is hung with photos of Sanmao, her life story, and letters she wrote to Mr. Zhang Jihan. Zhouzhuang's regret was that Sanmao was not allowed to stay for a long time. As soon as Sanmao left Zhouzhuang, he fell into greater loneliness. Sanmao was still talking about Zhouzhuang when he died.

The Sanmao Teahouse, located on the riverside, has a cultural charm that is unforgettable. Now, the beautiful woman has passed away, and there is only one Sanmao teahouse telling the story of Sanmao and Zhouzhuang.

Tired of walking, we walked into Sanmao Tea House, found a seat upstairs by the window facing the river, ordered a pot of grandma’s tea, and ordered a few plates of refreshments, and watched the passing ships on the river through the window. Walking back and forth leisurely, imagining Sanmao walking in Zhouzhuang back then aroused endless thoughts. In the tranquility and leisure, it is the home of the soul. The water and sky are the same color, and within a short distance, there is a unique beauty of the Jiangnan water town. In a quiet town far away from the hustle and bustle of the world, we calm down and savor the leisure comfort and comfort in the slow time of the water town, experience the slow pace of time here, and interpret the meaning of life. Sanmao's favorite song "Olive Tree" is playing in the teahouse: "Don't ask me where I come from, my hometown is far away..."

There are also some scenic spots worth seeing in Zhouzhuang, such as the Chengtang, Shen Wansan's former residence, Shen Wansan's Tomb, Zhengu Hall (Shen Tilan's former residence), Nanhu Garden, Zhouzhuang Museum, Strange Building, Zhouzhuang Fang, etc.

The former residence of Shen Wansan is located in Dongdong, Zhouzhuang Town. It is a Ming-style building carefully designed, constructed and arranged by Zhouzhuang Fuguiyuan based on historical data and original appearance. Shen Wansan's tomb is at the bottom of Yinzi Bang in the north of Zhenbei. There is an ancient tomb underwater, where Shen Wansan's coffin is buried. The sparkling waves on the river look like countless silver fragments flashing, shrouded in mystery.

Zhengu Hall, also known as the former residence of Shen Tilan, is the place where the patriotic educator Mr. Shen Tilan lived in his childhood. Mr. Shen was born into a scholarly family in Zhouzhuang. Zhengugutang is located in the ancient town of Taipingqiao. It is a residential building with high flower windows, white walls and black tiles. It faces the street and the river. It has an elegant environment, antique flavor and unique style.

Come to the Zhouzhuang Museum on Hougang West Street in the ancient town, browse the various exhibits, trace the origins of ancient times, appreciate the richness of history in the condensed time and space, and feel the colorful water town customs. Bai Clam Lake in the north of Zhouzhuang Town has clear water, rippling microwaves, weeping willows on the lakeside, and elegant curved corridors and pavilions. Follow the cobblestone path through the "Yunhai Pavilion", cross the wooden trestle, and get on the Zhouzhuang Boat.

As night falls, we come to the Zhouzhuang Ancient Theater and listen to a Kunqu opera here, which will relax our busy mood, relieve the fatigue of the journey, and feel the joy of the spiritual journey.

Ancient stage: The stage is located in the south and faces north. It is an ancient building complex with the ancient stage, the walking-horse-style performance building and the exhibition hall as the main body. In the center of the stage are 420 wood-carved phoenixes circling into a basin shape, called the "Phoenix caisson". This is an "advanced sound" built in ancient times using the principle of phoenix sound, which makes the singing mellow and listens to the music three times around the beam. The Kun Opera performance on the ancient stage, with flowing sleeves and soft chanting, is pleasing to the eye...

The plays performed on the ancient stage: "The Palace of Eternal Life", "The Peony Pavilion", "The White Rabbit", "The Story of the White Rabbit", "The Injustice of Dou E", "The Story of Nie Hai", "The Story of Seeking Relatives", "The Story of Two Pearls", etc. Kun Opera is performed on the ancient stage all year round. Kun Opera is also called "Kunshan Tune" and "Kun Opera". It is the oldest type of opera. The history of Kun Opera's formation can be said to be long and well-established. It originated in the Kunshan area (now part of Jiangsu) in the late Yuan Dynasty. Kunqu Opera became the most influential vocal opera from the mid-Ming Dynasty to the mid-Qing Dynasty. With a history of more than 600 years, it has become the oldest existing opera form with a long tradition in China and even the world.

Stroll through the ancient town and experience the comfort of the small bridges and flowing water. Walk across one bridge after another, admire the ancient bridge revetments, and watch the boats swaying in the blue waves; a small boat, the green water is meandering , listen to a Wu song, chat with the boat girl about daily life, and let the charm of the water town flow quietly. In the sound of smoke and oars, in the rippling blue waves, the permeated ancient charm curls up. At this time, Zhouzhuang is fresh and gentle, with elegant ancient charm and strong nostalgia. Time seems to have stopped here, and we feel like we have returned to our hometown in a dream. Zhouzhuang, a place where time can linger, is poetic and picturesque. The beauty of Zhouzhuang lingers in people's hearts and cannot be forgotten.

Written and photographed by Sun Keqin