China Travel

The Shen Residence is the biggest local-style dwelling of its kind in town. Built in 1742 during the Qing Dynasty by Shen Benren,  a descendant of Shen Wanshen, a man of prodigious wealth in southern China in the late Yuan (1206-1368) and early Ming Dynasties, the complex consists of seven courtyards, five archways, and more than 100 rooms of different sizes. The residence covers an area of around 2,000 square meters (21,528 sq ft) and is a prime example of how the Chinese aristocracy used to live.  It can be divided into three sections—water gate and wharf, Tea Hall and Main Hall for receiving guests and holding wedding or funeral ceremonies and living quarters. more »

The Shide and Yong'an Bridges, constructed in 1573 and 1619 respectively, form what today is known as the Twin Bridge.     In a water-town such as Zhouzhuang stone archway bridges are not in short supply. What sets Twin Bridge aside from the competition is that it manages to cross two rivers—the Yinzi and the Nanbei—at once.    A popular destination for shutterbugs and flag-following tourist groups, it's worth a stop on the way to Zhang's Residence or Shen's House.   more »

The Zhang Residence is located south of the famed Twin Bridge on Beishi Street. Built during the Ming Dynasty between 1436 and 1449, it was later purchased in the early Qing Dynasty by the Zhang family, for whom it is now named. The building is now under the protection of the local government as it is one of the best-preserved mansions of its kind in China. Complete with six courtyards and in excess of 70 rooms, the residence covers more than 1,800 square meters (19,375 sq ft). One of the more interesting features of the establishment is Yuyan Hall, with its rare Ming-style column construction and—strangely enough—free flowing river, wide enough to provide access for several boats at a time. Well-kept gardens and ponds in the rear also make for pleasant viewing. more »